3/30/14

Walmart's New Truck Prototype Has Stunning Design


Some of the oh-so-typical big rigs we see everyday are taking a major turn for the better and the company leading the way in terms of innovation is Walmart. 

Some of the oh-so-typical big rigs we see everyday are taking a major turn for the better and the company leading the way in terms of innovation is Walmart. 

A concept truck was recently created with one specific goal in mind and that is to maximize fleet efficiency. The semi will in turn help Walmart become more environmentally sustainable as a corporation. 

As an added bonus, the appearance of the truck called WAVE is stunning and very modern. The cab can be described as a trendsetter with a convex nose and streamlined design. 

It combines the visual aspects of both a spaceship and a race car. The lucky driver of the futuristic truck will be seated right in the center of the cab instead of on the left side, which makes it comparable to a cockpit. 

The sleep compartment is situated right behind the driver's seat. The entire truck, including the trailer, is constructed of lightweight carbon-fiber. 

That makes the trailer about 4,000 pounds lighter than current standard ones. It allows for better fuel efficiency and the ability to carry additional freight. 

Walmart describes the WAVE vehicle as a 'one-of-a-kind prototype' that 'offers a whole package of firsts. The tractor has very advanced aerodynamics and is powered by a prototype advanced turbine-powered, range-extending series hybrid powertrain.' 

How do you like it?

INTERNATIONAL TRUCK HIGHLIGHTS TECHNOLOGIES THAT ADVANCE THE INDUSTRY

OnCommand Connection, Diamond Logic and AMTs provide customers with more options and control
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 27, 2014) – Navistar, Inc. today addressed advancements in technology that help maximize vehicle uptime while offering customers more options and control. Technologies such as OnCommand Connection, Diamond Logic® and fully automatic and automated manual transmissions (AMTs) make vehicles more fuel efficient, safer, capable and more productive.
“We are thinking harder about the role of new technologies to help customers every day while delivering industry-leading vehicle uptime,” said Bill Kozek, president of North America Truck and Parts for Navistar. “We want to provide more value by offering diagnostics, multiplexing and service tools that are unmatched in the industry.”
Named by Heavy Duty Trucking magazine to its 2014 Top 20 Products list, the OnCommand Connection remote diagnostics system is designed to increase vehicle uptime and provide increased fleet management efficiency for North American truck customers by supporting quicker repairs and controlling maintenance and repair costs. The company is also testing a mobile OnCommand Connection website and app to make diagnostics and service tools accessible to fleet managers anywhere and anytime. OnCommand Connection currently supports more than 30,000 vehicles and offers fleet managers access to real-time fault codes, vehicle locations, nearby dealer locations and fault code actions plans within an online portal.
 “We believe we are scratching the surface of the capabilities we offer the industry with OnCommand Connection,” Kozek said. “By integrating support services into OnCommand Connection that achieve more efficient repairs and maintenance, better lifecycle value and overall lower total cost of ownership, we provide our customers with increased visibility and control over their businesses.”
Navistar has also been a pioneer in custom programmable chassis electronics and multiplexing since 2001. The company has continued to closely partner with end users and body builders to further increase productivity. Diamond Logic helps vocational customers work smarter, faster and safer, while preventing operators from inadvertently damaging valuable equipment.
“Our Diamond Logic operating system is best known for its ability to provide control and communication between work trucks and body equipment,” Kozek said. “Diamond Logic addresses convenience and safety on behalf of our customers while automatic and automated manual transmissions work to reduce the variance between expert drivers and first-timers.”
By electronically monitoring vehicle speed, grade, weight and more to select the best gear for the engine, Navistar’s portfolio of automatic and automated manual transmissions improve efficiency and extend the life of the driveline. Navistar currently offers the Cummins Eaton Smart Advantage 10-speed automated manual transmission, the Eaton UltraShift® Plus LSE 16-speed direct drive automated mechanical transmission on the ProStar® and the Allison TC10, a 10-speed fully automatic transmission, on the ProStar and the TranStar®.
“Ultimately, we want our customers to have choices and also experience the highest level of uptime in the industry,” Kozek added. “The future is about converting unplanned downtime into scheduled maintenance and getting trucks back on the road where they are earning revenue.”

About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, and IC Bus brand school and commercial buses. An affiliate also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com.

3/29/14

RAM ProMaster with Adrian Steel Locksmith Interior Package


Perfect for a mobile locksmith shop! With a workbench and ample storage in drawers and cabinets, this interior is a great starting point for a locksmith looking to create a custom mobile workshop. Do you drive something other than a ProMaster? Click Here to see locksmith packages for other van makes:http://www.adriansteel.com/item/vocat...

3/28/14

Ford Claims Bigger Share of Police Vehicle Market Having Reinvented the Segment with New Products

  • In just two years, Ford has revolutionized the police vehicle market by equipping many of its Police Interceptor lineup with standard all-wheel drive, which works full-time for greater mobility and security; adding more fuel-efficient EcoBoost® engines; and introducing two new body styles
  • Ford police vehicle sales grew 48 percent in 2013, while industry police sales rose 22 percent, according to Polk registration data
  • Ford Police Interceptor utility was best-selling police vehicle in the United States in 2013
Ford Police Interceptor gained 9 points of market share in 2013 as sales rose 48 percent, according to Ford analysis of Polk registration data. Demand for Ford police vehicles outpaced overall industry sales, which rose 22 percent last year.


