6/30/16
Updates from the Light Truck World
The completely redesigned 2017 Honda Ridgeline powers into the U.S. mid-size pickup market this week with manufacturer suggested retail prices starting at $29,475 for the RT two-wheel drive model and $31,275 for the RT all-wheel drive (AWD) version. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is the second generation of Honda's midsize pickup truck, offering 1,584-lbs. of payload capacity (Note: payload varies by trim level) and up to 5,000-lbs. towing capability.
Read the whole article at: http://fleetowner.com/equipment/updates-light-truck-world-0#slide-0-field_images-194521
Knapheide Customer Story: Stripe-A-Zone
At Knapheide, we’re proud to be an industry leader in work-ready vehicle solutions. But we’re even more proud to know that other industry leaders use our products to help them be more efficient. One of those leaders is Stripe-A-Zone, based out of Texas. Check out their story!
6/29/16
PRODUCT REVIEW: 2016 Knapheide PGNC 96B
Knapheide is an American company that has been making truck bodies since 1848 and they still build everything here in the United States while employing fellow Americans. The whole point of Luthorville is to showcase technology from American companies who support the American workforce. Knapheide is a prime example of a long-standing company that keeps American families employed. This review covers the 2016 Knapheide PGNC 96B flatbed gooseneck.
6/28/16
Own A Pickup? Watch Your Tailgate
If you own a pickup truck in Texas (and we know there are a lot of you), be sure to keep a close eye on your tailgate. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Texas is the riskiest state for thieves to steal your tailgate. But don't think if you live in another state you're safe; tailgate theft rates are climbing everywhere.
According to Cars.com and the NICB crime statistics the number of tailgate thefts likely is growing due to the extra technology truckmakers are packing into the drop-down (or swing-out) gate. Features such as cameras, hidden steps, exotic materials, and specialty locking mechanisms mean today's tailgates can cost as much as $1,500 to $2,000 to replace and that's making them a bigger target for theft.
Traditionally, taking a tailgate off a pickup bed has been as simple as unclipping the cables, unplugging a wire loom and pivoting the tailgate. Thankfully, many new-truck makers now are integrating an electronic tailgate locking system into the key fob so gear inside the bed -- or the tailgate itself - is more protected.
But if your truck isn't equipped with that kind of system, there are plenty of high- and low-dollar choices you can add to keep your tailgate more secure. Our advice is to play it safe and be prepared, especially if you don't want to have to purchase an expensive new tailgate for your unlucky pickup.
Image from YouTube.com
VMAC UNDERHOOD Lite - The Real User Experience
See the VMAC UNDERHOOD Lite 30 CFM Vehicle Mounted Air compressor performing standard service call tasks. Come along for the ride and watch this real user experience from a first person view. Learn More: http://vmacair.com/products/underhood...
6/27/16
Ford F-150, Mustang, C-MAX Energi Honored with Top Quality Impact Awards; Ford Earns Corporate-Level Award
DEARBORN, Mich., June 20, 2016
– Ford F-150, Mustang and C-MAX Energi won accolades from customers for
delivering a positive ownership experience and high vehicle quality,
earning Top Quality Impact awards from Strategic Vision.
Ford F-150 – part of America’s best-selling lineup of F-Series trucks – won the full-size truck segment. The toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever was recognized by customers for delivering power and pick-up, safety and quality workmanship.
“We see time and again that for consumers, innovation does more to communicate quality than an absence of problems does,” says Christopher Chaney, senior vice president, Strategic Vision.
Ford Mustang – which became the world’s best-selling sports coupe in its first year of global availability – won in the standard convertible segment based on high scores for image, interior design, and power and pick-up.
Ford C-MAX Energi took – a plug-in hybrid that can run in all-electric mode or on gas – received top honors in the small alternative powertrain car segment. C-MAX beat all other small hybrid and electrified vehicles in the survey by more than 150 points, including earning high marks for interior workmanship, comfort and thoughtful engineering.
Ford was recognized in the corporation category of the Total Quality Impact awards.
The awards are based on survey responses from more than 39,000 owners of new 2016 model year vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership.
Read more here: http://www.strategicvision.com/#!“American-Quality-is-Already-Great-Again-Domestic-Vehicles-Win-Majority-of-Total-Quality-Awards”/xn2o1/57622f550cf2c6c5726628c7
Ford F-150 – part of America’s best-selling lineup of F-Series trucks – won the full-size truck segment. The toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever was recognized by customers for delivering power and pick-up, safety and quality workmanship.
