3/31/12

High Roof NV - GreenLee Upfit


You might get a little seasick watching this video, but it's a great upfit for the Nissan NV Van.

Inlad crew shows an upfitted High Roof Nissan NV. Fully wrapped with a custom built interior package. Video shows different Adrian Steel products along with a great van wrap. www.inlad.com

3/30/12

All Electric Salt Spreader Control - Henderson Products


Ryan goes over the Henderson Products all electric controlled salt spreader with just one control for all aspects of the truck. See more at http://www.hendersonproducts.com

3/29/12

Sure Fit Truck Racks Packaging


Gary goes over the great packaging system that Sure Fit truck racks uses to ship all over the country. See more at http://www.surefitracks.com

Sure Fit Truck Racks - Service Body - NTEA 2012


Gary gives a great presentation of the Sure Fit truck racks by Rack-It. This one is displayed on a service/utility body at the 2012 NTEA show. See more at http://www.surefitracks.com

3/28/12

Aluminum Crane Unfolds - Spitz Lift - NTEA 2012


Michael shows off the light weight aluminum crane offered from Spitz Lift. It can lift 900lbs!!!!! See more at http://www.spitzlift.com

3/27/12

Tow Behind Grill - Blue Ridge Mountain Cookery - NTEA 2012


Ryan goes over the cool tow behind grill from Blue Ridge Mountain Cookery. See more at http://www.classiccookers.com

3/26/12

Dump Service Body by EZ Dumper - NTEA 2012


Pete goes over the Dump Inserted into a service body from EZ Dumper. See more at http://www.ez-dumper.com.

3/25/12

Global Finishing Solutions NTEA 2012


Kraig goes over the various paint spray booths available from Global Finishing. See more at http://www.globalfinishing.com or call 715-797-9752

3/24/12

SPX Hydraulic Technologies - Stone Product Line


Scott goes over a great hydraulic power unit operate various applications. See more at www.spxhydraulictechnologies.com or call and talk to Tom (District Sales Manager) at 513-335-5363

3/23/12

Fuel Efficient, Low Cost, Unique Transit Connect Reefer Van




We don't normally put units for sale in dealer inventory on this blog, as we have a separate blog that is designed for this called the CTS Dealer Truck Bargains blog. However, this is such an interesting and unique unit and is brand new, and as well a serious bargain for someone that we thought that we would share it here. In addition, it is an opportunity to promote body companies and suppliers and that IS what we do! The body was modified by Midway Specialty Vehicles (American Cargo) in Indiana.


Here is a unique truck and a serious bargain! This is a brand new 2010 Ford Transit Connect small van with a 4-cylinder very fuel efficient powerplant and a Thermo-King B-100 Refrigerated Unit with 3 racks that cools down to approximately 30 degrees for small deliveries. Perfect for city deliveries, special orders. The Transit Connect has Automatic Transmission, Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Door Locks, and Windows, Cruise Control, CD Player, Dual Sliding Side Doors, and much more.

Think FUEL EFFICIENT! SMALL FOOTPRINT! PLENTY OF SPACE! SERIOUSLY LOW PRICE!

Here's the bargain: MSRP on this unit is $38,371 and it is being offered at only $27,900 plus applicable fees. That is a crazy discount, so get it while you can! Vin# AT025068, Stock #101124

This unit is being offered by Chantang Ford in Houston, Texas. Call Ed Miller at 713-678-5007 on his direct line, or his cellphone at 281.961.9277 for more information. Here is a link to more information on their website: Transit Connect Reefer.

Crane Mounts - Spitz Lift - NTEA 2012


Michael goes over the different crane mounts available from Spitz Lift. See more at http://www.spitzlift.com/

3/22/12

3/20/12

Convoy Fiberglass Shell By Leer - NTEA 2012


Kevin goes over the new Convory fiberglass truck shell by Leer. See more at http://www.leerfleet.com

3/19/12

Welding Body - Warner Truck Body NTEA 2012


Charles Brnadic goes over a Ford F500 with a custom Welder's body at The Work Truck Show 2012 in Indianapolis. See more at http://www.warnerbodies.com or call at 317-773-2100

3/18/12

Goose Neck Hitch by Blue Ox - NTEA Show


Tom goes over the Diamond goose neck hitch by Blue Ox. See more at http://www.blueox.com or call- 402-385-3051

3/17/12

A.R.E.: 2012 NTEA Work Truck Show


A preview of new products from A.R.E at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information on A.R.E, go to 4ARE.com.