This sales growth comes two years after Ford introduced two new body styles, including a popular utility vehicle, made all-wheel drive, a full-time system, standard equipment across most of its lineup, and rolled out high-performance, but efficient EcoBoost® engine options.

“We revolutionized our police vehicle lineup with three key changes that differentiate us from the competition,” said Jonathan Honeycutt, police marketing manager at Ford. “The new utility vehicle body style meets officers’ growing storage needs; standard all-wheel drive for most models is an industry-first that provides greater mobility and security; plus, expanding the range of EcoBoost engines gives law enforcement agencies more options to suit their needs.

“Together, these three ingredients are driving sales growth and market share gains for Ford.”

‘We need the space’
After decades of success with its reliable Crown Victoria – a V8-powered, body-on-frame large sedan – Ford made a strategic decision to modernize its Police Interceptor with not one, but two distinct body styles: a traditional, pursuit-rated large sedan and a new, pursuit-rated utility vehicle.

“Many officers told us, ‘We need more space, but we also need performance’,” said Honeycutt. “We knew with the amount of equipment officers now have to transport that our utility vehicle would be a hit. Within two years of reinventing the category with an all-new sedan and utility vehicle, we’re approaching nearly 50 percent market share. It’s remarkable.”

In 2013, Ford’s police utility vehicle represented 60 percent of all Ford Police Interceptor sales, and was the best-selling police vehicle in the country.

The new norm: Standard all-wheel drive
Another decision also has paid dividends – both for Ford as well as the safety of its agency partners: In an industry-first, the company now offers standard all-wheel drive for Police Interceptor utility and sedan models, on vehicles equipped with a 3.7-liter or 3.5-liter EcoBoost.

Police agencies have taken notice. Approximately 90 percent of all Police Interceptors sold come equipped with standard all-wheel drive.

“It’s a matter of officer safety, public safety and performance,” Honeycutt explained. “It’s not just the snowbelt, not by a long shot. Wet pavement, dry pavement, chases that lead off-road, traction in all conditions – our all-wheel-drive technology, a system that operates full-time, can help shorten pursuits, which protects everyone involved.

“Officers immediately grasp the advantages of the technology,” he added, “and the response has been phenomenal.”

EcoBoost advantage
The final piece of the company’s reinvention of the police vehicle market is its introduction of fuel-efficient, yet powerful EcoBoost engines.

Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicle can be equipped with Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, which makes 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

In recent Los Angeles County Sheriff Department testing at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicle were fastest in both 0-100 mph acceleration runs and average lap times for a third consecutive year.

In addition to world-class power and pursuit capabilities, these EcoBoost engines – like the 3.5-liter and 3.7-liter non-turbo offerings – provide increased fuel economy ratings over outgoing models, helping municipalities with potential savings on fleet fuel costs.

Special Service
The latest addition to Ford’s police lineup – the 2.0-liter EcoBoost Special Service Police Sedan – offers an impressive EPA-estimated rating of 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. This Special Service vehicle combines the durability of Police Interceptor sedan with the efficiency of a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which can help save fuel even while delivering 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 2.0-liter Special Service vehicle comes with many of the same features and technologies as Police Interceptor sedan, such as a 75-mph rear crash test rating, two times durability testing, police-tuned suspension, police brakes, steel wheels, police interior and upfit options.

“As agencies look to replace older, V8-equipped cruisers, Ford is at the ready with highly capable, full-size police vehicles that offer great fuel efficiency for agencies around the country,” said Honeycutt.

For more information on Ford Police Interceptor, visit www.FordPoliceInterceptor.com.

3/27/14

Isuzu N Series Demonstration & Explanation - Chapter 2 Range Overview


Detailed demonstration and explanation video for Australia's number one light truck - the Isuzu N Series. See more details and the entire line of Isuzu Trucks at www.isuzu.com.au.

3/26/14

Isuzu N Series Demonstration & Explanation - Chapter 6 AMT Introduction


Detailed demonstration and explanation video for Australia's number one light truck - the Isuzu N Series. See more information at www.isuzu.com.au.

3/25/14

CASE Introduces One-of-a-Kind Ram Laramie Longhorn-Inspired 580 Super N Wide Track Backhoe

On display for the first time at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014, the Ram Truck-inspired 580 Super N Wide Track backhoe loader will tour the country at Ram- and CASE-sponsored events throughout 2014 with a new Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4. 
March 4, 2014 , Racine, Wis. - CASE Construction Equipment unveiled a one-of-a-kind, Ram Laramie Longhorn-inspired 580 Super N Wide Track backhoe loader at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014. The backhoe, which features the iconic Ram Laramie Longhorn two-tone black and white gold paint scheme, will tour the country at Ram- and CASE-sponsored events with a new Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 truck. The machine also features a newly detailed cab designed to match the look and feel of the Ram Laramie Longhorn interior, as well as new chrome detailing and badges to give the backhoe the distinctive Ram appearance.







“Countless contractors rely on both the durability and performance of Ram Trucks and CASE Construction Equipment,” says Katie Pullen, brand marketing manager, CASE Construction Equipment. “Matching this truck and backhoe showcase two of the construction industry’s most enduring jobsite images – the rugged Ram 3500 dually and the tireless CASE backhoe loader. Ram Truck is an excellent partner to CASE, and we’re excited to spend 2014 showcasing these technologies together.”

