4/30/12

4/29/12

Motiv Power Systems Battery-Electric Truck



Motiv Power Systems Secures $1.16 Million California Energy Commission Grant, Demos New Battery-Electric Truck at Work Truck Show in Indianapolis
Motiv electric truck utilizes traditional diesel truck assembly line infrastructure to accelerate EV adoption

San Francisco, CA - February 28, 2012
Motiv Power Systems, an innovator in electric vehicle (EV) powertrains for commercial trucks announced today the California Energy Commission (CEC) granted the company $1.16 million for an assembly line pilot run of four electric truck chassis in partnership with Detroit Chassis, LLC. The grant will further validate Motiv’s Electric Powertrain Control System (ePCS), which provides a 100-mile range and whose total cost of ownership is approximately 50% less than a diesel powertrain over an 8 year period. The company’s new demonstration shuttle bus will be available for test drives at the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive event at the Work Truck Show and Green Truck Summit, March 6-9 in Indianapolis, IN (booth #5666).

“A ‘mix and match’ design is the future of the electric truck and we are thrilled to show the commercial trucking industry how ours works,” said Jim Castelaz, Founder and CEO of Motiv Power Systems. “Our ePCS design accommodates a wide variety of off-the-shelf batteries and components, allowing EV designers and truck chassis builders the flexibility to combine various components to meet a range of specifications without designing a new powertrain from scratch.”

Rather than offer a single electric truck model with limited component selection, Motiv’s ePCS works with a wide range of batteries and motors. This flexibility allows fleets to choose their battery vendors as well as vehicle range and power. Through its intelligent software control algorithms, Motiv’s ePCS actively manages power flow between all electrical components in the vehicle. It also captures and wirelessly broadcasts data to the Motiv “cloud” for monitoring and analysis. Factors such as battery charge, vehicle status and health provide detailed real-time analytics to support fleet operators in preventive service maintenance.

“Vehicle fleet owners view electric vehicles as a way to reduce both their carbon emissions and their operating cost,” said John Formisano, Motiv Advisory Board Member and Chairman of CALSTART, a member supported organization dedicated to supporting a growing high-tech, clean transportation industry. “High capital costs are often cited as the barrier to EV adoption. But Motiv’s technology enables component flexibility and holds the potential to reduce the costs of EVs and allow electric trucks to become more mainstream.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Motiv on their electric truck chassis”, said Michael Guthrie, CEO and President of Detroit Chassis. “Motiv’s approach enables chassis builders to incorporate electric trucks into their portfolio and integrate them into their current assembly processes.”

ABOUT MOTIV POWER SYSTEMS
Founded in 2009, Motiv Power Systems designs and builds a flexible electric Powertrain Control System (ePCS) for the commercial electric truck. Motiv’s ePCS works with a wide variety of batteries and motors. This flexibility allows traditional truck chassis builders to assemble custom electric chassis on their current diesel truck assembly lines. Electric trucks equipped with Motiv’s ePCS can offer over 100 miles range and a total cost of ownership 50% less than a diesel truck over an 8 year period. Motiv’s ePCS is available for commercial trucks, shuttle buses and delivery vehicles.

ABOUT DETROIT CHASSIS
Detroit Chassis, LLC is a subsidiary of Spectra LLC, a concept to customer provider of niche vehicle manufacturing solutions owned by Michael and Carlton Guthrie. Spectra also owns Magnys LLC, a provider of process and manufacturing engineering services, and Detroit Custom Chassis, a low floor shuttle and transit bus chassis builder.

4/28/12

RAM Social Media Truck at the 2012 New York Auto Show


Here's a quick look at the RAM Social Media Truck at the New York International Auto Show. With touch screens in the windows and other cool gadgets, this unique concept vehicle was prepared by RAM to a provide a platform where show guests could interact with their social media feeds -- and to support two RAM partners, Covenant House and K.I.D.S -- Kids in Distressed Situations. Some 2000 RAM plush toys in the RAM Social Truck's bed were distributed to children in need.

