We caught this unit shortly after it came off the truck at the dealership. John Turic of Hansel Ford in Santa Rosa CA shows off "black beauty," which is a new F350 4x4 Crew Cab Chassis with Alcoa Wheels, Running Boards, Fully loaded XLT trim package, and more. It is matched in black paint to a 10' Scelzi Enterprises Contractor Body with Upper Open Top Lid Tool Boxes, Underbed Boxes, Fold-down gates, Aluminum Flooring, HD Forklift-loadable Rack, Class IV Receiver and Trailer Plug. It really is a beauty!
9/30/14
9/29/14
The Basic 1/2-Ton Work Truck
I was walking the dog and found four or five brand new Ford F-150 Super Cab Long Bed 1/2-Ton Work Pickups. This is a very popular unit and is adorned with a Rack-it material rack and a black diamond plate Weather Guard Cross-Bed Tool Box. Inexpensive, efficient, and comfortable all at the same time, and add to that, it gets the job done. These units were locally purchased at Ron DuPratt Ford in Dixon and upfitted by Sierra Truck & Van in Cordelia CA.
9/28/14
Tata Motors launches the all-new range of Tata Ultra trucks!
Welcome to the future of ILCV trucks -- introducing the all-new Ultra by Tata Motors! With stylish, innovative and smart utility features, the Tata Ultra, has been designed to fast track the consumer's business growth and deliver a reliable, safe, comfortable, vehicle with superior performance! www.tatamotors.com
9/27/14
Reading Aluminum Classic Service Van (CSV) walk around
Craig Bonham of Reading Truck Body gives us an in-depth tour of the Aluminum Classic Service Van. See more about Reading products at www.ReadingBody.com
9/26/14
Sweet Red Crew Cab Service Body Gets Attention
Here's a beauty! This is a new Ford F350 Single Rear Wheel Crew Cab that is a fully-loaded XLT trim unit including running boards and aluminum wheels. To this is added a Scelzi Enterprises 9' standard height open top service body with master lock system (which by the way, locks the top lid in addition to the side doors), HD forklift loadable rack, two sets of RackStraps, vise mount and more. There's just nothing quite like a primary color and chrome plating. . .
Thanks to Hansel Ford in Santa Rosa CA for the opportunity to show off this rockin' truck.
9/25/14
AT&T Fleet Reaches Milestone of 8,000 CNG Vehicles
Learn how AT&T received its 8,000th compressed natural gas vehicle and now has a total of 10,000 various alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. www.motorweek.org
Sweet ProTech Aluminum Flatbed Rocks!
Check this gorgeous truck body out! This is a 12' ProTech Aluminum Flatbed with ProTech Upper Body Barn Door Style Opening Boxes, front and rear Underbed Boxes, Custom Aluminum Rack, Contractor short gates around the back, and check out this awesome step bumper with the wide footing and trailer receiver. In addition, this unit sports a custom tapered headboard and external lighting to get the work done after hours. Can you say sweeeeet?
See more about the high quality and bling-inducing products at ProTech at www.protech.net, and see more about the Fab Shop in Edgewood WA just east of Tacoma WA. Check out their website at www.thefabshop.com.
9/24/14
ONLY PEOPLE NOT THRILLED ABOUT RIDING IN ALL-NEW FORD TRANSIT? PRISONERS
- Ford adds to its Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicle lineup with new prisoner transport concept based on 2015 Ford Transit full-size van line
- 2015 Ford Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle, or Transit PTV, offers space to carry as many as 12 prisoners in three separate compartments
- Transit PTV developed with input from Ford’s Police Advisory Board to demonstrate Transit’s flexibility for law enforcement needs
The 2015 Ford Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle concept, or Transit PTV, features an upfit prisoner conveyance system Ford Motor Company created with Warminster, Pennsylvania-based Havis Prisoner Transport Solutions to showcase Transit’s flexibility for law enforcement applications. It offers space to carry as many as 12 prisoners in three separate compartments.
2015 Ford Transit PTV
“Transit PTV is the latest example of Ford’s deep commitment to helping provide law enforcement agencies with capable vehicles,” said Jonathan Honeycutt, Ford police marketing manager. “This concept proves Transit is upfit-ready and designed to Built Ford Tough standards.”
Transit PTV was designed with input from Ford’s Police Advisory Board, a group of law enforcement professionals from across North America.
“Many Police Advisory Board members have had the chance to drive this vehicle and they are excited about it,” said Honeycutt. “This new vehicle is tough, smart and efficient – ideal for the needs of law enforcement agencies.”