"The Ram 3500 Heavy Duty is by far the most capable pickup truck on the market, and like CASE Construction Equipment, is no stranger to hard work. With its long list of best-in-class claims -- including payload, power and towing – the Ram 3500 is well suited for the jobsite," said Reid Bigland, president and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The award-winning Laramie Longhorn model is loaded inside and out with distinctive Western-style design cues. With its matching CASE backhoe, this rig is a show-stopper."

The 580 Super N Wide Track features a 3.4-liter, turbocharged 95 HP engine that burns cleaner while delivering superior horsepower, faster response and up to 5 percent better fuel efficiency under load. The N Series models’ lifting capabilities outperform competitive backhoes by as much as 39 percent while running at low RPMs. Additionally, these machines deliver significant increases in breakout force, lift and reach when compared to previous models.

The Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn is among the most luxurious and most powerful pickup trucks ever produced by the Ram Truck brand. The truck claims a 30,000-pound trailer capacity thanks to a class-exclusive 50,000 pounds-per-square-inch high-strength steel frame, an improved transfer case, a higher-load transmission, an upgraded 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with a best-in-class 850 foot-pounds of torque, and other significant driveline upgrades. The Ram 3500’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) -- which is defined by the maximum combined weight of the truck, payload and trailer -- has been raised to 37,600 pounds, which surpasses the closest competitor’s 30,500-pound GCWR.

Stay tuned to
CASEce.com for updates on where this exclusive backhoe will be seen and additional details on this one-of-a-kind package.

About CASE Construction Equipment

CASE Construction Equipment sells and supports a full line of construction equipment around the world, including the No. 1 loader/backhoes, excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, vibratory compaction rollers, crawler dozers, skid steers, compact track loaders and rough-terrain forklifts. Through CASE dealers, customers have access to a true professional partner with world-class equipment and aftermarket support, industry-leading warranties and flexible financing. More information is available at www.CASEce.com.

CASE Construction Equipment is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V., a World leader in Capital Goods listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CNHI) and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario of the Borsa Italiana (MI: CNHI). More information about CNH Industrial can be found online at www.cnhind.com.

About Ram Truck Brand

The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

3/24/14

A strong partner│Mercedes-Benz CITAN


Performance, versatility and efficiency - These are the key factors for a small van. No problem at all for the Mercedes-Benz Citan (watch on MYVAN.com "A strong partner").

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3/23/14

Intax│Films for every role | The process of vehicle wraps


Yellow instead of green, matt rather than shiny? No problem for the experts at Intax. They have films for every role and create real art work out of vehicles.

Visit our Website:
https://www.myvan.com/

facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/myvan.com

3/22/14

Towing a Helicopter with a Ford Super Duty


Lohman Helicopter owner and operator Morgan Lohman explains how to handle a heavy trailer load with care. www.ford.com

3/21/14

Renzenberger Inc Saves Money With Propane Vans


Learn how Renzenberger Incorporated fuels its road service vans with propane to help control cost and reduce petroleum use. www.motorweek.org

3/20/14

Construction Days 2013 - Renault Trucks Client interviews - GB



Customers and prospects give their first impressions of the new Renault Trucks K and C ranges! 

After the test drives, impressions are unanimous: driving comfort, accessibility, ruggedness, a feeling of security, power, manoeuvrability, obstacle clearance capacity, impressive turning radius and attack angle, etc., etc. 
Because a truck has to be a profit centre! 

November 2013, Barcelona

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3/19/14

ECHODRIVE™ BOLT-ON HYBRID KIT WINS WORK TRUCK SHOW 2014 GREEN AWARD

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI (March 11, 2014) — Echo Automotive, Inc. (Scottsdale, AZ), won The Work Truck Show® 2014 Green Award for its EchoDrive bolt-on hybrid electric kit for fleet vehicles. The award was presented last week during The Work Truck Show 2014 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. This is the second year in a row that EchoDrive was honored at The Work Truck Show: the product won the Editor’s Choice Award for new product innovation at the 2013 event.

Echo Automotive, Inc. (Scottsdale, AZ), won The Work Truck Show® 2014 Green Award 
for its EchoDrive™ bolt-on hybrid electric kit for fleet vehicles.
L-R: Amy Dobrikova, VP sales & business development, Echo Automotive; 
Steve Carey, executive director, NTEA

            The Green Award is given annually to the product at The Work Truck Show that a panel of trade media and fleet manager judges determine best enhances vocational truck fuel utilization.

            EchoDrive is a plug-in system that includes an advanced battery, electric motor, inverter and charger. The components work together to provide torque assistance and recover braking energy. While other hybrid systems replace or alter the OEM powertrain, EchoDrive bolts directly to the vehicle. Its non-invasive, cost-effective design saves fuel without affecting the original OEM warranty.

            Green Award judges praised EchoDrive for offering a complete fuel-saving package that can be easily added to or removed from existing vehicles. Echo-certified technicians can install EchoDrive in four to six hours using existing mounts, keeping vehicle downtime to a minimum.

            “The Green Award is significant because it is judged by actual fleet operators who deal with fuel-related issues every day,” said Jason Plotke, chairman and president of Echo Automotive. “The award, plus all the positive feedback we received on the trade show floor, validates that EchoDrive is recognized as a solid solution that can deliver real cost-savings for fleets in a variety of industries.”

