5/31/15

Transfer Flow Shows Off New Fuel Products at NTEA



Joe Hughes, President of the National Ford Truck Club talks with Warren Johnson of Transfer Flow about their new 40 gallon refueling tank, that will even fit under a tonneau cover. Plus the 100 gallon hauler fuel tank used as an auxiliary tank for full size trucks. Transfer Flow is headquartered in Chico CA. See more about Transfer Flow at http://www.transferflow.com.

Customers Accelerate GMC Sales So Far in 2015


Brand’s first quarter was best in 10 years, 
and momentum continues


DETROIT – When it comes to midsize trucks, Mike Taylor of Dallas has switched from regular to premium.

The 35-year-old IT engineer and consultant recently swapped his barely broken-in 2014 Toyota Tacoma for a 2015 GMC Canyon Crew Cab in Onyx Black.

“The Canyon just offers so much more,” Taylor said while loading firewood into his truck bed recently. A military retiree and father of three, Taylor is especially fond of premium Canyon features such as the CornerStep rear bumper, large cargo bed, OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and crash-avoidance technologies. 

“It’s as if GMC listened to its customers, addressed any concerns and then provided solutions,” said Taylor, who used the GM Military Discount to purchase his Canyon. Through June 30, all 22 million U.S. military active-duty, retirees, reserves and veterans are eligible for special military pricing; after June 30, the discount still applies, but covers veterans within a year of separation.

Taylor helped drive GMC’s total first-quarter sales up 15 percent compared with a year ago – for its best January-March since 2005. April retail and total sales were up 8.1 percent and 20 percent, respectively, marking 15 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains for the brand.

Through April 30, GMC delivered 167,005 vehicles in the U.S., up 16 percent year over year. Overall, nearly 17 percent of GMC sales have been to import vehicle owners. For Canyon, the import conquest rate is nearly 24 percent as GMC continues to inject premium amenities into what used to be a bare-bones segment.

Separately, the Sierra full-size pickup saw its best April since 2004; Acadia and Terrain posted their best April sales ever; and it was the highest-performing month all year for Yukon and Yukon XL.

“As more consumers choose trucks, crossovers and SUVs, they discover GMC offers capacity and capability in a premium package with precision design, execution, attention to detail, advanced technologies and other upscale qualities they seek in a brand,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, GMC.

“Our robust average transaction prices, relatively low incentive spend as a percentage of average transaction prices and the popularity of our top-of-the-line Denali trim level continue to demonstrate GMC’s appeal to discerning buyers,” said Aldred. “And for those who have not yet experienced all that GMC has to offer, our ‘Precision’ advertising campaign is raising awareness and increasing traffic in our dealerships.” 

GMC’s Denali line represents about 23 percent of all GMC sales but is nearly 60 percent of Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUV sales and 44 percent of Sierra HD sales.

Surveys of GMC customers reveal their top reasons for purchase include exterior styling, quality, seating capability, towing capability, family-friendliness, value for the money and a previous positive experience with a GMC vehicle.

“The Canyon styling caught my eye,” said Taylor, who owned a 2009 Tacoma before he bought the 2014 model. “The difference (between Canyon and Tacoma) is like night and day – I couldn’t even get leather seats in the Tacoma. I thought I’d live and die with them, but the Canyon changed that.”

The Canyon development team spent months talking to midsize truck customers to determine how they used their trucks and what features they wanted in a new one. Customer feedback helped inform popular Canyon features such as the segment’s largest cargo bed, connectivity and infotainment, the available GearOn cargo management system and available EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate.

GMC awards 

The GMC brand and its models have received numerous accolades. For the second year in a row, and on the strength of Denali, GMC won Kelley Blue Book’s Brand Image Award for Most Refined Brand, with high ratings for comfort, interior layout, technology and prestige/sophistication.

The award is based on consumer automotive perception data from Kelley Blue Book’s Market Intelligence's Brand Watch study, which taps into more than 12,000 in-market new-vehicle shoppers annually on Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, capturing brand/model familiarity and loyalty among new-car shoppers.

Terrain, Yukon and Sierra 1500 lead their segments in the 2015 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. Canyon won AutoWeek’s 2015 Best of the Best Truck award and was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Interiors.

Editors evaluated the Canyon SLT model and praised the truck’s soft surfaces, thoughtful layout, and premium details such as contrast stitching, Bose audio system, easily navigated touchscreen and advanced safety features. They wrote that Canyon “feels more like a well-equipped SUV, but with a bed in the back.”

Forbes named Yukon and Canyon to its list of Hottest New Cars and Trucks for 2015. Acadia made Edmunds.com’s list of the most popular 2015 models.

