11/30/13

Nissan NV200 Fridge Van 2013 | Van News



For the full story go to http://www.vansa2z.com/Nissan-NV200-F....

Having made its debut at the 2013 Commercial Vehicle Show, Nissan's factory-fitted NV200 Fridge Van is available to order from UK dealerships.

11/29/13

DFSK 2014 Model Revisions



VansA2Z Editor Neil McIntee met up with Lee Clarke, Managing Director of DFSK UK, to find out about the sweeping changes coming to the range of Loadhopper Microvans and Mini Trucks; including the arrival of four-wheel drive models and an extended 'Big Cab' variant. www.vansa2z.com

11/28/13

First CNG-Capable 2014 Ford F-150 Rolls Off the Line in Kansas City

  • 2014 Ford F-150 launches with gaseous-fuel prep option on the 3.7-liter V6 engine; it will be able to run on compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas
  • By next summer, Ford will offer eight vehicles that can run on clean-burning, inexpensive CNG/LPG and puts the company on track to sell more than 15,000 such vehicles this year
  • Nearly 20 states now offer or soon will offer tax incentives or rebates for CNG-converted vehicles
  • Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers offer a wide variety of CNG options to help customers find the most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs
Ford, America’s truck leader, began production of the 2014 F-150 with the ability to run on compressed natural gas, making Ford the only manufacturer with an available CNG/LPG-capable half-ton pickup.



The 2014 Ford F-150 with 3.7-liter V6 engine is available with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, and pistons and rings so it can operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems.

When equipped with a bi-fuel CNG/LPG engine package, the 3.7-liter V6 F-150 is capable of achieving more than 750 miles on combined tanks of gasoline and CNG, depending on the tank sizes selected. The Ford F-150 with 3.7-liter V6 has an EPA-estimated rating of 23 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined.

“Businesses and fleet customers have been asking Ford to make F-150 available with CNG capability to take advantage of the fuel’s low price and clean emissions,” said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager.

CNG/LPG engine prep from the factory costs $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run approximately $6,000 to $9,500 depending on fuel tank capacity.

CNG conversions can provide stability against fluctuating fuel prices as well as lower vehicle operating costs for fleet administrators. CNG sells for an average of $2.10 per gallon of gasoline equivalent, and is as low as $1 in some parts of the country, representing a significant savings over unleaded regular fuel. The national average for unleaded regular fuel is $3.29 per gallon.

Customers also can accelerate the payback period by taking advantage of a growing number of state incentives. Nearly 20 states – including Oklahoma, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida – offer or soon will provide tax incentives or rebates for CNG-converted vehicles. In Florida, fleet customers will be eligible for rebates of up to $25,000 beginning in 2014.

Most CNG options
By next summer, Ford will offer eight commercial vehicles with a gaseous-prep option, a number no other full-line manufacturer can match:
  • Transit Connect van and wagon
  • Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab
  • E-Series van, wagon, cutaway and stripped chassis
  • F-Series Super Duty pickup and F-350 chassis cab
  • F-Series Super Duty chassis cab (F-450, F-550)
  • F-650 medium-duty truck
  • F53 and F59 stripped chassis
  • 2014 F-150 light-duty pickup
Customers are enthusiastically responding to this powerful array of choices. Since reintroducing the option in 2009, Ford has established itself as the leader in CNG/LPG engine sales. The company is on pace to sell more than 15,000 CNG/LPG-prepped vehicles this year, an increase of more than 25 percent from 2012.

AT&T is one of many Ford fleet customers that are finding value in CNG. The communications giant recently purchased 650 F-350 chassis cabs with the CNG-prep option.

“We’re almost halfway to our company-wide goal of deploying 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles by the end of 2018,” said Jerome Webber, AT&T vice president, global fleet operations. “Vehicles such as CNG F-350s from Ford have helped us avoid purchasing 7.7 million gallons of gasoline over the past five years while reducing our fleet’s emissions.”

Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers
Ford has established a rigorous qualification program for alternative-fuel vehicle modifiers. The QVM program is intended to help modifiers achieve greater levels of customer satisfaction and product acceptance through the manufacture of high-quality vehicles.

Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers offer a wide variety of CNG/LPG options to help customers find the most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs. Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty (five years or 60,000 miles); the modifier is responsible for the system component warranty.

Compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is mainly composed of methane. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of approximately 3,600 psi. About 85 percent of the CNG used in the United States is produced domestically.

Another benefit of this alternative fuel includes cleaner emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certifies CNG usage can result in up to 30 percent less greenhouse gas emissions.

11/26/13

DFSK Loadhopper - 2014 Model-Year Revisions



DFSK UK, importers of Chinese-built Loadhopper microvans and mini trucks, has announced a series of detail design, drivetrain and model revisions for 2014. www.vansa2z.com

11/25/13

Stellar Slider20-S Sliding Jib Hooklift Offers Versatility


Garner, Iowa - Stellar Industries, Inc. is highlighting the Slider20-S Hooklift. This versatile 20,000-pound capacity sliding-jib hooklift can handle container variations of 10’ to 14’ and up to 16’ flatbeds.  It has a maximum dump angle of 60-degrees.

 Hook height options for the Slider20-S include a fixed 36”, a fixed 54”, or a hydraulically adjustable 36” to 54” hook height.  Adjusting the hook height to accommodate varying container heights can be done in less than 7 seconds without ever leaving the cab. The Slider20-S is compatible with a multitude of bodies and containers, including those used on competitive brand hooklifts, making this a very attractive model for a customer operating a variety of body lengths and hook heights. 

 Other standard features of the Slider20-S include hexagonal boom design for added strength and durability, zinc plated pins to prevent corrosion, bushings and grease zerks at all pivot points, and a secure hose track for the hydraulic adjustable jib.  The Slider20-S hooklift features easily replaceable wear pads, and a new efficient mounting kit that will save installation time by using slotted brackets already painted and welded onto the hooklift base.  In addition, as a result of a new paint process at Stellar Industries, the full line of Stellar® demountable equipment undergoes a pre-paint bead blasting treatment to remove any residual weld spatter and properly prep the weldment surface prior to priming and painting with the standard two-part polyurethane paint. 

 “The Slider20-S really bridges the gap between lower capacity hooklifts that handle the 10’ to 14’ container range and the need to increase the lifting and dumping capacity,” says Glenn Rasmus, Stellar Industries sales and product manager for demountables.  Rasmus adds, “In addition, the hydraulic adjustable hook height is changed in 7 seconds without leaving the cab.  This is a feature customers are raving about!  Stellar continues to provide solutions to customer’s problems with resounding success, leading the way as a hooklift innovator.”  Rasmus concludes, “With over 55 different models of hooklifts available, which includes standard double pivot shuttles, single pivot, and sliding jib versions, Stellar Industries can cover your every need.”


Stellar Industries, Inc. was founded in 1990 in Garner, Iowa.   It is an employee owned and operated manufacturer of hydraulic truck mounted equipment.  Products include hooklift hoists, cable hoists, container carriers, telescopic cranes, articulating cranes, work truck accessories and the X-Tra-Lift pick-up loading device.  Stellar also offers complete mechanic service truck and tire service truck packages.  Stellar is a progressive company that focuses on its people, as they are the key to making the products and the company successful.

To access an electronic version of this release and to download high res. photos, please visit www.stellarindustries.com and follow the Press Release link or navigate directly to www.stellarindustries.com/pages/press.htm.

11/24/13

American Eagle Updates SHD-60 Hydraulic Drive Air Compressor



Garner, Iowa – American Eagle Accessories Group has recently updated the SHD-60 hydraulic drive truck-mounted air compressor for improved installation, maintenance and serviceability.   The updates include a new metal enclosure with a flip-up lid, and new front-mount bulkhead connectors.
    
The new flip-up lid simplifies the maintenance process with easy access to check oil level and change the air filter.  The reconfigured front-mount bulkhead connectors improve the installation and maintenance process as well.
    
The SHD-60 is designed to provide reliable air output using a hydraulic direct-drive system.  It has no belts to break or adjust and provides a quick 30 CFM at 100 psi.  It is built around a heavy ductile iron balance crankshaft with heavy-duty journal bushings and micro-honed connecting rods that are lubricated by an integral oil pump to provide smooth operation and a long life.  
    