            Work Truck Show attendees were able to test-drive a Ford E-250 cargo van equipped with EchoDrive during the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive held as part of the Show. The Ride-and-Drive offered test-drives on city streets and a closed-access section of the Indianapolis Zoo parking lot, so fleet operators could try sustainable technology vehicles for themselves.

            To learn more about Echo Automotive or EchoDrive, visit www.echoautomotive.com or call 1-855-ECHO-AUTO.

For additional information about The Work Truck show, visit www.ntea.com or call 1-800-441-6832. Connect with the NTEA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NTEA.TheAssociationForTheWorkTruckIndustry, and join the Work Truck Show conversation on Twitter at @WorkTruckShow and @nteanews with the official hashtag: #wts2014.


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

3/18/14

WORK TRUCK SHOW 2014 SUCCESS REFLECTS REBOUNDING INDUSTRY

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI (March 17, 2014) — Indianapolis, IN, was once again the center of the vocational truck universe as more than 10,000 industry professionals gathered for The Work Truck Show® 2014, March 5–7 at the Indiana Convention Center. The event featured significant new product introductions, a day-and-a-half Green Truck Summit, more than 60 educational sessions, and a record number of ride-and-drive opportunities.

The Work Truck Show is North America's largest work truck event, 
covering 500,000 sq. feet of vocational trucks and equipment, from more than 500 exhibitors

            “The success of this year’s Work Truck Show is reflective of the slow but steady growth our industry is currently enjoying,” says Steve Carey, NTEA executive director. “Vocational trucks and equipment are the tools that millions of people rely on every day to get their jobs done. As the economy improves and budget restrictions ease, vocational fleets are able to start replacing older equipment. The Work Truck Show offers the best opportunity to see and try the latest products, get questions answered and develop a better understanding of industry trends, all in one place at one time.”

            The Work Truck Show is produced annually by NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry. The event’s educational conference, including the popular Green Truck Summit, kicked off on March 4. Altogether, 10,160 people attended The Work Truck Show 2014, making it one of the best-attended events in NTEA history.

            More than 100 new products were introduced at the Show, including the 2016 Ford F-650 and F-750, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America’s 2015 Canter FE130 cabover work truck, and many technology developments designed to improve work truck fuel utilization. Several companies also used the Show as a platform to announce new partnerships and technology adoptions. For example, UPS and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) announced that UPS is buying 1,000 propane delivery trucks and building 50 fueling stations for a total investment of approximately $70 million.

            One of the hottest areas in the work truck industry in recent years has been the development of sustainable technology. This trend has driven the ongoing popularity of the Green Truck Summit and the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive at The Work Truck Show. At the 2014 event, attendees had the opportunity to test-drive nearly 30 “green” vehicles for themselves between the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive and the new PERC-sponsored Propane Autogas Ride & Drive.

            The NTEA 50th Annual Convention was held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show 2014. At the Show, NTEA celebrated 50 years of serving the industry with special NTEA member giveaways, displays in the NTEA Member Lounge and a photo retrospective during the President’s Breakfast and NTEA Annual Meeting with keynote speaker Condoleezza Rice.

            The Work Truck Show returns to Indianapolis March 4–6, 2015. Educational programming begins March 3. Exhibit space on an even larger Show floor is already 99 percent sold out.

For additional information about The Work Truck Show, visit www.ntea.com or call 1-800-441-6832. Connect with the NTEA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NTEA.TheAssociationForTheWorkTruckIndustry, and join the Work Truck Show conversation on Twitter at @WorkTruckShow and @nteanews with the official hashtag: #wts2014.

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

3/17/14

Clean Cities: Fort Collins, Colorado


Our success story this week takes us to Fort Collins, Colorado- a city leading the way in alternative fuel use and public transit efficiency. www.motorweek.org

Ford Transit & Transit Connect win Arctic Van Test 2014



For the full story go to http://www.vansa2z.com/Transit-double...

Ford's all-new Transit and Transit Connect conquered all-comers in their respective categories in this year's annual Arctic Van Test organised by Finnish magazine Auto Tekniikka ja Kuljetus.

3/16/14

Your Work, Your Vehicle, Trust Knapheide



The Knapheide Manufacturing Company has combined over 160 years of innovation into their commercial vehicle solutions. Your work, your vehicle, trust Knapheide. See more about Knapheide products at www.Knapheide.com

3/15/14

Quick Spin: 2015 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500/2500/3500 Heavy Duty



"Extra Heavy Duty" is a good way to describe GM's all-new line of three-quarter and one ton plus haulers; more than ready for today's work hard, play harder mindset. www.MotorWeek.org

3/14/14

SFTR | GMC Sierra | Delta Leasing

)

It takes a special breed of person to endure the severe temperatures, lack of daylight, and isolation of Prudhoe Bay. It also takes a special breed of truck. The 600 GMC trucks in Delta Leasing's fleet are up for the challenge and, in Delta's experience, the Sierra more than delivers.

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

3/13/14

S2G Ride & Drive, Work Truck Show, March 2013

)

The propane autogas-powered S2G bobtail was available for ride-and-drives at this year's Work Truck Show, and it garnered rave reviews. Here are a few of the highlights. See more at http://freightlinerchassis.com/

3/12/14

Schwan's Home Service Delivers With Propane-Powered Trucks

)

Watch how Schwan's uses propane-powered delivery trucks to distribute products across the United States.

