Commercial Truck Trader Insider - Official truck blog of Commerical Truck Trader

What Makes A Truck Driver An Experienced Truck Driver

2009-07-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

Truck driver Jason Cox has written an story for Examiner.com asking what makes a truck driver an experienced driver?

The question comes from a conversation on Twitter between two truck drivers and the experience needed to haul hazardous materials.

Is experience measured only in years on the road only, or some truck drivers just have a natural talent for driving that sets them apart?

You can read more of Jason's stories on his home page or follow him on Twitter.

Source: Examiner.com

Bexar County Becomes First Texas County To Introduce Kenworth Hybrid Trucks

2009-07-06T16:30:00.000-04:00

The Kenworth hompage reports on the delivery of three new Kenworth T370 diesel-electric hybrid trucks to Bexar County, Texas, which encompasses San Antonio and outlying areas.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

Bexar County’s Kenworth T370 hybrids are powered by PACCAR PX-6 engines rated at 260hp and 620 lb-ft of torque, and the Eaton diesel-electric hybrid power system. The trucks use an integral transmission-mounted motor/generator; frame-mounted 340-volt, lithium-ion battery pack; and dedicated power management system. The power takeoff (PTO) for the dump is run off the main engine.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine. The hybrid system is monitored through an in-dash display. As the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status.

Source: Kenworth

Volvo Accepting Orders For EPA2010 Trucks. Deliveries Begin This Year

2009-06-29T14:00:00.000-04:00

Volvo Trucks North America announced that customers can place orders now for trucks across Volvo’s product line equipped to meet the EPA2010 emissions standards, using Volvo’s selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, with delivery starting later this year.

Photo Credit: Volvo Trucks North America

Volvo reports that SCR also helps Volvo increase the fuel efficiency of its EPA’10 trucks and reduce their carbon footprint.

Initial production is scheduled for Fall 2009, with deliveries beginning a few weeks later. These will be initial production trucks, not prototypes or test models.

Photo Credit: Volvo Trucks North America

“A number of customers have expressed an interest in placing SCR-equipped units in their fleets ahead of 2010,” said Scott Kress, senior vice president & marketing. “This gives early adopters the opportunity to gain familiarity with the technology and the benefits of SCR. It’s another example of Volvo Trucks following through on our commitment to customers to be ready to go for 2010. Volvo is ready. How many other manufacturers can say that?”

Photo Credit: Volvo Trucks North America

“These trucks will deliver the near-zero emissions and improved fuel economy SCR-equipped Volvo trucks have demonstrated over two winters and more than three million miles of North American customer testing,” Kress said. “We have also demonstrated that our ‘No Regen’ promise is a reality that will bring additional fuel economy improvements by eliminating active regenerations of the diesel particulate filter.”

Orders for approximately 50 Volvo trucks equipped with SCR had been received by mid-June. Customers can order their EPA’10-ready trucks through their Volvo dealer.

Source: Volvo Truck North America

Navistar's Top Service Technician Shows Excellence at 2009 Rodeo

2009-06-25T14:00:00.000-04:00

The Navistar homepage reports that Robert Ball of Maudlin International Trucks, Inc., Orlando, Fla., took top honors at the third annual Navistar Service Technician Rodeo, where he beat out seven other commercial truck service technicians to be crowned “Top Service Technician.”

Photo Credit: Navistar

The rodeo, held at Universal Technical Institute in Glendale Heights, Ill., featured the top eight service technicians from International dealerships across North America in a competition designed to test their skills in key areas of commercial truck servicing. Competition stations simulate service areas for air conditioning, brakes, drive train and electrical, as well as MaxxForce engines.

“Robert Ball demonstrated the highest skills and abilities among the top eight Diamond-certified technicians competing in the event,” said Vaughn Allen, Navistar vice president, product and customer support.