“We see time and again that for consumers, innovation does more to communicate quality than an absence of problems does,” says Christopher Chaney, senior vice president, Strategic Vision.
Ford Mustang – which became the world’s best-selling sports coupe in its first year of global availability – won in the standard convertible segment based on high scores for image, interior design, and power and pick-up.
Ford C-MAX Energi took – a plug-in hybrid that can run in all-electric mode or on gas – received top honors in the small alternative powertrain car segment. C-MAX beat all other small hybrid and electrified vehicles in the survey by more than 150 points, including earning high marks for interior workmanship, comfort and thoughtful engineering.
Ford was recognized in the corporation category of the Total Quality Impact awards.
The awards are based on survey responses from more than 39,000 owners of new 2016 model year vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership.
Read more here: http://www.strategicvision.com/#!“American-Quality-is-Already-Great-Again-Domestic-Vehicles-Win-Majority-of-Total-Quality-Awards”/xn2o1/57622f550cf2c6c5726628c7
6/26/16
Knapheide. Never Settle
At Knapheide, we never settle when it comes to the work-ready vehicle solutions we build. Find out what that means and how it makes our customers’ jobs a whole lot easier.
VMAC RAPTAIR-G30 Gas Drive Air Compressor at work
Get all the power you need in this small air compressor. No air tank required. The G30 gas drive air compressor with 30 CFM rotary screw air power.
6/25/16
Ford first in line for DriveVansA2Z 2016
Ford has announced its plans for the UK’s premier interactive, hands-on LCV driving event, DriveVansA2Z , taking place at the home of British motor sport, Silverstone, on 20 & 21 September 2016. Visitors will be able to get behind the wheel of Ford’s entire and extensive Euro 6-compliant light commercial vehicle line-up.
Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain commented: “We are delighted to be taking part at this year’s DriveVansA2Z event at Silverstone. It is a wonderful venue and a great place for visitors to test drive our new range of Euro Stage 6-compliant light commercial vehicles; not just the UK’s best-selling Transit range, but also Fiesta van and the Ranger pick-up.
DriveVansA2Z is a live show dedicated to vans, 4x4 pick-ups and vans, and light trucks. It allows visitors to see, touch, feel and drive back-to-back all kinds of vehicles, providing a real-world appraisal before that all-important purchase. Visitors can use the Stowe Circuit, perimeter roads, rough terrain and 4x4 course, all at this world famous racing circuit.
All drivers and operators of light commercial vehicles, regardless of the number they run, are welcome. Tickets are priced at £25 for the day, but register for the VansA2Z e-Newsletter and entry is free. Once registration has been completed we will e-mail a code to claim a free ticket by return.
Tickets and further information about the event can be found here.
6/24/16
Upscale 2017 Ford Super Dutys Get Heavy Duty Vinyl Floor Option
The 2017 Ford Super Duty will be different in many ways but offering a vinyl floor on top-of-the-line models is a stroke of genius because trucks with the option installed can be washed out the floor with a sponge, rag or hose if needed. Ford will offer an upgraded vinyl flooring on both King Ranch and Platinum models of the 2017 F-Series Super Duty trucks that go on sale this fall.
Vinyl flooring previously was offered on the lower XL and XLT trim levels, but this is the first time (for any HD truck maker) that the option has been extended to the more luxurious trims. Ford says that the "Super Duty customers... want the luxury of a King Ranch or Platinum edition, while maintaining their ability to use the truck for work without fear of ruining the interior."
Thankfully, the vinyl flooring in both the King Ranch (shown in these photos) and Platinum trim levels will be thicker and more durable than the base vinyl and will come with clips to install floor mats. Each trim's vinyl floor will also have a unique design to match the rest of the luxury interior.
Test drive: Ford’s F-650, Super Duty’s biggest brother
Sitting in Ford’s F-650, towering above the surrounding traffic, feels strangely familiar. Strange only because I haven’t driven the truck before, but familiar because of how much of its design is shared with its Super Duty siblings.
This generation F-650 gets a facelift that puts exterior styling and interior comforts more inline with the rest of the Super Duty lineup.
The bright orange 2016 F-650 dump truck I piloted through the greater Ann Arbor, Mich., area featured Ford’s Triton V-10 gasoline engine. Pumping out 320 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, the 6.8 liter is the only gasoline engine offered in a Class 6-7 truck.