4/27/12

New 2012 FUSO Canter Walk Around


Leighton Good describes the many features of the new 2012 FUSO Canter commercial work truck...a medium duty truck with advanced drivetrain and emissions technology offers lower cost of ownership. To see more about Fuso Trucks, go to http://www.mitfuso.com/en-US

4/26/12

4/25/12

Top Five Things You Need To Know About CNG - Compressed Natural Gas


CNG - Compressed Natural Gas represents economic growth and a cleaner environment for our country. Make sure you know the basics on this plentiful and cost effective energy source. http://baftechnologies.com/products/

4/24/12

VWerks and Venchurs Partnership


PT explains how VWerks a division of Venchurs Vehicle Systems can build tricked out rides, as well as the latest in fuel technology. See more at http://www.vvwerks.com and http://venchursCNG.com

VMAC's Raptair 60 CFM Diesel Drive Customer Testimonial


After using the Raptair stand-alone 60CFM diesel drive air compressor for over a year, Kade Van Shaik of Highway Tire in Nanaimo, BC, had a lot to say about the efficiency, fuel savings and compact power of VMAC's newest innovative air compressor system.

See more at www.release-the-beast.com

4/23/12

Odyne Advanced Hybrid System Overview


In this video, Odyne introduces a variety of new trucks with Hybrid capabilities. See more about Odyne Hybrid Power at www.odyne.com

4/22/12

Zip's Smart Body Is An Interesting New Idea In Truck Bodies









While doing our annual pilgrimage to the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, I ran across a very interesting design of truck boxes that accommodate a wide variety of items and maintains a low profile so that the rear visibility is not hampered. The lids open like a gull wing and show off a large area that comes with some dividers to manage items effectively. As one photo shows, this makes perfect sense with a gooseneck flatbed with two boxes installed at the front of the bed, while the double box version is much more like a service body.

The boxes are a deep 34" and have a combination of shelving and dividers. Since this is a modular concept, the boxes are available individually and can be shipped around the country. They also offer a 24" cross frame Tunnel Box as shown in the last photo. I think this box is great looking and could be used in so many different ways.

Here's a blurb from their brochure: "Zip's Truck Equipment introduces a completely customizable SMART modular service body designed to meet all the needs of your unique customers.

Customized and clever storage compartments allow your customers to build for their exact needs. Improve the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of their business, and the business of your customers."

If you're interested in learning more about Zip's Smart Body or becoming a distributor of this one-of-a-kind product line, contact Zip's Truck Equipment at 800-222-6047. Though I couldn't find anything on their website about this product line, you can see what other things Zip's Truck Equipment does by visiting www.zips.com.

4/21/12

Welder Body with Lots Of Drawers In Horizontal Compartment


This is very unusual to see six HD drawers in the horizontal compartment in this welders body. They are more common in the verticle compartments, but I love it this way because it is like everything being counter high and easy to get at. Then these drawers are set up with dividers to allow for the storage of a variety of small parts.  The six 3" roll out drawers have 20 compartments each, totaling 120 divided compartments for fittings, terminals or other small parts. Easy to organize and easy to access and retrieve your parts. The side by side drawers allow for access to many parts at the same time.

The drawers lock into place individually and are secured by the outside horizontal door. Notice the heavy duty bumper with the pintle hook, the chain loops and the square receiver for a trailer ball. The rear mounted handles allow for entry into the bed area. Notice the vice bracket mounted on the passenger side.

Call Inside Sales at Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452 and visit their website at www.htbi.net.

4/20/12

The Glass Racking Company 2.4M x 1.65M Double Side Tray deck Glass rack


2.4M long x 1.65M High Double Side Glass rack, one side featuring our height adjustable system, Four glass retention poles per side with non-marking sliding blocks and scissor clamps. See more at www.theglassrackingcompany.com

4/19/12

Titan Leaf Solutions


The Titan Leaf Solutions line of industrial leaf vacuums. Titan Leaf Pro, Pro Plus, RCH, Spartan Pro Self Contained, Spartan Pro Plus, Leaf Box, Leaf Cap and Chipper Cap.