Each of the technicians went head-to-head in a hands-on test of their technical skill and speed. Throughout the day, their training was put to the test as they navigated their way through vehicle issues at eight stations where they diagnosed and fixed problems.

Source: Navistar

PACCAR Honored for Environmental Leadership

2009-06-19T16:00:00.003-04:00

PACCAR’s Kenworth Truck Company was recently honored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the prestigious Clean Air Excellence Award.

Kenworth is the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to receive this accolade since inception of the award in 2000. The EPA recognized Kenworth’s outstanding innovative efforts and progress in developing advanced environmentally friendly vehicles.

Photo Credit: PACCAR

Other examples of PACCAR’s industry-leading environmental leadership include:

Waste Management, Inc. purchased Peterbilt Model 320 diesel-hydraulic hybrid trucks for refuse collection. These vehicles utilize a hydraulic launch assist (HLA) system developed by Eaton to capture and store energy during braking.

A Kenworth T370 is the first medium-duty diesel-electric hybrid truck in New York City’s truck fleet. The Kenworth hybrid vehicle will be utilized by the Department of Sanitation throughout the New York City metropolitan area.

“The general economy continues to struggle. Reasonable freight tonnage is being offset by challenging economic conditions resulting from depressed residential and commercial real estate construction, lower auto production, reduced capital spending by most industrial businesses and weak retailer sales,” said Tom Plimpton, PACCAR vice chairman.

Plimpton added, “There is some encouraging news as national trucking companies are beginning to recognize the benefits of purchasing new trucks later this year as their current vehicles’ maintenance costs increase due to the aging of their fleets.”

Source: PACCAR

Hino Trucks Announces Strategic Partnership To Enhance Customer Service

2009-06-17T17:04:00.000-04:00

Hino Trucks announced a new cooperative agreement that will give Hino access to Castrol and BP branded lubricants specially designed to meet or exceed industry standards for maintaining and servicing medium and heavy-duty vehicles.

The launch of the Castrol Heavy Duty Truck Work Shop Offer, enhances Hino’s current partnership with BP Lubricants USA Inc and will allow the Hino dealer network to offer customers a comprehensive line of industry-leading Castrol branded conventional, semi-synthetic, and synthetic lubricants, in addition to Hino Genuine Oil.

Source: BP

“The Castrol program consists of premium products, services, and technical support to provide our dealer body with a comprehensive offering that will allow them to better serve the needs of independent owners and fleet customers,” explained Tim Wenger, Product Development Manager for Hino Parts. “Our dealers now can offer the full range of Castrol engine oils, transmission fluids, and greases.

Wenger also noted that, while the new Castrol Heavy Duty Truck Work Shop Offer takes the Hino and BP Lubricants partnership to a new level, the relationship is already well established, with BP Lubricants currently producing Hino Genuine Oil.

Source: Hino Trucks

Along with the expanded line of product offerings, Hino and BP Lubricants spokespersons said that they expect the enhanced partnership to lead to more service-based promotional opportunities for Hino Truck dealers – and cost savings for customers.

"We are committed to helping Hino dealers articulate the value that the Castrol brand delivers through aggressive marketing efforts and continuous connectivity with the everyday trucker and fleet owner," said Tejuana Edmond, Heavy Duty/OEM Market Space Manager for BP Lubricants. "Our offer is truly designed with the goals of the dealer in mind - to win new business, to build customer loyalty, and to increase operational efficiency. This will allow BP Lubricants to take a more holistic approach to managing the needs of Hino Truck dealers and their customers."

Source: Hino Trucks

Hybrid On The Hill Day Brings Truck Manufacturers To Washington DC

2009-06-12T16:04:00.003-04:00

June 11 was Hybrid On The Hill Day, a chance for truck manufacturers to showcase medium and heavy-duty hybrids.

The trucks ranged from big rigs, utility bucket trucks, delivery trucks and shuttle buses. The event was hosted by CALSTART and the Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF).