About GMC
GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.


5/30/15

Mobile Splicing Unit (Fiber Optic) by SpaceKap



In this video, we showcase our SpaceKap fiber optic splicing unit. This service body boasts a magnitude of great features such as: Reversed rear doors that allow access in and out of the unit while the cable is passed through the integrated rear portal, 5,500 watt Onan generator (110/220), 13,500 but A/C unit, 220v electric heater, deep cycle battery with smart charger, 110v outlets on the workbench, plenty of storage space and much much more. Please give us a call for more information or even a demonstration. www.spacekap.com

5/29/15

New Personnel Basket For Service Cranes From Palfinger



Mario Hufnagl of Palfinger shows off a new Personnel Basket accessory for a service crane on a service body or other truck. This lightweight product can be setup in about 10 minutes and folds up to take up very little space on the truck when not needed. This is a unique offering for this market. See more about this an other products from Palfinger at http://www.palfinger.com. Also, see a video by Palfinger about this product on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn_6w...

Trout River Trailer Video



Take a peek at the innovative Trout River Trailer.
See more at www.TroutRiverIndustries.ca

5/28/15

Mercedes pick-up launch before end of decade


Mercedes PickupMercedes-Benz Vans has announced its intention to introduce a one-tonne pick-up challenger globally before 2020. It will be the first time that the German manufacturer has marketed a model in this sector of the LCV market and yes, it will be coming to the UK. Initially, it will be targeted at markets in Latin America, South Africa, Australia and Europe, all of which are currently showing sustained growth in the pick-up segment.

The as yet un-named model will be designed and developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz Vans and will be aimed at both commercial and private users; think Volkswagen Amarok and you can see where Merc is coming from with the newcomer. Whether it will be produced in any other body style than a double cab is unknown, but as it’s destined for such diverse markets we would expect to see a full mix, including the option of two-wheel drive models.

“As part of our ‘Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global’ strategy, the pickup is the ideal vehicle for the international expansion of our product range with a newly developed model,” said Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “We can perfectly serve customers looking for a vehicle that offers a high level of utility and at the same time has the comfort, safety and design of a Mercedes-Benz passenger car. We will design our brand’s first pickup according to this recipe for success.” - See more at: http://www.vansa2z.com/Mercedes-pick-up-launch-before-end-of-decade#sthash.PPJ03C80.dpuf

Source: http://www.vansa2z.com/Mercedes-pick-up-launch-before-end-of-decade

5/27/15

2015 Ford F-150 Extreme Torture Tests



Video of 2015 Ford F-150 Torture Tests

Diesel vs. gasoline: Which fuel type is better for your line of work?


As a business owner who depends on a commercial vehicle for your work, you need the right truck for the job. A truck that comes up short on capability is no help — but too much truck can be a problem too, as the cost of operating it will eat into your profits. Instead, the ideal truck is one that does everything you need in the most efficient way possible.

One important decision to make when choosing your truck is fuel type. Comparing diesel vs. gasoline reveals advantages and drawbacks for each, so you need to choose the best engine and fuel type for your particular needs. Making a wise choice means doing the right thing for everyone who depends on the success of your business: your customers, your employees, you and your family. Below are some considerations for owners who want to get the most from their trucks.

Engine output

Engine output refers to the amount of horsepower and torque that an engine can produce. Horsepower is critical for sports cars, since it helps deliver quick acceleration. But torque is the more important figure for business owners who use their trucks for work. Ample torque means the truck can tow and haul heavy loads with relative ease.

If you push your truck to the limits of its towing or hauling capacity, you can depend on diesel to do the job with an impressive combination of toughness and efficiency. Those 18-wheelers you see pulling 53-foot-long trailers on the interstate use diesel for a reason. Gasoline engines can’t match diesels when it comes to heavy loads.

Fuel economy

Diesel engines also typically trump gas engines in terms of efficiency, delivering more miles per gallon to save you money at the pump. Consider the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, which delivers up to 28 mpg on the highway while providing more torque than even the Ram brand’s HEMI® V8 engine.

There is a flip side to the fuel economy advantage, however. In most places, diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline. According to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report, the national average price for a gallon of diesel fuel is about $0.80 more than a gallon of regular gasoline. Be sure to consider that price premium when estimating the costs of operating a diesel-powered truck against one that runs on gas.

Fuel availability can be an issue for diesel drivers, too. Gasoline is more widely available than diesel in many parts of the country.

Other ownership considerations

Besides capability and efficiency, small- and medium-sized business owners should consider maintenance costs and resale value in the diesel vs. gasoline decision process. Because gasoline engines are more common than diesels, parts and service for gas engines may be more affordable and easier to find.

