10/31/15

JOMAC Ltd. Introduces An Innovative All-Aluminum Service Body For The Ford Transit Chassis Cab


Carrollton, OH -- Ohio service body and mobile crane manufacturer, JOMAC Ltd. is bringing an all aluminum, fully optimized service body for the Ford Transit Chassis Cab to market. JOMAC’s Ford Transit Body is lighter weight and offers over 30 cubic feet of additional storage space in comparison with competitive product The aluminum constructed Transit Body offers a payload capacity of up to 4,500 lbs. and is backed by JOMAC’s 10-Year Return to Factory Warranty. JOMAC’s all-aluminum constructed products provide improved fuel economy and are rust free for life.


About JOMAC Ltd. 
JOMAC Ltd. is a manufacturer of aluminum truck bodies and mobile cranes located in Carrollton, Ohio USA. JOMAC specializes in designing and creating hand fabricated, highly customized service bodies for contractors and mobile services . JOMAC Ltd. has been manufacturing products for the service industry since 1988. For more information, please visit https://jomacltd.com

10/30/15

F-150 Torture Tests: Twist Ditch



The Ford F-150 put through a brutal Torture Test in the lab.

Ford F550 Superduty's Crane and Manlift Chassis' Take the Show at 2015 ICUEE, Louisville


The 2015 ICUEE Show in Louisville was populated with dozens of cranes and manlifts mounted on Ford Superduty Chassis'. Attendees had the opportunity to visit booths containing a wide varity of products. Companies exhibiting Ford mounted lift products included, Altec, Versalift, Dura-Lift and Terex. Here are a number of Ford mounted products.






10/29/15

Renault Master tips the scales for ISS UK



Renault Master TipperFacility services provider ISS has placed an order for 123 Master Tippers, taking advantage of Renault’s in-house ‘off-the-shelf’ chassis cab conversion programme. Financed through LeasePlan on a five-year contract hire full maintenance deal they benefit from the manufacturer’s standard four-year/100,000 mile warranty.

The newcomers are a mixture of medium-wheelbase single cabs and long-wheelbase crew cabs, and were fitted with 45° rear-tipping Scattolini caged bodies by accredited Renault supplier VFS. Each tipper has been specified with an optional heavy duty towing upgrade, allowing them to haul up to a 3.5 tonne braked trailer, and an electronic steering lock for added security. They will be used by ISS’ Landscaping Business to service a major new contract at locations throughout the UK.

They join ISS’ recently purchased 17 Master-based beavertail conversions; a further five are on order. Offering benefits that include speed of loading and unloading mowing machinery, there is no requirement for the driver to hold a driving licence with trailer entitlements. The bespoke TGS lightweight aluminium beavertail bodies provide a payload of around 1.2 tonne and can also be fitted with optional cages for leaf and litter clearance use in the winter months. - See more at: http://www.vansa2z.com/Renault-Master-tips-the-scales-for-ISS-UK#sthash.5HoBNe7B.dpuf

10/28/15

Fully Loaded Monroe Custom Service Body at the 2015 ICUEE Show in Louisville, KY

Discovered in and out of the rain at the 2015 ICUEE Exhibition in Louisville, KY, this service body built by Monroe Custom Bodies has so many great features; hidden door hinges, unique beveled edge clean looking doors,  nice air assisted top opening covers, Slide out drawer cabinets, heavy duty rear bumper with drop-down step, rear facing spot light and ladder rack supporting a large sealed pipe and conduit carrier. 








Monroe Custom Bodies are built in Indiana for all makes and models of  light, medium and Heavy Duty Trucks.

FEATURES:


DOORS
* 14 Ga. Outer  and  18 Ga. Inner Panels
* Radius Corners
* Wrap Around Beveled Edges for better sealing
* NO hemmed edges to trap water and salt

HIDDEN HINGES
* with 3 Axis Adjustment

AIR ASSIST HOLD OPENS
* Lifetime Replacement Warranty

       and more . . .

12 GA. WHEEL PANELS

 RUBBER FENDERS

 SINGLE Wheel, 56" CA:   96" long,   42.5" high x 16" deep compartments,  48.5" wide floor
* DUAL Wheel, 60" CA:    108" long,   42.5" high x 20" deep compartments,  51.5"  or  53.5" wide floor

* LOW SILHOUETTE available:  with 36.5" high compartments

* All GALVANNEAL Steel construction is standard . . .

     . . .  ALUMINUM  and  STAINLESS Steel construction available.

* Of course, we'll CUSTOM design and build a body for your specific needs.

Monroe Custom Utility Bodies, Inc. 3312 N 600 W. Greenfield, IN 46140

Phone (866) 294-6282 Fax (317) 894-1896

Visit them at:  http://monroebodies.com/


Up-Tite Cargo Control - Tie Down Points... Where You Need Them!

Discovered at the 2015 ICUEE Show in Louisville, KY, Up-Tite cargo control system mounted on a Monroe Custom Service Body. This is a unique product found on many utility company bodies. It is very easy to locate or relocate hooks or tie downs where you need them.  Here are a few variations of the product carrying tools or securing loads.


 




Find out how it works at:

http://up-tite.com/HowItWorks/tabid/1493/Default.aspx

http://www.up-tite.com/

10/27/15

Monroe Truck's Montana Gooseneck Flatbed on Ford Crew Cab



Please turn the sound up!

Dave Chapman of Monroe Truck Equipment shows off their 9.5' Montana steel flatbed with Gooseneck hitch. This unit also has storage boxes on both sides, a class 5 receiver on the rear, LED lighting. Notice how nicely the headboard flows with the lines of the chassis. The body is shown on a Ford F350 Crew Cab diesel 4x4, which is a very popular type of chassis for this body.

See more about this body at http://www.MonroeTruck.com

This video was shot at a Nor Cal Ford Truck Club event in October 2015

10/26/15

A Classic 1970 Chevy Pickup - For Work or Relaxation




As the leaves are changing and temperatures dropping, now’s the perfect time for a camping trip. Crisp air, fall foliage and a 1970 Chevy Trucks C-20 Custom Camper.

Micro Bird CT-Series



CT-Series The new CT-Series, built on the Ford Transit chassis, offers a better fuel economy and a maximum visibility with the newly designed more-view window. Also, the wider aisle increases room for better passenger comfort.

Features Include:

More-View Window

Maximum visibility of the loading zone is provided by a fully-glassed entrance door and unobstructed “More-View” window. A 32" electric double-opening door comes standard.

One-Piece Roof Bows & Side Impact Barriers

One-piece galvanized steel roof bows enhance safety and roll over protection. The full-length, heavy gauge, galvanized steel side impact barriers with reinforced seat rail offer superior protection from side impact intrusions.

Up to 38% Better Fuel Economy

Thanks to its lightweight frame and aerodynamic design, the Micro Bird CT-Series can attain up to 38% better fuel economy when compared to other Type-A bus chassis.
Aluminum Side Body Panels

Aluminum Side Body panels for longevity and low repair costs

Find out more at:

https://blue-bird.com/blue-bird/Bus-Finder/Micro-Bird-CTSeries-26.aspx

10/25/15

Tommy Gate - Flatbed and Van - Railgate Series: Bi-Fold



Bi-Fold, High-Cycle Railgates

Bi-Fold, High-cycle models feature folding platforms ideal for dock loading and utilize a steel roller and leaf-chain pulley drive system which maximizes smoothness of motion, endurance, and strength. This medium-duty railgate is ideal for high-cycle applications in any environment. These lifts are built with the highest quality components and place a priority on function and safety.
Steel Rollers

Steel rollers guide the platform vertically within the rail track and are designed to withstand intensive cycling. Dual sealed, maintenance-free ball bearings ensure the rollers are long-lasting and perform consistently in all climate conditions.