Whether in or outside of the cab, engine sound is minimal – hardly louder than you would expect from any standard size pickup – and that offers additional benefits.
“Pulling up on a job site before 7 a.m., people really appreciate not hearing the diesel clatter coming down the road,” says Kevin Koester, Ford’s medium duty truck and Super Duty fleet brand manager.
An optional 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbo diesel is also available with three power ratings. For anyone who’s driven the current generation Power Stroke diesels, you know “diesel clatter” is pretty minimal as well.
Regardless of which engine you choose, you’ll wind up with a fully integrated “Built Ford Tough” powertrain. The Cummins inline-six and Allison automatic transmission are no longer available. After the dissolution of Blue Diamond Truck Company – a partnership between Ford and Navistar – Ford went all-in on its own gasoline and Power Stroke diesel engines along with its built-in-house TorqShift HD 6-speed automatic transmission.
IMG_3403Inside my 4-door Crew Cab test truck, many cues are again borrowed from smaller Super Duty models, like the XLT cloth seats. Gauges, auxiliary switches and controls – including power window and locks – were all conveniently located and within reasonable reach for the driver.
“The ergonomics are very similar to Super Duty,” Koester adds. “You’re just riding higher.”
The air conditioning was cold on a cool June afternoon and the truck is standard with Ford’s SYNC system, which offers hands-free calling, AppLink and Bluetooth capabilities. If creature comforts are important, you’ll find plenty in the new F-650.
The chrome snout brings a little bling to a truck otherwise designed to be battered around a construction site, but the white 22.5-inch steel wheels bring you crashing back to the reality that this really is a work truck.
Egress in and out of the truck is surprisingly easy thanks to strategically located grab handles and side steps.
The front axle, a 8,500-lb. Dana D-850F, features 8,500-lb. parabolic taperleafs while the rear gets a 17,500-lb. Dana S17-140 (6.50 ratio) on 19,000-lb. multi-leafs.
Longer leaf springs versus prior generation models give the F-650 a smoother ride, almost like you’re driving your pickup – if your pickup was huge and had a GVWR of upwards of 26,000 pounds. Okay … so it doesn’t ride or handle exactly like a pickup, but it does drive more like one than you otherwise might expect. Steering was tight for a truck of its size.
Maneuverability, thanks in part to the massive windshield and the visibility it provides, was incredible. Navigating some of Michigan’s rural roads in a truck with a 194 inch wheelbase loaded with 5 yards of top soil was surprisingly easy and comfortable and posed little challenge to the rear springs. Ride and handing actually improved significantly with a dump full of dirt.
- See more at: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/test-drive-fords-f-650-super-dutys-biggest-brother/#sthash.QmOU9dk5.dpuf
6/23/16
COME AND DRIVE A SELECTION OF MANUFACTURERS VEHICLES AT THE WORLD FAMOUS SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT
Buying replacement light commercial vehicles? You have three options:
- Stick to what you know,
- Spend days arranging test drives and then, more days actually visiting the dealerships before you actually hit the road with your choices.
- Visit DriveVansA2Z.
DriveVansA2Z brings motor manufacturers to Silverstone where you can test, back to back, many of the latest vans, 4×4 pick ups and light trucks.
It’s a dedicated light commercial vehicle Show. It’s the only interactive light commercial vehicle Show in Britain. It’s £25 for a ticket, but a day well spent. If you register as a reader of VansA2Z you will receive a free entry ticket, or look out for promotional codes and/or offers from industry outlets, exhibitors or national newspapers.
Test many vansThe Show takes place over two days, 20-21 September and you can choose which day you want to attend. You can arrive when you like although the doors open at 08:30 on both mornings. The test drives begin at 09:00 and continue throughout the day with last drives leaving the vehicle manufacturer’s stands at 16:30 in preparation for Show close at 17:00.
