4/30/11

Tommy Gate’s 2nd Generation Liftgate Gains Travel Height



Woodbine, IA – Tommy Gate Company’s second generation liftgate, the G2-Series, has been a longstanding favorite in the industry and its travel height has now grown by an important two inches.

The previous 40-inch maximum travel height, meaning the height that the loading platform is able to raise or lower vertically, had kept the G2-Series liftgate from being compatible with the taller service bodies used by work truck drivers here in the United States. Although two inches doesn’t sound like much to the layman, it
took a significant engineering effort and almost a year of rebuilding to adjust for the change.

The G2-Series liftgate from Tommy Gate now possesses a 42-inch maximum travel and is readily compatible with even the tallest of service bodies. While the “new” G2 has achieved a noteworthy addition in versatility, it still supports all of the same platforms, features, and applications as before, and all for the same price.

See more from Tommy Gate at http://www.tommygate.com/

4/29/11

GoLight Has A Bright Future


This is a product video of GoLight, Inc. GoLight creates industry leading lighting solutions for recreation, military, automotive, and more. Check out the video created by Divine Productions. http://www.golight.com/ http://www.divinefilms.com/.

4/28/11

Isuzu Announces Availability Of Advanced Telematics Technology In N-Series Truck


ANAHEIM, Calif.—Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., distributor of America’s best-selling low-cab-forward trucks, announced today that it will offer Fleet Director®, the state-of-the-art telematics system from Teletrac, Inc., as an option in its 2011 and 2012 model year N-Series trucks.

Fleet Director is a fully integrated, web-based solution that allows fleet managers and dispatchers to track vehicle usage in real time by sending detailed vehicle and driver performance reports that is accessible from any Internet-connected personal computer.

The system—backed by an industry-leading three-year/unlimited-mileage limited warranty—will be offered for 2011 and 2012 NPR-HD, NQR and NRR models beginning in May 2011. It will be available as either a port- or dealer-installed option.

Availability for 2011 and 2012 NPR ECO-MAX and 2012 N-Gas models will be announced at a later date.

“Low cost of operation has always been Isuzu’s strongest suit,” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “Teletrac’s Fleet Director telematics system will make Isuzu trucks an even smarter, more economical choice for fleet owners and operators.”

Fleet managers can view analytics—for their entire fleet of Fleet Director-equipped trucks, for any group of trucks the user selects, or even for a single vehicle and driver—on user-friendly, customizable “dashboard-style” screen views that allows the user to summarize monitoring of various areas on a single screen. Critical performance indicators include speeding miles, harsh braking and acceleration, poor cornering, and catastrophic events. In addition, Fleet Director’s history playback feature provides fleet managers with an on-screen display of every equipped vehicle’s activities and route, so that driver productivity and efficiency can be assessed quickly.

The system also generates up to 18 accurate and useful management reports that document vehicle location, operational status, mileage, speed, idle time and more.

As a result, Teletrac customers have reported that Fleet Director has helped their fleets achieve:

  • Fuel savings of up to 30 percent
  • Labor savings averaging 30 minutes per day
  • Overtime reductions of 15 percent on average
  • Productivity increases of an average 12 percent
  • Substantial reductions in unauthorized vehicle use
  • Fewer traffic violations
  • Improved safety
An optional on-board navigation system, available later in the 2012 model year, will employ advanced satellite mapping technology, 2D and 3D conventional road maps and live traffic information in real time—further enhancing driver productivity.

“We are delighted to partner with Teletrac, a company with 23 years of experience in telematics and more than 220,000 vehicles currently in service,” Skinner said. “Teletrac has a track record of proven performance and reliability, just as Isuzu trucks do. Now, our suite of vehicle performance reporting products—the Multi-Information Display and Isuzu Vehicle Health Reports standard on every Isuzu truck, together with the optional new Fleet Director technology—will confirm Isuzu’s ability to significantly reduce cost of operation and improve safety and efficiency for our customers.”