But when it comes time to sell your work truck and replace it with a new one, diesels often deliver better resale value. Of course, diesels are typically more expensive to purchase new, too. The capability of the diesel truck will pay off for those who truly need it, though, and the extra value at trade-in or sale can offset some of the cost of the next truck.

Both gasoline and diesel offer advantages and disadvantages for work vehicles, depending on how you use your work truck. But generally speaking, gasoline engines are more affordable at the time of purchase, and gallon-for-gallon, gas is cheaper at the pump. Diesel engines, on the other hand, provide more capability and better fuel economy, but are pricier to buy up front. Like so many business decisions, this one comes down to figuring out what’s right for your particular needs.

 Source: http://blog.chryslercommercialvehicles.com/2015/04/28/diesel-vs-gasoline-which-fuel-type-is-better-for-your-line-of-work/

5/26/15

Spied: 2017 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Chassis Cab


The GM light-duty and heavy-duty pickup trucks look like they'll be coming to market refreshed for 2017 or 2018. Our spy shooters are seeing both of them running all sorts of loaded and empty test loops, likely to work out the bugs on a modified or upgraded powertrain. Here's their latest report:

    "Recently we've caught the updated Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickups out on their first test runs. … We caught a pair of 2016 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty prototypes (one crew-cab 2500 near maximum payload and towing capacity, and the other an empty chassis-cab Duramax) coming in from a run.

    "Much like the light-duty trucks we've seen before, the Sierra looks to be hiding a moderate front-end refresh, with a new front end, hood cuts, a revised grille and updated headlights.

    "We suspect the bigger news is under the hood, where the GM HD trucks are reported to get upgraded versions of the Duramax V-8 turbo-diesel. At least one report pegs the new Duramax numbers at 450 horsepower and 850 pounds-feet of torque.

    "A version of the 10-speed transmission co-developed with Ford is also likely to make it into the heavy-duty pickups by 2018."

Chris Doane Automotive images

Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/04/spied-2017-gmc-sierra-25003500-chassis-cab.html

5/25/15

Carry It On Top - Masterack Ladder Racks for Every Type of Commercial Van


Masterack has a ladder rack for every type of commercial van, plus accessories to customize a package to your particular need. Choose from the original Masterack Locking Rack, the ergonomic Slide-Down Rack, the effortless PowerRack, or the economical heavy-duty Utility Rack.

Find out more at:  http://masterack.com/
 

You may call Harbor Truck Bodies for more information at 800-433-9452.
Also find us at http://htbi.net/

This is how the Ford Transit prepares for American roads



In order to prove itself ready for American roads, watch as the Ford Transit takes on seven million miles of potholes, rumble strips and severe water hazards.

Developed and tested in Europe for four decades, watch the torturous tests Transit takes on in order to prove itself ready for American roads. Over seven million miles of potholes, rumble strips and severe water conditions.

Subscribe to the Ford Means Business YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/fordmean...

Learn more about the Ford Transit: http://www.ford.com/trucks/transitvan...

5/24/15

A Workshop for your Van by Sortimo



WorkMo stands for Work Mobility. Sortimo has developed a multifunctional system, which can be used as workshop equipment, transport system, mobile workshop and work station.

5/23/15

Simple Installation - Van packages - Simpleco by Sortimo



Simplico by Sortimo offers van packages designed for easy installation.

Mercedes VanExperience 2015 goes live at Millbrook





Mercedes CitanThis year’s Mercedes-Benz VanExperience Live is taking place at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, for the first time in its 12-year history, from 2 to 12 June. It’s an invitation-only event and caters for over 1,800 customers and fleet operators during the two weeks.

There will be three main hands-on demonstration areas to help guests assess how Mercedes-Benz vans perform, including the opportunity to experience the entire LCV product line-up. Additionally, there’s a challenging off-road course to sample the abilities of the Sprinter 4x4 and even the special 6x6 Oberaigner conversion.

Being a Merc event there’s a safety-focused activity which compromises a ‘city’ driving course with Citan, a drive to demonstrate safety systems such as Collision Prevention Assist and Blind Spot Assist, and a self-park/reversing camera challenge in the latest generation Vito.

There will also be a Service24h vehicle on display to demonstrate how Merc can fix over 80 per cent of breakdowns at the roadside, a fully-accessorised van to highlight the range of products available from the options list and an expansive static display featuring vans from more than 30 bodybuilder and conversion specialists.

“Visiting VanExperience LIVE really does help our van buyers and drivers to make their minds up when it comes to assessing their next vehicle purchase,” said Steve Bridge, managing director, Mercedes-Benz Vans. “The feedback we receive each year proves the format is the best in the industry.