3/11/14

Why You Should Listen First, Market Later




In a new book, author Scott Stratten asks companies to listen to their customers to form real connections. Read more at: http://www.entrepreneur.com/video/232051

Watch more videos at: http://www.entrepreneur.com/video/

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FORD TO MOVE PRODUCTION OF ALL-NEW 2016 F-650/F-750 MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS FROM MEXICO TO OHIO ASSEMBLY PLANT IN EARLY 2015

  • Ford investing $168 million to shift production of all-new 2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks from Mexico to Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, near Cleveland
  • F-650/F-750 trucks anchor Ford’s commercial truck range – America’s best-selling line of commercial trucks for 29 years. Every vehicle in Ford’s commercial truck lineup will be all-new or significantly refreshed in the next 18 months
  • All-new 2016 Ford F-650/F-750 medium-duty trucks, available in spring 2015, will deliver impressive commercial-grade quality, capability and convenience with segment-exclusive Ford gasoline and diesel engines; outstanding performance at an affordable price; comfortable, modern interiors
Click here to download fact sheet.
Ford today announced production of its all-new 2016 F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks will shift from Mexico to Ohio Assembly Plant starting early next year, with the trucks on sale in spring 2015.
As part of the production shift, Ford is investing $168 million to retool the Cleveland-area plant for the new medium-duty trucks. Ohio Assembly Plant, which opened in 1974, currently produces the Ford E-Series lineup of vans and other commercial vehicles.
Ohio Assembly Plant Fact Sheet
Ford E-Series cargo and passenger van production will end later this year, while E-Series cutaway vans and stripped chassis will continue to be built in Ohio through most of the decade. Replacing E-Series vans is the all-new 2015 Ford Transit that starts production this spring at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.
“Shifting production of the 2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks to Ohio Assembly Plant helps secure a solid future for the dedicated workers at this facility,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Building these trucks in-house will utilize our expertise from our other tough truck and commercial vehicle lines to give our customers a better product at a competitive price.”
The production shift from Mexico is part of the collective bargaining agreement Ford and the United Auto Workers negotiated in 2011. Ford’s announcement today confirms the company is moving forward with the plan for Ohio Assembly Plant.
“We are extremely pleased that the dedicated, highly skilled and highly motivated UAW members of Ohio Assembly Plant have been selected to build the next-generation Ford F-650 and F-750,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president and director of the National Ford Department.
“We’re confident our outstanding work force will build these Ford medium-duty trucks to the highest levels of quality, reliability, dependability and craftsmanship – the factors that matter most to the demanding, hard-working owners of these vehicles.”
The 2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 will set a new standard for commercial work as the toughest, most work-ready, best value Ford medium-duty trucks ever.
Anchoring Ford’s commercial truck range – America’s best-selling, broadest lineup of commercial trucks for 29 years – the new F-650 and F-750 will deliver an impressive combination of commercial-grade quality, capability and convenience. This now includes segment-exclusive Ford gasoline and diesel engines, outstanding performance at an affordable price, and comfortable, modern interiors.
Several upgrades to the F-650 and F-750 were announced this week at the National Truck Equipment Association’s Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, including:
Upgraded, versatile engine choices
Newly available is the second-generation Ford-built and proven 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel. The engine is paired with a commercial-grade six-speed 6R140 automatic transmission with available power takeoff provision to run accessories in the field, a dump body, crane and other vocational equipment.
Ford remains the only automaker to offer a gasoline engine for medium-duty trucks. The 6.8-liter V10 is available for both F-650 and F-750 models with the 6R140 six-speed automatic transmission. This engine can be factory-prepped for converting to compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas as cost-effective alternatives to unleaded gasoline.
Built Ford Tough testing to ensure durability
Grueling Built Ford Tough testing simulates the demands Ford customers will subject the truck to throughout its lifetime.
Testing for F-650 and F-750 includes the industry’s first robotic test driving program. The robotically driven trucks are expected to repeatedly perform tests on torturous surfaces that can compress 10 years of daily driving abuse into courses just a few hundred yards long. Surfaces include broken concrete, cobblestones, metal grates, rough gravel, mud pits and oversized speed bumps.
Great value
By controlling every aspect of development in-house – from design to manufacturing to service – Ford can offer F-650 and F-750 customers exceptional value, convenience and cost of ownership.
To keep work trucks on the road and in the field longer, a network of more than 3,000 Ford commercial truck and retail service dealers is ready to tackle any service need with minimized travel time and extended service hours.
Work-ready
The 2016 F-650 and F-750 make prepping for medium-duty jobs easier than ever. Auxiliary components such as the diesel exhaust fluid tank and standard fuel tank are now located under the cab instead of behind it on the frame. This cleaner, cab-to-axle design satisfies more truck body applications, and makes customizing easier, which helps reduce the customer’s final costs and time to delivery.
More information regarding the all-new 2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks can be found here.

3/10/14

Pioneer Natural Resources (Westport WiNG™ Testimonial)


Lynn Lyon, Director- Fuel Market Development for Pioneer Natural Resources, spearheaded the money-saving transition to compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel for this leading oil and gas producer. "We all know people who drive around town to save 10¢ a gallon at the pump on gas. Now imagine being able to save $1 or more a gallon by switching to CNG. That's a positive economic decision for fleets of any size." 

When it came to choosing the CNG fueling system for their Ford Super-Duty fleet, Pioneer chose the Westport WiNG™ Power System. After careful evaluation, Pioneer selected Westport, the global leader in natural gas engines. "Westport really knows natural gas engines, and has a very close partnership with Ford. That made the WiNG Power System an easy and superior choice for our CNG light duty fleet."