About Isuzu
Isuzu Motors Limited (Isuzu) is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Since building its first truck in 1918, Isuzu has sold over 26 million trucks worldwide. Among its innovations are the first air-cooled diesel engine in 1936, the first two-ton low-cab-forward truck in 1959, and the first direct-injection diesel engine.

Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA), is the distributor of Isuzu commercial vehicles in the United States. Isuzu commercial trucks have been the best-selling low-cab-forward trucks in America every year since 1986. For more information, call (866) 441-9638 or visit http://www.isuzucv.com/.


About Fleet Director and Teletrac
Already proven and trusted by more than 10,000 fleets in the U.S. alone, Fleet Director saves fleet owners time, money, and reduces their carbon footprint. Teletrac customers report up to 30% lower fuel usage, an average of 15% less driver overtime, 12% higher productivity and less unauthorized vehicle use. See more at http://www.teletrac.net/Teletrac-Solutions/fleet-director.html

4/27/11

Ram Power Wagon at 2011 Moab Easter Jeep® Safari


The Ram Brand gave media the chance to put the new Ram Power Wagon through its paces on the tough, challenging trails of Moab, Utah, this month during the Jeep® Easter Safari.

Note:

Re: CTS Blog. We have to throw in a pickup video now and again. Got 950 NTEA photos, and over 35 videos to get up soon. A bit behind, but there will be plenty to see very soon! Stay tuned.

4/26/11

Forklift Loadable Beauty By Rack-It Truck Racks


SERIES 2000

Tired of constantly hand loading and unloading material on your rack? The Series 2000 forklift loadable rack eliminates that burden by providing a "drop" side design that allows for easy side loading with a forklift.

Features
  • "Drop" side to aid in the loading from the side with a forklift.
  • Custom drop side extra cross bar available upon request.
  • Full-length formed angle mounting.
  • Removable rear bar equipped with quick release "D-Clip" pins.
  • Schedule 40 steel construction.
  • Rope hooks allow for quick and easy tie-downs.
Also available for utility body applications ... see your local dealer for more info. http://www.rackitinc.com/. Also check out their new blog at http://rack-ittruckracks.blogspot.com/.

4/25/11

Chevrolet Sells 1.1 Million Vehicles in Best-Ever First Quarter

Note: Although this has mostly to do with cars, not trucks, I insert this press release because of the stark contrast of position from such a short time ago. Then to top that off, to claim it is the best first quarter EVER? Wow! I take this as a wonderful bit of encouragement and recovery.

April 18, 2011 DETROIT – Chevrolet sold 1.1 million vehicles worldwide in the first three months of 2011, a 15-percent increase over the first quarter of 2010 and the brand’s best first-quarter results ever.

"This is a great way to kick off Chevrolet’s Centennial year,” said Joel Ewanick, GM global chief marketing officer. “Our first-quarter results are a clear indication that consumers are responding to our new product line, which only happens when you truly listen to the customer. Chevrolet has developed strong connections with consumers in key markets across South America, Europe, and Asia. We look forward to strengthening those connections as we introduce Chevrolet to Korea, and as we introduce a growing lineup of global vehicles that build on the successful launch of the Chevrolet Cruze.”

Chevrolet grows momentum around the world

Last year, Chevrolet was the only top-five global vehicle brand to grow total market share – accounting for about 5.8 percent of all vehicles sold worldwide.

That strong momentum continued in the first three months of 2011, as Chevrolet recorded double-digit sales gains over the same period last year in four of its five top markets, including:

· In the United States, Chevrolet sold 416,505 vehicles in the quarter, an increase of 23 percent. In February, Chevrolet was the highest-volume brand in the U.S. market.

· In China, Chevrolet sold a record 159,303 vehicles in the quarter, an increase of 17 percent.

· In Brazil, Chevrolet sold 142,734 vehicles in the quarter, a decrease of 9 percent from the brand’s record-setting sales in the first quarter of 2010.

· In Mexico, Chevrolet sold 37,291 vehicles in the quarter, an increase of 12 percent.

In Argentina, Chevrolet sold 34,103 vehicles in the first quarter, an increase of 21 percent. Chevrolet set three consecutive sales records in the South American country, recording the brand’s best January, February and March sales.

