5/31/12

Inside Cummins: This Is Beijing Foton Cummins Engine Company


The Beijing Foton Cummins Engine Company (BFCEC) plant is the newest and most advanced Cummins engine plant to date. With a capacity of 400,000 engines per year, BFCEC delivers engines worldwide and is home to the F series automotive and industrial engines. www.cummins.com

5/30/12

Ram Truck Lineup from CIAS 2012 Autoshow


Take a look at the 2012 Ram Truck lineup with Jason Francis, Head of Product Strategy & Volume Planning for Chrysler Canada. Starting with the Ram 1500, the 2012 Truck King Challenge winner, moving through the 2500 Power Wagon, the most capable off-road full-size pickup truck in Canada and the Ram 3500 Heavy-Duty Diesel- you'll see what's new for 2012 and why Ram Trucks are Canada's longest lasting line of pickup trucks. See much more about Ram Trucks in Canada at www.ramtruck.ca/en/

5/29/12

Knapheide Service Body Transformation


See the story of how a contractor goes from working out of a pick up truck with a toolbox to working out of a Knapheide Service Body. www.Knapheide.com

5/28/12

Sean Casey's Cummins-Powered Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV2) Prepped fo...


Filmmaker and professional storm chaser Sean Casey was set to start work on the sequel to his IMAX film "Tornado Alley" when a chance meeting with a Cummins representative led to a partnership to prepare the Tornado Intercept Vehicle known as TIV2 for the adventure. Cummins took TIV 2 in for repairs during the month of April 2012. This video provides an overview of TIV 2, "The Dog House," and Sean's work on his movie and a National Science Foundation project to probe the inner workings of tornadoes

5/27/12

MAXON BMRA-55 5,500lb, 84"X86" Aluminum Platform +16" Aluminum Retention...


The BMR•A Series represents re-engineering from the ground up, using sophisticated computer 3D solid modeling, testing and analysis to optimize every single detail. From a simplified installation procedure to the technological advances made on switches, arms, assemblies, harnesses, connections, sleeves, lights, bars, rollers, guides and more — including the platform itself — our BMR•A Series has been through a rigorous development process and quality control to provide long-lasting performance. See more at www.maxonlift.com

5/25/12

14th Kirkby Stephen Easter Classic Commercial Vehicle Rally 2012


Every Easter Saturday & Sunday the Classic Commercial Vehicle Rally takes place, situated at both Kirkby Stephen & Brough in Cumbria this free event offers the family a great day out!

Take a free ride on a Classic Coach 'make a donation if you wish', view the classic vehicles on display at both Kirkby Stephen & Brough including classic lorries, buses, cars, vans, bicycles, coaches, fire engines etc.

At Kirkby Stephen perhaps visit the numerous craft stalls, an open air market, The Stainmore Railway, The Mountain Rescue Centre or the local shops, all of which are vying for your attention. Four miles away at Brough visit the Auto-jumble Stalls, Antiques Stalls & Garage Sales of household items & even home-made cooking all of which help to compliment this great day out.

5/24/12

FedEx Closes in on Vehicle Fleet Fuel Efficiency Goal Years Ahead of Schedule

Twenty Percent of FedEx Express Vehicle Pickup and Delivery Fleet Already Converted To Cleaner and More Fuel-Efficient Models


MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 16, 2012—FedEx Express, a unit of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), has made significant progress towards its goal to make its vehicle fleet 20 percent more fuel efficient by 2020, announcing today that the FedEx Express vehicle fleet is now 16.6 percent more fuel efficient through FY2011 than it was in 2005. Twenty percent of the FedEx Express diesel vehicle pickup and delivery fleet has already been converted to more efficient and cleaner emission models that comply with 2010 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency diesel emission standards.

“Although we are less than halfway to the end date we set for ourselves, we have achieved 80 percent of our vehicle fuel efficiency goal as of the conclusion of fiscal year 2011, compared to our original baseline set in 2005,” said Mitch Jackson, staff vice president of environmental affairs and sustainability, FedEx Corp. “As a result, we are reevaluating our 2020 goal to potentially raise the standard we originally set out to achieve.”

“Thanks to this team effort, we have converted 20 percent of our pickup and delivery fleet to cleaner and more fuel efficient models,” said Dennis Beal, vice president of global vehicles, FedEx Express. “By pursuing the most promising avenues of advanced technologies, enlisting multiple experienced manufacturers and optimizing our vehicle operations, FedEx is reducing fuel use and emissions faster than expected.”