10/24/15

Looking to the Gecko for Answers; Ford to Seek Solutions by Mimicking Nature

  • Ford researchers will study the gecko’s sticky toe pads for clues to improve adhesives and increase the recyclability of auto parts
  • Biomimicry is an innovative approach that looks to nature for sustainable solutions to modern-day challenges; biomimetic innovations could transform the interior design of Ford vehicles
  • Ford Motor Company recently hosted a biomimicry workshop at its Dearborn campus with participation from Procter & Gamble and The Biomimicry Institute
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 20, 2015 – Ford Motor Company will chart new territory as it seeks to create adhesive innovations inspired by the gecko. Ford will also work with Procter & Gamble, sharing research findings as both companies look to biomimicry for a host of business solutions.
For years, Ford researchers have considered ways to make auto manufacturing more sustainable. A key challenge is glue used to adhere foams to plastics and metals can make disassembling parts for recycling nearly impossible.

Enter the gecko.

The lizard’s toe pads allow it to stick to most surfaces without liquids or surface tension. The reptile can then easily release itself, leaving no residue. Consider, too, that a typical mature gecko weighing 2.5 ounces is capable of supporting 293 pounds.

The gecko could inspire a host of adhesive innovations for global applications at Ford, said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader for plastics and sustainability research.
“Solving this problem could provide cost savings and certainly an environmental savings,” said Mielewski. “It means we could increase the recycling of more foam and plastics, and further reduce our environmental footprint.”

Buoyed by the biomimetic method, Ford recently hosted a forum at its Dearborn campus with participation from Procter & Gamble and The Biomimicry Institute, a nonprofit committed to promoting the innovative approach of looking to nature for sustainable solutions to modern-day challenges. Nearly 200 researchers and designers took part in the day-long session to learn about biomimicry and how to apply it to their work.

“We are excited for the opportunity to participate, together with Ford – with whom we have a history of collaboration – in The Biomimicry Institute workshop,” said Lee Ellen Drechsler, director for corporate connect and development, The Procter and Gamble Company. “We have an interest within Procter & Gamble for using biomimicry as a way to broaden our approach to solving tough research challenges.”

The biomimetic approach is not new. The Bullet Train in Shinkansen, Japan was inspired by the kingfisher. Velcro took its cues from a burr. And improved medical needles were developed based on the mosquito. Interest in the approach has increased in the last decade as awareness of climate change and environmental challenges is heightened, said Gretchen Hooker, project manager for design challenges at The Biomimicry Institute.

Founded in 2006, the group works to empower people to create sustainable products and services using biomimicry. In addition to mobilizing educators and regional practitioners through the Biomimicry Global Network, the organization provides a platform to learn and practice biomimicry through multiple design challenges. These include open innovation, academic-corporate partnerships and corporate-employee challenges where employees get hands-on training while developing new solutions to issues corporations face. AskNature.org, the organization’s online database of biological solutions, offers inspiration to those looking to find answers in biomimicry.

“Ford and P&G are the first companies to take part in these new corporate-employee challenges,” said Hooker.

Beyond recycling, the Ford design teams have worked for nearly a decade to find nature-inspired technologies, with recent successes in yarn production for seating materials and headliners.
Ford is the only automaker to use Unifi’s high-performance REPREVE fiber, made from 100 percent recycled materials including plastic bottles, in its vehicles. Ford employs REPREVE in five of its vehicles – the new F-150, Explorer, Edge, Focus Electric and Fusion – making it a globally used material. The use of REPREVE represents Ford’s commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle, part of the automaker’s global sustainability strategy to lessen its environmental footprint.

Ford designers are now looking to expand upon that commitment, turning to nature to further improve the sustainable materials in vehicle fabrics. The gecko may also inspire fabric technologies that could transform the cabin of Ford vehicles, researchers said.

“As we look to further our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint, taking a holistic, biomimetic approach makes sense because nature has efficiencies in design and uses minimal resources,” said Carol Kordich, global sustainable fabric strategies and development, Ford. “Nature is the ultimate guide.”




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 195,000 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.




About The Biomimicry Institute

The Biomimicry Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that empowers people to seek nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. http://www.biomimicry.org.

GM Arlington Assembly Plant Production Line in Action


Watch this video of  a Chevy Truck Production line and see how all the parts come together at the right place at the right time to build a truck. So quiet that you can almost hear a wrench drop!

10/23/15

Daimler Trucks presents itself at the 32nd International Supply Chain Conference


  •     32nd International Supply Chain Conference from October 28 to 30, 2015 in Berlin
  •     Opening speech by Dr Wolfgang Bernhard: "Connectivity and CO2 are major challenges – industry and politics must tackle them hand in hand"
  •     Daimler FleetBoard represented with Stand B/13
  •     Mercedes-Benz CharterWay represented with Stand P/25
At the 32nd International Supply Chain Conference of the German Logistics Association (BVL) in Berlin from October 28 to 30, 2015 Daimler AG will be presenting itself with a speech by Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Daimler Trucks & Buses, and information stands on Daimler FleetBoard and Mercedes-Benz CharterWay. The 2015 International Supply Chain Conference has as its motto "A World in Motion" and is offering interested visitors and experts from the sector the opportunity to exchange news and views and hear interested specialist lectures. This year, according to the BVL more than 3000 participants and around 200 exhibitors and sponsors are expected.

Dr Wolfgang Bernhard: "Connectivity and CO2 are major challenges – industry and politics must tackle them hand in hand"

Following the opening of the event by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Raimund Klinkner, Chairman of the Board of the German Logistics Association, Dr Wolfgang Bernhard will make the first speech of the day. In keeping with the conference's motto, "A World in Motion", he will talk about the topics of Connectivity and CO2, which are currently making great waves in the logistics world. "Both subjects are major challenges – industry and politics must tackle them hand in hand", commented Dr Bernhard.

Where connectivity is concerned, he says that the truck's connection to the cloud is opening up totally new business opportunities – for all involved in logistics: for manufacturers, freight forwarders, workshops and also authorities. "The truck is a data gold mine and real-time data are crucial for business in logistics" says Dr Bernhard.

He believes that where the matter of CO2 is concerned, road transport is facing highly ambitious targets. By 2030 the EU is striving to cut CO2 output by 30 percent compared with 2005 levels. A 40 percent reduction is even under discussion for Germany. Against this background Dr Bernhard says that new ways of looking for solutions are called for: "An integrated approach in which we optimise the entire truck transportation system is necessary – i.e. as well as the tractor unit for example also the semitrailer, the tyres, the fuel and the operation." This is the only way it would be possible to achieve further significant reductions in CO2 emissions in an affordable way.

Comprehensive telematics solutions: Daimler FleetBoard at Stand B/13

Interested visitors can go to Stand B/13 to find out about the comprehensive telematics solutions from Daimler FleetBoard, one of Europe's market leaders in offering telematics-based internet services for trucks, transport and buses. FleetBoard provides extensive data on the driver, fleet and order, and networks the enterprise's logistics system via its modular services, in order to facilitate maximum efficiency and minimum operating costs in driver, vehicle and transport management through optimised vehicle capacity utilisation, lower fuel consumption and higher vehicle availability. With the new DispoPilot.guide, the mobile driver tablet, FleetBoard is displaying a modern, effective implement for order management with the services Messaging or Logistics in the cab. With the DispoPilot.app subcontractors can also be easily integrated into the logistics system and the Driver.app offers drivers important information for their job such as their driving style and their driving times, yet at the same time also offers leisure applications such as fitness exercises and their own FleetBoard community.

Extensive rental offering, service contracts and the LogisticsPartnerProgram: CharterWay on Stand P/25
CharterWay is on Stand P/25, where, alongside the large rental offering of vans and trucks with the star and the comprehensive service contracts, it will be putting the spotlight on the LogisticsPartnerProgram.

The model developed in 2003 is aimed at large logistics companies and their logistics partners and offers tailor-made solutions for their fleet. Together with CharterWay the logistician determines the vehicle models which are placed at the disposal of their transport partners and agrees the conditions according to which the vehicles can be taken on. The product has been set up to be modular for the target group, allowing all customers to put together their own ranges to suit their specific requirements. As the client, the logistician thus ensures mobility and the smooth processing of orders. The paintwork and lettering already determined beforehand in the company's design supports corporate identity and ensures a uniform look for the fleet including the logistics partner. Purchasing, financing, leasing, ServiceLeasing, long-term rental agreements that can be terminated ahead of plan and ordinary long-term rental agreements can all be considered. There is a special variant for start-up companies or for when companies first start working together: a pool rental agreement with a flexible termination clause. Within the framework of this agreement, a transport company can take delivery of a vehicle with a fixed configuration, even if they have a low degree of creditworthiness - and a notice period of only eight weeks can be agreed on the contract. This model minimises risks and charges. Today major logistics specialists such as Dachser, DB Schenker, DHL, DSV, Emons, Geis, Honold, Kühne & Nagel and Zufall are already placing their trust in the LogisticsPartnerProgramme.