The SHD-60 is available for immediate sale and will be on display at the NTEA Work Truck show in Indianapolis, IN and also at the Con Expo/CON AGG show in Las Vegas.  
    

American Eagle Accessories Group was founded in 2002 as a division of Stellar Industries, Inc. and quickly became a major supplier of compressors and drawer systems to the work truck market.  American Eagle manufactures and distributes truck mounted hydraulic air compressors, heavy-duty drawer sets, and other work truck accessories to the OEM and retail sectors.

For more information regarding American Eagle visit www.americaneagleacc.com or call 800-392-3015.

11/23/13

Isuzu Truck Power - On The Road With Vanessa



The TAC's program to spread the road safety message to young people at music festivals, concerts and community events is spearheaded by none other than Vanessa - an Isuzu FTR 900 Crew model decked out with striking orange paint job, retro decals and a custom body that features a range of activities, chill-out spots and even an elevated viewing platform. Join us as we hit the road in Vanessa and get our groove on the Isuzu way. www.isuzu.com.au

11/22/13

Clean Fuels Ohio Leads the Way in Alternative Transportation



Find out how Clean Fuels Ohio works with businesses and local governments to cut petroleum use by switching to alternative fuel vehicles.

11/20/13

Harbor Short Bed Custom Service Body Has Loads Of Storage

This body may be short, buts it's still tall! 



Mono County, CA chose a Ford Super Duty Crew Cab as the chassis for a Harbor Custom Service Body. This gives them a truck that can handle carrying the full crew and plenty of storage space even though it has a short cab-axle! What they lose in length is made up in height!

In addition to the traditional service body cabinets on the drivers side and the passengers side, this custom body has a set of boxes on top that have doors that open upward giving additional space for storage and unique size storage. Because the doors open upward assisted with gas shocks, the items inside are easily seen and accessed. A great choice for someone needing a bit more storage in a great looking package!

There is plenty of open space when you open the rear barn doors as well, enough for a lot of equipment. The rear is finished off with a nice step bumper and a tow package. 

To find out more, you may call Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452.
Also find us at www.htbi.net

11/19/13

CURTMFG: The First Name in Towing Products



CURT Manufacturing, LLC stands for EXCELLENCE in our products and our people. We are a manufacturer, importer, and distributor of towing system products, OE trailer products and specialty equipment products that combine competitive price, unsurpassed quality and unparalleled aesthetics. CURT aspires to be the industry leader by recognizing that the customer is king and that our people are our greatest asset. www.curtmfg.com

11/18/13

Volvo Trucks - The Epic Split feat. Van Damme



Watch Jean-Claude Van Damme carry out his famous split between two reversing trucks. Never done before, JCVD says it's the most epic of splits -- what do you think? Please share & comment!


This live test was set up to demonstrate the precision and directional stability of Volvo Dynamic Steering -- a world first technology that makes the new Volvo FM easier to drive.

Filmed in Spain on a closed-off landing field at sunrise in one take.
Directed by Andreas Nilsson
Soundtrack by Enya: Only Time

More about Volvo Dynamic Steering:
http://volvotrucks.com/fm

Don't miss coming films and other exciting material:
https://www.facebook.com/VolvoTrucks
https://twitter.com/VolvoTrucks

See the Teaser with Jean-Claude Van Damme and the technician behind the new steering: http://youtu.be/Yatg89gi0nM

Ram Commercial | The Right Van for Drywall (Day 4 of 6)



Ram Commercial teamed up with a local charitable organization to do six jobs in just six days to help revitalize a community in need. On day four, we gave a new 2014 Ram ProMaster™ cargo van to a drywall installer to put up drywall in a house.

11/17/13

Ram Commercial | The Right Van for Plumbing (Day 2 of 6)



Ram Commercial teamed up with a local charitable organization to do six jobs in just six days to help revitalize a community in need. On day two, we gave a new 2014 Ram ProMaster™ cargo van to a plumber to use for multiple jobs. http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/ram_commercial/

11/16/13

Ram Commercial | The Right Van for Roofing (Day 1 of 6)



Ram Commercial teamed up with a local charitable organization to do six jobs in just six days to help revitalize a community in need. On day one, we gave a new 2014 Ram ProMaster™ cargo van to a roofer so he could put a new roof on a home. http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/ram_commercial/

11/14/13

Wilson & Collins replaces one Isuzu with another


 
Following many years of dedicated performance from its first 5 tonne Isuzu NPR, Isle of Man steel fabricators Wilson &Collins Ltd recently decided to replace it with a brand new Isuzu that is being used to deliver company products and equipment to its customers all over the island.
 