In Europe, Chevrolet sold 112,482 vehicles in the first quarter, an increase of 7 percent. During that time, Chevrolet gained market share in nine European markets as the brand doubled sales in Denmark and Turkey, and increased sales in France and Russia by 80 percent and 51 percent, respectively.

Chevrolet’s global growth is expected to accelerate. A key contributor will be the addition of the Korean market, where Chevrolet has replaced GM Daewoo as GM’s main brand. In March, GM sales in Korea climbed 60 percent from the previous month, led by the launch of the new Chevrolet brand and new products such as the Orlando, Spark and Cruze. Additional models such as the Captiva SUV and Cruze hatchback will soon roll out in Korea.

“The change to Chevrolet will strengthen GM’s presence in the South Korean market,” said Mike Arcamone, president and CEO of GM Korea. “We see great opportunities to contribute to the growth of one of the most iconic global automotive brands.”

Cruze leads Chevrolet global nameplates

In addition to growing Chevrolet’s global footprint, the brand is also expanding its lineup of global vehicles.

Fueled by a successful launch in the United States and continued growth in China, Chevrolet sold 150,652 Cruze sedans during the first quarter of 2011 – a 117-percent increase over the first quarter of 2010. Since the Cruze was first introduced in Europe in 2009, Chevrolet has sold nearly 600,000 Cruzes worldwide.

Cruze sales are expected to continue to grow with the addition of the Cruze hatchback, which will go on sale this summer in Europe, followed by other markets around the world. In Europe, the compact segment alone accounts for more than a quarter of all vehicle sales, and approximately 65 percent of all compact cars are hatchback models.

The Cruze will soon be joined by the new Chevrolet Spark mini-car and Aveo/Sonic small car – both of which are already on sale in some markets and will be introduced in additional countries throughout 2011 and 2012. In addition, the all-new Chevrolet Malibu midsize car will soon arrive at dealerships.

Chevrolet will unveil the new Malibu live today, starting at 8:30 p.m. EDT at http://www.facebook.com/chevrolet. The Web reveal will also be streamed live on iPad and iPhone mobile devices. The timing of the Web reveal coincides with the auto show debut of the new Malibu in Shanghai.

With the addition of the new Malibu, Chevrolet continues to grow its global family of fuel-efficient cars. Together, the Spark, Aveo/Sonic, Cruze, Volt, and Malibu compete in the four largest vehicle segments in the world, which accounted for 54 percent of all non-luxury sales in 2010.

4/24/11

Isuzu Crew-Cab At Work For uShaka Marine World


Home to the fifth-largest aquarium in the world, uShaka Marine World is Africa's largest marine theme park - it spans over 15 hectares of prime Durban beachfront and is a R750 million asset of the eThekwini Unicity Municipality. The aquatic features of uShaka Marine World hold 22 million litres of filtered sea water which includes a four million litre Dolphin Show Pool. And hard at work are pumping systems that keep this fresh and life-supporting for an amazing sea-life display that enchants visitors of all ages. The sea water replenishment rate occurs at a massive 500,000 litres every hour.

Behind the scenes is hard work. uShaka Marine World's Chief Operating Officer, Shaun Thomson, explains - "Pump maintenance is an on-going issue in an operation this size and we are not talking of small pumps. Then there's transport support required for all uShaka's marketing promotions; uShaka mascots are regularly displayed at events all round eThekwini Unicity Municipality, such as at schools, and these are large mascot units that cannot be transported in a car." It is all a team effort also requiring transport that can accommodate a crew is safety and comfort.

All of this was conducted by two bakkies that have now been replaced by a new Isuzu N-Series, model NMR 250 with crew-cab. The truck carries a driver and five crew members in seat-belted comfort, plus the cargo load-box is big enough to match uShaka Marine World's transport needs.

Isuzu Truck South Africa saw a high-profile opportunity to promote Isuzu trucks in the greater Durban area while supporting their major fleet client - eThekwini Unicity Municipality. Isuzu truck dealer - Key Truck Centre - provides the important service and parts back-up.