10/22/15

2016 GMC SAVANA CARGO - New for 2016





New for 2016:
•    Standard digital AM/FM radio with auxiliary port
•    Optional GMC IntelliLink with navigation radio
•    OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot
•    Six standard air bags: frontal, side curtain and seat-mounted thorax 
•    Six standard D-ring tie downs
•    Optional single-pane side-view mirrors
•    Optional 220-amp generator
•    Optional dual isolated battery system

2016 GMC SAVANA CARGO IS ONE OF INDUSTRY’S MOST VERSATILE VANS

The GMC Savana Cargo is a versatile van designed to make work easier and more accommodating. It is available in regular (135-inch / 3,429-mm) and extended (155-inch / 3,937-mm) wheelbase lengths, in heavy-duty 2500 Series and 3500 Series models.

The 2500 Series models are rated at 8,600 pounds (3,901 kg) GVWR and the 3500 Series is rated at 9,600 pounds (4,354 kg) GVWR. Both have a standard 4.8L gas V-8 and optional 6.0L gas. Also available is 9,900-pound GVWR (4,490 kg) with the available Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel.

New for 2016 is OnStar 4G LTE connectivity, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected all the time. The hotspot allows passengers to connect up to seven personal devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets to high-speed wireless Internet whenever the vehicle is on.

Also new is an available navigation radio with the GMC IntelliLink infotainment system. Additional equipment and configurations offer many competitive advantages, with standard and available features including:
•    Standard 4.8L and available 6.0L gas engines
•    Available dedicated compressed natural gas package
•    Available 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel engine with B20 biodiesel capability
•    Six standard air bags
•    Fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions
•    Available locking rear differential
•    Trailer rating of up to 10,000 pounds (4,535 kg)
•    StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on all models
•    SiriusXM Satellite Radio is available
•    Available 220-amp generator.


The unique Savana Crew Cargo Van offers a three-passenger rear bench, with additional equipment including full-length black rubberized-vinyl floor covering, fixed full-body window package glass, swing-out passenger-side door, full driver and passenger head-and side-curtain air bags and a Medium Pewter interior color. On extended wheelbase models, it also includes rear air conditioning.

Savana design and exterior features:
•    Chrome appearance package is available and includes chrome front and rear bumpers and chrome grille with dual composite headlamps. Black-painted bumpers are standard
•    Swing-out 60/40-split passenger-side doors are standard
•    Sliding passenger-side door is available
•    Heated power-adjustable outside folding mirrors are available on all models in both single and dual-pane mirrors
•    Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard
•    Ambulance prep package and hotel shuttle package are available
•    Exterior colors: Onyx Black, Quicksilver Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, Emerald Green Metallic, Summit White, Cardinal Red, Wheatland Yellow and Bronze Alloy Metallic.

Savana interior standard and available features:
•    Power locks and windows are standard
•    Air conditioning (single-zone) is standard
•    Rear air conditioning is available
•    A standard digital radio including AM/FM/MP3 capability
•    A range of optional audio systems including USB port, CD and navigation is available on all models. An audio system provision package is available
•    SiriusXM Satellite Radio is available
•    Driver information center is standard on all models. A compass and outside temperature features are available
•    A rear auxiliary heater is available
•    An enhanced interior lighting package with three light-emitting diode roof-mounted lights in the cargo area is standard
•    Six standard D-rings for securing cargo
•    Two auxiliary 12-volt power outlets are standard and located on the dashboard
•    110-volt outlet located on dash is standard
•    Remote keyless entry is available
•    Remote vehicle starter system is available
•    Six-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats are available
•    Leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering wheel audio controls are available
•    Custom vinyl or cloth upholstery is offered in Neutral or Medium Pewter colors.

Savana powertrains: 6.6L Duramax diesel
The available Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 delivers best-in-class torque and horsepower. Known by its “LGH” engine code, it is rated at 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 525 lb-ft of torque (711 Nm).

The LGH Duramax was designed with a robust EGR cooling system, along with revised turbocharger tuning that helps enhance EGR performance. It also has a large-capacity selective catalytic reduction system. In fact, the engine features the latest in emission control technology, making it the cleanest Duramax engine ever produced. NOx emissions are controlled via a Selective Catalyst Reduction aftertreatment system that uses urea-based Diesel (Emission) Exhaust Fluid (DEF). The DEF is housed in a 5.83-gallon (20 L) tank and needs to be replenished about every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Electrically heated lines feed the DEF to the emission system to ensure adequate delivery in cold weather.

The Duramax also includes GM’s second-generation diesel particulate filter system. Unlike most competitors’ systems, the Duramax regenerates its diesel particulate filter using a downstream injection of diesel fuel directly into the exhaust stream and can travel up to 700 miles (1,125 km) between regenerations – a 300-mile (482 km) increase over the previous Duramax engine. The use of downstream injection also helps improve engine life by eliminating concerns regarding the possibility of diesel fuel contaminating engine oil, which can happen when fuel used for regeneration is introduced directly into the cylinder. 

The Duramax also provides outstanding cold-weather performance, with  microprocessor-controlled glow plugs capable of gas engine-like start performance in less than three seconds in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F (-29 C), without a block heater. The engine has been developed to operate for at least 200,000 miles (322,000 km) on a rough-duty cycle without the need for a major overhaul; and it is backed with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.


A fuel-operated heater also is available for vans equipped with the Duramax 6.6L to provide heat quickly to the vehicle interior in cold weather. The seamlessly integrated system is designed into the Express chassis, saving customers the time and labor of upfitting an aftermarket system. The electronically controlled, fuel-operated heater operates automatically, turning on and off within parameters that include outside air temperature, fuel level, coolant temperature and whether the engine is running. It features a self-contained, pressurized auxiliary coolant heater (with a surge tank) that uses diesel fuel to generate up to 17,200 Btu/h (5 kW) of heating energy.

The Duramax engine is backed by GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L90 heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission.

Savana powertrains – gas engines
GMC Savana offers a choice of two gas engines: a standard 4.8L V-8 rated at 285 horsepower (213 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) and an available 6.0L V-8 rated at 342 horsepower (255 kW) and 373 lb-ft of torque (506 Nm). Each is part of GM’s legendary small-block engine family and designed for quiet operation, including:
•    Special friction-reducing polymer coating on piston skirts
•    Full-floating piston pins
•    Damping patch on the oil pan (externally mounted)
•    Timing chain tensioner
•    Quiet alternator.

Backing the engines’ quietness is the assurance of long-lasting performance. The engine family was validated under extreme conditions, with the 6.0L engine dynamometer-tested to the equivalent of 200,000 miles – 50,000 miles more than other engines in the family. The engines also feature many long-life engine components that can reduce maintenance intervals and costs. The iridium-tip spark plugs, engine coolant, accessory drive belt and sealing gaskets are some of these items.

Some of the stringent durability testing included cycling engines between the peak torque and peak horsepower rpm points – the equivalent of towing a heavy trailer up a steep grade – for 600 straight hours.

The engines are mated to the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic and a fast-idle option makes it easier to run accessories at a work site.

The 6.0L is also offered in a special version with hardened valve seats for the available dedicated compressed natural gas models – the industry’s only CNG vehicles that are fully integrated at the factory, crash tested and backed by GM’s 60,000 mile/five-year transferable powertrain limited warranty.
(Certain commercial and government fleet customers receive the 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty.)

Two systems are offered:
•    A three-tank system (RPO code UFM) provides a range of up to 200 miles and allows the complete use of the cargo area
•    A four-tank system (RPO code UFP) provides a range of up to 300 miles, with the additional tank in the driver’s side of the cargo area, just inboard of the wheel well.