3/16/12

NTEA Work Truck Show 2012 Sets New Records

Expanded Show to Return to Indianapolis in 2013
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI (March 16, 2012) — The Work Truck Show® 2012, held March 6-8 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, was the biggest work truck event in history. It broke all standing event records, with a verified 10,408 attendees checking out work trucks and equipment from 563 exhibitors.

The event’s Green Truck Summit on March 5-6 also hit new highs, with a keynote address from U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu helping to attract a record 772 attendees. This represents a 13 percent increase over last year’s record Summit turnout.

Produced annually by the NTEA, the association for the work truck industry, The Work Truck Show showcases more than 500,000 square feet of Class 1-8 vocational trucks and equipment. The event also features more than 60 educational and technical training programs, including the Green Truck Summit, North America’s leading educational forum on high-efficiency and alternative-fuel vocational vehicles. The Summit is jointly produced by NTEA and CALSTART.

NTEA Executive Director Steve Carey says the event growth and overall positive atmosphere on the Show floor reflect improving market conditions as the industry continues to rebound.

“This is the second year in a row that The Work Truck Show has achieved new records for attendance, exhibitor participation and product launches,” he says. “We will build on this momentum as we prepare to bring an even bigger Show back to Indianapolis for an unprecedented third straight year in 2013. In response to growing demand, we’re expanding next year’s Show floor — and have already sold 92 percent of available space.”

New products continue to be a significant draw for Show attendees. This year, more than 120 exhibiting companies launched at least 140 new products, including alternative fuel systems, vehicle components, truck equipment and full-size trucks. Among the many notable launches were a new CNG pickup truck from Ram Trucks, General Motors’ bi-fuel 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HD extended cab pickups, four new cranes from Palfinger North America Group, the CHARGE Clean-Power Series of controls for snow removal equipment from Henderson Products, Inc., lightweight in-vehicle equipment from Sortimo NA, and EcoBoost® technology from Ford Commercial Truck.

Other Work Truck Show 2012 highlights included a sold-out President’s Breakfast and 48th NTEA Annual Meeting on March 7, with keynote address by President George W. Bush. During the President’s Breakfast, Jim Carney, NTEA senior executive director, was recognized for his 36-year career with the NTEA. He will retire April 30.

The Work Truck Show 2013 returns to the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis March 6-8, 2013. Educational programming, including the Green Truck Summit, starts March 5. Online registration opens at NTEA.com in October.

For more information, visit www.ntea.com or call 1-800-441-6832.
About NTEA
Established in 1964, NTEA, the Association for the Work Truck Industry, represents more than 1,500 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.

2012 Work Truck Show Highlights


Pickuptrucks.com's Mark Williams heads to the 2012 Work Truck Show to see some of the unique vehicles

3/15/12

Fiberglass Service Body by Leer - NTEA 2012


Kevin goes over the brand new fiberglass service body offered by Leer. See more at http://www.leerfleet.com

3/14/12

DiamondBack Factory Tour



Oooooo. We love factory tours. . .

Featured on PCN Tours, which profiles various workplaces in Pennsylvania, this segment takes a look at the manufacturing process of DiamondBack Truck Covers. Filmed and produced by Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN). See more about these great truck covers at www.diamondbackcovers.com

11' Crane Service Body - CASECO - NTEA 2012


George goes over the features of the Caseco 11' Crane Body at the 2012 NTEA show. See more at http://www.caseco.us

3/13/12

SwayPro by Blue Ox - NTEA 2012


Tom DeLong goes over the Blue Ox SwayPro hitch. Controls sway and weight control when towing. See more at http://www.blueox.com. or Call 402-385-3051

3/12/12

Road Armor - Rear Bumper NTEA 2012



Steve goes over a Rear Bumper offered by Road Armor. You can see more at http://www.roadarmor.com or call 877-294-2726.