The company’s significant progress is the result of a number of initiatives:

• Upcoming addition of 87 all-electric trucks to its green fleet bringing the all-electric vehicle count to 130.
• Acceleration of its efforts in fuel conservation through the purchase of vehicles with right-sized engines like the Sprinter vans manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. By the end of FY13, FedEx will have more than 11,000 such vehicles in service, more than 35 percent of its U.S. pick-up and delivery fleet. Each Sprinter-type van is about 70 to 100 percent more fuel-efficient than the original truck it replaces.
• Addition of 114 Reach composite-body trucks manufactured from advanced materials by Utilimaster on an Isuzu Motors chassis with an appropriately-sized engine. The lower weight design, along with the engine, is expected to save up to 35 percent in fuel over most conventional walk-in vans.
• Testing of FedEx Ground hybrid hydraulic parcel delivery vehicles that can reduce fuel usage by 40 percent.
• Testing of six standard delivery vehicles retrofitted with all-electric drivetrains from various suppliers, including AMP, Smith Electric and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation.

The electric truck initiative is aimed not only at improving FedEx fleet efficiency, but also in accelerating the development of all-electric trucks that could compete favorably with traditional vehicles for all users. “While we naturally want to improve performance and reduce costs for FedEx, we also want to see all-electric trucks become more affordable and reliable for everyone from your local pizza parlor to other small businesses that deliver,” said Jackson. “This is a strategy for reducing reliance on petroleum-based fuels in a much faster, more inclusive and impactful way.”

FedEx chairman and CEO Frederick W. Smith is co-chair of the organization Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE). He has long been focused on the use of domestic fuel sources, including electricity, to power urban vehicles in the United States.

The new FedEx all-electric (EV) vehicles are being deployed in the next few months in numerous locations which include California (the San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and the Central Valley); suburban Washington, D.C. (Rockville, M.D.); New York City and several locations in Texas. In Chicago, FedEx is testing electric trucks from several manufacturers head-to-head in daily service to accelerate the development of the vehicles and the EV industry.

Additional all-electric trucks are being prepared for deployment in Asia and Europe, where FedEx Express currently operates all-electric trucks in London and Paris.

Fleet users present an added advantage for all-electric technology, since electric trucks can operate during the day and charge overnight when utilities have spare capacity. FedEx Express is currently working with General Electric and Columbia University on a project in New York City to optimize charging facilities for all-electric trucks.

“Electric drivelines have a tremendous potential, and we are seeing the benefits of integrating them into our fleet, but the technology is still in the early phase of the development cycle,” added Beal. “That’s why we are aggressively working with several truck manufacturers to fast-forward their products’ performance curve and affordability.”

About FedEx FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $42 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 300,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.

5/23/12

Commercial Vehicle Show 2012 - Isuzu stand & Isuzu D-Max review


Take a virtual walk-round of the Isuzu Pick-ups stand at the 2112 CV Show, interviews with Managing Director Paul Tunnicliffe, General Manager William Brown and Marketing Manager Nicola Green.

5/22/12

Ford - Commercial Vehicle Show 2012


For full details go to http://www.vansa2z.com/Transit-Custom-Van-stars-at-CV-Show-2012 The UK's 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show was a huge success, thanks in no small part to Ford. It chose the event, held at the Birmingham NEC, as the platform for the global unveiling of its next generation Transit Van; the Custom.

5/21/12

Using Various Crane Mounts - Spitz Lift


Michael goes over the different crane mounts available from Spitz Lift cranes at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. See more at http://www.spitzlift.com.

5/20/12

2012 Green Truck Summit


The annual Green Truck Summit provides practical, real-world information on green technologies and fuels to work truck professionals. Mark your calendar for the Green Truck Summit 2013! March 5-6, 2013 at the Indiana Convention Center (Indianapolis, IN). Produced by the NTEA and CALSTART.

5/19/12

Weather Guard Storage Solutions - NTEA Show 2012


Jeff Kotz goes over some great storage solutions available from Weather Guard. This was shot at the NTEA show in Indianapolis March 2012. See more at http://www.weatherguard.com

5/17/12

SHIP-THRU AVAILABLE FOR ISUZU

New Process Offers Expedited Conversions and Modifications of
Gasoline-Powered NPR-HD Single Cab Models

Anaheim, CAIsuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA), distributor of America’s best-selling low-cab-forward trucks, announced today a new process that will enable Isuzu dealers to more quickly convert or modify gasoline-powered NPR-HD (14,500-lb. GVWR) trucks for their customers.