Transit PTV is built on the all-new 2015 Ford Transit van, which offers the most configuration choices among full-size vans to provide a vehicle that meets the specific needs of buyers.
2015 Ford Transit PTV
Transit makes extensive use of boron steel, which has proven its durability through more than 7 million miles of testing.
Ford is the sales leader in police vehicles, offering a wide array of choices to meet the specialized needs of law enforcement agencies. Transit PTV joins Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicle, Special Service Police Sedan, F-150 Special Service Vehicle and Expedition Special Service Vehicle in the Ford law enforcement vehicle lineup.
Ford Police Interceptor utility was the best-selling police vehicle in 2013 – a trend that has continued through 2014, according to Ford analysis of Polk police vehicle registration data. Together, Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility topped 25,000 units sold in 2013, with the utility vehicle accounting for 56 percent of sales.
9/23/14
Upfit Your All-New Ram ProMaster with a Reading Classic Service Van
Upfit Your All-New Ram ProMaster with a Reading Classic Service Van
-The light-weight, fuel-efficient work truck solution-
Reading, PA – Reading Truck Body, LLC, the premier manufacturer of vocational truck bodies, announces it is expanding its aluminum Classic Service Van (CSV) line, with the all-new Ram ProMaster cutaway chassis. This is the first Ram cutaway in years, and is set to expand their vocational target market for the work truck industry. The ProMaster, upfitted with the Reading CSV will offer exceptional ergonomics, storage, and pass-thru access from the cab to the load space, which comes in handy when working in inclement weather or in low-security environments. Reading is offering 57" and 75" bodies, with plans to expand to other configurations as the chassis line expands.
The CSV is an effective commercial upfit for many vocational trades requiring a secure, enclosed mobile work space. The all-aluminum welded construction for the Ram ProMaster offers a solution that is up to 50% lighter than steel, enhances payload capacity and can save up to 10% in fuel costs. “Aluminum continues to be one of the most versatile metals used in manufacturing—and one that Reading has been using in its truck bodies since 1981,” said Ken Spear, vice president of engineering.
The new Ram ProMaster configured CSV will offer the same industry-leading features that Reading customers have come to expect, such as patented hidden hinges, galvanized shelving, LED lighting, nitrogen strut door holders, secure rear and compartment doors, and stainless steel locks. Available options will also include Latchmatic® and Latchmatic Smartshield®keyless locking systems, as well as a three-bow ladder rack.
Reading Truck Body & Aluminum
The Reading CSV is built with recycled high-strength alloy aluminum. According to Alcoa, a global leader in lightweight metals technology, engineering and manufacturing, aluminum is infinitely recyclable, with nearly 75% of all aluminum produced still in use today. Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy and produces 95% less greenhouse gases than making metal from new materials. Reading has been making aluminum truck bodies since 1981.
About Reading Truck Body
Reading Truck Body, LLC is the premier manufacturer of vocational work truck bodies―creating the right solutions at the right time for its customers in order to make the strongest possible business impact. Since 1955, the company has worked hard to build, grow and expand into the thriving industry leader it is today. Moving forward, Reading will continue to set new standards with new products and configurations.
The Reading Group owns Reading Truck Body, which has a manufacturing plant in Reading, PA, along with five additional company-owned installation facilities operating as Reading Equipment & Distribution, LLC. For more information on Reading Truck Body, visit www.ReadingBody.com.
9/22/14
3-Piece Raised Cargo Bed Enclosure On New GMC Chassis
I had an opportunity to visit Harbor Truck Bodies in July and I took that opportunity to wander around their plant and yard catching this beauty getting cleaned for delivery to the dealer who ordered it, Reynolds GMC in West Covina CA. This is a regular cab loaded truck with great aluminum wheels and all the finery any workman or woman could want, and then it has this great body.
What stands out for me on this body are a couple things. First it is the raised 3-piece cargo bed enclosure to keep those items in there out of sight and out of mind. The top opens up two thirds of the bed area when opened and glides smoothly on teflon pads. The other unique thing on this is the way the rear is finished. Most commonly, the rear would be barn doors with no tailgate and this one retained the tail gate has has modified bard doors with HD lock assembly to boot.
In addition, there isn't a need to cover the standard stainless steel lids with aluminum treadbrite overlay, unless you want a bit more bling. That must be the case here. This unit also has a HD material rack with a conduit box and master lock system to make life easy on the job site.
No matter how you look at it, this is a sweet rig. See more from Harbor at www.htbi.net
9/21/14
The Movement Toward Sweet Work Pickups
Work pickups like these parked at a nearby golf course shows the trend toward commercial shells and especially combined with 1/2-ton pickups. There are a lot of advantages to this setup including lower initial cost, lower to the ground, better ride, quieter ride, tires and brakes cost less, plus you're more likely to find uplevel interiors.