4/18/12

Snow & Ice Control Unit Walk-Through From Bonnell Industries


At Commercial Truck Success, we are always looking for a good video of a product, and this is a perfect example of a great walk-through on a truck body job. It's not a spiffy massively edited commercial, but just a great walk through talking about all the interesting features. Great job!

This is Ed Campbell, National Sales Manager for Bonnell Industries, Inc. of Dixon, IL, manufacturer of Truck and Road Equipment. He is telling us about this 7400 International with a dump body, a U-696 Stainless Steel Spreader with a Varitech Prewet System. It is interesting to note the double-loomed wiring harness and how it is routed inside the frame, along with the hydraulic fittings running through a bulkhead, as well as all of these parts having their own part numbers and are available for replacement quickly using the supplied parts manual.

This truck also sports an 11' mid-mount wing plow with a rubber cutting edge and specially designed HD assembly. At the front, there is a HD frame and hitch and it is all managed with ease from the cab via a Force America joystick controller.

See much more about Truck and Road Equipment at the Bonnell Industries website at www.Bonnell.com, or call them at 800-851-9664.

4/17/12

AMT now available in Isuzu F-Series

In 2009 Isuzu Trucks SA was the first OEM to introduce the Automated Manual Transmission to the South African truck market in the MCV segment of the truck market. This was introduced on selected N-Series MCV models. To date this has been a great success with many fleets now standardizing on these models with AMT. The resulting sales speak for themselves, in models where the AMT and manual option are both available, 50% of these models are sold with the AMT option.
On a Smoother AMT model, the driver does not use a clutch pedal when pulling away, changing gears or stopping; he/she uses only the gearshift lever, accelerator pedal and brake pedal.
This innovation saves operators thousands of rand each year.
Based on a manual transmission, such advanced technologies as wet-type multiple disc clutch and fluid coupling have been introduced to achieve an easy-drive system suitable for commercial vehicles at a low price. In addition, use of an electromagnetic solenoid valve-type gear shift unit enables both computer-controlled automatic transmission and manual transmission.
This feature allows the driver to drive the truck in the automated mode, or in the manual mode without having to operate the clutch, thus eliminating the risk of abuse.
This industry first from Isuzu Trucks will soon to be available in the F-series range, which will now give the fleet owner the same advantages and benefits that have been experienced with the N-Series range over the past few years.
Over the course of a trucks life, especially in our high traffic inner city delivery applications, the clutch may need to be replaced between 5 to 8 times, model dependent. This comes at a substantial cost, which with the AMT option then becomes a saving.
With the AMT, the transmission is manual but the shifting mechanism that changes the gears is electronically controlled. There is no driver operated clutch, which takes away the risk of any driver abuse. The truck is always in the right gear, at the right time. No more expensive clutch replacements.
With AMT, Isuzu Trucks brings to market a truck which retains performance, durability and fuel economy usually associated with a manual transmission. This truck is so easy to drive that the driver is able to completely focus on the road.
The F-Series AMT has a 6 speed transmission, with features such as Hillside Assist for pull off on a step gradient when the truck is at full GVM.
Also available now in the FSR 750 AMT Crew Cab, this truck seats 7 passengers in the spacious cab which is ideal for application that require crew to accompany the load.
The AMT is available in the N-Series and F-Series in the following model derivatives – NPR 300, NPR 400, NPR 400 Crew Cab and NQR 500, FSR 750 Crew Cab, FSR 800 and FTR 850.
To add to this model line up the AMT option will be introduced on the FRR 500 in the 3rd quarter of 2012.

4/16/12

Isuzu Truck builds up its business on the Isle of Man


 


Over the past 12 months, commercial vehicle manufacturer Isuzu Truck UK has established a strong foothold on the Isle of Man, following the appointment in 2010 of B&C Engineering Ltd as its main dealer on the island. The latest two Isuzu rigid vehicles, operating out of Douglas, have recently gone into service within a 10-strong vehicle fleet at well-established Manx building company Norman Cowin Ltd.

The two-vehicle order from Cowin’s required an Isuzu N75.190 7.5 tonne tipper for general building work, and an Isuzu F180.300 18 tonne rigid, the latter being specified with a hook-loader body and equipped with a crane mounted immediately behind the cab.