3/11/12

Mobile Command Center for Mountain View Fire Department


We stumbled upon this on the Internet and thought you'd enjoy it. Nice unit!


Custom Pull-out Comand Center built for the Mountain View Fire Department's new Off-Road command vehicle. Storage space for all of their supplies, Communications center, file drawers, white boards for planning how they will attack the fire and a set of the most heavy duty drawer slides you have ever seen. Call (650) 960-3447 to get yours today.

Michael Meyer Fine Woodworking
2570 Leghorn Street, Unit D
Mountain View, CA 94043

Tel. 650 960 3447
http://www.mmfww.com/custom-furnitures

3/10/12

Black Beauty Highway Products Aluminum Services Body w/Roller Coaster Bed-Slide Is A Knock-Out!







Scott Stiles of Stiles Truck Body & Equipment of Turlock, CA sent us some photos of a knock-out rig he put together. This is a 2012 Chevy 2500HD Extended Cab Short Bed (yes, I said short bed). The body is a 7' aluminum service body by Highway Products Inc in White City, OR. Highway Products is well known as a great source of the highest quality aluminum tool boxes, service bodies, flatbeds and other aluminum products for trucks.

Check out the removeable tool trays in the open top lids of the service body. Also note their bed-slide product called the Roller Coaster. This body also has a lift-up bed enclosure. The rack is also aluminum and all of this together serves to make a very lightweight service body. All that weight savings can easily be translated to additional carrying capacity. Exterior panels on the service body are painted to match the cab.

On this rig, all we have to say is SWWWEEEET!

Switch N Go - NTEA 2012 DEMO 1 of 2


Gabe gives a great demonstration of how easy it is to remove a body from the Switch N Go system. See more at www.switchngo.com

3/09/12

Strategic Links USA - NTEA 2012 Demo


From the 2012 NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, Glenn goes over the product line up with Strategic Links USA. See more at www.strategiclinksusa.com or call 281-455-6744.

3/08/12

NTEA 2012 New Van Platform Press Conference: Partitions / Bulkheads


Knaack LLC introduces for the first time the Weather Guard New Van Platform at the NTEA 2012 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, March 6. New products include shelving, bulkheads, secure storage modules, and an array of accessories designed specifically for the way professional tradespeople work.

3/07/12

Echomaster Hitch Scan Model EM-00-03000


EchoMaster HitchScan Wireless Trailer Hitch System Model 00-03000 is a rear park assist designed to work with vehicles equipped with tow packages and is also a functional support step. The HitchScan activates when you engage your reverse gear. The system silently scans behind your vehicle and informs you inside your vehicle with an audible tone and visual indication as it detects an object in the scanning zones. The system installs in 60 seconds or less and can be moved from vehicle to vehicle. Call us at 800 377 5652 or visit www.inlad.com with any questions!

3/06/12

Mercedes-Benz Vans posts record earnings in 2011




  • Daimler’s Vans division boosts earnings by 85% to the record level of €835 million (2010: €451 million)
  • Highest-ever return on sales (9.1%)
  • Significant sales increases for the Sprinter, Vito, and Viano
  • Global growth strategy: “Mercedes-Benz Vans Goes Global” remains completely on course
  • Annual sales target of more than 400,000 units by 2015
  • Product offensive in the European small van segment with the new Mercedes-Benz Citan
  • Sprinter now available in Latin America and China
  • New name for van joint venture in China: Fujian Benz Automotive Corporation

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz Vans finished 2011 by setting records for earnings and return on sales in the most successful year overall in the division’s history. EBIT rose 85% to the record level of €835 million (2010: €451 million), while the return on sales increased to 9.1% (2010: 5.8%), also a record. Revenues for 2011 totaled €9.179 billion, a 17% increase compared to the prior year. High global demand for vans resulted in an 18% increase in Mercedes-Benz Vans sales to around 264,200 units, with sales records set in the division’s core markets in particular. Mercedes-Benz Vans also remains the clear leader for medium-sized and large vans in Europe, its most important sales market. The division sold 178,300 units (+14%) in Western Europe and posted unit sales of 77,600 vans (+25%) in its German home market - the best sales result ever for Germany.

Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, commented today in Stuttgart on Mercedes-Benz Vans’ business development as follows: “2011 was an outstanding year for Mercedes-Benz Vans. The records we set for earnings and return on sales have extended our lead in the van segment even further. This makes Mercedes-Benz Vans a true engine of growth for the Daimler Group.”

“Mercedes-Benz Vans Goes Global” growth strategy: product offensive in Europe, model changeover in Latin America, and two-brand strategy in North America

Daimler’s Vans division plans to continue last year’s positive developments in 2012 and 2013 by achieving further increases in unit sales, revenues, and earnings. The foundation for future success has been laid by the strategic approach employed at Mercedes-Benz Vans, which focuses on three areas: exploitation of all growth potential in traditional markets, penetration into new fast-growing markets, and technology leadership in combination with an attractive product portfolio.

“In addition, our Mercedes-Benz Vans Goes Global growth strategy is accelerating our business development not only in Europe but also in the U.S., Latin America, China, and Russia. Our goal now is to achieve annual global unit sales of more than 400,000 vans by 2015,” said Volker Mornhinweg.

Daimler’s Vans division plans to expand its lead in Europe by entering the rapidly growing segment for small vans. The division’s all-new Mercedes-Benz Citan will round out the product portfolio here before the year is over. The Citan is designed for commercial customers and will initially be offered in different lengths and weight classes. This new city delivery van will be launched in the fall of 2012 to coincide with the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show. The Citan also happens to be the first vehicle to hit the road as a result of the strategic partnership between Daimler and Renault-Nissan.

“The trend toward small vans for use in flexible and versatile urban logistics systems offers our division a huge opportunity,” said Mornhinweg. “The market volume for such vans in Europe alone now stands at approximately 700,000 units per year, and that number will rise. Our new Citan was designed to help us achieve a market share of 4% to 5% precisely in this segment and to fully exploit all the available growth potential.”

Mercedes-Benz Vans has had a strong presence on the Latin American market for decades and is the leading premium manufacturer in the region. The division sold 13,600 units in Latin America in 2011, an increase of 9% compared to the prior year. At the end of last year, Mercedes-Benz Vans shifted the production operations at the Centro Industrial Juan Manuel Fangio plant in Argentina (near Buenos Aires) to the current European Sprinter series and raised the manufacturing capacity accordingly. The Sprinter is offered mainly as a bus variant in Latin America in order to benefit from the rapidly rising demand for passenger transport vehicles. Mercedes-Benz has also now begun manufacturing in Argentina the OM 651 diesel engine, which is already available in Europe. These projects had a total investment volume of more than €70 million. Mercedes-Benz Vans’ clear goal at the moment is to increase van sales by more than 30% in Latin America over the next five years.

Mercedes-Benz Vans also remains on course for success in North America, where it is systematically forging ahead with its two-brand strategy for the Sprinter. The model is offered to American and Canadian customers under either the Mercedes-Benz or the Freightliner brand name. The favorable market conditions in the region and the establishment of a new Mercedes-Benz sales organization led to a 72% increase in unit sales in the U.S. alone in 2011, to 18,000 vans. In view of this development, Mercedes-Benz Vans has increased the production volume for the Sprinter at its plant in Charleston, South Carolina.

“Mercedes-Benz Vans Goes Global” growth strategy: Launch of third model series in China

Mercedes-Benz Vans places a high priority on its successful entry and penetration into the growth market China. These activities are firmly incorporated into the division’s “Mercedes-Benz Vans Goes Global” strategy.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is the only manufacturer to date that produces vans locally in China. The vans with the star have been built by a joint venture in China since 2010. On March 1, 2012, the van joint venture with Fujian Motors was given a new name: Fujian Benz Automotive Corporation. The Vito and Viano models are manufactured at the Fuzhou plant, where a bus version of the Sprinter also went into production in October 2011. Mercedes-Benz Vans is targeting the high-end passenger transport and exclusive shuttle services segments in China. Despite a slightly contracting market, Daimler’s Vans division increased its sales in China by 11% to 13,500 units in 2011. The division’s dealership network has also been expanded to 50 sales partners.