Above are two Chevrolet 1500 pickups. One is a regular cab 8' bed and a double cab short bed, one is also white and the other is silver. Another nice thing about this as a work truck is you can get any color you want. The silver unit at the top has a Leer Commercial Shell, and the bottom looks very similar without markings.
Just to show how sweet this kind of work truck can be, check this one out spotted at a WalMart parking lot:
This unit is an A.R.E., Commercial Shell with Rack-it truck rack mounted on an F150 Super Cab 1/2-ton short bed in gray metallic with running boards chrome aluminum wheels and top of the line interior. Another great thing about these works trucks is that they serve more than one purpose in that they can be used to get the work done, go to and from job sites, and used for the family too.
These two shots are of a 2014 GMC double cab short bed with an A.R.E. Commercial Shell, and this one shows off one of the best options you can possibly get. This one has the CargoGlide bed slide to help manage the cargo in the back without ever crawling inside on your hands and knees. Just slide it out and grab what you need. I can't imagine having one of these trucks without this product.
The work pickup used to be much more popular as a 3/4-ton, but I think this has changed. The 1/2-ton pickups carry all the weight that one might need in this space and the other advantages stated above make the 3/4-ton the second choice and generally not necessary.
9/20/14
Ram Truck Focuses on Building the Best Pickup Trucks and Commercial Vehicles in the Industry
September 2, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Since its launch as a stand-alone division of Chrysler Group LLC in 2009, the Ram Truck brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry.
The brand continues to invest substantially in its hard-working products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities.
“In order to be the best in this industry, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO -- Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The proof is in our trucks.
“Ram now offers the most fuel efficient pickup truck ever at 28 mpg and best-in-class one-ton towing capability of 30,000 pounds, in addition to owning many of the most prestigious third-party endorsements in the industry,” added Hegbloom.
The light-duty, full-size pickup truck segment has evolved from brute capability and acceptable efficiency to an engineering and execution that combine desirable size, configurations, capability, refinement, technology and quality, and now – most importantly – outstanding fuel efficiency.
For 2015, Ram is the only brand to offer pickup truck buyers best-in-class 25 mile per gallon (mpg) gas engine fuel economy, a segment-exclusive 28 mpg EcoDiesel engine, best-in-class 30,000-lb. towing and an astounding 850 lb.-ft. of torque. From a capability standpoint, Ram Trucks have successfully separated themselves from the pack.
2015 Ram 1500
First ever back-to-back Motor Trend Truck of the Year winner (2013 and 2014), the Ram 1500 offers an exclusive, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine that delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency – 28 mpg – 420 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 9,200 pounds of towing capability. The Ram 1500 also delivers best-in-class gasoline engine fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Ram 1500 features a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems, including first-in-segment technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension.
2015 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty
Ram Truck brand offers the most capable heavy-duty pickups in the segment – the 2015 Ram Heavy Duty line includes a list of features for the customer whose No. 1 priority is capability:
Ram 3500
Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks also add exclusive innovations, including a five-link coil suspension with optional air suspension on Ram 2500 and a supplemental air bag suspension option on Ram 3500.
2015 Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab
Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab is trucks are the pinnacles of capability. Engineered and designed for extreme daily work, Ram Chassis Cabs are products of severe-duty environments and direct owner input.
The Ram Chassis Cab line is specifically designed to meet the needs of construction, landscaping and heavy delivery businesses. They offer best-in-class GCWR of 37,500 pounds, best-in-class towing capability of 29,600 pounds, best-in-class rear frame strength of 50,000 psi and best-in-class dual-tank fuel capacity of 74 gallons.
For 2015, Ram Chassis Cab models add class-exclusive options that will appeal to commercial buyers, including extremely durable Ram Work Grade vinyl seats, maximum speed settings for 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, ParkSense for upfitter installation, an extra-keys option for multiple-driver fleets and a new Max Payload Package that offers a new torque converter for Aisin AS66RC automatic transmission, increasing Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) for 6.4-liter HEMI-equipped Chassis Cabs.
Ram’s lineup of commercial trucks meets customer demands for capability, total cost of ownership, quality, reliability and dependability (QRD) and power and performance.