3/09/14

New 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty Will Deliver Best-in-Class Horsepower, Torque and Towing Capacity

  • Second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel boosts horsepower to a class-leading 440 horsepower; torque to class-leading 860 lb.-ft. for all models
  • F-450 chassis upgrades raise maximum gooseneck trailer towing capacity to class-leading 31,200 pounds, fifth wheel towing capacity to class-leading 26,500 pounds, and gross combined weight rating to a class-leading 40,000 pounds
  • F-350 available with maximum towing package that increases fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailer towing capacity to 26,500 pounds, and raises the gross combined weight rating to 35,000 pounds

Ford F-Series Super Duty reinforces its leadership in the heavy-duty pickup truck market with engine and chassis upgrades for 2015 that together deliver best-in-class horsepower, torque and towing capacity.


Ford’s second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel now boasts 440 horsepower, up from 400 horsepower, and 860 lb.-ft. of torque, up from 800 lb.-ft, across all Super Duty models from F-250 to F-450.

The 2015 F-450 tops the F-Series Super Duty pickup truck lineup with maximum towing capacity increasing to a class-leading 31,200 pounds, a gain of 6,500 pounds. The truck’s gross combined weight rating increases to a class-leading 40,000 pounds, a gain of 7,000 pounds.

F-350 increases maximum towing capacity as well, to 26,500 pounds, from 23,200 pounds, and the gross combined weight rating goes up 5,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds.

The improved ratings are a result of designing and engineering the truck as an integrated system. The approach enabled Ford engineers to optimize performance across the full Super Duty lineup.

"Our chassis people work in unison with our powertrain people to develop more than a great truck, it’s a machine engineered for work," said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager. "We’re the only manufacturer that develops and builds our own powertrains in this class and when you combine that with a chassis that’s purpose-built for best-in-class power and torque, you can feel the result in the way it drives, especially when towing big loads."

"Our chassis people have worked in unison with our powertrain people to develop more than a great truck – it’s a machine engineered for work," he adds.

Power Stroke Engine Improvements
The 2015 Super Duty achieves best-in-class towing performance with a second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine that was further developed to provide more power, torque and efficiency.


"The 6.7-liter Power Stroke was already a stout engine," said Robert Fascetti, Ford vice president powertrain engineering. "The improvements we’ve made essentially give Super Duty customers an engine designed for our larger F-650 and F-750 trucks. They may not realize how tough this engine really is."

Key innovations on the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel are its compacted graphite iron engine block and reverse-flow layout. This segment-exclusive design places the exhaust inside the engine’s V-shape, with while the air intake positioned on the outside resulting in a variety of advancements:
  • Shorter airflow from the exhaust system to the new, larger turbocharger sitting between the engine’s cylinder banks improves turbo responsiveness – key to providing torque quickly to truck customers when they need it most
  • Positioning the turbo inside the engine’s valley helps isolate the engine’s hottest temperatures, improving performance and efficiency, while also reducing noise, vibration and harshness to improve driver comfort
Enhancements include a larger turbocharger for faster air displacement resulting in more power. The engine block is made of compacted graphite iron, which is stronger yet lighter than cast iron, is more wear-resistant and has enhanced sealing properties.

"The designers of the original 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel predicted that it would eventually need to be upgraded for higher output," said David Ives, Ford Power Stroke technical specialist. "They designed it in a way that made it easier to add a larger turbocharger, increasing airflow and creating more power for dramatically improved performance, yet we haven’t lost any efficiency."

New injector tips spray a finer mist of fuel into the cylinders which provides a more complete burn and helps reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Other benefits include lower emissions and less fuel deposit buildup on the intake valves over time.

The engine enhancements give the Power Stroke engine a class-leading maximum output of 440 horsepower and 860 lb.-ft. of torque.

Chassis improvements
The F-350 is available with a high-capacity towing package that includes new front springs and a wide track axle, increasing the gross combined weight rating with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke engine from 31,900 pounds to 35,000 pounds.


Improvements to the F-450 that allow it to handle the increased tow rating include commercial- grade 19.5-inch wheels and tires; upgraded rear U-joints and suspension components, including new rear leaf springs; front and rear stabilizer bars; and shocks. The steering system has stronger gears and linkages and the fifth-wheel/gooseneck has an increased towing capacity. The brakes are larger brakes and feature new antilock brake calibration for enhanced braking performance.


3/08/14

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3/07/14

ALL-NEW FORD F-650/F-750 ANCHORS AMERICA'S BROADEST, BEST-SELLING LINEUP OF COMMERCIAL TRUCKS

  • Built Ford Tough: Fully designed and developed by Ford Truck engineers in Dearborn, robot-tested over taxing durability courses, 500,000+ miles of harsh dynamometer engine testing at extreme power levels and temperatures and built in the USA by Ford
  • Great Value: Ford 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine and Ford TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission enhanced for medium-duty use with great power, performance and fuel economy, backed by unsurpassed warranty and national network of more than 3,000 Ford service centers
  • Work-Ready: All-new, upfit friendly chassis developed in cooperation with leading industry body makers, clean chassis capable of accommodating vocational bodies with little to no modification, and all-new dedicated tractor model for heavy trailering

Ford, America’s truck leader, today sets a new standard in medium-duty commercial work trucks with the all-new Ford F-650/F-750 – the toughest, great value and work-ready Ford medium-duty trucks ever.