While hybrid technology shows promise for future truck sales, price and public recognition is still an obstacle.

In this YouTube video, Bill Van Amburg, Senior Vice President with CALSTART, an organization dedicated to clean transportation technologies, explains getting past the issue of cost with hybrid trucks.

The Kenworth homepage reports on the truck models the company brought to Hybrid On The Hill Day: a Kenworth pickup and delivery hybrid and a Kenworth utility hybrid.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

The Kenworth T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid trucks are for use in pickup and delivery, utility, and service applications. Kenworth’s goal is to enhance fuel economy by up to 30 percent in pickup and delivery applications and up to 50 percent in utility and service operations. As a result of using less diesel fuel, the Kenworth hybrids help to reduce emissions.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

The Kenworth hybrids feature a PACCAR PX-6 engine, integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack, and dedicated power management system. Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine. The hybrid system is monitored through an in-dash display. As the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status.

Source: CNET, CALSTART and Kenworth

VMAC Introduces Remote Start/Stop Module For Dodge Trucks

2009-06-11T13:38:00.000-04:00

VMAC has introduced a new remote Start/Stop Module designed for 2007-2009 Dodge 6.7L 2500-5500 Automatic Transmissions and 2007-2009 Sterling Bullet 6.7L 3500-5500 Automatic Transmissions to allow easier remote start/stop of the vehicle.

Photo Credit: VMAC

For bucket truck operators or any work truck requiring a remote engine start, this module allows a vehicle with the key in the RUN position to be engaged remotely.

The new Remote Start/Stop Module reduces complexity of installing a remote start/stop. It allows for all day use versus the limitations of OEM and can eliminate the need for an extra PTO-engage switch. From a safety standpoint, the Remote Start/Stop Module requires use of the parking brake.

The Module is designed to work with air-actuated electronic controls for bucket trucks as well as with electric momentary switches. It also interacts with Dodge's Remote Start functions.

Source: VMAC

Third Annual Navistar Service-Technician Rodeo To Test Speed And Skill

2009-06-08T16:00:00.000-04:00

The International Trucks site features details on the Third annual Navistar Service-Technician Rodeo.

According to International Trucks, in a head-to-head, hands-on test of their technical skill and speed, eight of the top service technicians in the International dealer network will compete to determine who is the best of the best at the Third annual Navistar Service-Technician Rodeo on June 18.

International dealer technicians from across North America will gather at Universal Technical Institute in Glendale Heights, Illinois., to compete at stations simulating service areas for air conditioning, brakes, drive train, electrical and MaxxForce engines.

Source: International Trucks and Navistar

Kenworth T370 Becomes First Medium Duty Hybrid Truck in New York City’s Fleet

2009-06-05T10:27:00.000-04:00

Kenworth Truck Company reports that a new Kenworth T370 was recently introduced as the first medium duty diesel-electric hybrid truck in New York City’s truck fleet.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

Commissioner John Doherty of the New York City Department of Sanitation stands next to a new Kenworth T370 diesel-electric hybrid, which he formally introduced today as the first medium duty hybrid in New York City’s truck fleet.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

During a special event at the 21st annual Vehicle & Equipment Show, officials from the New York City Department of Sanitation welcomed the department’s Kenworth T370 hybrid, which was delivered in early May. The show, which is hosted by the New York City Parks and Recreation Department, featured the latest in light, medium and heavy duty trucks, fleet-related services, horticultural equipment, and tools. The event took place at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

“We are pleased to introduce the Kenworth T370 as New York City’s first medium duty diesel-electric hybrid truck,” said Rocco DiRico, Deputy Commissioner of Support Services for the New York City Department of Sanitation. “We are committed to use fuel-efficient vehicles that will reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions and improve the air we breathe. The Kenworth hybrid will help reduce fuel consumption and emissions in New York City.”