2015 Ram ProMaster
Ram Commercial is tapping into Fiat Professional, one of the largest producers of commercial vehicles in the entire world, offering more than 110 years of experience. That knowledge has helped Ram enter new segments and expand the product line. Based on the Fiat Ducato, the Ram ProMaster full-size van is optimized for the North American market and offered by Ram Commercial with best-in-class attributes. Now in its third generation with more than four million sold worldwide, this van is a proven, award-winning workhorse with titles in efficiency and capability.
2015 Ram ProMaster City
The 2015 Ram ProMaster City is Ram’s newest addition to its commercial vehicle lineup, and contributes to the expanding, purpose-built, van segment with a number of best-in-class, functional elements tied directly to commercial customer demand, including cargo area and fuel efficiency.
The new Class 1 entry opens a door for incremental growth of Ram’s brand sales volumes.
2015 Ram C/V
When it comes to capability, the Ram C/V Tradesman out-works competitive vans on a number of fronts by delivering best-in-class payload, cargo space and towing. Equipped with the award-winning Pentastar V-6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Ram C/V Tradesman also delivers best-in-class horsepower, torque and driving range of up to 520 miles on a single tank of fuel.
Ram Commercial
Ram Commercial will continue to expand the brand’s presence in the vocation truck segment by enhancing the capabilities of Ram’s Tradesman series of trucks from half-ton to Class 5; establishing a network of 900 commercially focused dealers, expanding commercial and vocational marketing efforts and leveraging Fiat Professional to bring proven commercial vans to North America.
With the addition of the ProMaster and ProMaster City cargo vans and wagons, the Ram Commercial Truck brand now offers a wide range of products designed to meet the needs of small businesses, work truck fleets and demanding buyers whose commercial vehicle may be his or her company’s lifeblood.
The Ram Commercial division integrates a growing network of Ram BusinessLink dealers focused on the needs of commercial customers. Ram Commercial also helps offset the cost of doing business with On The Job incentives, specifically designed to lower the expense of commercial upfits. Both programs address professional needs for every job.
Ram Truck is committed to delivering the best value proposition with low total cost of ownership across the entire product lineup. From the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab to the Ram C/V, Ram Truck is providing best-in-class capability and technology. The Ram Truck team has not only taken steps to expand and improve its product offerings, but created and built upon customer-service solutions, following through with BusinessLink and On the Job programs for customers who use their truck as a critical tool for business.
Ram Commercial is focused on four pillars of excellence:
Ram Truck Total Cost of Ownership
Commercial customers, in particular, face balancing the challenges of opportunity costs, fuel pricing, reduced budgets, new technology and durability. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculations are helpful in making purchase and operational decisions. Ram Truck offers best-in-class TCO for commercial truck owners. The Ram 1500 features a standard V-8 engine, with best-in-class entry level capability and impressive resale value, allowing owners to recover more upfront costs. All Cummins diesel-powered Ram trucks feature a 15,000-mile oil change interval, and a best-in-class diesel exhaust brake increases frictional brake life by three times the market average. Ram Truck also offers the most upfitter-friendly solutions in the industry, reducing the initial costs for specialty trucks such as crane, roll-back or dump bed upfits. Topping it off, Ram Truck offers a unsurpassed five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, proof of the quality built into each truck.
Ram Commercial Marketing
In many cases, the owner is not the operator, which creates a unique sales and marketing dynamic. Ram Commercial offers a complete approach with a company-wide strategy supported by all organizations and a dedicated sales force. Marketing efforts speak directly to commercial buyers
both visually and verbally, and improved customer targeting benefits from laser-focused channels, such as tradeshows, commercial websites and trade publications. The new division is supported throughout the entire network, including local advocates, operation managers, sales specialists and an extensive dealer network.
About BusinessLink
BusinessLink is a free program that connects business owners with a network of Chrysler Group dealers that are specially equipped to work with small businesses. Nationwide, Chrysler Group’s more than 930 BusinessLink dealers offer the convenience of one-stop sales and service essential to help commercial/small businesses stay on the road to profitability. Business owners may access this free membership program with proof of business ownership at any BusinessLink dealer.
Benefits include no dues or fees, specialized in-dealership commercial/small business sales and service personnel, extended service and repair hours, priority next-available-bay service, free shuttle service, 24/7 towing service, free loaners for select vehicles, expertise in commercial financing options and unique business variable incentives.
Find a local BusinessLink dealer at (877) 2THELINK.
About "On The Job"
Chrysler Group’s "On The Job” vehicle program provides commercial/small business owners a variety of incentives and discounts to assist them in purchasing, servicing and customizing vehicles to specifically address their unique professional needs. Most Chrysler Group vehicles qualify for On The Job program advantages when the vehicle is purchased for business use. Business owners can choose from custom upfit or vehicle graphic allowances, oil change - service contracts, or select from a variety of Bosch® tools. On The Job program options are available at any of Chrysler Group’s 2,317 dealerships. Consumers that qualify for the On The Job program are also eligible to receive additional National and local vehicle discounts. For On The Job program information, call (877) ONTHEJOB.