“We welcome almost 2,000 guests to VanExperience LIVE, offering them a full emersion in to our brand and everything that we stand for and I personally like meeting as many visitors as I can, with all Mercedes-Benz Vans colleagues joining me on site for the duration.”

Anyone wishing to attend VanExperience LIVE 2015, will need to contact their local Mercedes-Benz Vans Dealer for full event details, or register their interest online here.

For those that can’t make it to VanExperience Live, Mercedes will have a full line-up of products to test at DRIVEit 2015 from 7 – 9 July at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground In Leicestershire.

- See more at: http://www.vansa2z.com/Merc-VanExperience-2015-goes-live-at-Millbrook#sthash.nQbJCX2w.dpuf

5/22/15

Fuso Canter 6C18 picks up "Heavy Duty 4x4 2015" award



•    Canter 4x4 scores highly with superb off-road capability, excellent ground clearance and balanced chassis
•    Award marks the second time readers of Trade Van Driver Magazine have voted for the Canter Stuttgart/London - The Fuso Canter 6C18 has been voted "Heavy Duty 4x4 of the Year" as part of this year's awards from Trade Van Driver Magazine.

Commenting on the award, Matthew Eisenegger, editor of Trade Van Driver Magazine, said: "The Fuso Canter 4x4 really has something to offer when it comes to extreme versatility. Superb off-road capability,
excellent ground clearance and a balanced chassis are just a few of the features which impressed the readers who cast their vote. Certain trades which involve working outdoors need a special vehicle, and the Fuso Canter 4x4 is a fantastic off-road solution".

Trade Van Driver Magazine presents awards to manufacturers, companies and individuals who in the opinion of its readers provide the best solutions for van customers in the retail sector. The award was presented to Vincente Connolly, who as Director of National Sales at Mercedes-Benz & Fuso Trucks is responsible for sales in the UK.

According to Vincente Connolly: "The Fuso Canter 6C18 4x4 is a high-performance vehicle for both on- and off-road use. We are delighted with this award from the magazine readers".

This award for the Fuso Canter, which is built at the Tramagal plant in Portugal and sold and supported exclusively through the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealer network in the UK, confirms that customers are investing in a vehicle which is tailored to the needs of their sector.

The Fuso Canter was already voted "Heavy Duty 4x4 of the Year" by Trade Van Driver Magazine in 2014.

5/21/15

Škoda Fabia FUNstar project pick-up revealed





Skoda Fabia FUNstarApprentices at Škoda’s Vocational School have come up with a unique funky half-tonne pick-up based on the new three-door Fabia hatchback. This is the second year in a row that the Czech manufacturer has given selected trainees the opportunity to create their dream car.

Sitting on on 18in ‘Gemini’ alloys from the Octavia RS, FUNstar’s power comes from a 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine producing 121hp and driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox.

Finished in striking Steel Grey and Moon White metallic body colours, the sills, grille surround, door mirror facings and rear spoiler are contrasted in Reflex Green. Dual-lens headlamps feature LED lights, with green LED light strips serving as daytime running lights and under-sill illumination. LEDs are also used in the rear lights.

Skoda Fabia FUNstarColour-coding is carried through to the interior with individual elements highlighted in Steel Grey and Moon White. And just to top it off there’s a 1,400W sound system installed.
 

Don’t expect to see the Fabia FUNstar in a showroom any time soon, but this isn’t the first time Škoda has come up with a pick-up. There was a pick-up version of the Fabia’s predecessor, the Felicia, on sale in the 1990s. It was sold in some markets as the VW Caddy Pickup.

There was even a Fun variant aimed at the recreational market which had a bulkhead that could be slid back into the load bed to reveal two extra, open air, seats; effectively turning it into a double cab (see pics below).

Source:  http://www.vansa2z.com/Skoda-Fabia-FUNstar-project-pick-up-revealed




2015 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCab Get Top Ratings From NHTSA



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released safety ratings for the 2015 Ford F-150 regular-cab and SuperCab models, and they are identical to the SuperCrew results.

Both the regular-cab and SuperCab (commonly called extended cab) models got five-star safety ratings (the highest possible) in three crash categories: frontal, side and overall. Both cab configurations received four-star ratings for rollover safety, just like the SuperCrew. These 2015 federal safety ratings are better in frontal-crash tests and overall when compared to comparable 2014 cab configurations.