Source: Kenworth

Trucking Industry Representatives View Latest Clean Truck Technology

2009-06-04T13:15:00.005-04:00

Photo Credit: FedEx

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports on a meeting in Memphis,Tennessee of trucking industry and truck sales representatives to view new technology to reduce pollution.

According to the story, commercial diesel trucks sold Jan. 1 and after must meet an EPA mandate of reductions of emissions of nitrogen oxide and other pollution.

While truck fleet managers are concerned about the cost of complying with the EPA standard and the investment in cleaner trucks, truck and engine sales representatives say better fuel economy will help offset the costs.

Shipping giant FedEx calls Memphis home. FedEx has made a big investment in hybrid electric trucks. The video below features more information.

You can read more about FedEx and clean trucks on the FedEx homepage.

Source: The Memphis Commercial Appeal and FedEx

Kenworth Produces New Brochure On Bendix Air Disc Brakes

2009-06-03T14:00:00.002-04:00

Kenworth Truck Company has produced a new brochure on Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes from Bendix Spicer Foundation Brakes LLC.

The Kenworth T660, T800 T2000 and W900 Class 8 models are available with Bendix air disc brakes on the front axle alone or on all wheels. The Bendix ADB22X air disc brake is a lightweight package that helps reduce total wheel-end weight compared to other air disc brake packages and many drum configurations, provides fast and easy pad replacement, and offers extended brake life.

Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes feature a mono-block caliper design that provides a compact brake compared to other two-piece caliper models. This design offers sealing that provides optimal protection from environmental elements, and a larger rotor that absorbs more energy. The Bendix air disc brake is available from Kenworth with an aluminum hub and the Splined Disc rotor assembly.

Source: Kenworth

A Battery Electric-Powered Ford Transit Connect Coming In 2010

2009-05-28T16:00:00.001-04:00

The Ford Motor Company has set up a website featuring details on the Ford Transit connect.

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

According to Ford Motor Company, the Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated front-wheel drive commercial vehicle platform to meet and exceed the needs of small-business owners and entrepreneurs.

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

To prepare Transit Connect for United States duty, the powertrain was upgraded to include a proven Duratec 2.0-liter dual-overhead cam (DOHC) I-4 engine – giving 22 city, 25 highway miles per gallon – and a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle. Several design details, including the grille and interior touches, have been updated to lend the vehicle a fresh, new look for its American debut.

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

“This workhorse is like nothing available today in the American market,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development. “We’re offering small-business owners a real choice to meet their needs, instead of asking them to pull seats out of minivans or compromise on one or more of their needs. Transit Connect is good news for small-business owners nationwide.”

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

As part of Ford’s aggressive new electric vehicle plan to bring pure battery-powered vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids to market, a battery electric-powered Transit Connect will be offered later in 2010. The Transit Connect battery electric vehicle will be the initial offering in Ford’s recently announced electrification initiatives.

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

Ford is working with Smith Electric Vehicles, the European market’s leading battery electric upfitter of commercial vehicles, a part of the U.K.-based Tanfield Group of companies. Since 1920, Smith has converted tens of thousands of commercial vehicles to battery electric-power.

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

Many commercial users travel predictable, short-range routes, with lots of stop and go in urban and suburban environments. A range of up to 100 miles makes the battery electric-powered Transit Connect a useful hauler, with significantly reduced operation and maintenance costs. For companies aiming for sustainable mobility solutions, it can help them deliver the goods in an environmentally friendly way.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Leading California Hay Exporter Reduces Fuel Costs and Emissions with LNG-Powered Kenworth T800s

2009-05-28T15:30:00.000-04:00

The Kenworth Truck Company homepage features a profile of Border Valley Trading and how the company recently replaced its fleet of trucks with 15 liquefied natural gas-powered Kenworth T800s.

The company plans to add five more LNG-powered T800s later this year once its proposed fueling station in the Coachella Valley, about 140 miles east of Los Angeles, near Palm Springs, receives approval by the local planning commission.