When placing orders for new trucks, Isuzu dealers can select a ship-thru option to indicate that they have arranged to have the trucks modified at one of two independent modification centers near the trucks’ Charlotte, Michigan assembly plant. Following the modification, the center will return the trucks to ICTA, which will then transport them to the dealers that ordered the units. This new process will eliminate unnecessary dealer-incurred transportation expenses and will shorten the amount of time necessary to obtain alternative fuel conversions and certain other types of other modifications.

ICTA made the announcement at the Alternative Clean Transportation Expo in Long Beach, California.

Utilimaster, Inc., offers CNG/LPG alternative fuel conversions and other modifications for Isuzu trucks to dealers and customers at a modification facility located on the Spartan Motors, Inc., campus in Charlotte, Michigan. IMPCO Technologies, Inc., offers CNG alternative fuel conversions at the IMPCO modification facility in Union City, Indiana.

“This ship-thru option simplifies the movement of a completed truck from the Charlotte port to a near-plant modification center and finally back into the Isuzu logistics flow.” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “This can provide substantial cost savings for our dealers that require truck modifications not offered by Isuzu.”
 

About Isuzu
Isuzu Motors Limited 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., 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 www.isuzucv.com.

About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR; www.spartanmotors.com), designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles and truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the RV, emergency-rescue, defense, delivery and service markets. The company’s brand names—SpartanTM, Crimson FireTM, Crimson Fire AerialsTM, Road RescueTM and Utilimaster®—are  known for quality, value, service and being the first to market with innovative products. The company employs approximately 1,600 people at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Indiana and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $430 million in 2009 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis.

About IMPCO Automotive
IMPCO Technologies is a global leader in the heavy duty, industrial, power generation and stationary engines sectors. IMPCO’s components and systems control the pressure and flow of gaseous alternative fuels, such as propane and natural gas, used in internal combustion engines. These components and systems feature the Company’s advanced fuel system technologies, which improve efficiency, enhance power output and reduce emissions by electronically sensing and regulating the proper proportion of fuel and air required by the internal combustion engine. In addition to the components and systems, the Company provides engineering and systems integration services to address unique customer requirements for performance, durability and configuration. 

5/16/12

Growth in the vans sector: New Mercedes-Benz Citan celebrates its world premiere


  • The Citan rounds out the Mercedes-Benz van family and will be launched with a comprehensive model range
  • Citan aims to capture a 4 to 5 percent market share of the small van segment
  • Van sales to rise to over 400,000 units by 2015
 
In the run-up to the RAI commercial vehicles show in Amsterdam, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the world premiere of its new Citan delivery van. Following the Sprinter and the Vito, the Citan is now the latest addition to the brand’s van family and also the first vehicle to be created as a result of the strategic partnership between Daimler and Renault-Nissan. The Mercedes-Benz Citan will celebrate its public debut at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover in September. The market launch is scheduled to take place this fall.
 
Mercedes-Benz is already the market leader for large and mid-sized vans. In Western Europe the brand increased its market share to 18 percent in 2011. Market share rose in the U.S. from 4.9 to 7.2 percent and currently amounts to six percent in China. According to Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, 2011 was the most successful year in the division’s history. “We sold over 264,000 vehicles last year, or 18 percent more than in 2010. We even boosted profits by 85 percent, achieving a new record of €835 million,” he says. Mornhinweg adds that the return on sales also reached an all-time high: “It amounted to 9.1 percent in 2011, enabling us to not only reach our target for 2013 but to exceed it”
 
The Citan has significant growth potential in established markets
Mercedes-Benz Vans is introducing the Citan this year in order to expand its vehicle lineup into the small vans segment, whose market volume has grown exponentially in Europe in recent years to 700,000 units. Mornhinweg is convinced that the Citan will capture a market share of 4 to 5 percent. In addition to penetrating new fast-growing markets, Mercedes-Benz Vans is also pursuing another strategic goal: the exploitation of growth potential in traditional markets. “We aim to sell more than 400.000 units worldwide by 2015,” says Mornhinweg.
 
Mercedes-Benz’ new Citan has been rigorously developed to meet the needs of commercial customers in the small vans segment, and it has all the attributes that have traditionally been the strengths of the brand with the star. According to Mornhinweg, these attributes include top product quality. “Like the Sprinter and the Vito, the Citan had to demonstrate its worth in ice and snow as well as dust and heat while completing many thousands of kilometers of tests. But our high quality standards do not end with the conclusion of the vehicle’s development. We’ve done all we can to ensure that the Citan embodies the kind of quality that will impress customers who use the van on a daily basis.”
 