Investment in products and innovations

Mercedes-Benz Vans invests extensively in new products and technologies and therefore has a very young product range. The division increased its research and development expenditure by 34% to €358 million in 2011 (2010: €267 million), and Mercedes-Benz Vans plans to continue on this course.

On the product side, Mercedes-Benz Vans launched the new generation of the Vito and the Viano across all markets last year. The models were very well received by customers and dealers. Mercedes-Benz Vans is focusing on specific customer requirements with these new-generation model series by clearly distinguishing between the Viano for private usage and the Vito for commercial applications.

Last year Mercedes-Benz Vans celebrated the 125th anniversary of the invention of the automobile by presenting the Viano “Avantgarde Edition 125” - a special model with a V6 engine and high-end interior appointments. In addition, the division showed what is possible in the premium van segment by unveiling its “Viano Vision Pearl” show car at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Mercedes-Benz Vans also introduced the Vito Crew and the Vito Shuttle for commercial customers last year. The Vito Crew provides service companies and commercial customers in various technical trades with a robust van, while the Vito Shuttle is targeted at customers who use vans for the professional transportation of passengers as hotel shuttles or minivan taxis.

Last year the division posted sales of 98,000 vans in the medium-sized segment (to which the Vito and the Viano belong), an increase of 26% compared to the prior year. The Viano also set a new record by increasing sales by 40% to 30,500 units.

Mercedes-Benz Vans remains the leader for new and environmentally friendly van technologies with the Vito E-CELL - the world’s first series-produced electric van. Thanks to its locally zero-emission drive system, the Vito E-CELL is ideal for use in inner cities and areas with very sensitive environments. More than 500 Vito E-CELL models have now been manufactured and delivered to European customers for testing under everyday conditions. A total of 230 Vito E-CELLs have already clocked up more than 650,000 kilometers in several model regions in Germany. Plans call for 2,000 Vito E-CELLs to be delivered throughout Europe by the end of 2012.

3/05/12

Ford Transit Van Delivers Medicines Safely

Brentwood, Essex, 02 March, 2012 – Ford has developed a modified Transit known as the “Pharmavan”, in association with AAH Pharmaceuticals. AAH, the UK’s leading distributor of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, has taken delivery of 270 Ford models to add to its 800-strong van fleet.

The “Pharmavan” was developed to keep sensitive pharmaceuticals at the correct, ambient temperature during delivery around Britain. Ford provided AAH with a special air-conditioned load area in a long-wheelbase Ford Transit 300.

Geoff Wright, head of corporate services for AAH, said: “Most pharmaceutical products have to be kept at a steady ambient temperature. Using a fully refrigerated vehicle with dual compartments for this role comes at a high price, including increased fuel consumption, running costs and CO2 emissions.

“When the temperature in the Pharmavan’s load bay dips below 10 deg C, the heat kicks in independently of the driver. When it nears 25 degrees, the air-conditioning brings the temperature down. The system is only in use when required making it extremely cost-efficient and easy to operate.”

Alphonso Cain, Ford fleet business manager, said: “AAH has been a Ford customer since the Transit van arrived 46 years ago, so it’s pleasing to help the company in this way. The “Pharmavan” is the perfect bespoke solution for AAH, which will provide the company great cost savings in the coming years.”