Savana chassis and suspension
The Savana is built on a strong, ladder-type full frame architecture. The frame features fully boxed sections for greater strength and rigidity, while extended and tapered front frame rails are used for improved crashworthiness. Also, additional tubular frame cross members are used to increase torsional stiffness.

All models feature an independent short-long arm (SLA) front suspension, with a 35mm front stabilizer bar. Two-stage, semi-elliptic multi-leaf springs are used in the rear suspension and help locate a semi-floating axle.

Additional chassis and suspension features include:
•    Hydroboost four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and dynamic rear proportioning 
•    StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on all models
•    A locking rear differential is available
•    31-gallon (117.3 L) fuel tank is standard on all models (except for dedicated compressed natural gas package)
•    8,600-pound GVWR on 2500 models
•    9,600-pound / 9,900-pound GVWR on 3500 models.

Savana safety and crash-avoidance features
Savana is equipped with a host of safety features, including six standard air bags: frontal, head and side curtain, and thoracic air bags, which provide a higher level of protection in the event of a side impact or a vehicle rollover.

Additional standard safety features include:
•    StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
•    OnStar with Turn-by-Turn navigation
•    Tire pressure monitoring
•    Flat and convex exterior mirrors (for a wider field of vision)
•    Four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system with Hydroboost
•    Daytime running lamps.

Innovations for the 2016 Ford F-150



  •     Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps make backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob
  •     New Special Edition Appearance Packages available on XLT and Lariat with unique wheels, graphics and finishes
  •     Compressed Natural Gas/Propane gaseous fuel prep package available for 5.0-liter V8-equipped F-150s, helping reduce operating costs and tailpipe CO2 emissions
The 2016 Ford F-150, part of Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 38 years, continues to innovate with the addition of breakthrough towing technology, new Special Edition Appearance Packages, SYNC 3 and alternative fuel capability.

ll-new Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up to launch a boat or park in a driveway. The segment-first technology allows customers to steer a trailer instinctively by turning a knob left or right to indicate direction; the truck controls its steering and limits vehicle speed. Ford engineers developed the system leveraging advanced camera technology and tested it for almost a decade. Ford earned five patents for the technology along the way, with 10 more pending.

The Special Edition Packages for XLT and Lariat further personalize F-150 to customer tastes, adding all-new unique 20-inch premium anodized dark-painted aluminum wheels with red sport lettering, black running boards, smoked headlamps, unique bodyside graphics and badging, special edition seats with Alcantara® inserts, red contrast stitching and red bolsters, and unique red stitching on the steering wheel, transmission gear selector boot and instrument panel. This package also features a dark anodized grille with black mesh on XLT while the Lariat dark anodized grille receives red accents.

F-150 also features SYNC 3 – Ford’s newest communications and entertainment system that features enhanced voice recognition, high-speed performance and capacitive touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface.

Responding to customer requests, the 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.

New features and color choices

Other changes for the 2016 F-150 include:

    Shadow Black replaces Tuxedo Black
    Lithium Gray replaces Guard Metallic
    20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted silver pockets available on XL

10/21/15

Introducing Team Chevy Rodeo


DALLAS – Chevy Silverado is teaming up with professional rodeo stars Tuf Cooper, Fallon Taylor, Richmond Champion, Luke Branquinho and Travis Graves, now known as Team Chevy Rodeo.

“This team is as hardworking on the ranch as they are in the arena,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “There isn’t a more authentic group to convey the message that the Silverado is the most dependable, longest-lasting pickup on the road.”

The team will be driving new 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD High Country pickups. Silverado HDs are engineered to make the toughest jobs easier, with integrated cruise control, powertrain grade braking and diesel exhaust braking to enhance control when towing.
The Silverado 2500 is well-suited to get these stars and their gear from rodeo to rodeo in style and comfort. With its Duramax turbodiesel engine, well-appointed interior and advanced technologies, the 2016 Silverado 2500 HD High Country offers a blend of premium accommodations and truck capability.

Team Chevy Rodeo
Tuf Cooper
Event: Tie-down Roping
Born: 1/31/1990 Childress, Texas
Career Earnings: $1,423,024
World Titles Won: 3 (2011-12, 2014)
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifications: 7 (2008-14)
Tuf Cooper is a cowboy with rodeo in his blood. The son of eight-time world champion and ProRodeo Hall of Famer Roy "Super Looper" Cooper, Tuf won his first all-around title at the age of six at an Earth, Texas High Plains Junior Rodeo Association event in 1996. After achieving a personal best of 6.6 seconds at the Snake River Stampede in 2009, Tuf Cooper would go on to win three world titles while becoming the youngest cowboy to surpass $1 million in career earnings.

Fallon Taylor
Event: Barrel Racing
Born: 7/18/1982 Tampa, Fla.
Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Career Earnings: $716,069
World Titles: 1 (2014)
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifications: 6 (1995-98, 2013-14)
Fallon Taylor made a splash in the rodeo world after qualifying for four consecutive National Finals Rodeos (1995-98) as a teenager. Though a career in acting and modeling drew her away from the sport, Taylor has always had the drive to ride — even after breaking her C2 vertebra in 2009.In 2014, Fallon and her horse Babyflo won their first world title. That kind of drive and dedication makes Fallon Taylor a perfect fit for Team Chevy Rodeo.

Richmond Champion
Event: Bareback Riding
Born: 12/16/1992 Orange County, Calif.
Career Earnings: $1,361,234
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifications: 1 (2014)
A rising star who doesn't seem like he'll ever come down, bareback rider Richmond Champion became the first man in rodeo to win $1 million in one day when he took first place at The American in 2014. Though he started as a bull rider at age 13, Champion switched to bareback riding in 2010 at the urging of his brother and hasn't looked back, with the determined rider making his way to third in the world standings in just a few short years.

Luke Branquinho
Events: Steer Wrestling
Born: 9/17/1980 Santa Maria, Calif.
Career Earnings: $2,285,732
World Titles Won: 5 (2004, 2008, 2011-12, 2014)
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifications: 13 (2001-04, 2006-14)
The most decorated member of Team Chevy Rodeo, Luke Branquinho embodies strength and resilience unlike anyone else. No matter what happens   — whether managing his type I diabetes while riding with an insulin pump, or coming back from a season-ending back injury to win his fifth world title in 2014 – this  steer wrestling champion never backs down from a challenge.

Travis Graves
Event: Team Roping (Heeling)
Born: 3/1/1984 Jay, Oklahoma
Career Earnings: $1,147,091
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifications: 6 (2008, 2010-14)
Heeler Travis Graves has been focused on winning his first world title ever since he won the International Finals Youth Rodeo heeling title in 2001. After breaking the regular-season earnings record for team roping heelers in 2010, the five-time WNFR qualifier has been steadily climbing the world standings, landing in second place in 2014.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

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10/20/15

Designs of Distinction


GMC’s leading-edge forms 
driven by more than a century of function


NEW YORK, N.Y. – Few places in the world showcase design better than New York City. From the celebrated architecture of One World Trade Center and the precise construction of the Brooklyn Bridge to the forward-thinking fashion seen in Times Square, New York inspires designers everywhere.

That makes it the perfect place to celebrate GMC’s rich history of design that has culminated in today’s lineup of professional grade trucks and SUVs. After more than 110 years of offering highly capable, exceptionally engineered vehicles, customers also choose the brand for its leading-edge style. In fact, it’s the top reason for purchase for the brand overall, and the Sierra full-size pickup specifically.

Exemplifying industrial sculpture, GMC’s overall design is a defining attribute of the brand – focusing on the use of authentic materials, defined lines, sophisticated colors and the latest technology.

Helen Emsley, executive director, global GMC Design and User Experience, leads a team of designers who continuously push designs to create a distinctive look and feel to the GMC lineup.

“When people look in the rearview mirror, I want a GMC to stand out,” says Emsley. “I want them to know it’s a GMC; to tell from the unmistakable chrome grille and the “C-shaped” LED signature that it’s a GMC. It’s about precision and quality, making something different from all other brands.”