NHTSA also gives the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado regular-cab and extended-cab models five stars in frontal, side impact and overall testing. That same pair of 2015 Ram 1500 cabs get four stars for frontal and overall, and five for side impact. The 2015 Toyota Tundra regular and extended cabs scored four stars in frontal testing, five in side impact and four stars overall. No test results are shown for the 2015 Nissan Titan.

Although NHTSA test results are often quoted in marketing material, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also does vehicle safety testing that includes roof-crush ratings as well as offset crash results. Those results have not been completed or reported yet for the 2015 Ford F-150. That will likely come later this summer.

Cars.com photos by Evan Sears

5/20/15

ISUZU DELIVERS THE 500,000 ISUZU-BUILT TRUCK IN NORTH AMERICA

Milestone Unit Sold to Farmers Home Furniture 
in Dublin, Georgia


ANAHEIM, Calif.—Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., distributor of America’s best-selling low-cab-forward trucks, announced today that it has delivered the 500,000 Isuzu-built truck since the Isuzu brand entered the North American market in 1984.

The N-Series truck was sold to Farmers Home Furniture in Dublin, Georgia. The unit marked the 235th Isuzu truck the home-furnishings retailer has purchased.

“We are very proud that a half a million Isuzu-built trucks have been sold over the last 31 years,” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “This milestone is really a tribute to the durability and reliability of the Isuzu product, and the loyalty of customers like Farmers Home Furniture.”

Phillip Faircloth, President and CEO of Farmers Home Furniture, said, “We began buying Isuzu trucks in October 1998, and we’ve never stopped. Our drivers like them because they’re so maneuverable, and they offer a high cab design with a panoramic view that makes them easy to drive. From a company perspective, we like them because of their reliability, long-term dependability and fuel efficiency. Farmers’ success is built on long term relationships. Isuzu is one such partner playing an important role in its ability to assist us in delivery of fine furniture to America’s small towns. This is our 235th Isuzu truck, but it won’t be our last.”

Farmers Home Furniture is one of the largest and fastest-growing furniture retailers in the U.S., with 187 stores throughout the Southeast.

Isuzu diesel-powered trucks range from the 12,000-lb. GVWR NPR ECO-MAX to the 19,500-lb. GVWR NRR. Both standard and crew cab models are offered and all are available in a range of wheelbases to meet the needs of a variety of applications.

Isuzu is also the only brand to offer a gasoline-powered low-cab-forward truck in North America. The NPR-Gas—also available in a variety of wheelbases, cab styles and GVWRs—is assembled in Charlotte, Michigan. An optional version of the gasoline engine is capable of being converted to run on compressed natural gas or propane. Also, Isuzu is the only manufacturer to offer, CNG/LPG-capable low-cab-forward trucks in North America.

About Isuzu

Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., is the distributor of Isuzu commercial vehicles in the United States. Isuzu commercial trucks have been the best-selling low-cab-forward trucks in America every year since 1986. For more information, call (866) 441-9638 or visit www.isuzucv.com.

Reading Truck Body New Product Developments



Craig Bonham, New Business Development explains new product developments at Reading Truck Body at the 2015 Work Truck Show. See more about Reading Truck Bodies at www.ReadingBody.com

5/19/15

The Building of the Freightliner Revolution Innovation Concept Truck



Welcome to the Revolution. Meet the new concept in crossover cab design and see what happens when engineers get the green light to put their creativity to max with the start to finish concept, design and building of the Freightliner Revolution Innovation Truck. Hear from the researchers, engineers and product designers of the fully functional demonstration Freightliner Revolution Innovation Truck.

The Freightliner Revolution Innovation concept truck was revealed at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) 2012 to help launch the celebration of Freightliner Truck's 70th Anniversary.

See more about the Freightliner Revolution Innovation Truck at: http://ow.ly/9U6O7
www.Facebook.com/freightliner | www.Twitter.com/freightliner

5/18/15

2015 Chevy Colorado 4WD Z71 V-6: Off-Road



Chevy has a long history with the Z71 name, but in the last several decades it has languished and never quite lived up to its potential. The Z71 trim offers uniquely tuned front and rear springs, specially tuned shocks, unique wheels and tires, and some extra skid plating. But the suspension is at stock height. The package does offer GM's G80 rear limited-slip differential that can fully lock (after a good amount of spin) in certain low-traction situations. GM also included a hill descent control feature, but that's only offered with the four-wheel-drive version (the Z71 trim can be ordered on two-wheel-drive Colorados). The low-range gear is 2.72:1, and the crawl ratio (multiply 1st gear by ring-and-pinion gear by low-range gear) is 37.8:1.