Citan is launched with a comprehensive model range for ensuring safe and comfortable road performance
 
The developers of the Mercedes-Benz Citan made very sure that the vehicle delivers the brand’s hallmark road performance in the areas of handling, agility, and ride comfort. The direct-response steering system is very precise and sensitive, resulting in a safe, precise, and comfortable road performance. It is also equipped with the Electronic Stability Program ADAPTIVE ESP® as standard equipment.
 
The Mercedes-Benz Citan’s broad model range has been customized to meet the requirements of a city delivery vehicle. The basic version is the panel van, which is available in three lengths: 3.94 meters, 4.32 meters, and 4.71 meters. Another model is the versatile Citan Mixto with five seats, which is based on the extra-long version (4.71 m) and has a foldable rear bench seat and two sliding doors. The third basic model is the Citan crewbus, which is mounted on the long wheelbase (4.32 m) and can also be delivered as a five-seater with a foldable rear bench seat and sliding door (optionally available with sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle). Depending on the model in question, the vehicle is available in three weight variants with a GVW up to 2,200 kilograms.
 
The Citan also features a wide selection of fuel-efficient engine variants. Customer requirements are fully covered by three high-torque turbo-diesel direct injection engines, ranging from 55 kW (75 hp) to 81 kW (110 hp), as well as a lively supercharged gasoline engine with 84 kW (114 hp). All of the diesel engines offered for this van are equipped with a particulate filter as standard equipment. Power is transmitted to the front wheels by five- and six-speed transmissions with an easily reachable joystick selection lever in the center console.
 
A BlueEFFICIENCY package is available as standard equipment for the gasoline-powered Citan and as optional equipment for the diesel variants. This package includes the ECO start/stop function, a battery and generator management system, and variant-dependent low rolling-resistance tires, which help to reduce fuel consumption even further.
 
The Citan boasts a striking appearance - inside and out
The new Mercedes-Benz Citan has an unmistakable, brand-specific look. The basic features of the van’s characteristic appearance are the chromed star in the prominent and rugged-looking radiator grille with its three sporty perforated slats. Just as remarkable are the Citan’s striking headlights and the wedge-shaped hood with its clearly defined edges.
 
The interior is similarly unmistakable, featuring many high-quality appointments. The driver and front passenger sit on firm yet comfortably upholstered seats. The curve-hugging shape of the backrest in particular provides good side support, thus enhancing comfort and safety. The ergonomic, driver-focused instrument panel with its leather-like grained surface has a look and feel that are immediately familiar and reflect the high quality of the vehicle’s interior.

5/15/12

Hackney Rescue Body at FDIC


Ed Smith explains the main features and benefits of the Hackney Heavy Rescue and ADS (Auto Deploy Staircase). For more information visit www.rescueleader.com

5/14/12

2,750 lb Capacity Level Ride Fold-Away Liftgate From SAF Holland


Bill Rector, Liftgate Sales and Service Director for SAF Holland USA demonstrates the TLV Series Liftgate. This liftgate has a capacity of 2,750 lbs and is a level ride fold-away liftgate with a 88" wide platform to maximize loading and unloading.

SAF Holland has a full line of liftgates, along with other products. See much more at http://www.safholland.com.

5/13/12

The Work Truck Show 2012


The Work Truck Show®, produced annually by the NTEA, is the work truck industry's "must-attend" event, featuring: • 500,000 square feet of vocational trucks and equipment • Newest products and technical support from more than 560 exhibitors • More than 60 intensive programs on upfitting, regulatory compliance and business management

Mark your calendar for The Work Truck Show 2013! March 6-8, 2013 at the Indiana Convention Center (Indianapolis, IN).

www.ntea.com/worktruckshow/

5/12/12

BrandFX Body Company Half Ton Revolution


BrandFX Composite service bodies, utility bodies, Toppers & Inserts are up to 40% lighter than comparative steel bodies, and up to 10% lighter than comparative aluminum bodies. This weight reduction means substantially reduced fuel and maintenance costs, and many times the ability to downsize to a smaller chassis for thousands of dollars in lifecycle reduction costs. Then remount your BFX composite equipment over 4-5 trucks.

5/11/12

VENCHURS LAUNCHES CNG Ford TRUCK DEMO FLEET

Venchurs Vehicle Systems (VVS), which offers Bi-Fuel and CNG Dedicated work trucks, launches new demo program that will allow fleet managers the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a CNG truck for short term testing.