“The economics of operating new LNG-powered trucks versus our late-model diesel-powered units favored the LNG trucks,” said Border Valley Trading president Greg Braun. “We save money because the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach waive their $70 clean truck fee for our Kenworth T800 LNG trucks, and we also save 15 to 20 percent on the price of LNG fuel over that of diesel on any given day.” Converting the company’s fleet to clean-burning LNG also fulfills the company’s commitment to the environment through its green initiatives, added Braun.

The 15 Kenworth T800s are equipped with the Westport Innovations LNG fuel system and Westport GX engine, which is based on the industry-leading Cummins ISX 15-liter engine. The Kenworth trucks use 5 percent diesel and 95 percent liquefied natural gas to power the drivetrain. A typical Class 8 truck using the cleaner burning LNG fuel may reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and greenhouse gas emissions by up to an estimated 33 percent and 20 percent, respectively, compared to a diesel-fueled truck.

Source: Kenworth

Detroit Diesel Delivers First BlueTec Customer Demo Units

2009-05-26T16:29:00.005-04:00

The Daimler Trucks North America homepage reports the delivery of the first two Detroit Diesel BlueTec emissions technology customer demo units (CDU) to Schneider National, Inc., the nation's largest truckload carrier. The CDUs will be integrated into Schneider's fleet to gain valuable real-world experience with the technology in advance of EPA 2010 regulations.

Delivered in late January 2009, the Schneider CDUs are Freightliner Cascadia's(tm) equipped with Detroit Diesel DD15(tm) engines, and have already logged more than 45,000 miles.

Steve Duley, vice president of purchasing for Schneider National, noted that they keep close tabs on the units and provide Detroit Diesel feedback every day, including responses from drivers and technicians.

"By actually field testing the technology, we are putting the units into real-life situations, which ultimately helps Detroit Diesel engineers to identify every possible issue in advance," said Duley. "We are confident the experience we gain from CDUs will give us additional time to prepare for the transition."

Schneider's participation in the BlueTec field test is part of its ongoing commitment to running the most energy-efficient fleet in the industry.

BlueTec - Daimler's widely acclaimed emissions technology - was selected by Detroit Diesel in 2005 to meet the upcoming stringent EPA 2010 emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks. BlueTec represents the world's latest innovation for clean diesel engine technology.

Based on Daimler's experience with more than 200,000 trucks in Europe using BlueTec emissions technology and with more than 13 million miles of testing completed, this is one of the first systems of its kind to improve fuel efficiency while reducing emissions to near-zero levels.

Here is a video on BlueTec SCR Technology.

Source: Daimler Trucks North America

Kenworth Receives Prestigious EPA Clean Air Excellence Award

2009-05-22T10:16:00.000-04:00

Kenworth Truck Company homepage reports that Kenworth was recently honored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a prestigious 2008 EPA Clean Air Excellence award during a special ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Kenworth submitted entries on its T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrids, T800 liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks and Kenworth Clean Power no-idle system, and received the EPA award in the Clean Air Technology category in recognition of all three major environmental efforts. Kenworth became the first truck manufacturer to capture EPA Clean Air Excellence honors since the inception of the awards in 2000.

According to the official EPA homepage, Kenworth Truck Company is committed to providing a broad range of products for the commercial vehicle market that minimize environmental impact through reduced emissions, greenhouse gases, and fuel consumption. This effort is epitomized by three products released in
2008: Kenworth’s Clean Power System, Medium Duty Hybrid, and Natural Gas Powered Vehicle.

The Kenworth Clean Power System is a no-idle, battery-powered system that provides 10 hours of continuous operation during mandatory rest periods for truck drivers. The system is comprised of enhanced insulation, cooling storage capacity for air conditioning, auxiliary heat, high efficiency LED lighting, and 110 volt AC outlets. By eliminating idling during rest periods, the system reduces fuel use by one gallon per hour.