Having taken delivery of its first ever Isuzu trucks, Mike Cowin from Norman Cowin Ltd said, “We have always thought that Isuzu had a good reputation for reliability and payload, however their rise to prominence on the island in recent times prompted us to take a much closer look, when the time came to change two vehicles within our fleet.”

Mike Cowin continues, “We believe that these two new Isuzus will give us excellent long-term service. The 3-year standard unlimited mileage warranty on both vehicles was a key factor in the decision to switch from our incumbent truck suppliers to Isuzu. Also, it has to be said that, during the vehicle acquisition negotiations, the service we’ve received from B&C Engineering has been excellent and with great attention to detail.”

The Isuzu 7.5tonne tipper is being used for the collection and removal of materials for various sites being developed by Cowin’s. The drivers find that the vehicle’s overall compact footprint enables them to easily access many of the smaller sites on which they are working. In the meantime, the larger Isuzu 18 tonne hook loader is being used for transporting and uploading heavy items such as machinery, scaffolding, mini diggers and pumps, as well as general skip loading work all over the island.

“Without doubt, the well renowned advantages of the Isuzu truck range, in terms of payload, reliability and versatility, are attracting the interest of transport operators on the Isle of Man. We believe the decision we made in 2010 to be the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to appoint a full sales, service and parts dealership on the island is now paying dividends,“ said Keith Child, marketing director at 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

4/15/12

Harbor 12' Flatbed With Some Sweet Storage Boxes



This is a Harbor Truck Bodies Flatbed with some great and large storage boxes headboard high mounted at the headboard leaving the majority of the bed for transient gear. This Harbor manufactured flatbed has a wood deck and these boxes have a unique full-size door and has a lot of shelving space to carry plenty of tools and other gear where ever it needs to go.

Visit Harbor's website at http://www.htbi.net and call Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452.

4/14/12

Cutaway Walkaround - 2012 NTEA Work Truck Show


Join RAM Truck Brand Director, Robert Hegbloom, as he explains the all-new Cutaway configuration for RAM Trucks. Check out all the gritty details at ramzone.com and don't forget to check us out on Facebook -- http://facebook.com/ramtrucks!

4/13/12

RAM 2500 CNG Walkaround


Join the RAM Team as they walk through the new RAM 2500 CNG Truck at the NTEA Work Truck Show. Want to learn more? Visit us on Facebook - http://facebook.com/ramtrucks or at ramzone.com for more info on what's new from RAM Trucks.

4/12/12

NTEA Announces Work Truck Show Dates in Indianapolis through 2016

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI (April 12, 2012) — On the heels of two back-to-back record-breaking events in 2011 and 2012, NTEA has committed to holding The Work Truck Show® at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN, through 2016.

“Indianapolis has been a fabulous venue for The Work Truck Show,” says Steve Carey, NTEA executive director. “We have broken records every year we’ve held the show there. Based on our excellent experiences over the last two years and positive feedback from members, exhibitors and attendees, the NTEA Board of Trustees has committed to holding the event at the Indiana Convention Center at least through 2016.”

The Work Truck Show is North America’s largest work truck event. Produced annually by NTEA, the association for the work truck industry, it encompasses a show floor of more than 500,000 square feet, more than 60 educational and technical training sessions, the Green Truck Summit and the Annual NTEA Convention. The Work Truck Show 2012 was held at the Indiana Convention Center in March. It was the biggest work truck event in history, with 563 exhibitors and more than 10,400 attendees.

The Work Truck Show has rotated among cities since its debut in 2000. This was the first year the show was held in the same city back to back. The Show previously took place in Indianapolis in 2005 and 2007. It broke earlier attendance records both of those years, as well.
The Work Truck Show 2013 will be held March 6-8, 2013, with educational programming, including the Green Truck Summit, starting March 5. Online registration opens at NTEA.com in October.

           
The Work Truck Show 2014 runs March 4-7. The Work Truck Show 2015 runs March 3-6. The Work Truck Show 2016 takes place March 1-4.

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.