5/17/15

Demo of the Rampage Power Lift for Motorcycles



This video offers a full demonstration of the Rampage Power Lift for motorcycles. The Rampage offers fast, safe, one-person loading of any size motorcycle including full dressers like Harleys and Gold Wings. The Rampage also offers attachments, so you can use this to load your personal watercraft, trike, or snowmobile.

 Visit http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/ram... for more info or to order.

Altec Service Bodies

Altec’s durable Service Bodies give you the same award-winning quality and customer service of all Altec equipment. Versatile, rugged, and customizable, Altec Service Bodies are built under a name you trust with state-of-the-art engineering and processes, so you can get any job done.

Find out more at:  http://www.altec.com/

5/16/15

2016 F-150 with Class-Exclusive Compressed Natural Gas, Propane Capability Grows Ford’s Alternative Fuel Leadership


    Responding to customer requests, 2016 Ford F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8 engine will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option, making it the only light-duty pickup capable of running on compressed natural gas or propane

    Ford has sold more than 57,000 vehicles prepped to run on clean, low-cost compressed natural gas and propane – seven times more than all other major U.S. automakers combined – since 2009

    Ford has the broadest portfolio of natural gas and propane offerings, including 2016 F-150 and Super Duty trucks, and Transit and Transit Connect vans and wagons

    Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers offer a wide variety of CNG options to help customers find the best, most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs

Ford, America’s truck leader, will offer the 2016 F-150 with an available gaseous-fuel prep package that enables 5.0-liter V8-powered models to run on clean, low-cost compressed natural gas or propane, making Ford the only manufacturer of a CNG/propane-capable half-ton pickup.

The 2016 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – with 5.0-liter V8 engine will be available to order this summer with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes upgraded intake and exhaust valves and valve seats to ensure the engine performs to Built Ford Tough standards customers expect.

“We surveyed customers likely to use natural gas or propane, and 72 percent told us they want to have these alternative-fuel capabilities available on F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8 engine,” said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager. “We expect the gaseous-fuel prep package will be even more popular than it was on the 2014 F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6 engine, given the capability of the 2016 F-150 5.0-liter V8.”

2016 F-150 trucks running on CNG or propane will be able to tow the same amount as if they were running on gasoline. Payload capability is the same as well – minus the weight of the installed CNG or propane system. Thanks to the use of advanced light-weighting materials, the 2016 F-150 with an installed CNG or propane system can haul hundreds of pounds more than a similarly equipped 2014 F-150.

Converting to CNG/propane

CNG/propane engine prep from the factory costs $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run approximately $7,500 to $9,500 depending on fuel tank capacity.

CNG conversions can provide stability against fluctuating fuel prices as well as lower vehicle operating costs for fleet administrators. CNG sells for an average of $2.11 per gallon of gasoline equivalent, as of April 30, 2015, and is as low as $1 in some parts of the country, representing a significant savings compared with unleaded regular fuel, and an even greater savings compared with diesel. The national average for unleaded regular fuel is $2.58 per gallon, while diesel sells for an average $2.81 per gallon, as of April 30.

Growing Demand for Ford CNG/propane-prepped vehicles

Ford has sold more than 57,000 CNG/propane-prepped vehicles – seven times more than all other major U.S. automakers combined – since 2009. Sales have grown each of the last five years, reflecting Ford’s commitment to sustainability and offering customers true power of choice in alternative fuels.

Ford sold a record 16,821 commercial vehicles with CNG/propane gaseous engine-prep packages in 2014, and 2015 is shaping up to be an even stronger year.



“The growth in interest for CNG/propane-prepped vehicles shows a shift in fleet customers’ mindsets,” says Dick Cupka, Ford ‎commercial vehicle sustainability leader. “They are becoming more forward-thinking about alternative fuels, taking into account their total cost of ownership and looking for ways to reduce their vehicle emissions.”

The most popular vehicles for CNG/propane prep packages are F-Series Super Duty trucks, while prep kits for the 2014 F-150 exceeded expectations by more than 40 percent. Ford sold more than 2,000 units in less than a year – and announced today it expects to sell even more gaseous fuel prep packages on the 2016 F-150 with 5.0-liter V8 engine.

The new 2015 Ford Transit has sold an impressive 836 CNG/propane-prepped vans and wagons since it became available in the United States in June 2014. Transit is America’s best-selling commercial van, based on total U.S. reported sales in the first quarter of 2015, contributing to Ford’s best first-quarter overall commercial van sales performance since 1995.

Ford Transit Connect is the only compact van sold in the United States with a CNG/propane-prepped engine option. Sales of CNG/propane-prepped 2015 Transit Connect vans and wagons have hit 838, already surpassing the 762 vehicles sold in the 2014 model year.