The replacement Isuzu 5 tonne N50.150 rigid has been supplied to Wilson & Collins by local Isuzu dealer B&C Transport, who worked closely with the Manx company to determine the ideal specification for this new vehicle. Fitted with a dropside body, which Wilson and Collins fabricated in-house, it has the added feature of a Fassi Micro 25A.12 crane. The Isuzu rigid weighs in at just 3200kgs, giving them a potential payload just short of 2 tonnes.
 
According to Gary Flowers from Wilson & Collins, “By working closely with B&C Transport when finalising the truck specification, the new Isuzu really is perfect for our requirements. Its predecessor had lasted extremely well, easily handling the varying job requirements that even included trips to Europe. Together with the good service we get from our local Isuzu dealer, the proven performance of the Isuzu really did sell itself to us when we were looking for a replacement truck.”
 
The new Isuzu, which went into service in June this year, will have a working life of between five and seven years, on a six-day week journey cycle covering approximately 18,000 miles per annum, a relatively high mileage for this type of vehicle on the Isle of Man.
 
Wilson & Collins are steel fabricators and erectors of industrial units and buildings with steel frames, based in Ballasalla near Douglas.
 
“Since their appointment as our first-ever Manx based dealership, B&C Transport has developed a strong reputation for supplying fit-for-purpose vehicles to its customers. This latest Isuzu 5 tonne rigid is a perfect example of how the B&C team works closely with the end customer to ensure that the final specification meets the customer’s exact requirements,” said Keith Child, marketing director at Isuzu Truck.
 
Full details of the current Isuzu Truck range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website on www.isuzutruck.co.uk

11/13/13

Iowa Mold Tooling (IMT) Articulating Cranes



There are two major benefits of IMT articulating cranes: their ability to easily load and unload materials, even when the work site is full of obstacles, and their ability to stow within themselves, freeing up payload space for additional materials.

No matter how big your project, IMT has a crane for you — with capacities ranging from 12,295 foot-pound to 516,435 foot-pound. IMT articulating cranes feature impressive lift-to-weight ratios and are recognized for proven reliability. You'll get a wide range of lifting capacities, hydraulic reach, application-specific designs, and safety features that are second-to-none. www.imt.com

11/12/13

Clean Cities: Alpha Baking Company



This Chicago bakery is delivering on a green promise by adding 22 propane-fueled delivery vans to its fleet.

11/11/13

SEMA 2013 ICON Ultimate Thriftmaster



From the 2013 SEMA show, Mark Williams, of Pickuptrucks.com, checks out the ICON Ultimate Thriftmaster. See more at www.pickuptrucks.com

11/10/13

SEMA 2013: Chevy, Ford, RAM



From the 2013 SEMA show, Mark Williams, of Pickuptrucks.com, checks out some cool trucks at Chevrolet, Ford and Ram booths. www.pickuptrucks.com

11/09/13

2014 Ford Transit Connect Gets Sizzling New Look Courtesy of Hot Wheels for SEMA

  • A Ford Transit Connect cargo van becomes the ultimate fantasy ride that any kid – big or small – would want to drive, courtesy of Hot Wheels®
  • The Hot Wheels® Transit Connect is loaded with custom features inside and out, including two 18-inch tablets, a 55-inch television screen, gullwing doors and a built-in Hot Wheels® drag strip
  • With a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, the Hot Wheels® Transit Connect is the perfect vehicle to haul the Ford 1.0-liter EcoBoost®-powered custom Rip Rod
Ford Motor Company’s 2014 Transit Connect is tearing up the Las Vegas Strip with a sizzling new look courtesy of Hot Wheels®.



The Hot Wheels® concept of the Transit Connect cargo van, unveiled today at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, has been transformed from a versatile people mover to a race-ready hauling machine that any kid – big or small – would want.

The Hot Wheels® brand, which has produced more than 4 billion toy cars since it was introduced by Mattel in 1968, unveiled its first life-size car in 2001 at SEMA.