Upfitting RAM at the 2012 NTEA Work Truck Show


RAM continues to build momentum by listening to manufacturer's requests. Watch as RAM's customers weigh in on the ability to Upfit RAM trucks. What benefits can RAM provide you? Tell us on Facebook - http://facebook.com/ramtrucks or check out ramzone.com!

4/11/12

Lo-Pro WorkMaster Goes Where You Need It To Go


The Harbor Lo-Pro WorkMaster on a SRW Cut-Away

The Harbor WorkMaster is a Service Body with a roof and additional useful features. Available in a 10' (10' 4") for the single rear wheel cutaway chassis, perfect plumbers or HVAC truck, and is also useful in any number of different professions such as remodeling, mobile mechanic, locksmith, and other service industry uses to name a few. If you could use a truck that has storage for tools and parts and want a space that you can stand up in and is enclosed to do your work in or keep larger items out of the weather and public view, the WorkMaster is your truck.

Interior Ladder Rack keeps them out of sight. Standard with Rear Grab Handles, Interior Dome Lamp and a Rear Access Panel that is flush with the first shelf to handle occasional longer cargo. The Master Lock System is standard. A Florescent upgrade package is available.

See more beautiful hard working Harbor bodies at our website at http://www.htbi.net or give us a call at 800-433-9452.

4/10/12

Freightliner's CNG Trucks - Natural Gas Case Study


Freightliner's natural gas trucks are changing the way fleets do business by saving them money. See how one business took the CNG leap and saved money. See more about what Freightliner is doing at www.Freightlinertrucks.com

4/09/12

Nissan NV200 - Taxi Cab of Tomorrow - Full Detail Video


Note: This video has no sound, except for a 2 second horn honk, but it shows such great detail on the new NV200 Nissan Commercial Van used as a taxi. Coming soon to a Nissan dealer near you.

Watch a detailed video of how Nissan has designed a purpose-build Taxi from it new NV200 compact city van. This clever vehicle includes everything that both a Taxi driver and passenger would ever want in the Taxi of tomorrow.

4/08/12

HS 300 Rear Obstacle Detection - Hindsight 20-20


Mike goes over the HS 300 Obstacle detection system from Hindsight 20-20. This offers a great solution for commerical truck customers to focus on the mirrors and listen to this device in order to avoid colllision with obstacles while in reverse.

See more at http://www.hindsight20-20.com or call 800-326-6949 for more information.

4/07/12

Torklift International's SuperHitch Everest


Proudly made in the USA Lifetime Warranty Unmatched Safety Only system in the WORLD with: Highest weight capacity available Hydraulic Spring Bar Tension Assist Adjustable Chain Slide Collars

For more information on the SuperHitch Everest: http://www.torklift.com/t.php?w_page=everest

For information on how weight distribution systems work: http://www.torklift.com/t.php?w_page=weight

4/06/12

Get Behind the Wheel of a CNG Powered Work Truck Courtesy of Venchurs Vehicle Systems





Venchurs Vehicle Systems (VVS) will be participating in Encana’s ride and drive experience on April 12, where Bi-Fuel and CNG Dedicated demo trucks will be offered to fleet managers for short term testing.

Adrian, MI (March, 2012) – Venchurs Vehicle Systems, a Ford QVM for CNG conversions, will be joining Encana, one of the leading energy producers in North America, at their Natural Gas Fueling Solutions Experience in Shreveport, La. on April 12, where fleet buyers will have the opportunity to test a CNG Ford truck during the ride and drive portion of the event. VVS will also be exhibiting to promote the compressed natural gas fuel solution and to host a demo unit sign up.

“Encana has a long history of developing resources and promoting natural fuel solutions,” says Jeff Wyatt, CEO of Venchurs. “It’s an honor to work closely with them on this goal of expanding the compressed natural gas infrastructure in this country.”

VVS offers both Bi-Fuel and CNG dedicated conversions for Ford F-250/350 trucks as a QVM (qualified vehicle modifier). With unmatched technology and unparalleled customer support and service, Venchurs offers the ultimate solution for fleets wanting CNG light trucks. Because Venchurs is a QVM, the original Ford warranty stays intact, the conversions can be financed through Ford Credit and standard Ford Diagnostic Equipment can service the vehicles.