Ford offers broadest portfolio of CNG/propane-capable vehicles

Ford sells an available CNG/propane prep option for eight of its commercial vehicle lines, ranging from Transit Connect to F-750, making it the broadest CNG/propane-capable portfolio of any North American auto manufacturer. This selection has grown since 2010, when Ford offered CNG/propane prep on E-Series vans and wagons only.

With the addition of the 2016 F-150, Ford Motor Company will offer eight Ford commercial vehicles available from the factory with a gaseous-fuel prep option – more than any other North American auto manufacturer. These include:

    2016 F-150 with 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8

    F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickup with 6.2-liter V8

    F-350 to F-550 Super Duty chassis cab with 6.2-liter V8 or 6.8-liter V10

    F-650 and F-750 chassis cab with 6.8-liter V10

    F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis with 6.8-liter V10

    Transit Connect van and wagon with 2.5-liter I-4

    Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab with 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6

    E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis with 5.4-liter V8 or 6.8-liter V10

Available CNG/propane engine prep from the factory costs approximately $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits cost approximately $7,500 to $13,000 depending on fuel tank capacity.

Ford estimates as many as 70 percent of its vehicles purchased with CNG/propane packages are upfit before customers take delivery and another 20 percent are upfit within a year of purchase.

Ford F-150 Qualified Vehicle Modifiers

Ford has established a rigorous qualification program for alternative-fuel vehicle modifiers. Four of these modifiers are committed to offering CNG or propane bi-fuel and dedicated kits for the 2016 F-150 – providing true power of choice to Ford commercial customers who have unique vehicle requirements in different vocations:

    Altech-Eco, based in Asheville, North Carolina – CNG

    IMPCO Automotive, based in Sterling Heights, Michigan – CNG and propane

    Westport, based in Dallas – CNG

    Venchurs Vehicle Systems, based in Adrian, Michigan – CNG

Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers offer a wide variety of CNG and propane options to help customers find the best, most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs. Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty (five years or 60,000 miles) for the vehicle. The modifier is responsible for the system component warranty and can provide additional details.

Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty (five years or 60,000 miles) for the vehicle. The modifier is responsible for the system component warranty and can provide additional details.

Ford Commercial Vehicle Qualified Vehicle Modifiers

A total of six Qualified Vehicle Modifiers are able to convert the full range of Ford CNG/propane-prepped engines to run on natural gas or propane at 36 locations across the United States:

    Altech-Eco, based in Asheville, North Carolina

    IMPCO Automotive, based in Sterling Heights, Michigan

    Landi Renzo USA, based in Torrance, California

    ROUSH CleanTech, based in Livonia, Michigan

    Venchurs Vehicle Systems, based in Adrian, Michigan

    Westport, based in Dallas

Compressed natural gas and propane
Compressed natural gas is mainly composed of methane. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of approximately 3,600 psi. Approximately 85 percent of the CNG used in the United States is produced domestically.

Another benefit of this alternative fuel is cleaner emissions. Vehicles operating on CNG can reduce tailpipe CO2 emissions by approximately 20 percent when compared with the same vehicle operating on gasoline.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 194,000 employees and 66 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

5/15/15

GMC 2500HD with Royal Service Body Is A Mainstay



Ron Sadler, Fleet & Commercial Manager at Lehmer's Buick-GMC in Concord CA gives us a brief tour of one of the mainstays in the industry of work trucks: The 8' service body on a 2500HD chassis. See more at http://www.LehmersGMC.com

F-150 SuperCrew Gets 5-Star Rating



Here’s the inside look at how the 2015 F-150 SuperCrew received its 5-star safety rating.

5/14/15

OnStar 4G LTE now available on Buick & GMC Fleet Vehicles



Get more work done in the field by making your vehicle a mobile office with OnStar 4G LTE. Connect up to 7 device and stay connected with your fleet with OnStar 4G LTE.

Fuso Canter "Light Truck of the Year 2015"



  • Voted top truck once again by VansA2Z, a leading British online portal
  • Plus points included range of hybrid vehicles and "Duonic" dual clutch transmission

Stuttgart/London - The light-duty Fuso Canter commercial vehicles have once again received an award from VansA2Z, a leading British online portal of experts in the light-duty commercial vehicle sector, after being voted "Light Truck of the Year 2015".

According to Neil McIntee, the editor of VansA2Z: "The Fuso Canter received our vote for a number of reasons: we were impressed by the optionally available Duonic automated 6-speed dual clutch transmission as well as the hybrid variants of the Fuso Canter". Canter models with hybrid drive are already in use in some vehicle fleets in the UK, where they enable fuel savings of up to 23 percent to be achieved. A further outstanding point in its favour for the vote was the standard-fit start/stop system, which is popular in particular with delivery services which operate in cities with high levels of traffic.