Emsley, whose interest in design began in textiles while growing up in Great Britain and attending the Royal College of Art, has an extensive background in color and trim design. She compares using real materials such as woods, leather and metal in automotive design to using the best components available to create high fashion.

“You can have a fantastic design for a dress, but if you’re not using quality materials, the dress hangs terribly,” she says. “We feel passionately about using quality materials and crafting refined, sculpted silhouettes for our vehicles.”

That attention to detail is well-received. GMC received Kelley Blue Book’s 2014 and 2015 Brand Image Award for Most Refined Brand based on thousands of online consumers’ perceptions.

Emsley, who drives a Sierra heavy-duty pickup, believes expert craftsmanship and functionality appeal to everyone. Whether it’s a reconfigurable instrument cluster and durable carpet on the interior, or chrome details and bold lines on the exterior, GMC embodies premium design.

“Everyone deserves a beautiful truck,” Emsley says. “We want to give people what they want and take GMC design as far as we can. There are no boundaries to what we can do.”

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, and is one of the industry's healthiest brands. Innovation and engineering excellence is built into all GMC vehicles and the brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover.  GMC is the only manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid trucks with the Yukon, Yukon Denali SUVs and the Sierra pickup. The Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks in the market. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

10/19/15

Vehicle Maintenance to Conserve Fuel


A comprehensive vehicle maintenance strategy can help fleet managers and drivers conserve fuel. Your fleet may already rely on these practices to ensure vehicle efficiency.

Proper Tire Inflation

Properly inflated tires last longer and increase fuel economy. Every decrease in pressure by 1 pound per square inch for four tires can decrease fuel economy by 0.3%. Some fleets use nitrogen inflation, tire pressure monitoring systems, and other technologies to maintain optimum tire pressure.
Recommended Motor Oil

Fleets can improve fuel economy by 1% to 2% using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can decrease fuel economy by 1% to 2%. Similarly, using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can decrease fuel economy by 1% to 1.5%.

Motor oil labeled "Energy Conserving" in the performance information contains friction-reducing additives that improve fuel economy.
Engine Tune-Ups

Tuning a neglected vehicle or fixing one that failed an emissions test can increase fuel economy by 4% based on the repair type and quality. Repairing a serious problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can increase fuel economy by 40%.

Ford Trucks Hold Up Their End to Welcome Attendees to the ICUEE in Louisville, KY



The International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE), also known as The Demo Expo, is the premier event for utility industry professionals to gain comprehensive insight into the latest technologies, innovations, insights, and trends affecting their industry.

This nice Ford F550 Dually is equipped with a Utility Body and a Terex Manlift Bucket. 2015 attendees had the opportunity to see dozens of Fords mounted with a variety of utility bodies, cranes and  other equipment throughout the inside exhibit halls as well as those displayed throughout acres of trucks in outside exhibits.



Find out nore at: http://www.scottpowerline.com/equipment.php

10/18/15

Aluminum Service Bodies by Highway Products



A standard Highway Products service body comes with six external storage compartments, a drop down tail gate and a bolt on bumper. The lockable storage compartments on these service bodies protect your tools from the elements. Aluminum services bodies are half the weight of steel bodies which will increase your fuel economy. We have a wide variety of utility bodies to choose from and over 20 add-on option. We guarantee a perfect fit and all service bodies come with a Lifetime Warranty.

10/17/15

2016 Transit HR dual sliding doors

2016 Transit HR dual sliding doors

With the introduction of a dual sliding door option on the 2016 Transit van, the vehicle with the most configurations in its class just got even more flexible. Dual sliding side cargo doors will be available for the first time on 2016 Ford Transit medium- and high-roof vans – meaning customers can choose from 58 vehicle configurations, up from 47 in the 2015 model year.

New Ford Ranger to debut at Frankfurt Motor Show


Ford Ranger 2016Making its European debut, Ford will be pulling the covers off the heavily revised new Ranger pick-up line-up on its stand at the prestigious 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show (17 – 27 September). It was launched in Thailand back in March and has since gone on sale in Australia (see videos below). Rangers bound for the UK are built in South Africa and the new models are due to hit showrooms at the beginning 2016.

Ford has redesigned the front end and the cab interior to give Ranger a fresh new look, but the big news lies under the bonnet. The current 125hp and 150hp 2.2-litre four cylinder diesels have been replaced by a re-worked version producing 160hp. It’s available alongside an updated version of the existing 200hp 3.2-litre five cylinder engine.

Thanks to a combination of Auto-Start-Stop, new final drive ratio options and the introduction of electric power steering reductions in fuel consumption of up to 17 per cent are on the cards. Official combined cycle figures for the new 2.2TDCi are 43.5mpg (171g/km of CO2), a significant improvement over the outgoing 150hp unit’s 36.2mpg (206g/km).

From launch both the revised engines will be compliant with Euro 5 emissions regulations, but by the middle of 2016 a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system with a urea catalyst and NOx trap will be added to both 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre powertrains. This will bring them up to Euro 6 compliance which kicks-in for panel vans and pick-ups sold from 1 September.

Ford Ranger 2016A host of optional driver assistance technologies derived from passenger car models can be specified on the new models, including Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert. These join Front and Rear Park Assist and Rear View Camera, all on top of the standard ESC system with rollover mitigation and trailer sway control. Ford’s latest generation SYNC 2 connectivity system will also be available on new Ranger.





Commenting on the flagship Wildtrak model that will adorn the stand at the show Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe said: “With the stunning new Wildtrak at the pinnacle of the line-up, the new Ford Ranger provides customers with an unbeatable combination of four-wheel drive capability, stand-out styling and premium features like SYNC 2 connectivity. Ranger is ready for any challenge – offering optimised fuel efficiency, towing and payload capacity, and class-leading wading capability.

“For customers looking for a pickup that shares their appetite for adventure, the new Ranger Wildtrak is the complete package. It’s the toughest, smartest, boldest Wildtrak we’ve ever made.”

- See more at: http://www.vansa2z.com/New-Ford-Ranger-to-debut-at-Frankfurt-Motor-Show#sthash.sIWC6zGm.dpuf


Source: http://www.vansa2z.com/New-Ford-Ranger-to-debut-at-Frankfurt-Motor-Show

10/16/15

3-Piece Raised Cargo Bed Enclosure On New GMC Chassis






This is a regular cab loaded truck with great aluminum wheels and all the finery any worker could want, and then it has this great body.

The raised 3-piece cargo bed enclosure is o 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.

See more from Harbor at www.htbi.net

10/15/15

Are you secretly driving under the influence?


2016 Ford F-150 Gets CNG Capability




Ford has announced it will offer its Compressed Natural Gas and Propane prep package on the 2016 F-150. What’s more, Ford is upfitting the 5.0-liter V-8 rather than the 3.7-liter V-6 as it has in years past. That means CNG/P customers get the upgraded capability with the V-8, but at the same $315 upfit charge.

That $315 charge includes an upgraded intake manifold, along with hardened valves and valve seats. Customers wanting to continue the CNG/P conversion must then choose an aftermarket supplier to complete the alternative fuel transformation.

Conveniently, Ford has a list of trusted suppliers that offer warranties on their installation and parts. The CNG/P conversion does not interfere with Ford’s five year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Costs for the full conversion typically run between $7,500 and $9,500, depending on the fuel tank size.

Even despite the expensive upfit costs, CNG/P offers customers a low-cost fuel that doesn’t fluctuate in price the way gasoline and diesel do. Ford says the national average price of CNG is $2.11 a gallon, with some regions dipping down to $1 a gallon. Fleet customers – those who typically operate CNG/P vehicles – are able to buy the fuel in bulk, again helping decrease operating costs.

Best of all, running CNG/P does not diminish the F-150’s towing or payload capacities, except for the added weight of the hardware. That means a properly equipped F-150 will still be able to lug 11,000 pounds on its hitch or haul 3,300 pounds in the bed.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Ford F-150 CNG.

Why It Matters

Lowering costs and streamlining business is an appealing proposition for fleet owners and bean counters, so it’s easy to understand the allure. For ford, it has the CNG/P market on lockdown, especially in the half-ton market. Neither General Motors nor Ram offer such a package on their 1500 models. All three automakers, however, offer CNG/P conversions for their respective three-quarter and one-ton trucks.