About Ram Truck Brand
Since its launch as a stand-alone division of Chrysler Group LLC in 2009, the Ram Truck Brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry.
Creating a distinct identity for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and features they find valuable. Whether focusing on a family that uses a Ram 1500 day in and day out, a hard-working Ram 3500 Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its Ram ProMaster commercial van every day for deliveries, Ram has the truck market covered.
In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.
Moving into the 2015 model year, Ram continues to beat the competition in the two most sought-after titles, fuel economy and towing capacity:
Follow Ram and Chrysler Group LLC news and video on:
Chrysler On Demand (COD): www.chryslerondemand.com
Blog: blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Company website: www.chryslergroupllc.com
ChryslerGroup360: www.chryslergroup360.com
Ram Trucks brand: www.ramtrucks.com
Ram Zone blog: www.ramzone.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RamTrucks or www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Flickr: www.flickr.com/RamTrucks or www.flickr.com/ChryslerGroup
Media website: www.media.chrysler.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ramtrucks or www.pinterest.com/ChryslerGroup
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ramtrucks or www.instagram.com/chryslergroup
Streetfire: www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RamTrucks or www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: www.youtube.com/RamTrucks or www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo
The brand continues to invest substantially in its hard-working products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities.
“In order to be the best in this industry, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO -- Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The proof is in our trucks.
“Ram now offers the most fuel efficient pickup truck ever at 28 mpg and best-in-class one-ton towing capability of 30,000 pounds, in addition to owning many of the most prestigious third-party endorsements in the industry,” added Hegbloom.
The light-duty, full-size pickup truck segment has evolved from brute capability and acceptable efficiency to an engineering and execution that combine desirable size, configurations, capability, refinement, technology and quality, and now – most importantly – outstanding fuel efficiency.
For 2015, Ram is the only brand to offer pickup truck buyers best-in-class 25 mile per gallon (mpg) gas engine fuel economy, a segment-exclusive 28 mpg EcoDiesel engine, best-in-class 30,000-lb. towing and an astounding 850 lb.-ft. of torque. From a capability standpoint, Ram Trucks have successfully separated themselves from the pack.
2015 Ram 1500
First ever back-to-back Motor Trend Truck of the Year winner (2013 and 2014), the Ram 1500 offers an exclusive, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine that delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency – 28 mpg – 420 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 9,200 pounds of towing capability. The Ram 1500 also delivers best-in-class gasoline engine fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Ram 1500 features a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems, including first-in-segment technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension.
2015 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty
Ram Truck brand offers the most capable heavy-duty pickups in the segment – the 2015 Ram Heavy Duty line includes a list of features for the customer whose No. 1 priority is capability:
- Towing – Best-in-class 30,000 pounds with Ram 3500
- Payload – 7,320 pounds with Ram 3500
- Power – 850 lb.-ft. of torque with 6.7-liter Cummins
- Power – Best-in-class 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque with 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8
- Capacity – Best-in-class Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 37,600 pounds with
Ram 3500
Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks also add exclusive innovations, including a five-link coil suspension with optional air suspension on Ram 2500 and a supplemental air bag suspension option on Ram 3500.
2015 Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab
Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab is trucks are the pinnacles of capability. Engineered and designed for extreme daily work, Ram Chassis Cabs are products of severe-duty environments and direct owner input.
The Ram Chassis Cab line is specifically designed to meet the needs of construction, landscaping and heavy delivery businesses. They offer best-in-class GCWR of 37,500 pounds, best-in-class towing capability of 29,600 pounds, best-in-class rear frame strength of 50,000 psi and best-in-class dual-tank fuel capacity of 74 gallons.
For 2015, Ram Chassis Cab models add class-exclusive options that will appeal to commercial buyers, including extremely durable Ram Work Grade vinyl seats, maximum speed settings for 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, ParkSense for upfitter installation, an extra-keys option for multiple-driver fleets and a new Max Payload Package that offers a new torque converter for Aisin AS66RC automatic transmission, increasing Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) for 6.4-liter HEMI-equipped Chassis Cabs.
Ram’s lineup of commercial trucks meets customer demands for capability, total cost of ownership, quality, reliability and dependability (QRD) and power and performance.