Craig Uren, Isuzu Truck South Africa Chief Operating Officer concludes - "This is part of our commitment to customer support - more importantly is the image we are establishing among the greater public. uShaka Marine World's Isuzu NMR 250 crew cab is an eye-catcher and a mobile bill-board for our all-new modern truck ranges."

See more about Isuzu Trucks in South Africa at http://www.isuzutruckssa.com/.

4/23/11

Isuzu Grows With Burnt Tree


With the arrival of 20 new Isuzu 7.5t rigids over the past few months, the UK’s largest independent car, van and truck rental company Burnt Tree now have 37 Isuzu vehicles operating in their heavy vehicle fleet.

13 new Isuzu N75.190 4 x2 rigid tippers, fitted with Brit-Tipp steel, front-end tipper bodies, are currently working on a range of operations for customers, based out of various Burnt Tree depots around the UK. Meanwhile, two of the Isuzu 7.5 tonners, both fitted with Brookside Engineering transporter bodies, are being used by Burnt Tree themselves to move cars, vans and small trucks (up to 3.5t GVW) between branches and to end customers.

The remaining five new Isuzu trucks for the Burnt Tree rental fleet are five new 7.5t Isuzu N75.190 rigids, each fitted with Isuzu’s popular automated transmission – Easyshift. These have a 20ft box bodies with rear column tail lifts and are being used on various customer contracts within the North West.

According to Burnt Tree’s fleet operations manager Dave Adderley, “The three-year standard warranty on the Isuzu vehicles really appeals to us and so far all the trucks have performed well in service with no major issues.”

Northwest dealer Warrington Vehicle Centre Ltd has supplied all 20 new Isuzu 7.5 tonners to Burnt Tree, who will be running them for a three-year operational period.

“Although Burnt Tree is a relatively new customer to the Isuzu marque, they already have experienced the flexibility and practicality of the Isuzu 7.5t range of trucks, with the recent batch of trucks consisting of tipper, transporter and box bodied models. Isuzu has an excellent track record within the vehicle rental industry, mainly at 7.5 tonnes because our automated Easyshift gearbox is fitted as standard. We look forward to these vehicles giving Burnt Tree and their customers first-class service throughout their working life,” said Keith Child, Marketing Director, Isuzu Truck UK.

Full details of the current Isuzu Truck range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website on http://www.isuzutruck.co.uk/

4/22/11

Renault Master Conversions 2011


Renault began rolling out its range of factory-fitted off-the-shelf Master core conversions last year and prior to the Commercial Vehicle Show VansA2Z was able to get our hands on four of them; namely the Dropside, Tipper, Minibus and Box Van.

For the full story please visit http://www.vansa2z.com/

4/21/11

4/20/11

Ford Transit Connect Electric - Commercial Vehicle Show 2011


Battery-powered Connect joins Euro 5 Transit and all-new Ranger as Ford's Commercial Vehicle Show headliners...

4/19/11

Volkswagen Caddy -- Van of the Year 2011


Volkswagen Caddy takes the VansA2Z Light Van of the Year and overall Van of the Year Awards for 2011

4/18/11

Vantainer System


Vantainer offer a complete racking and flooring solution for kitting out your van, optimising its capacity, securely and with ease of access.

For more information please visit http://www.vantainer.com/

4/17/11

CV Show 2011 Nissan Press Conference - Launch of the NV400 Van


At the Commercial Vehicle Show 2011, Nissan launches the NV400 van - taking the manufacturer into the rear-wheel drive market for the first time as well as over 3.5 tonnes.

4/15/11

Flat Plate Hitch by Henderson Mfg


Watch Henderson's Flat Plate Hitch in action. A quick and easy one person job.