Ford extends its CNG/P lineup even further to include the Transit Connect and Transit vans, along with its medium-duty trucks. Included in that is the F-650 and F-750, along with the F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis – all of which are still powered by the 6.8-liter V-10. For customers looking for a F-250 or F-350, Ford offers the package with the 6.2-liter V-8.

Read more: http://www.topspeed.com/trucks/truck-news/2016-ford-f-150-gets-cng-capability-ar169173.html#main


Source: http://impcoautomotive.com/2016-ford-f-150-gets-cng-capability/

10/14/15

2016 GMC SIERRA 2500HD / 3500HD




New for 2016:
•    HID projector-beam headlamps and GMC signature LED lighting now standard on all models
•    Active Steering Assist offers enhanced responsiveness, improved road holding and more
•    Available Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel Trailering Prep Package (late availability)
•    Available wireless phone charging
•    Available remote locking tailgate
•    Adoption of SAE J2807 trailering rating standards
•    GMC IntelliLink with a new, 7-inch-diagonal touchscreen features performance improvements including a faster processor for better performance, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
•    GMC IntelliLink with an 8-inch-diagonal touchscreen features performance improvements including a faster processor for better performance and Apple CarPlay capability (Android Auto capability coming later in the model year)
•    Exterior colors: Crimson Red Tintcoat (double cab only), Cardinal Red, Deep Garnet Metallic (crew cab only) and Mahogany Metallic (not available on All Terrain or Denali)

2016 GMC SIERRA HD COMPLEMENTS CAPABILITY WITH ACTIVE STEERING ASSIST, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

No other heavy-duty truck matches the GMC Sierra HD lineup when it comes to offering capability with comfort, quietness and uniquely crafted interiors. It stands alone as the industry’s premium HD truck, building on a 112-year legacy of professional grade heavy-duty trucks with technologies and features that make leveraging its capabilities easier and more enjoyable.

The Denali series is the ultimate expression of GMC and the Sierra Denali HD is the ultimate expression of the Sierra HD range, offering distinctive styling and exclusive amenities that take the truck’s signature comfort and crafted interior environment to the highest level.

And when it comes to the capability on which GMC’s reputation was forged, Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models – including Sierra Denali HD – are offered with the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel and Allison 1000 six-speed transmission, a proven powertrain combination enabling a maximum trailering rating of up to 23,200 pounds (10,523 kg).


New for 2016, Active Steering Assist power steering on some double cab and crew cab models helps make hauling and trailering easier and more confident, with electronic controls that enhance road holding and stability on the highway regardless of whether the truck is loaded. It also offers greater responsiveness and an improved steering feel. (Not available on WT models or regular cab.)

A new Gooseneck/5th Wheel Trailering Prep Package makes Sierra HD models ready to tow larger trailers right from the factory. It’s available in the first quarter of 2016 for Duramax-equipped models and features a frame-mounted hitch platform and tray that accommodates a gooseneck ball hitch or fifth wheel hitch mounting brakckets, and includes a cargo bed-mounted trailer harness. A new Gooseneck Completion Kit will also be available from GMC dealers, featuring a 2-5/16-inch ball hitch and two chain tie-downs.

Additional new and updated features for 2016 include:
•    GMC IntelliLink with a 7-inch-diagonal capacitive touchscreen features a new HD radio and performance improvements including a faster processer for better performance, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
•    GMC IntelliLink with an 8-inch-diagonal touchscreen features performance improvements including a faster processer for better performance and Apple CarPlay capability (Android Auto capability coming later in the model year)
•    HID projector-beam headlamps with GMC signature LED lighting now standard on all models
•    Available wireless phone charging
•    Available remote locking tailgate
•    Exterior colors: Crimson Red Tintcoat (double cab only), Cardinal Red, Deep Garnet Metallic (crew cab only) and Mahogany Metallic (not available on All Terrain or Denali).


Also, the 2016 Sierra HDs’ trailering ratings are aligned with SAE J2807 standards, with maximum capacities including:
•    Maximum 2500HD conventional trailering rating of 14,500 pounds (6,577 kg)
•    Maximum 2500HD fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailering rating of 18,000 pounds (8,165 kg)
•    Maximum 3500HD single-rear-wheel conventional trailering rating of 15,000 pounds (6,804 kg)
•    Maximum 3500HD single-rear-wheel fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailering rating of 17,500 pounds (7,938 kg)
•    Maximum 3500HD dual-rear-wheel conventional trailering rating of 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg)
•    Maximum 3500HD dual-rear-wheel fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailering rating of 23,200 pounds (10,523 kg).

Sierra HD lineup
Regular, double cab and crew cab models are offered across the lineup. 2500HD and 3500HD regular cab models are matched an 8’ box, while 2500HD double cab and crew cab models are available with 6’6” or 8’ boxes. Sierra 3500HD double cab is offered exclusively with the 8’ box, while 3500HD crew cabs are available with the 6’6” and 8’ boxes. Dual-rear-wheel configurations are also available on 3500HD.

Trim levels include a Sierra base model (1SA trim), as well as SLE, SLT and Denali – the ultimate expression of GMC’s Professional Grade ethos. It accounts for approximately half of Sierra HD crew cab retail sales; and it is offered exclusively as a crew cab, matching do-it-all capability with an exclusive package of design and upscale interior amenities.

Additionally, the All Terrain HD premium off-road package is offered on SLT crew cab 4WD models, featuring unique 18-inch chrome aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires (20-inch wheels are available), spray-on bedliner, Z71 suspension with Rancho twin-tube shocks, underbody shield and Front and Rear Park Assist. Exterior cues include an All Terrain grille insert and chrome grille surround, as well as body-color front and rear bumpers. Inside is a heated steering wheel, All Terrain sill plates, carpeted floor mats and a gauge cluster featuring an inclinometer.

The Z71 suspension is also available on SLE and SLT models without the All Terrain package.

Gas and Duramax diesel powertrains are offered across the lineup, including a bi-fuel option that allows the gas engine to run on compressed natural gas. The Duramax has been developed to operate for at least 200,000 miles (322,000 km) on a rough-duty cycle without the need for a major overhaul.

The powertrains contribute to the Sierra HDs’ greater payload and towing ratings than previous models, including a maximum conventional trailering rating of 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg) and a max fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailering rating of 23,200 pounds (10,523 kg).

Additional features for the 2016 Sierra HD lineup include:
•    Standard CornerStep rear bumper, EZ Lift and Lower tailgate (standard on SLE, SLT and Denali), standard locking tailgate, standard upper tie-downs and other features that make cargo handling easier
•    Standard StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control on all models, including 3500HD dually
•    Integrated cruise control, auto grade braking and diesel exhaust braking, for greater driving control and reduced brake wear on grades
•    New Active Steering Assist power steering, which enables easier handling and maneuverability, greater steering response, greater road-holding capability and greater stability control assistance. It is standard on SLE and SLT double cab and crew cab models, and standard on Denali (not available on WT or regular cab)
•    Available Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel Trailering Prep Package offered on Duramax-equipped models (available in first quarter of 2016) features factory-installed hitch platform and tray for gooseneck ball hitch or fifth wheel hitch. It also includes a convenient, cargo bed-mounted trailer harness located on the driver-side bed wall, just behind the tailgate opening. A Gooseneck Completion Kit with a 2-5/16-inch ball hitch and two chain tie-downs will be available from GMC dealers.

All models are backed by GMC Pro Grade Protection, including a three-year/36,000-miles bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Sierra Denali HD details
The distinctive Sierra Denali HD is the ultimate expression of GMC’s Professional Grade ethos and features a signature chrome grille, unique 20-inch chrome aluminum wheels, body-color front and rear bumpers and unique interior decorative trim. Complementing the soft-touch instrument panel trim and aluminum trim are Denali-specific interior details, including script on the bright door sills and embossed into the front seats.

Sierra Denali’s high-tech interior also features an exclusive eight-inch customizable driver display that can show relevant settings, audio and navigation information in the instrument panel. Sierra Denali’s standard eight-inch Color Touch navigation radio with IntelliLink serves as the main hub for Bluetooth-connected phones and portable devices connected through five standard USB ports.