“The Hot Wheels design team jumped at the chance to hot rod a Transit Connect van,” said Felix Holst, vice president of creative for Mattel Wheels Division. “The idea was to create a race-inspired support vehicle for the average guy to spend a weekend at the track testing his Hot Wheels race car.”

“The Hot Wheels Transit Connect features an entirely custom, euro-look wide body kit, Rotiform ROC wheels, sleeping quarters and tool storage for living the dream that most of us had playing with Hot Wheels as a child,” Holst added. “It even has slide-out drawers to keep your favorite Hot Wheels cars with you at all times.”

For this job, Michigan-based custom builder Ice 9 Group worked with designers from Ford and Hot Wheels®, taking a Transit Connect down to its basic elements and rebuilding it from the ground up, creating a one-of-a-kind dream machine.



“We basically reskinned a new vehicle,” said Keith Strong, president of Ice 9 Group. “We did all the computer-aided drafting and tooling, removing the old body panels and crafting a whole new look. Every single aspect of the exterior is different, including the roof. The idea was to show just how far out you can take a vehicle like this – a small van – that isn’t typically thought of when you go to SEMA.”

The Hot Wheels® Transit Connect, powered by a 2.5-liter Ti-VCT four-cylinder engine, has been widened 4 inches in front and 6 inches at the rear. It features functional custom exhaust ports on either side, gullwing doors in place of the sliding doors, new front fascia and bumpers inspired by Focus RS, and custom 20-inch wheels.

The interior of the Hot Wheels® Transit Connect has also been customized, with a Sortimo® secondary floor installed covering a set of drawers for tool storage, a 55-inch television screen, two 18-inch tablets and custom Recaro® seats from a Focus ST.

The tablets are installed in the rear doors. The television screen is installed in a bulkhead behind the front seats. Two Hot Wheels® orange tracks are recessed in the bed, forming a drag strip right down the center of the van.

Making use of Transit Connect’s towing capability, a custom trailer is hitched up to carry Rip Rod, which is powered by a 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine. Rip Rod was designed and built by Hot Wheels® in 2012.

Fans will get a chance to have their own Hot Wheels® Transit Connect in the form of a 1:64 die-cast scale model when it arrives on store shelves in fall 2014.

The Hot Wheels® Transit Connect is one of 10 custom Transit Connect vehicles Ford is featuring at this year’s SEMA show. Ford Transit Connect, named International Van of the Year 2014, launches as two distinct models – the traditional, hard-working cargo van, a panel-side hauler; and Transit Connect Wagon, a stylish, spacious and fuel-efficient people mover. The new Transit Connect vehicles will be in showrooms in early 2014.

About the Hot Wheels Brand

Since 1968, Hot Wheels® has been passionate about creating thrilling vehicle experiences through innovative product and content. With a fan base of more than 41 million people, Hot Wheels® is the No. 1 vehicle property in the United States producing the coolest cars imaginable. The Hot Wheels brand began as a line of 16 1:64-scale die-cast vehicles; today, it has evolved into a true, global lifestyle brand for boys of all ages with segments that range from aftermarket parts to licensed apparel to branded digital content from Team Hot Wheels®, a real-life race crew of professional drivers performing over-the-top stunts. Check out the official Hot Wheels website for the hottest car games and racing videos, and be sure to visit the Hot Wheels® Facebook page.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 180,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.

11/08/13

The Incredible House Truck Michael Ostaski Built



Renaissance artist and craftsman Michael Ostaski gives a tour of the house truck he built in the 60's. To build his Land Yacht Michael started with a stripped down truck cab with a simple bare chassis behind and built EVERYTHING you see with his own hands (by himself). This includes: welding the foundational framework to the truck, complete skeletal system, extensive woodworking details, skylights, siding, roofing, electrical, plumbing, cabinetry, stained glass windows, upholstery, tile work, airbrush, etc. (not to mention the design itself). http://www.artexplosion.us/

You can contact Michael through his Gallery website www.mosart.us

Some Turtles Have Nice Shells and Rolling Homes books available on www.Amazon.com

11/06/13

The Work Truck Show® 2014 Offers Modern Solutions for Truck Equipment Distributors

Registration Open for North America’s Largest Work Truck Event

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI (Oct. 16, 2013) — Truck equipment distributors can learn how to adapt their businesses to meet changing customer demands at The Work Truck Show® 2014. North America’s largest work truck event features more than 60 educational sessions, including two Special Sessions designed specifically to help distributors thrive in the evolving work truck industry.