The new F-650/F-750 joins America’s broadest commercial vehicle lineup, delivering an impressive combination of commercial-grade quality, capability and convenience that now includes segment-exclusive Ford gasoline and diesel engines, outstanding performance at an affordable price, and comfortable and modern interiors.

“Every day, we’re thinking of new ways to better serve our hard-working customers,” said John Ruppert, general manager, Ford Commercial Vehicle Sales & Marketing. “The same Ford engineers who developed the best-selling F-Series have designed this all-new medium-duty lineup that can meet the demands of our toughest customers with trucks that are cost-effective, ready for work, and, most importantly, can help keep them going on the job.”


The Ford F-650/F-750 anchors Ford’s Commercial Truck lineup – America’s best-selling line of commercial trucks for 29 years – giving vocational customers an unmatched one-stop shop to meet their needs, from a Class 1 Ford Transit Connect cargo van to a Class 7 Ford F-750 tractor rig. Every truck and van in the Ford Commercial Truck lineup will be all-new or significantly refreshed in the next 18 months.

The Ford F-650/F-750, which will be 2016 model year trucks, will be available spring 2015.


Offered in three cab styles – Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab – and three models – straight frame, dock height and an all-new dedicated tractor model for heavy towing – the new F-650/F-750 features a bold look inside and out, a powerful and efficient second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel, medium-duty six-speed TorqShift® automatic transmission and a host of unique features not found on any other medium-duty truck.

The 2016 F-650/F-750’s new exterior styling commands attention on the road with Built Ford Tough looks that also help deliver improved functionality. The all-new mesh grille framed by hallmark Ford nostrils helps improve airflow for optimal cooling performance. Also new are sharp fenders, aerodynamic headlamps and F-650/F-750 badges embossed in “Bold Leadership” font. Available PowerScope® trailer tow mirrors feature large standard and spotter mirrors and segment-exclusive power telescoping and folding design.


The area behind the cab was redesigned to more easily accommodate custom work bodies, such as tow truck, dump truck and ambulance bodies.

Tough Testing
The 2016 Ford F-650/F-750 is Ford’s toughest medium-duty truck ever. Before it goes on sale, it will have been torture-tested by people and machines in labs, at Ford proving grounds and on America’s highways and city roads.

The grueling testing simulates the demands Ford’s customers will subject the truck to throughout its useful lifetime, from hauling heavy loads through the brutal summer heat of Death Valley to towing heavy trailers up steep grades – in temperatures from 40 degrees below zero to 120+ degrees Fahrenheit.

Part of the F-650/F-750 testing includes Ford’s robotic test driving program – now in use at the company’s Michigan Proving Grounds in Romeo, Mich. – to meet demands that Ford trucks undergo ever more strenuous Built Ford Tough testing.

“Some of the tests we do on our commercial trucks for North America are so strenuous that we limit the exposure time for human drivers,” said Dave Payne, manager, vehicle development operations.

The robotically driven vehicles are expected to repeatedly perform tests on torturous surfaces that can compress 10 years of daily driving abuse into courses just a few hundred yards long, with surfaces that include broken concrete, cobblestones, metal grates, rough gravel, mud pits and oversized speed bumps.

Tough Powertrains
Newly available for F-650/F-750 is the Ford-built and proven 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel paired with a commercial-grade six-speed 6R140 automatic transmission with available power takeoff provision to run accessories in the field, a dump body, crane or other vocational equipment.

Building upon the success of the Power Stroke in the F-Series Super Duty lineup, the F-650/F-750 6.7-liter Power Stroke and TorqShift have been developed and tested for medium-duty applications, with three horsepower and torque levels and a five-year/250,000 mile limited warranty.

Ford is the only medium-duty truck manufacturer that designs and builds its own diesel engine and transmission combination, ensuring the powertrain will work seamlessly with all chassis components and vehicle calibrations – from concept to execution. This approach also enables Ford engineers to optimize the vehicle’s performance across the entire lineup.

Key innovations on the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel are its compacted graphite iron engine block and reverse-flow layout. The advanced design places the exhaust inside the engine’s V-shape while the air intake is positioned on the outside of the V. This segment-exclusive design naturally improves a variety of attributes:

  • Shorter airflow from the exhaust system to the turbocharger sitting between the engine’s cylinder banks improves turbo responsiveness – key to providing torque quickly to truck customers when they need it most
  • Positioning the turbo inside the engine’s valley helps isolate the engine’s hottest temperatures, helping improve performance and efficiency, while also reducing noise, vibration and harshness to improve driver comfort

Power Stroke drivability is enhanced with tow/haul mode that includes a switchable integrated engine brake. The driver can regenerate the diesel particulate filter on-demand to clear out trapped soot from the exhaust system to help maximize performance. Intelligent Oil Change Monitoring is standard so oil changes are based on driving patterns and load demands instead of fixed distance intervals.

During testing, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 endured the equivalent of 500,000+ miles on an engine dynamometer, replicating the duty cycle of the harshest-use customer.

The fuel-efficient transmission features a low first gear ratio for optimized takeoffs under load and optimized gear ratio span across all gears for optimized fuel economy. It’s also strengthened with new materials and extra pinion gears for medium-duty service.