Adrian, MI (May, 2012) – Less than two months after debuting its latest CNG and Bi-Fuel pickup programs at the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Venchurs Vehicle Systems (VVS) has launched a new nationwide demo fleet program where work truck fleet managers and buyers can put the new technology to the test. Fleets that are interested in adding CNG Ford F-250s or F-350s to their workforce will have the opportunity to apply for Venchurs’ short term loaner program. Of all the Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVMs), Venchurs is proud to offer the largest demo program.



“The benefits of CNG are immense, and integrating alternative energy vehicles into a fleet is a big decision,” says Terry Karges, VP of Sales and Marketing for VVS. “We believe that our system is so seamless, and the cost/benefit is so positive, that most fleet operators will make the switch after trying one of these trucks – so we’re putting them on the road.”

Compressed natural gas has been making headlines lately thanks to lower fuel and maintenance costs, extended vehicle service life, reduced emissions, a higher safety rating and the ability to stem dependency on foreign oil. The Bi-Fuel system allows for seamless “on-the-fly” switching between CNG and gasoline, offering a total fuel range of up to 650 miles. The VVS system also eliminates concerns about power, as its technology results in nearly zero reduction in power or towing/hauling capacity – thanks to superior computer management and Ford’s latest direct-injection technology.

“We know that some fleets out there use their vehicles in the harshest of environments, whether it is off the pavement or in extreme temperatures,” says Jeff Wyatt, CEO of Venchurs. “We’ve put our trucks through rigorous testing, and this demo program is important so that fleet managers themselves can directly see the capabilities these trucks have.”

VVS offers Bi-Fuel and CNG dedicated conversions for Ford F-250/350 trucks, providing unparalleled technology, customer support and service. 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. Buyers who would like to test a unit are advised to sign up for a short term truck loan. 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 40 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.

5/10/12

Maxon's Direct Medium Duty (DMD) Series Raillift

May 09, 2012
Announcement
Maxon's Revolutionary DMD Off to a Great Sales Start!

DMD
MAXON is pleased to report that the new and revolutionary DMD is off to a great sales start. Production of the gate started in April and there is already a healthy backlog building up for future orders. Many thanks to our customers for your support and trust in MAXON quality.

Maxon’s new DMD "Direct Medium Duty" Series Railift® is a fully hydraulic lift that utilizes a ground breaking twin cylinder design to ensure smooth and efficient performance. Specifically designed for the medium-duty market, the DMD comes in 90”, 96“ and 102” widths. Featuring steel columns and runners, aluminum one- and two-piece platforms and optional retention ramp or single or dual cart stops, the DMD is a welcomed addition to the already popular and classic Railift series.

SPECIFICATIONS
• Lifting Capacities: 2,200 lbs. and 3,300 lbs.
• Bed Heights: 30” – 54”
• Weight: 620 lbs. to 750 lbs. (depending on capacity & platform configuration)
• Platform Material: Aluminum
• Platform Widths: 84” (90” wide body), 90” (96” wide body) and 96” (102” wide body)
• Platform Sizes: One-piece platforms: 30”, 36”, 42” and 48”+ 6” fixed ramp or retention ramp; Two-piece platforms: 48” (30+18), 54” (36+18), 60” (36+24) and 72” (42+30) + 6” fixed ramp.
pump and motor housing
PUMP AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY
The pump and motor assembly is housed within the liftgate’s main structural enclosure.

TWIN CYLINDER LIFTGING DESIGN (Patent Pending)DMD Hydraulic
The DMD utilizes a unique twin cylinder lifting design that eliminates the maintenance costs associated with other chain or cable equipped liftgates.

MULTI-TEMP VISCOSITY OIL
The DMD is factory pre-filled with a multi-temp viscosity oil that ensures smooth and trouble-free liftgate operation even in the coldest and harshest environments.

FULLY SEALED SWITCHES AND HARNESSES
The DMD features fully sealed switches and harnesses to protect them against corrosion.


OPTIONAL FEATURES
cart stop
• Dual Cart Stops
• Single Cart Stop
• Retention Ramp (available on one-piece platforms only)

The DMD will be available for sale starting April 2012.

For more information on our DMD model, please visit our website at www.maxonlift.com/products/railift/dmd

5/09/12

UD TRUCKS - First Quon in Indonesia


This video shows the first unit of the UD Quon handling the tough terrain in a mining site close to Balikpapan, Indonesia. See more about UD Trucks around the world at www.UDTrucks.com

5/08/12

Sortimo International Introduction Film


Sortimo International is focused on intelligent mobility and constantly expanding and enhancing their products around this ideal. See more about Sortimo products at www.sortimo.com.