The Work Truck Show is held March 5–7, 2014, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Educational programming, including the Green Truck Summit, begins March 4. The event includes the 50th Annual NTEA Convention.

“Our 50th year is a milestone, but The Work Truck Show 2014 is all about the future,” says Mark Woody, NTEA 2014 Convention chairman and president of Palfinger North America (Niagara Falls, ON, Canada). “For the show and beyond, there is a real focus on new technology, equipment and ways of thinking that are necessary for industry professionals to thrive.”

The Special Session Customer Service: Creating a World-Class Service Organization is presented by Dennis Snow, who spent 20 years managing various operations at the Walt Disney World Company. Snow’s discussion highlights key points of contact that make or break the customer experience. Snow covers how to orchestrate the customer’s entire experience and introduces processes that companies can implement to make excellent service a core piece of their operations.

The shift over the past decade toward more professional and profitable product support operations is outlined in the Special Session Parts & Service Marketing: Making a Difference. In this session, Ron Slee, president of R.J. Slee & Associates (Rancho Mirage, CA) addresses contemporary customer expectations and how distributors can use their parts and service divisions to strengthen their companies. Slee outlines six key elements of a successful parts marketing plan, including customer categorization and tools for measuring success.

Both Special Sessions are held Tuesday, March 4, 8:30am–11:30am. A separate ticket is required for each.

Other educational opportunities for distributors include “Calculating Weight Distribution and Payload for Work Trucks Made Simple”; “Planning for Your Company’s Future: Identifying Upcoming Industry and Economic Trends”; “The Holy Grail of Federal Excise Tax Concepts”; “Equipping Your Shop to Handle Alternative Fuel Vehicles”; “How to Inspire Loyalty and Effort in Your Team”; “Understanding the Ins and Outs of NAFTA”; and “Tactics for Building a Dynamic, Cohesive Team.”

Many of the world’s leading chassis manufacturers use The Work Truck Show to give updates about product line developments, including new technical information on specifications and installation. In 2014, 14 OEMs are scheduled to present Chassis Update sessions: Chevrolet and GMC Commercial Truck; Daimler Vans USA LLC; Ford Commercial Truck; Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation; Freightliner Trucks; Hino Trucks; International Truck; Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.; Kenworth Truck Company; Mack Trucks, Inc.; Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc.; Peterbilt Motors Company; Ram Commercial; and Western Star Trucks.

Studies have shown that poor employee communication skills cost the average organization 25–40 percent of their budgets every year. Young work truck industry professionals learn how to improve communications within their organizations at the Generation Next Leadership Workshop & Networking Reception: How to Become a Superior Communicator Special Session on Wednesday, March 5, 3:00PM–5:00PM. The session covers all aspects of the communication process, including non-verbal cues, effective listening and how to convey directions. It is presented by Doug Cartland, president, DCI (Sharon, WI).

Event highlights also include the Opening Reception at the JW Marriott Indianapolis on March 4 and the President’s Breakfast & NTEA Annual Meeting, featuring keynoter Condoleezza Rice, on March 6.

Registration for The Work Truck Show 2014 is open. To register or find more information, visit www.ntea.com or call 1-800-441-6832.

Connect with the NTEA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NTEA.TheAssociationForTheWorkTruckIndustry, and join the Work Truck Show conversation on Twitter at @WorkTruckShow and @nteanews with the official hashtag: #wts2014.


About NTEAEstablished in 1964, NTEA, the Association for the Work Truck Industry, represents more than 1,600 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to the Association. NTEA provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services, and produces The Work Truck Show. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and a government relations office in Washington, DC.