Ford remains the segment-exclusive automaker to offer a gasoline-powered engine for a medium duty truck. The 6.8-liter V10 is now available for both F-650 and F-750 models with the 6R140 six-speed automatic transmission. The 6.8-liter V10 can be factory-prepped for converting to compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas as cost-effective alternatives to unleaded gasoline.

Great Value
By controlling every aspect of development in-house, from design to manufacturing to service, Ford will be able to offer F-650/F-750 customers exceptional value, convenience and cost of ownership.

For service needs, a network of more than 3,000 Ford Commercial Truck and retail service dealers are ready to tackle any service need with minimized travel time and extended service hours, to keep work trucks on the road and in the field longer.

Leveraging the best-selling F-Series Truck lineup, the F-650/F-750 interior is designed and engineered with a level of fit, finish and refinement that matches that of Ford F-Series Super Duty F-250 through F-550 trucks. New features include a 110-volt power outlet, available SYNC® and Crew Chief™ factory-installed fleet management telematics, and an available rapid-heat, supplemental cab heater that quickly warms the cab in cold climates. Remote start is also available. A new steering wheel has advanced controls to focus driver attention on the road, and a click of the turn lever features automatic five-blink turn signals. A choice of hydraulic or air brakes is available.

“We have a lot of design and feature comforts that you might otherwise find in more mainstream products,” said John Davis, Ford Commercial Truck chief nameplate engineer. “Comfort and convenience additions include our quiet diesel, hands-free mobile device connectivity and improvements to ride and steering.”

An all-new Ford engineered frame and suspension include a newly available anti-roll bar for enhanced roll control and longer leaf springs for an improved ride over the previous model.

Work Ready
The 2016 F-650/F-750 is easier than ever to prep for medium-duty jobs. Auxiliary components such as the diesel exhaust fluid tank and standard fuel tank are now located under the cab instead of behind it on the frame. This clean cab-to-axle design satisfies more truck body applications and makes customizing easier, which helps reduce the customer’s final costs and time to delivery.

Aluminum fuel tanks with the Power Stroke diesel are lighter to help efficiency. The electrical system is more robust than the outgoing model to handle larger component loads.

“We leveraged our strengths from being the leader in classes 1-5 to create a better F-650/F-750,” Davis said. “We brought the new medium-duty program in-house to utilize our expertise from our other tough truck and commercial vehicle lines which ultimately results in a better product at a competitive price that’s built in the USA.”

3/06/14

UPS INVESTS IN PROPANE FOR U.S. DELIVERY FLEET

Initial fueling infrastructure built at 50 locations in collaboration with 
Propane Education & Research Council 
 
ATLANTA, March 5, 2014 – UPS® (NYSE: UPS) today announced plans to purchase 1,000 propane package delivery trucks and install an initial 50 fueling stations at UPS locations. The investment in propane vehicles and infrastructure is approximately $70 million.
 
The propane fleet will replace gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles used largely in rural areas in Louisiana and Oklahoma with other states pending. The vehicles on these routes can travel up to 200 miles on a tank of propane. Operations will begin by mid-2014 and be completed early next year.  
 
“The UPS alternative fuel strategy is to invest in the most environmentally friendly and economical energy sources,” said David Abney, UPS chief operating officer. “Propane meets those criteria as a clean-burning fuel that lowers operating costs and is readily accessible, especially on rural routes in the United States. States that attract this type of investment with tax incentives and grants will factor into the UPS deployment strategy.”  
 
UPS, in collaboration with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), a non-profit propane technology incubator, worked with equipment manufacturers to secure certifications with the EPA and California Air Resources Board. 
 
UPS tested 20 propane-powered brown delivery trucks successfully this past winter in Gainesville, Ga., and expanded its order with Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. UPS uses a "rolling laboratory" approach to test different fuel sources and technologies according to their route characteristics. The new propane fleet is expected to travel more than 25 million miles and to displace approximately 3.5 million gallons of conventional gasoline and diesel per year.
 
“The opportunity to road test new propane vehicles and fueling equipment with one of the most sophisticated fleets in the country is a major milestone for the propane industry,” said Roy Willis, president and CEO of PERC. “This announcement is the culmination of many entities bringing together the best in propane technology to achieve the greatest economic and environmental results.” 
 
The UPS deployment this year benefits from propane autogas’ wide availability as a result of increased natural gas production in the U.S., and there is more price stability with the accessible supply. UPS currently operates nearly 900 propane vehicles in Canada.
 
UPS has one of the largest private alternative fuel fleets in the nation with more than 3,150 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. This includes all-electric, hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid, CNG, LNG, propane, biomethane, and light-weight fuel-saving composite body vehicles. 
 
For more information on UPS's sustainability initiatives, review the company's 2012 Corporate Sustainability Report at www.ups.com/sustainability. The upcoming 2013 report is to be released mid-year.
 
 
About the Vehicles: The Freightliner Custom Chassis built for UPS uses a GM engine. Both the engine and system integration were provided by Powertrain Integration. The propane autogas fuel system was supplied from CleanFuel USA. Development of the engine, fuel platform and chassis were made possible through cooperation between these companies and the Propane Education & Research Council.   
 
UPS (NYSE:UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions for the transportation of packages and freight, including innovative delivery options for the global consumer market; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. The company also has a world-class sustainability program committed to positive social, community and environmental impact. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at ups.com® and its corporate blog can be found at blog.ups.com.