The Kenworth Medium Duty Hybrid Truck is powered by a parallel diesel-electric system. This system, developed in partnership with the Eaton Corporation, also utilizes braking energy to recharge its batteries in preparation for vehicle acceleration. Fuel consumption can be decreased up to 1,500 gallons per year and CO2 by 38 percent for specific applications. The utility configuration can run a hydraulic boom directly from the hybrid batteries, resulting in even greater savings.

The Kenworth Natural Gas Powered Vehicle was developed in partnership with Westport Innovations. This truck uses a small injection of diesel to ignite the high pressure natural gas, which gives the performance and longevity equivalent to a diesel engine, while using domestically available fuel. Fuel is stored as liquid natural gas (LNG) for increased energy density. The factory-built Kenworth T800 LNG truck reduces emissions for NOx by 27 percent, particulate matter by 40 percent, and CO2 by 24 percent.

Source: Kenworth and Environmental Protection Agency

Caterpillar to Sell Articulated Truck Bare Chassis for Specialty Applications

2009-05-20T12:30:00.002-04:00

Caterpillar has announced they will offer a family of articulated truck bare chassis to support specialty machines not included in the portfolio of Cat products.

According to Caterpillar, sales of the bare chassis without the dump bed will be targeted toward Caterpillar Dealers and original equipment manufactures (OEMs) who specialize in such applications as water trucks, high capacity waste, lube & fuel trucks, etc. Cat Articulated Dump Trucks will continue to be sold through Caterpillar Dealers around the world.

Caterpillar OEM Solutions Group will assume commercial responsibility for articulated truck bare chassis sold as custom machine solutions. This includes standard and long rear frame length configurations. Working with Caterpillar Dealers, OEMs and end-users, OEM Solutions Group can assist with application and integration issues, helping determine the best solutions for mounting a variety of tools and attachments.

The bare chassis product shares very high commonality with Cat Articulated Dump Trucks. Therefore, available Caterpillar information can address many questions related to the bare chassis product.

Service support and financing are available through the worldwide network of Caterpillar Dealers. A variety of genuine Cat parts are also available to make customizing the bare chassis easier, such as hoist cylinders and pivot pins.

The articulated truck bare chassis product will be available for Cat Dealer and OEM orders during the second quarter 2009.

Source: Caterpillar

The New York Times Reports On Putting Trucks "On A Diet"

2009-05-19T02:30:00.002-04:00

The New York Times reports the stationary and mobile technologies used to power trucks while idling.

The trucking industry is turning to energy sources ranging from electrified parking spaces to auxiliary power units power truck lights and air conditioning without using the engine.

The story explores benefits and drawbacks of the different services and technologies, and how truckers use them to save fuel and cut down on pollution.

Source: The New York Times

RESOURCES

Trucks with APUs on Commercial Truck Trader

Freightliner Trucks Develops Hybrid Hazmat Truck for Pennington Gas Service

2009-05-18T15:00:00.000-04:00

The Freightliner Trucks homepage features a story on how Freightliner, together with Eaton Corp., developed a Freightliner Business Class M2e Hybrid truck equipped with an Eaton Hybrid Electric Drivetrain System.

According to the story, the truck was created for Pennington Gas Service andmarks the first application of the Eaton parallel electric hybrid system to a hazardous material delivery application.

Pennington Gas Service delivers propane primarily to residential customers in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. A longtime proponent of environmentally-friendly solutions, company partner Keith Pennington became interested in the Freightliner Business Class M2e Hybrid after test driving one at The Work Truck Show.

“I’d never seen a hybrid truck like this for the propane industry, and it was evident that Freightliner was leading the charge in pursuing this technology. So, I decided to find out more,” said Pennington. “Having been a Freightliner customer for almost 10 years, I knew they’d do everything possible to make my vision a reality.”

Pennington also noted the Business Class M2e Hybrid’s visibility, maneuverability and comfort were some of the key features that initially caught his attention.