11/05/13

Aluminum Service Bodies by Highway Products


A standard Highway Products service body comes with six internal storage compartments, a drop down tail gate and a bolt on bumper. The lockable storage compartments on these service bodies protect your tools from the elements. Aluminum services bodies are half the weight of steel bodies which will increase your fuel economy. We have a wide variety of utility bodies to choose from and over 20 add-on option. We guarantee a perfect fit and all service bodies come with a Lifetime Warranty. www.HighwayProducts.com

11/04/13

Ford Interview 2013 - Transit Centre, Hartwell Group


Ford dealership Hartwell, has opened the doors of the first Transit Centre in Europe and VansA2Z spoke to HR Director Nick Wright. www.VansA2Z.com

11/03/13

Ram Truck Brand Celebrates ‘Year of the Farmer’ with $1 Million Donation to National FFA Organization (FFA)

Brand presents first ‘The Farmer in All of Us’ book to FFA president

October 31, 2013 , Louisville, Ky. - The Ram Truck brand celebrated the passion ignited around its “Year of the Farmer” initiative by presenting Clay Sapp, 2012-2013 National FFA President, with a $1 million donation at the 2013 National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, Oct. 30.

Ram Truck brand declared 2013 the “Year of the Farmer” during the Super Bowl last February, when its much-talked-about television spot, “Farmer,” kicked off a yearlong initiative to bring national attention to the significance of the American farmer. Ram pledged to donate up to $1 million to FFA for views of the “Farmer” video on the Ram Truck brand website. The brand reached the 10-million-view milestone, equating to the $1 million donation, in less than a week.

“To date, ‘Farmer’ has been viewed online more than 22 million times, underscoring America’s interest in and support for the important role farmers play in our country,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “It is a pleasure to present the check to FFA and to be among thousands of dedicated FFA members who convey the spirit of what we at Ram Trucks value most of all – courage, dignity, integrity and example-setting through hard work.”

Bigland presented the donation to Sapp alongside country music artist and former FFA member Easton Corbin, who has worked with the Ram Truck brand throughout 2013 to promote the “Year of the Farmer.” Corbin is visiting FFA members in 12 cities across the United States from October to February, providing private concerts and furthering the notion that FFA plays an important role in reducing hunger issues in America.

“It is so wonderful to see our country rise up and show support for those who work hard every day to provide vital resources to the nation,” said Sapp. “The response we’ve received from Ram’s ‘Year of the Farmer’ has been overwhelming, reinforcing the pride we have in our work and what it means to be a farmer.”

The “Farmer” video was inspired by the stirring “So God Made a Farmer” oration delivered by legendary radio broadcaster Paul Harvey in 1978, and since used as a national anthem in grassroots videos created by farm families. To honor American farmers, the Ram Truck brand aspired to create greater awareness, support and appreciation for farming families, communities and providers. The Ram Truck brand commissioned 10 noted photographers to document American farm life, yielding a beautiful and comprehensive catalog of farming images. Many of these artful and compelling stills provide the visual mosaic for “Farmer,” while Harvey’s passionate oration provides the narration.

Ram Truck brand also presented a first copy of its “The Farmer in All of Us,” a coffee table book to be published by National Geographic. It is a beautiful and comprehensive collection of original agriculture, farming and family farm photography, including many of the images commissioned for the “Farmer” video. Proceeds from the book will go toward the FFA’s “Give the Gift of Blue” program, which donates traditional FFA blue corduroy jackets to members who would not otherwise be able to own one. The jackets are an important symbol of the hard work and dedication to farming by these young people.

An exclusive, limited number of “The Farmer in All of Us” books will be available for order in the coming weeks.

About the Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its identity and clearly define its customers since its launch as the newest Chrysler Group LLC vehicle brand. Creating a stand-alone brand for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they’d like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hardworking Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

About the National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 579,678 student members as part of 7,570 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress, and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at www.FFA.org, or on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.

11/02/13

Minivan 30th Anniversary


Chrysler invented the minivan, and now the segment is 30 years old. Chrysler Digital Media's Ed Garsten takes a look at the minivan's birth and where it is now, speaking with Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. sales for Chrysler as well as Pres., Chairman, CEO of Chrysler Canada Inc., a couple of employees of the Windsor, Ontario Assembly Plant who are still there, 30 years after the first minivan was built, as well as the plant manager. The plant is the only assembly plant that builds Chrysler and Dodge brand minivans

11/01/13

Clean Cities: McShan Florist


This family-owned florist, based in East Dallas, Texas, is delivering clean air along with its flowers, thanks to a fleet of dedicated compressed natural gas Ford vans.