Other features standard on Sierra Denali include HID projector-beam headlamps with GMC’s LED signature lighting, new remote locking tailgate, new wireless phone charging, a Bose audio system, heated and vented leather front bucket seats, a heated steering wheel, a power sliding rear window with defogger and a spray-on bed liner that includes the Denali logo.

Sierra HD design and exterior features
Sierra HD trucks are the face of GMC’s Professional Grade aesthetic. All models feature a bold power-dome hood, HID headlamps and GMC’s signature LED lighting (daytime running lamps).   

The bodies on all models feature inlaid doors, which fit into recesses in the bodyside to help reduce wind noise for a quieter cab, and the double cab body features front-hinged rear doors with outside pull handles at the rear, for easy access in tight parking spaces.

Sierra HDs’ strong 6’6” and 8’ cargo boxes are designed to last longer with tough, rolled-steel floors, while offering great flexibility. They come with a two-tier loading design and offer more than four feet of loading space between the wheel houses, allowing standard 4’ x 8’ sheets of plywood to stack flatly on the box floor.

Available body-style/ box-length configurations include:
•    Regular cab with 8’ box – 2500HD and 3500HD
•    Double cab with 6’6” box – 2500HD only
•    Double cab with 8’ box – 2500HD and 3500HD
•    Crew cab with 6’6” box – 2500HD and 3500HD
•    Crew cab with 8’ box – 2500HD and 3500HD.

A factory-installed spray-in bed liner is available (standard on Denali) and LED cargo box lighting is standard on SLE, SLT and Denali models.

The CornerStep rear bumper is standard on all models and provides easier access when it’s time to climb in the box or retrieve items from it. It features integrated steps at each corner designed to accommodate large boots, with textured pads for sure-footed grip.

Additionally, a new remote locking tailgate is standard on SLE, SLT and Denali – and is available on the base model.

The EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate is standard on SLE, SLT and Denali models, along with LED cargo box lighting. With the EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate, an internal torsion bar reduces the effort to raise, while a rotary damper allows for a controlled and more gradual lowering motion when opening it.

Sierra HD interior details
The Sierra’s interior is roomy, quiet and functional, with a strong cab structure the foundation for its refinement. Nearly two-thirds of the cab is made of high-strength steel, while shear-style body mounts are used to tune out both up-and-down and side-to-side movement for a quiet, comfortable ride. Double and crew cab models have a set of hydraulic body mounts to further isolate the cabs.

The instrument panel has an intuitive six-gauge cluster. Standard models include a 3.5-inch driver information center display in the middle of the instrument cluster, with a 4.2-inch color driver information center display, for vehicle and infotainment data, standard on SLE, SLT and Sierra Denali. Ambient lighting highlights all functional areas, such as the “4x4” and headlamp switches, as well as the radio, for easier viewing at night.

All models have extensive interior storage, tailored to the way customers use their trucks. The center console – available on vehicles with front bucket seats – offers nearly 1 cubic foot (24.5 liters) of combined storage space, with the depth and width to conceal a laptop computer. Additionally, the locking console accommodates hanging files for owners who use their truck as a rolling office, as well as controls for overhead ambient lighting, map pockets along the side, movable cup holders and reconfigurable compartments. It also includes five USB ports, two 12-volt power points, a 110-volt outlet and a cord management system, allowing owners to leave their phone charger plugged in for quicker access when it’s needed, but remains concealed and without a dangling cord when it’s not. Plus, there’s a location on the console designed specifically for cell phone storage.

The fold-down center armrest on standard models and other models equipped with the 40/20/40-split bench seat offers covered storage and connectivity, with two USB ports and two 12-volt power points.

New wireless phone charging allows compatible phones to be charged without having to connect or disconnect wires or cables. It is available on SLE and SLT double cab and crew cab models with standard bucket seats; and it is standard on Sierra Denali.


Front seating configurations across the range include:
•    Sierra – Standard 40/20/40-split vinyl bench seat with fold-down armrest that includes covered storage and three integrated cup holders. Cloth seating is available
•    SLE – Standard 40/20/40-split cloth bench seat with fold-down armrest that includes covered storage and three integrated cup holders. Heated, leather-trimmed bench seat available and heated, cloth front bucket seats are available
•    SLT – Standard leather-trimmed 40/20/40-split bench seat with fold-down armrest that includes covered storage and three integrated cup holders, lockable under-seat storage compartment. Heated, leather front bucket seats are available
•    Denali – Full-feature leather-appointed, heated and vented front bucket seats with 12-way driver and passenger power adjustments, including four-way power lumbar control and two-position driver memory.

Several available equipment packages bundle popular features across the model range:
•    Sierra Convenience Package – offered on standard models, it features heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors, remote keyless entry, Rear Vision camera, 110-volt AC power outlet, remote locking tailgate and LED cargo box lighting. Power windows are included on regular cab models (they are standard on double and crew cab)
•    SLE Convenience Package – offered on double cab and crew cab models and includes power-adjustable pedals, Rear Park Assist, rear-window defogger, sliding rear window and chrome mirror caps.
•    SLE Preferred Package – includes driver 10-way power seat adjuster (with 40/20/40 split-bench cloth seat), remote vehicle starter system, front foglamps, rear-window defogger, manual tilting/telescopic steering column, 110-volt AC power outlet and Universal Home Remote. Double cab and crew cab models include dual-zone climate control.
•    Driver Alert Package – is available on SLE, SLT and Denali, and includes Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Safety Alert Seat and Front and Rear Park Assist.

Connectivity includes IntelliLink with new phone integration technology, OnStar 4G LTE
Upgrades and enhancements for 2016 include an all-new radio with a 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen that’s available on the base-model 1SA trim and an 8-inch system offered on higher trim levels and equipment packages.


Both radios offer improved system speed and performance, faster, more accurate map loading, faster service reprogramming and redesigned navigation interfaces, including a quick list of recently browsed points of interest, point of interest country grouping, last destination screen and visual landmark indication with map guidance (on navigation radios only). The 8-inch radio offers enhanced voice command execution, while the new 7-inch radio uses pass-through voice recognition synched with the user’s phone.

Also new for Sierra 7-inch and 8-inch radio systems is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. Each provides simple and smart use of smartphones in the vehicle, integrating certain phone functions onto IntelliLink’s color touchscreen and allowing users to call up music, navigation apps and more via compatible phones.

IntelliLink with the 7-inch display is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 8-inch system – standard on SLE, SLT, All Terrain and Denali models (with navigation available) – features Apple CarPlay compatibility at the start of the model year. Android Auto capability is scheduled to be available on the 8-inch system later in the model year.

Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features customers want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. This allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay-supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and third-party audio apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay. Apple CarPlay is compatible with iOS 7.1 or higher.

Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at g.co/androidauto. Android Auto requires a phone running an Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above.

Using either application is simple. A “Projection” icon on the IntelliLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate CarPlay or Android Auto when a compatible phone is connected via USB.

Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Apple and Google’s privacy statements and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also apply.

Complementing IntelliLink to enhance Sierra’s connectivity is OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot supports up to seven mobile devices and is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial. It is available on the 1SA and standard on SLE, SLT and Denali models.

At the time of purchase, six months of an OnStar Guidance plan includes all of OnStar’s advisor-based safety and security features, including Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Assistance, as well as turn-by-turn navigation.

Five years of a subscription-free OnStar Basic Plan includes RemoteLink Key Fob Services, allowing owners to remotely start and lock/unlock a car (if properly equipped), and activate the horn and lights from anywhere with a data connection. It also includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, which runs monthly checks of a vehicle’s engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes and more, and Dealer Maintenance Notification, which sends diagnostic report directly to a preferred dealer simplify service scheduling.

Proven Duramax turbo-diesel
The Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel is available across the lineup and has proven itself with a strong record of performance, capability and durability. It led the industry with first-in-class common-rail fuel injection and aluminum heads with a six-bolts-per-cylinder design.

It is rated at 397 horsepower (296 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb.-ft. of torque (1,037 Nm) at 1,600 rpm, contributing to their tremendous capability – including a maximum towing rating of 23,200 pounds on Sierra 3500HD. Horsepower is reduced slightly for some commercial chassis cab models.