Compressed natural gas has been gaining momentum for a variety of reasons including lower fuel and maintenance costs, fewer emissions, a reduced dependency of foreign oil and a higher safety rating. The Bi-Fuel system which allows for a seamless, “on-the-fly” switching of the fuel supply and offers a total fuel range of up to 650 miles is a great solution for fleet managers.

One of the biggest concerns plaguing fleet owners when considering the switch to CNG is loss of performance. With the VVS system the change in performance is minuscule and to demonstrate the performance capabilities, Venchurs has put together the largest fleet of demos available by any QVM for fleet managers. Buyers who would like to test a unit before making a commitment are welcome to sign up for a short term truck loan.

“We are leading the way in demo unit availability, and we think that’s very important,” says Terry Karges, VP of Sales and Marketing for VVS. “We’re confident that once fleet managers have tested our systems, they’ll place orders. We do, however, understand that converting to CNG is a big decision, and want buyers to have the reassurance of testing a unit before making a commitment.”

For additional information, please visit www.VenchursCNG.com or call 855-264-4300.


About VENCHURS

Venchurs Inc., located in Adrian, Michigan, has been serving the automotive OEM and aftermarket industries for more than 30 years, specializing in kit-packaging, order management, and service based logistics as a successful minority owned business. Combining employee longevity with industry experience, Venchurs provides high quality products and exceptional customer service. Their newest division, Venchurs Vehicle Systems manages, develops and markets specialty vehicle assembly and sales programs, and is now certified as an official Qualified Vehicle Modifier for Ford. For more information visit www.Venchurs.com or www.VenchursVehicles.com.

4/05/12

BOLT @ The 2012 NTEA Work Truck Show, Indianapolis, Indiana


Strattec Sales Manager Erika Garcia previews the features and benefits of the new Padlock 2.0 from BOLT. For more information, please visit www.bloltlock.com or call 877-251-8798.

4/04/12

A.R.E. Introduces The Toolmaster Series


New Fiberglass Commercial Cap Features Steel Toolboxes, Roof Rack

MASSILLON, Ohio – Leading truck cap manufacturer A.R.E. offers commercial customers a new fiberglass truck cap called the ToolMaster Series, which is available for all current model trucks.

The ToolMaster Series is a rugged truck cap featuring heavy duty doors, two steel toolboxes each with a 120-pound weight capacity, and a commercial-grade Prime Design AluRack roof rack with a ladder rack roller. Side and rear doors with aluminum inserts for privacy and security also come standard on the ToolMaster Series.

“Today’s commercial users need a truck cap solution that is durable enough to stand up to elements in the field, but that also looks good when meeting with current and potential clients,” said Jim Blayne, Commercial/Fleet Division Sales Manager, A.R.E. “Our ToolMaster Series delivers the best of both worlds thanks to its fiberglass construction, which is strong yet stylish. And the additional features, such as the over-the-cab AluRack, allow for easy material handling and removal on the job site.”

A.R.E. also offers optional accessories for the ToolMaster Series, including Kargo Master bed mounted racks, BedSlide rolling drawer systems, AluRack locking ladder attachments, and interior lighting and carpeting.

The ToolMaster Series comes with a three-year warranty on materials and workmanship. To check availability for your truck, visit www.4are.com/fleet.

A.R.E. began manufacturing aluminum frame truck caps in 1969. Since then, the company has become a leading manufacturer of fiberglass truck caps and hard tonneau covers, ands boasts more than 600 employees at its ISO-9001:2008-certified manufacturing facilities. They have a network of more than 600 independent authorized dealers. For more information, contact A.R.E. at 400 Nave Rd. S.E., P.O. Box 1100, Massillon, OH 44648, email fleetsales@4are.com, call 330.232.1757 or visit www.4are.com/fleet.

4/03/12

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

4/02/12

4/01/12

Green Motoring: Clean CIties Lansing, MI Hybrid School Buses


MotorWeek's Clean Cities Success Story takes place in Lansing, Michigan where the state's first hybrid-electric school buses are making for a greener learning experience