2015 Ram ProMaster
Ram Commercial is tapping into Fiat Professional, one of the largest producers of commercial vehicles in the entire world, offering more than 110 years of experience. That knowledge has helped Ram enter new segments and expand the product line. Based on the Fiat Ducato, the Ram ProMaster full-size van is optimized for the North American market and offered by Ram Commercial with best-in-class attributes. Now in its third generation with more than four million sold worldwide, this van is a proven, award-winning workhorse with titles in efficiency and capability.
2015 Ram ProMaster City
The 2015 Ram ProMaster City is Ram’s newest addition to its commercial vehicle lineup, and contributes to the expanding, purpose-built, van segment with a number of best-in-class, functional elements tied directly to commercial customer demand, including cargo area and fuel efficiency.
The new Class 1 entry opens a door for incremental growth of Ram’s brand sales volumes.
2015 Ram C/V
When it comes to capability, the Ram C/V Tradesman out-works competitive vans on a number of fronts by delivering best-in-class payload, cargo space and towing. Equipped with the award-winning Pentastar V-6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Ram C/V Tradesman also delivers best-in-class horsepower, torque and driving range of up to 520 miles on a single tank of fuel.
Ram Commercial
Ram Commercial will continue to expand the brand’s presence in the vocation truck segment by enhancing the capabilities of Ram’s Tradesman series of trucks from half-ton to Class 5; establishing a network of 900 commercially focused dealers, expanding commercial and vocational marketing efforts and leveraging Fiat Professional to bring proven commercial vans to North America.
With the addition of the ProMaster and ProMaster City cargo vans and wagons, the Ram Commercial Truck brand now offers a wide range of products designed to meet the needs of small businesses, work truck fleets and demanding buyers whose commercial vehicle may be his or her company’s lifeblood.
The Ram Commercial division integrates a growing network of Ram BusinessLink dealers focused on the needs of commercial customers. Ram Commercial also helps offset the cost of doing business with On The Job incentives, specifically designed to lower the expense of commercial upfits. Both programs address professional needs for every job.
Ram Truck is committed to delivering the best value proposition with low total cost of ownership across the entire product lineup. From the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab to the Ram C/V, Ram Truck is providing best-in-class capability and technology. The Ram Truck team has not only taken steps to expand and improve its product offerings, but created and built upon customer-service solutions, following through with BusinessLink and On the Job programs for customers who use their truck as a critical tool for business.
Ram Commercial is focused on four pillars of excellence:
- The right products, including a full-line of new commercial trucks and vans
- The right message: best-in-class fuel economy, power, towing and torque
- The right network: approximately 900 dedicated Ram Commercial dealers
- The right leverage: taking full advantage of Fiat Professional products and expertise
Ram Truck Total Cost of Ownership
Commercial customers, in particular, face balancing the challenges of opportunity costs, fuel pricing, reduced budgets, new technology and durability. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculations are helpful in making purchase and operational decisions. Ram Truck offers best-in-class TCO for commercial truck owners. The Ram 1500 features a standard V-8 engine, with best-in-class entry level capability and impressive resale value, allowing owners to recover more upfront costs. All Cummins diesel-powered Ram trucks feature a 15,000-mile oil change interval, and a best-in-class diesel exhaust brake increases frictional brake life by three times the market average. Ram Truck also offers the most upfitter-friendly solutions in the industry, reducing the initial costs for specialty trucks such as crane, roll-back or dump bed upfits. Topping it off, Ram Truck offers a unsurpassed five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, proof of the quality built into each truck.
Ram Commercial Marketing
In many cases, the owner is not the operator, which creates a unique sales and marketing dynamic. Ram Commercial offers a complete approach with a company-wide strategy supported by all organizations and a dedicated sales force. Marketing efforts speak directly to commercial buyers
both visually and verbally, and improved customer targeting benefits from laser-focused channels, such as tradeshows, commercial websites and trade publications. The new division is supported throughout the entire network, including local advocates, operation managers, sales specialists and an extensive dealer network.
About BusinessLink
BusinessLink is a free program that connects business owners with a network of Chrysler Group dealers that are specially equipped to work with small businesses. Nationwide, Chrysler Group’s more than 930 BusinessLink dealers offer the convenience of one-stop sales and service essential to help commercial/small businesses stay on the road to profitability. Business owners may access this free membership program with proof of business ownership at any BusinessLink dealer.
Benefits include no dues or fees, specialized in-dealership commercial/small business sales and service personnel, extended service and repair hours, priority next-available-bay service, free shuttle service, 24/7 towing service, free loaners for select vehicles, expertise in commercial financing options and unique business variable incentives.