5/07/12

Power-Packer On-Highway Truck Body Stabilization System


Harold with Power-Packer shows off their electric power out and power down body stabilizer system available up to class 7 size trucks. Find out more about Power-Packer products at http://www.powerpackerus.com.

5/06/12

New Weather Guard Bulk Head - NTEA 2012


Jeff Kotz, Senior Product Manager for Weather Guard, gives us a great demonstration on the new bulk heads they offer. See more at http://www.weatherguard.com

5/05/12

2013 RAM 1500 Air Suspension System Demo -- NYIAS 2012


Check out the video we used at the 2012 New York International Auto Show to show how the all-new Air Suspension System works! For more information, check out www.RamTrucks.com and make sure to like us on Facebook -- http://facebook.com/ramtrucks

5/04/12

New Weather Guard Van Equipment - NTEA 2012


Jeff Kotz gives us a demonstration of the new weather guard interior van equipment. This was at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. See more at http://www.weatherguard.com

5/03/12

2012 Jeep Wrangler JK8 Red Jacket by VWERKS


PT does a demonstration of the special edition Jeep built for the Sons of Guns Show. See more at http://www.vvwerks.com

5/02/12

Load 'N' Go Powerbody


The Load'N'Go Powerbody by Fleetwest comes with the AirNArc Pro 150 All-In-One Power System by VanAir. For more information visit www.Fleetwest.net or call 866-497-7200

5/01/12

New UD Condor Offers Economy & Comfort



A Queensland furniture delivery contractor is one of the first converts to the comfort of UD Trucks' new Condor medium duty range, with early economy figures putting the vehicle in a league of its own.

For the husband and wife team of Ian and Sheree Jones, the new Condor series from UD Trucks could not come quickly enough. The pair were one of the first to order a new MK 11 250, and they haven't been disappointed by their new acquisition.



While Ian has been working in the transport industry for the last 20 years, Sheree became involved eight years ago, with the pair over time sampling a wide variety of trucks. Through this experience, Ian has found the UD to be the perfect truck for his harsh operating environment.

Running furniture delivery routes for Super Amart out of Toowoomba, Ian explains that economy of the new truck is just the tip of the iceberg, with outstanding occupant comfort also one of the leading qualities of the truck.



"It's a brilliant truck, I couldn't fault it," Ian Jones said.

"It's great to drive, one of the best trucks I've ever owned. It's impressive to the point I've been recommending the truck to the other drivers who also sub-contract to the company we work for.

"The ride is fantastic, it's the equal of or better than the European trucks I've owned, and it's very economical. We're getting close to 5km/L on diesel, and the AdBlue hasn't been a problem, we're seeing nearly 8,000km per 50L tank."

From their base in Coominya in the Lockyer Valley, typical destinations in a week include as far west as Roma, and south to Moree in New South Wales, with other regular stops including Tenterfield, Inglewood and Texas.

With the longest of these routes being 490km one way, a unique set of challenges are presented to the truck.

The first and foremost being the regular commute up the Great Dividing Range along the Warrego Highway near Toowoomba, with the six-speed manual transmission coupled to the all-new ECO Fleet power plant managing the daunting road with ease.



"Hauling furniture around, our cargo tends to be more volume than weight," Ian said.

"I can have truck at half load going up the Toowoomba Range in fifth gear, on the speed limit the whole way, no problems.

"On the way back down, even at full load, I just use the exhaust brake and it sits nicely on the speed limit, without an issue."

One of the big attractions of the UD is the truck's outstanding reputation for reliability, with the isolation of many of Ian's destinations putting an emphasis on a dependable vehicle. Thus he renews his truck every three to five years.

Another important factor impacting on Ian's working conditions is the varied quality of local roads, with his 5,500mm long wheelbase model handling the various bumps he comes across effortlessly.

"The comfort of the truck is really improved by the suspension seat for the driver, it rides brilliantly," Ian said.

"Another great feature is the new entertainment console. Out west we are in and out of radio reception, but I plug my iPhone in, and away we go. It's very easy to setup and play music through the truck's stereo, as well as use the phone hands free."

Since taking delivery in early November 2011, the truck has already racked up trouble free 42,000km of service.

For further information about UD Trucks, visit www.udtrucks.com.au.