“Pennington’s proposal for a hybrid hazmat delivery truck was certainly a challenge, but after tapping our engineers and partners such as Eaton Corp., and Signature Truck Systems, we knew that we could make it happen,” said David Bryant, vocational sales manager, Hybrids, for Freightliner Trucks.

The hybrid electric motor also provides additional power to launch the truck, further improving fuel economy in high stop-and-go operations. Pennington anticipates reducing fuel usage and emissions by up to 30 percent.

Source: Freightliner Trucks

Navistar Responds to Customers with Flexibility Through Innovative Custom Engineering Group

2009-05-12T10:55:00.000-04:00

Navistar's homepage reports on the launch on its Custom Engineering group. According to Navistar, the custom engineering group will make modifications and add unique features to many of its heavy and severe service trucks.

Navistar’s Custom Engineering group takes a close look at an assortment of customer requests, with each project receiving a timely, thorough analysis. The cross-functional team develops a solid business case that examines the costs and resources required to meet the customer’s needs.

“Every change to our trucks comes at a cost,” explains Tom Smith, Navistar’s director of Custom Engineering. “However, by taking a strategic approach to meeting unique requests, closely analyzing potential modifications and providing the appropriate engineering assistance, we can deliver a higher level of support for our customers.”

Source and Photo Credit: Navistar

Kenworth Adds Aftermarket Crew Cab Conversion Option for Medium Duty Hybrids

2009-05-06T09:36:00.000-04:00

Kenworth Truck Company homepage reports Kenworth now offers an added an aftermarket crew cab conversion option for the Kenworth T270 and T370 medium duty diesel-electric hybrids in pickup and delivery and utility applications.

The 157-inch BBC crew cab uses a one-piece fiberglass roof with 4-inch raised rear section, which provides up to 61 inches of interior height. The remaining crew cab structure is aluminum and provides an additional 52 inches of length and is 84 inches wide at the rear.

Also standard are Kenworth DayLite door assemblies and door panels, Granite Gray vinyl interior trim, Kenworth interior upper B-pillar and exterior grab handles, and DuPont Imron Elite single stage paint.

Crew cab options include an extended horizontal exhaust pipe, separate heater or heater/air conditioner, exterior access steps, carpet and custom trim packages, and DuPont™ Imron® Elite base/clear paint. Bench and bucket seats are available in addition to fire service SCBA seats.

Source: Kenworth

Hino Trucks Launches New Website

2009-05-04T13:30:00.000-04:00

Hino Trucks has launched an updated website at www.hino.com that provides insight into the expanding vocational breadth of Hino truck applications and enhanced resources for new and returning customers. The website launch is part of a comprehensive online initiative positioning Hino with a leading, world-class presence on the internet.

According to Hino Trucks, the design was derived from three critical core elements – dynamic creativity, ease of content surfing and fast web page loading time - the new site combines bold images with vocational videos and concise messaging to communicate ‘The Hino Advantage’ attributes. Dominik Beckman, Marketing Manager, explains “Our goal was to present Hino Trucks online in a way that instills confidence and transforms the customer experience.”

The site is deployed on a content management system [CMS] and is comprised of many new features including, real life vocational case studies, complete model line up with flash video, and an enhanced news section featuring the latest breaking industry news and a media gallery. Hino’s truck model video, “Business in Motion”, spotlights Hino’s breadth of product and varying applications. The case studies section provides our visitors an opportunity to visualize Hino Trucks at work in their specific vocation, such as utility, delivery, and waste and recycling management.

Source and Image Credit: Hino Trucks

Kenworth AG210L, AG400L Rear Suspensions Now Available for Order on Medium Duty Trucks

2009-04-28T15:49:00.000-04:00

The new Kenworth AG210L single-axle and Kenworth AG400L tandem-axle rear suspensions are now available for order on Kenworth medium duty models.