Find a local BusinessLink dealer at (877) 2THELINK.
About "On The Job"
Chrysler Group’s "On The Job” vehicle program provides commercial/small business owners a variety of incentives and discounts to assist them in purchasing, servicing and customizing vehicles to specifically address their unique professional needs. Most Chrysler Group vehicles qualify for On The Job program advantages when the vehicle is purchased for business use. Business owners can choose from custom upfit or vehicle graphic allowances, oil change - service contracts, or select from a variety of Bosch® tools. On The Job program options are available at any of Chrysler Group’s 2,317 dealerships. Consumers that qualify for the On The Job program are also eligible to receive additional National and local vehicle discounts. For On The Job program information, call (877) ONTHEJOB.
About Ram Truck Brand
Since its launch as a stand-alone division of Chrysler Group LLC in 2009, the Ram Truck Brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry.
Creating a distinct identity for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and features they find valuable. Whether focusing on a family that uses a Ram 1500 day in and day out, a hard-working Ram 3500 Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its Ram ProMaster commercial van every day for deliveries, Ram has the truck market covered.
In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.
Moving into the 2015 model year, Ram continues to beat the competition in the two most sought-after titles, fuel economy and towing capacity:
- Best-in-class fuel economy with exclusive EcoDiesel - 28 mpg with Ram 1500
- Best-in-class towing capability - 30,000 pounds with Ram 3500
Follow Ram and Chrysler Group LLC news and video on:
Chrysler On Demand (COD): www.chryslerondemand.com
Blog: blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Company website: www.chryslergroupllc.com
ChryslerGroup360: www.chryslergroup360.com
Ram Trucks brand: www.ramtrucks.com
Ram Zone blog: www.ramzone.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RamTrucks or www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Flickr: www.flickr.com/RamTrucks or www.flickr.com/ChryslerGroup
Media website: www.media.chrysler.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ramtrucks or www.pinterest.com/ChryslerGroup
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ramtrucks or www.instagram.com/chryslergroup
Streetfire: www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RamTrucks or www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: www.youtube.com/RamTrucks or www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo
9/19/14
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2014
For National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we asked Freightliner drivers to say "hi" to their loved ones from the road and thank them for all of their hard work throughout the year. Here's what they had to say. #NTDAW
Thank a truck driver today!
http://www.freightlinertrucks.com
Thank a truck driver today!
http://www.freightlinertrucks.com
GM Environment 101
Watch and listen as members of our sustainability team explain the work we've done -- and the work we're doing -- to reduce our environmental impact.
9/18/14
Low Profile Combo Body Gets The Job Done
Above is a rare unit. In all of my travels, I don't recall ever seeing a low profile combo body, and I love it. This one has been around for a while and is owned by Summit Roofing in Vacaville CA. I saw it in two locations and got shots from both to show it off a bit.
First off, when I say low-pro, it means that the top of the open top lids falls at approximately the bottom of the rear window, so that makes it right around 34". The typical height, and like every other one I've seen is at or just above the middle of the rear window, or about 41". Sure, with the standard unit you have a bit more storage space in the boxes, but I love the way this unit looks and you can see inside the top lids without standing on your toes or a step stool.
In this case, notice the compressor that looks like it gets a lot of use behind the rear window on a shelf built for that purpose and it makes it easy to get to. Notice also the flat spot on the street side front for more machine possibilities. Then this has a forklift loadable rack and short contractor gates around the back where the work platform is.
This unit is mounted on a Ford F350 and also has aluminum wheels for just a bit of added flair.
You may never find one like this on a dealers lot, but it is certainly available and now that you've seen how it looks and some advantages, you may want to have your favorite dealer order one up for you. I think it is awesome.
In case you're in Northern California, you can reach Summit Roofing at 707-451-0162. My thanks to the Summit Roofing crew for allowing me to take some quick shots on their lunch break. -- Terry Minion, Commercial Truck Success
9/17/14
9/16/14
MotorWeek | Clean Cities: Washington, DC
Our success story takes us where a varied mix of alternative fuels are used throughout their government fleet.
Check out more at http://www.motorweek.org
Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MotorWeek
Check out more at http://www.motorweek.org
Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MotorWeek
9/15/14
Versalift VO-270-E 70' Aerial Lift
Here's a special chipper body with an articulated over-center 70' aerial lift for those special jobs that require up to a 46.5' reach and able to do the job at the location of choice. It was built by Versalift of Waco, Texas for CM Joslin Co of Conroe, Texas through Ed Miller at Chastang Ford in Houston, Texas. This is the third addition of this specialized unit to their fleet and another is being built to make it four. The truck is a 2015 F750 Ford Medium Duty Chassis.