4/13/11

1948 Chevy Pro Street Hot Rod Truck


Check out this 1948 Chevrolet Hot Rod Pick Up Truck videotaped at the 2010 Pacific Beach Hot Rod and Classic Car Show. This car is owned and customized by Phil Leatherman of Extreme Automotive in Corona, California. See more Southern California classic cars and hot rods at the SoCal Beaches Magazine website at http://www.socalbeachmag.net/

4/12/11

Trucking Down Under - Road Trains


Road trains and B doubles on the highways and some outback roads in Australia

4/11/11

Chrysler Group: Under the Pentastar 4-8-2011


The top stories from Chrysler Group LLC for the week of April 8, 2011: Stories include: 2011 Moab Easter Jeep Safari vehicles, Ram 1500 Express debut and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee named Northwest 2011 SUV of the year.

4/10/11

Hackney - Emergency Vehicles Overview


Rescue Vehicles. At Hackney, it's no sideline, it's what we do. When you're focused, being the Rescue Vehicle Technology Leader comes easy. Whether you need a rescue for extrication, breathing air, flood lighting, incident command or a combination thereof, visit us online. http://www.rescueleader.com/

4/09/11

A Very Interesting Truck


Great looking truck and the music is good, but the kid is the cutest!

USA6x6 Truck Number 008 Double Dually. USA6x6 Is now out of business.

Armenco Catering Truck Mfg. Co., Inc.


Armenco Cater Truck Mfg. Co., Inc. has been specializing in the manufacture of mobile catering trucks, trailers, carts and kiosks for over 30 years. Unsurpassed quality, workmanship and materials coupled with standard setting designs have positioned Armenco as the foremost leader within the mobile food equipment industry. Visit www.CateringTruck.com or call (800) 345-0104 for more information.

4/08/11

Johnston Sweepers CX200 Compact Street Sweeper For Road Sweeping In Urban Areas


Here's an interesting street sweeper. . .

The CX200 Compact Road Sweeper has excellent manoeuvrability and is ideal for the urban street sweeping environment. With 4 tonnes GVM and a large footprint the CX200 road sweeper is ideally suited for use on paving and other delicate surfaces.


Our CX200 street sweeper has a choice of a range of options - a 3.7m wanderhose for hard-to-reach areas, high pressure lance on a 10m hose a leaf nozzle with in-cab adjustments for efficient collection of bulky items. We have a comprehensive range of additional options for the CX200 road sweeper, just ask for details.

See more at http://www.johnstonsweepers.com/.

4/07/11

Henderson First Response Demo (Casper's Truck Equipment)


Casper's Truck Equipment demonstrates the capabilities of the Henderson First Response snow and ice management system.

4/06/11

Isuzu generates powerful success for Electricity NW


Isuzu Truck has supplied Electricity NW with three of its latest N75.190 Forward 7.5t chassis cabs and these vehicles are capable of carrying all the equipment needed to provide in excess of 20 hours of continuous emergency power output, in the event of a mains power failure.

Electricity NW, providers of the electricity distribution service in the North West of England, undertook a full assessment of all 7.5t trucks currently available, and subsequently decided to acquire three new Isuzu N75 rigids for this emergency power supply service.

Fitted with Isuzu’s popular Easyshift transmission, the Isuzu rigids are one of the few 7.5 tonners capable of housing two 200KVA Atlas Copco generators and associated fuel tanks which is the equipment needed by Electricity NW. These new Isuzu trucks are being used by Electricity NW to provide emergency power supplies within the rural areas of North Lakes and Cumbria.

As Graham Davies from Electricity NW explains, “In every other case, the GVW of the chassis meant that we would need a 12t truck to handle these emergency situations where we need to provide at least 20 hours of continuous power from a mobile generator. This was not the case with Isuzu. The unladen weight of the 7.5t chassis cab gives us the required payload to accommodate both the equipment and the fuel needed for us to provide up to 22.5hours of continuous power. Also, the compact footprint of the vehicle is ideal for reaching remote locations, small access roads and navigating tight country lanes where they will inevitably be expected to go.”

All three vehicles were supplied to Electricity NW by Isuzu dealer Warrington Vehicle Centre and will have a working life of at least seven years, based out of depots in Kendal, Carlisle and Workington.

“The new Isuzu’s have now been in service for five months and have given us complete trouble-free service, proving to be a valuable addition to our electricity supply fleet,” added Graham Davies.