The Kenworth AG210L is a 21,000-lb. rated highway rear suspension for Kenworth T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 models. The two-bag, rear air suspension features a proven trailing arm design and provides a smooth ride. The AG210L is available for straight trucks in dry van, flatbed, service body, utility crane, and van applications; and for tractors in dry van and flatbed applications.

The disc brake-compatible Kenworth AG400L is a 40,000-lb. rated highway rear air suspension system. The cost-effective, four-bag suspension provides a smooth ride through a proven trailing arm design. The AG400L is especially well-suited for over the road and pickup and delivery applications. It also is available in an extensive variety of straight truck and tractor applications.

Kenworth’s family of proprietary suspensions also includes the Kenworth AG130 front air ride suspension, and the AG380, AG400, AG460 and AG690 rear suspensions.

Source and Photo Credit: Kenworth

International LoneStar Named ATD Commercial Truck of the Year

2009-04-20T14:42:00.001-04:00

NADA.org reports the American Truck Dealers (ATD) have named the International LoneStar the first “ATD Commercial Truck of the Year.”

Photo Credit: International Trucks

The announcement was made during ATD’s 2009 Convention & Exposition in Washington. LoneStar was one of five nominees for the new award. The other nominees were: Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T660, Mack Titan, and Peterbilt Model 386.

Photo Credit: International Trucks

The LoneStar was chosen by a judging panel of journalists from leading truck publications in North America. It was chosen because of its design, innovation, quiet cab, and space utilization, said past ATD Chairman George Grask, who announced the first annual winner during a luncheon at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

Photo Credit: International Trucks

The LoneStar provides driver comfort, serviceability and aerodynamics that deliver improved fuel economy. Inside, the LoneStar offers a work environment that converts to a living space. A fold-down Murphy bed-style bunk allows conversion from a sofa to a full 42-wide bunk with a one-piece spring mattress.

Photo Credit: International Trucks

The living area is defined by optional hardwood flooring or carpeting and driver’s seat with an optional massage feature. Automotive-style features include: Standard ABS, roll stability, traction control and Bluetooth integration for hands-free phone use. The truck can be equipped with 42 different accessories, ranging from lights to shift knobs to chrome.

Source: NADA.org

Caterpillar, Navistar Move Relationship Forward with Global Joint Venture for Commercial Trucks and North America Strategic Alliance for Vocational Trucks

2009-04-13T15:42:00.001-04:00

Both the Caterpillar Inc. and Navistar International Corporation homepage feature details on the agreement to produce Caterpillar heavy-duty vocational trucks for sale in North America and form a 50/50 joint venture that will pursue global commercial truck opportunities outside of North America.

According to Navistar and Caterpillar, the 50/50 joint venture will develop, manufacture and distribute commercial trucks in regions outside of North America and India.

Under the strategic alliance Caterpillar and Navistar will develop and manufacture a new line of heavy-duty Caterpillar vocational trucks for North America only. The new Caterpillar trucks will be co-developed by Caterpillar and Navistar and manufactured in Navistar's Garland, Texas facility. The trucks will be sold and serviced through the Caterpillar North American Dealer network.

"The heavy-duty vocational trucks will be purpose-built to complement Caterpillar's existing product line and will give Caterpillar dealers an unmatched ability to support customer needs from extraction through delivery," said George Taylor, Director and General Manager of the Caterpillar Global On-Highway Department.

The Caterpillar trucks will feature key Caterpillar proprietary components and technology and will target customers who operate in a wide variety of vocational applications, such as earth moving, quarry, waste, mining, general and heavy construction, logging and road construction.

The new Caterpillar on-highway vocational trucks will be unveiled in late 2010 and will go into full production in early 2011. The trucks will be sold and serviced exclusively by Caterpillar Dealers in North America. The transaction is subject to various closing conditions, including the execution of the related strategic alliance agreement and certain other ancillary agreements.

Source: Navistar and Caterpillar