Architectural features include a rigid cast iron cylinder block with induction-hardened cylinder bores; four-bolt, cross-drilled main bearing caps; forged steel, nitride-hardened crankshaft; aluminum pistons with jet-spray oil cooling; aluminum cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder; water-cooled turbocharger; integrated oil cooler and a charge-cooled turbocharging system.

The Duramax’s variable vane geometry turbocharger makes downhill towing less stressful, with an integrated exhaust brake system. Matched with the Allison 1000 transmission, it creates added backpressure in the exhaust, resulting in negative torque during deceleration and downhill driving, enhancing driver control and prolonging brake pad life.

The Duramax also provides outstanding cold-weather performance, with  microprocessor-controlled glow plugs capable of gas engine-like start performance in less than three seconds in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F (-29 C), without a block heater.  

Advanced emission control technology makes the Duramax one of the cleanest diesels in the segment. NOx emissions are controlled via a Selective Catalyst Reduction aftertreatment system that uses urea-based Diesel (Emission) Exhaust Fluid (DEF), which is housed in a 5.3-gallon (20 L) tank and needs to be replenished about every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Electrically heated lines feed the DEF to the emission system to ensure adequate delivery in cold weather.

The system also incorporates GM’s second-generation diesel particulate filter system. Unlike most of the competition, the Duramax regenerates its diesel particulate filter using a downstream injection of diesel fuel directly into the exhaust stream and can travel up to 700 miles (1,125 km) between regenerations. The use of downstream injection helps improve engine life by eliminating concerns surrounding the possibility of diesel fuel contaminating engine oil, which can happen when fuel used for regeneration is introduced directly into the cylinder. 

Allison 1000 transmission
The Allison 1000 backs the Duramax engine with features that support its tremendous torque with driver-control features that make hauling and towing easier – including the smart exhaust brake system. It features a class-first range selection function, which allows the driver to easily select the desired gears to match driving conditions, such as towing a trailer on a steep grade.

The Allison 1000’s six-speed configuration also contributes to greater efficiency, with lower engine speed on the highway. Both the fifth and sixth gears are overdrives (turning slower than engine speed), with a sixth-gear ratio of 0.62:1. A lower cruising rpm also contributes to a quieter interior on the highway.


Additional features include:
•    Power take off – It offers 250 lb.-ft. of torque for excellent performance in PTO applications, such as snowplows. There are two locations (right- and left-hand sides of the transmission) for PTO accessories – such as hydraulic pumps – to be attached on the transmission
•    Driver Shift Control – This feature allows the driver to manually select and hold a gear to satisfy a variety of driving scenarios. The easy tap-up/tap-down shift control holds the desired gear, but also protects the engine by inhibiting downshifts when the engine speed is above allowable rpm limits.
•    Tow/haul mode – The driver-selectable tow/haul mode provides greater driver control and trailering performance in certain conditions, such as steep grades. When engaged, shift schedules are optimized so that the system locks the torque converter earlier to minimize heat gain and to take greater advantage of engine braking when vehicle is traveling downhill.
•    Cab warm-up (elevated idle) – In certain low-temperature circumstances, the engine speed is raised and the transmission increases the load on the engine, allowing the engine to produce heat quicker and warm up the truck’s interior faster. The idle speed varies with the engine coolant temperature and the normal idle resumes when it reaches 154 degrees F (68 C). The feature is also enabled when the engine is started via remote starting.
•    Easy maintenance – The Allison 1000 has an easily removable, spin-on filter with a long, 60,000-mile change interval. Another internal filter is rated for the life of the transmission. Some competitors’ transmissions offer longer filter change intervals, but require more intensive, time-consuming change procedures that include removing the oil pan.

Smart exhaust brake system
The highly integrated, driver-selectable exhaust brake system uses the compression power of the Duramax engine to improve vehicle control and reduce brake pad wear. When the exhaust brake is engaged in cruise mode, exhaust cruise grade braking will help the cruise control system maintain the desired vehicle speed when travelling downhill, keeping the driver from having to apply the brakes and exit cruise control to maintain speed.

When the exhaust brake is engaged in non-cruise mode, the transmission and the exhaust brake deliver the correct amount of braking to assist in vehicle control, regardless of vehicle load. The system provides more engine braking with this feature for a heavier vehicle, for example.

Exhaust grade braking is one of the best examples of the Duramax engine and Allison transmission working as a seamless powertrain unit. It is a smart system that varies the amount of brakes needed for the vehicle, load and grade. The engagement of the system is smooth and quiet, while its performance enhances the driver’s feeling of control.

V-8 power is standard
The standard engine in all 2500HD and 3500HD models is the proven 6.0L FlexFuel V-8, which can run on gas, E85 or a mixture of both. It’s rated at 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm) on gas. It is also offered in a bi-fuel version and is rated at 301 horsepower (225 kW) and 333 lb.-ft. (452 Nm) on CNG.

The 6.0L is part of the legendary small block engine family, which was introduced in 1955. All iterations share basic architectural cues, including 4.400-inch cylinder bore centers and cam-in-block valve actuation. It is a simpler, lighter and more-compact design than many overhead-cam engines, with intrinsic attributes well-suited to the performance heavy-duty truck customers demand – particularly torque that’s developed early and maintained over a broad rpm range.

In fact, approximately 90 percent of peak torque available at only 2,000 rpm, for confidence and ease of operation with a full load or trailer, particularly on steep grades. Additional engine highlights include:
•    Deep-skirt iron cylinder block with cross-bolted main caps for strength, durability and refinement
•    High-flow aluminum cylinder heads that help produce more power and sustain longer across the rpm range
•    Polymer-coated pistons with full-floating wrist pins that offer lower friction, for greater performance and efficiency
•    Steel camshaft for long-term performance and durability
•    Steel roller rockers add stiffness, allowing greater engine speed with less vibration
•    Hydraulic roller lifters reduce friction for greater efficiency and wear resistance
•    Steel camshaft for long-term performance and durability
•    Regulated voltage control that enhances efficiency by reducing the draw on the alternator
•    Coil-near-plug ignition features an individual coil for each spark plug to deliver maximum voltage and consistent spark density, with no variation between cylinders.


Heavy-duty foundation and vehicle control technologies
All Sierra HD models feature fully boxed frame assemblies – 18 different assemblies that accommodate more than 150 possible vehicle configurations across the lineup.

A short-long arm/torsion bar front suspension features forged steel upper control arms and precision-machined cast iron lower control arms. Five different torsion bar rates support five different front gross axle weight ratings to help stabilize the range of trim heights of various models under load – including snow plows – while enhancing appearance, handling, durability, tire wear and alignment.

At the rear, an asymmetrical leaf-spring design minimizes axle hop and enhances traction control efficiency. A two-stage leaf-spring design is used on 2500HD models and three-stage design is employed on 3500HD model.

Sierra HD’s advanced vehicle control technologies are designed to make tough jobs easier and more comfortable, while also contributing to a safe driving experience, particularly when hauling cargo or towing a trailer.

StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on all single-rear-wheel models and 3500HD dual-rear-wheel models. It incorporates trailer sway control and hill start assist. Additionally, available cruise control, auto grade braking, and diesel exhaust brake features help the vehicle maintain a set speed up and down grades, even when towing a heavy trailer.

With the diesel exhaust brake feature, the turbocharger is used to smoothly and quietly create additional backpressure in the engine to help slow the vehicle. The combination of the exhaust brake and the automatic transmission downshifts helps the driver maintain the desired speed, even on steep grades.

New Active Steering Assist – standard on SLE and SLT double cab and crew cab models, as well as Denali – also enhances driver control, maneuverability and highway stability. It adapts technology similar to active rack-and-pinion systems for the Sierra HD’s recirculating ball power steering system, providing corrections to enhance stability on the highway, enhance stability control assistance and more. It also helps make Sierra HDs feel more maneuverable and responsive to the driver.

A rear-vision camera system is standard on SLE, SLT and Denali, providing a view of items behind the vehicle. It can also assist with lining up in front of a trailer.

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.