These are not the first Isuzu trucks in the 580-strong vehicle fleet at Electricity NW. Last year, three new Isuzu N62.150 Forward 6.2t rigids were acquired. Each of these was fitted with a bespoke body, including a gang van with on-board compressed air supply, a tipper body, and a gas cylinder carrier with taillift.

“The utility sector is a key market for Isuzu and payload at 7.5 tonnes is critical to many typical operations. The compact size of the chassis enables it to fulfil a wide variety of bespoke applications. Working closely with Electricity NW, we have been able to supply them with a range of vehicles covering a diverse mixture of operating conditions,” said Keith Child, Marketing Director, Isuzu Truck UK.

Full details of the current Isuzu Truck range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website on www.isuzutruck.co.uk

* * * * *

Isuzu – A global strength
Established almost a century ago Isuzu Motors Japan is a world leading truck manufacturer. IMJ currently produces around 400,000, light to medium weight commercial vehicles annually and their products sell within 170 countries throughout the world. The company is also a world-leader in diesel engine manufacturing and technology and produces around 1.5 million engines every year.

Isuzu Truck (UK) Limited was formed in 1996 and is the dedicated UK Isuzu commercial vehicle distributor and marketing & sales operation. ITUK currently employs 50 people and has just over 50 dealers strategically located nationwide. All ITUK sold products are backed by ITUK’s industry-unique, award-winning, customer service programme CARE (Customer facing, Always listening, Reliable and trustworthy, Efficient and friendly) and enjoy 3 years of unlimited mileage warranty.

4/03/11

All-New Ford Ranger Gets Into Deep Water


Come flood or high water, all-new Ford Ranger confidently takes it all in its durable stride, buoyed by its best-in-class water-wading capability of 800 mm. The 4x4 and 4x2 Hi-Rider models can wade through deep water even while carrying a full load.

4/01/11

Sometimes Prospecting Is. . . by Kirsty Dunphey

I've worked in real estate for half my adult life and I've been to more training sessions that I can count on the ABCs (Always Be Closing), on hard sells, on how to deliver the perfect pitch presentation and yet, the more I work in this industry the more I realise that any sales based industry has a whole other level of prospecting for new business that rarely gets spoken about. Sure, sometimes you'll go into a presentation cold with nothing to assist you but your materials, your winning smile and your ability to close, but sometimes, just sometimes...

Sometimes prospecting for new business is... about patience...

Are you prepared to wait until the time is right for the client, not just for you?

Sometimes prospecting for new business is... about being persistent...

I've had clients come on board after chasing them for 2 years (and longer). Do you have a system in place that reminds you to follow up as appropriate with persistence without being annoying?

Sometimes prospecting for new business is... about timing...

A simple question, asked at the right time can be an amazing form of prospecting. Recently I touched base (after being persistent & patient for about a year) just to make sure a client's current property manager had been in touch regarding an upcoming due date. They hadn't, and the business was mine.

Sometimes prospecting for new business is... about perception...

When someone searches for you, or for your industry online. What do they do see? Can they see honest, real testimonials and reviews of your performance. Do they see a website that is both functional and representative of the type of brand you wish to convey?

Sometimes prospecting for new business is... about words...

So often, you won't even hear the most powerful words as they're spoken when you're not around well before you're called in to pitch for the business. They're the words said from your current clients and customers to their friends and family. It'll either be the strongest recommendation you can get, or... you know the other alternative.

Sometimes prospecting for new business is... about approaching from a different angle...

After 18 months spent following up (with patience and persistence) one client in three party relationship, I happened across another who I'd had little personal contact with. It turns out this was the better approach and suddenly, we had new business.

Sometimes prospecting for new business is... unpredictable...

Our company recently got a new client, one of our largest, from an unpredictable referral from someone we dealt with who referred us simply because "we pay our bills on time". Are you making time to find out the origin of your current clients?

Stay Fabulous,

Kirsty

Reproduced from Kirsty Dunphey's newsletter, Advance To Go and originally reproduced from Kirsty's blog - www.kirstydunphey.com/blog.

How to Subscribe - Subscribe by visiting http://www.kirstydunphey.com/