At an industry gathering in the home of the sport of rugby, namely Twickenham Stadium in West London, the Fuso vehicles stood out in particular and received additional points for the comprehensive range of outputs from 96 kW (130 hp) to 129 kW (175 hp), the use of fuel-efficient engine oils and the longer final-drive ratios, all of which can add up to fuel savings of up to nine percent.

McIntee went on to say: "The 6.5-tonne model with 4x4 drive features exemplary off-road performance at a reasonable price. An engageable step-down ratio as standard helps to ensure more traction".

After already being named "Light Truck of the Year" by VansA2Z in 2014, the Fuso succeeded in fighting off competition from the likes of Isuzu, Nissan and Toyota to pick up the award once again this year.

5/13/15

2015 GMC Canyon Earns Ward’s 10 Best Interiors Trophy


Premium midsize truck boasts winning design, 
comfort and technology features


DETROIT – From soft-touch materials on the instrument panel to the latest OnStar 4G LTE capabilities, GMC Canyon impressed the editors at WardsAuto with its spacious and well-appointed interior. The automotive trade publication named the premium midsize truck one of Ward’s 10 Best Interiors for 2015.

“It’s important that great interiors be available in every class of vehicle, not just luxury models that most consumers will never be able to afford,” says WardsAuto World Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter. “The Canyon demonstrates that shoppers need not buy a loaded full-size pickup to get lots of soft surfaces, a Bose audio system, supple and durable leather, an easily navigated touchscreen and advanced safety features.”

The award is based on WardsAuto staff’s evaluation of 42 new U.S.-market vehicle interiors and their rankings of elements such as design harmony, ergonomics, materials, driver information, safety, comfort, fit-and-finish and value. Aesthetics and design harmony was the most heavily weighted category.

“There’s an elevation of design and materials in the Canyon’s interior that reflects GMC’s precision in craftsmanship,” says Helen Emsley, executive director, Global GMC Design. “Details such as authentic aluminum trim and high-quality stitching reinforce Canyon’s position as the segment’s only premium offering, while features such as multiple USB ports and seats designed for long-haul comfort are thoughtful elements that are essential for active-lifestyle customers.”

Whether drivers are navigating their daily routines or finding recreational adventure, the interior was carefully considered to suit their needs. SLE and SLT models bring connectivity and entertainment with two additional USB ports for charging, an eight-inch diagonal color touch screen radio with Intellilink, and a multicolor driver information center display. SLT models include leather-appointed, heated front bucket seats with power passenger seat.

Technology and connectivity are further enhanced in the Canyon with OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows drivers to stay connected at any time, in any place.

Safety and convenience are also highlighted in Canyon with segment-first available forward collision alert, lane departure warning and standard rear-vision camera.

In addition to Ward’s 10 Best Interiors, Canyon was recognized as Autoweek’s Best of the Best Truck for 2015 and won a midsize pickup comparison by Cars.com.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

5/12/15

Exciting News: 2016 GM Silverado/Sierra 1500 Box Delete



GM First: Factory bed-delete option for 1/2-ton Silverado/Sierra pickups. Dan Tigges, GM Products Manager for Sierra & Silverado pickups, explains the details.


As the demand for heavier duty work trucks, and trucks with commercial bodies continues to grow for those that need that capability, the demand for lighter duty trucks for lighter duty applications grows as well. The new Colorado and Canyon mid-sized truck will soon be offered with a box delete option, and now the 1/2-ton segment of the truck world will do the same. This is exciting stuff and will be a great offering to save a lot of money and still do the commercial work needed; albeit, with a significantly lighter load.

Some might say (and we used to as well) that many will overload these trucks too easily, and to that, we now say, we've seen that enough times in medium duty trucks, let alone heavy duty 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks, so no truck is immune to overloading. People should be clearly informed of the capacity and the rest is up to the buyer.

There are a lot of work trucks in use now that simply do not need to carry everything with them all the time for every conceivable and inconceivable happenstance in the field. By shedding much of those loads, lighter duty trucks can save companies and individual contractors many thousands of dollars on one truck, tens, hundreds of thousands, into the millions in larger fleets of trucks.

The market is changing. It is more of a world market, and much of what has been used in countries where fuel is far more costly than here, is now here and more on the way. This means lighter duty trucks to carry needed things far more efficiently. It means different applications, efficient accessories that manage the smaller spaces more effectively. It means cost savings overall. It means getting the same job done for less. It means more profitability. -- CTS