3/04/12

Product Debut in Hyderabad: Daimler Unveils the New Trucks for India by the BharatBenz Brand






  • Daimler’s Indian subsidiary presents the first light- to heavy-duty BharatBenz trucks for India
  • Market introduction of the first models starting in the third quarter of 2012
  • Product portfolio will include 17 truck variants by 2014
Daimler had already granted a glimpse of the new BharatBenz heavy-duty truck at the sneak preview event held in New Delhi in January. Today, Daimler’s Indian subsidiary Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) is being joined by future customers, dealers, and media representatives to celebrate the beginning of a special six-day premiere in India’s fifth-largest city, Hyderabad. The great attractions are the first light- to heavy-duty BharatBenz trucks weighing 9 to 49 tonnes GVW. Starting already in the third quarter of this year, DICV will offer the first BharatBenz trucks on the Indian market. The complete range of 17 commercial vehicles by the new Daimler brand will be available by 2014. This will enable DICV to meet the growing demand for state-of-the-art vehicles in India’s volume segment. At more than 300,000 units, this segment was one of the world’s top three truck markets in 2011.
Commenting on the product premiere, Andreas Renschler, the Daimler Board of Management Member responsible for Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses, underscores the importance of the modern domestic segment in India. “India’s volume segment promises considerable growth accompanied by a rise in customer expectations,” Renschler said. “Our Global Excellence Strategy is bearing fruit here. Using existing truck platforms as a basis, we developed new products specifically for the Indian market, which are also manufactured and sold here in India. Like all Daimler commercial vehicles, BharatBenz trucks will fulfill customers’ expectations with regard to quality, reliability, and efficiency.”
Marc Llistosella, CEO and Managing Director of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, emphasized the following at the product presentation: “Today’s presentation of BharatBenz products is a significant moment for us. Following a long development phase and over 4.5 million kilometers of testing at our Oragadam proving grounds, we are more than ready to conquer the Indian market. The fact that Daimler is offering a brand for the Indian market shows how important this region is for us. We are investing 44 billion rupees (around €700 million) into highly modern development and production facilities, thus demonstrating our commitment to this fascinating country.”
Global truck platforms tailored to India’s volume segment
The BharatBenz product range includes light-, medium-, and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The BharatBenz heavy-duty truck is built on the Mercedes-Benz Axor platform, while the light- and medium-duty trucks are based on the Fuso Canter series. BharatBenz products provide customers with a competitive total cost of ownership, as demonstrated by the vehicles’ great fuel efficiency, long lifespans and service intervals, and great value-for-money.
Trucks “Made in India” at the Oragadam plant
The light-, medium-, and heavy-duty range of BharatBenz commercial vehicles will be manufactured at the new plant in Oragadam near Chennai in Southern India. The 160-hectare facility will be put into operation in a few weeks, and production trials of engines and transmissions have already begun. Although the plant’s production capacity will initially be 36,000 units per year, it can be ramped up to 70,000 units. To manufacture the trucks, DICV is utilizing the capabilities of India’s supplier industry. DICV is currently working together with more than 450 supplier companies, and future BharatBenz trucks will have a localization rate of 85 percent.
Dealership network encompasses all of India
In cooperation with local car and commercial vehicle dealers, DICV has built up a nationwide retail network that will encompass around 70 locations by the end of the year. The dealerships were subject to strict quality and due diligence tests. The retail network will be expanded to more than 100 dealerships by 2014.
About Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, which is based in Stuttgart, Germany. DCIV will produce light-, medium-, and heavy-duty commercial vehicles for the Indian volume market, starting this year. The products will be customized to serve all major customer segments, ranging from owner-operators to large fleet customers. The company, which currently has 1,200 employees, also handles marketing, sales, and aftersales of Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks in India.

3/03/12

DSFK Loadhopper Review & Buyers' Guide 2012


For full details go to http://www.vansa2z.com/DFSK-Loadhopper-Review-Buyers-Guide.

A range of microvans and mini trucks from Chinese manufacturer DFSK, including a van, single or double cab dropside pick-up and a three-way tipper...

3/02/12

2012 Ram C/V: The Van-Made Business


Ram Trucks rewarded one small business owner with the first official test drive of the new Ram C/V — customized especially for his unique mobile business needs. Watch as "The Bike Doctor" takes the pulse of the capability and versatility of the Ram C/V — the perfect prescription for any small business. www.ramtrucks.com