To see more about this specific type of truck, see the Versalift V0-270-E.
For more information about Chastang Ford, go to www.chastangford.com, and you can contact Ed Miller (Thanks, Ed) at 713-678-5007 or email him at emiller@chastangford.com
9/14/14
ISUZU RELIABILITY HELPS BROADEN CANCER SERVICE
To boost breast-screen participation in remote Australian communities, BreastScreenNT needed to deliver the service directly.
The result is the BreastScreenNT Bus, which travels some of the country’s roughest terrain to deliver a free breast-screen service.
The more-than-capable Isuzu FTS 800 is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including mammography machine and satellite dish, to enable instant transmission of digital images to Darwin.
The service is assisting to tackle a major issue within Australia, where many remote women live in isolated areas, sometimes thousands of kilometres from medical facilities offering such a service.
One of the chief advocates of the program is Karen Forster from the Department of Health and Families.
The Cancer Screen Services Manager said the department received $1.2 million in Federal Government funds to develop the bus.
Ms Forster said the bus fulfills a crucial service.
“Many of these women simply don’t participate in breast-screening because it’s impossible for them to travel such long distances,” Ms Forster said.
“Although, statistically, Indigenous women have a lower chance of developing breast cancer, there are higher instances of late diagnosis.
“Obviously, that is an issue that needs our attention.”
Ms Forster said the project had been an incredibly rewarding experience for all those involved.
“It has not been an easy process, this was a huge learning curve for us,” Ms Forster said.
“But it has been hugely satisfying, knowing how many more women now have access to breast-screening.”
Ms Forster acknowledged it had been a major logistical effort to push along the program, which started with the truck selection.
“The procurement team had experience with Isuzu and knew the truck was reliable,” Ms Forster said.
“Let’s face it, the conditions are tough going and the equipment is highly sensitive.
“Reliability was at the core of the decision, as well as its adaptability to our needs.”
Tough, state-of-the-art design
Queensland-based company Mills-Tui was set the challenge to fit out the truck with the equipment.
Design Drafter, Isaac Goodman, said Mills Tui had one key operating brief, which was to develop a product that would endure off-road use within Northern Territory’s remote communities.
To achieve this, Mr Goodman said they combined solid design with quality materials.
“The vehicle was designed using a fully framed body, constructed from galvanized steel tube,” Mr Goodman said.
“A curved roof was installed to maximise water run-off during the wet season and to help create roof voids for running air-conditioning pipes, ducts and electrical wiring.
“The air-conditioning system was sized to provide adequate cooling, which was a critical feature to protect the delicate equipment.”
Because of the humid environment, no wood products were used.
The floor, walls and ceiling of the interior were paneled with composite aluminum sheeting, normally used for cladding the exterior buildings.
Mills Tui wanted the interior cabinetry to resemble any land-based clinic.
To achieve this look, the engineers manufactured the cabinets in aluminum with a powder-coat finish.
“We then utilised a product called Thermo-lite, from Constructive Composites Australia, to make all the cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
“All benchtops are stainless steel over a Thermo-lite substrate.”
Additional specifications
The final product comprises reception room and breast-screen clinic room.
The truck was fitted with a roof-mounted satellite dish, underbody storage lockers, sliding glass entry door, automatic awning, and internal and external sink.
Included in the fit-out are a 9kV Durapower generator, hot-water system, dimmable L.E.D interior lighting and automatic folding entry stairs.
There are also modern conveniences such as iPod, intercom and speaker systems, while a touchscreen can activate the levelling legs, the side awning and lighting systems.
Out in the outback
Driven and operated by radiographers Sarah Webb and Louise Croft, the truck has already made successful trips to remote communities, even managing a barge trek.
The bus has the capacity to travel to 20 remote communities on a two-year rotation, with the capability of screening up to 100 women per week.
Among many locations, the bus will provide screening services in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy, to complement services in Darwin, Alice Spring and Palmerston.
The Isuzu truck
The Isuzu FTS 800 4x4 model has a 6 speed Allison automatic transmission and is built to take on any serious driving challenge, with a GVM of 13,900kg and full-time four-wheel-drive with centre differential lock.
The powerful, yet efficient Isuzu delivers 176kW and 706Nm of torque, as well as offering advanced safety features and technologies, such as driver airbag with seatbelt pretensioner, and digital audio visual unit.
The FTS 800 comes standard with cruise control and offers the driver a comfortable ride, thanks to the ISRI 6860 seat with integrated seatbelt.
www.isuzu.com.au
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