The format is super easy. When you have arrived and had some refreshment, you will be shown a driver briefing video and the format of the day will be explained. Once in the show ground area, simply visit the stand of the vehicle manufacturer whose products interest you, book a test drive and take the vehicle for a spin, then repeat with the other manufacturers and at the end of the day make an informed decision on which van, 4×4 van, 4×4 pick-up or light truck is best suited to you and your business needs.
test on road off roadYou can test drive anything that is on display experiencing realistic road conditions on a route around Silverstone’s perimeter road. If you want to see how the vehicle performs in, say for instance, the early days of a building site or across a field trying to reach a railway embankment or electricity installation then there is a rough terrain centre which will give you a really good idea of the vehicle’s capabilities in this environment and, if that’s not enough to help you choose your next vehicles then round it all off with a lap on the famous Silverstone Stowe Circuit.
off road at drivevansa2zFor testing the serious 4×4 pick ups and 4×4 vans, there is a very challenging off road 4×4 course with instructors to help guide you. It is an amazing experience taking a vehicle through one of the toughest 4×4 courses in the UK and to witness, first hand, how these vehicles cope in such extreme circumstances is a real thrill. It is not often 4x4s spend much time doing what they were designed for but knowing their capabilities helps you choose the right one.
In between putting your chosen vehicles through their paces on the test drives, you can visit the static exhibitors and discover more about what products are available in the aftermarket, Driveit@ 2015 - Day1what can be added to your vehicles and who should be supplying you. The static exhibitors comprise the companies that supply accessories and and ancillary products that make up the light commercial vehicle aftermarket.
All in all, we believe that DriveVansA2Z offers great value for money. It is a brilliant day out and not only helps you make the right decision regarding your vehicles, but most importantly, it helps your business. You will meet other van operators, industry suppliers and have the chance to talk to the vehicle manufacturers and go home fully aware of what options are open to you when considering your next purchase.
Tickets are valid for entry on either or both days of the event. You will need to have with you your driving licence and a copy of your NI number in order that we can perform the necessary licence checks at reception. Each person attending needs their own separate registration in order that their details can be checked independently before event driving licences are issued.
DriveVansA2Z is exactly that. An exciting, valuable and informative exhibition that will give you a far greater insight to the products you and your business need when considering transport and which vehicles are right for you.
To claim your free entry ticket now, visit vansa2z.com and register to become a reader, alternatively you can visit drivevansa2z.com and buy your entry ticket there. Either way, we look forward to seeing you at Silverstone for what is set to be a fantastic event.
DriveVansA2Z – puts you in the driving seat.
6/22/16
Propane Autogas Fuels Fleets
Of the almost 9,000 vehicles equipped with ROUSH CleanTech fuel systems, nearly 500 operate in the food and beverage industry. This includes Bimbo Bakeries’ new Ford F-59s and Nestlé Waters North America’s 185 Ford F-650s.
“Propane autogas makes the most sense for fleets operating trucks and/or buses in the Class 4-7 range,” according to Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “Most of our customers do not want to deal with the added cost and complexity of diesel and propane autogas is a great alternative option based on its lower fuel/maintenance costs and significantly reduced emissions.”
Propane autogas has many advantages driving adoption in Class 4-7, according to Mouw.
“One advantage is that propane autogas includes the flow pressure. It is a liquid fuel, which allows for a significant capacity of fuel (comparable to diesel) to be packed on the truck,” Mouw explained. “In addition, these trucks have horsepower and torque equivalent to a gasoline engine.”
“Propane autogas makes the most sense for fleets operating trucks and/or buses in the Class 4-7 range,” according to Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “Most of our customers do not want to deal with the added cost and complexity of diesel and propane autogas is a great alternative option based on its lower fuel/maintenance costs and significantly reduced emissions.”
Propane autogas has many advantages driving adoption in Class 4-7, according to Mouw.
“One advantage is that propane autogas includes the flow pressure. It is a liquid fuel, which allows for a significant capacity of fuel (comparable to diesel) to be packed on the truck,” Mouw explained. “In addition, these trucks have horsepower and torque equivalent to a gasoline engine.”
2016 Ford F350 Supercab Dually with Scelzi Service Body - Harrold Ford
Dave goes over the benefits of this great truck a Ford F350 Supercab with a service body. See more at http://www.sacramentoworktrucks.com
6/21/16
Adrian LoadsRite Ladder Rack: Easy to Load & Unload Ladders
Don't climb, stretch, or reach for your ladder: use Adrian Steel's LOADSRITE Ladder Racks to easily raise and lower your ladder on top of your van. The unique design of the LOADSRITE presents the ladder in a diagonal position bringing it to a comfortable working height in the right way. LOADSRITE: The Right Way to Load and Unload Ladders.
6/20/16
VMAC launches world’s first transmission-mounted PTO compressor
VMAC TorqShift 6VMAC announced that it’s offering the world’s first transmission-mounted PTO driven rotary screw air compressor for the Ford F-250 to F-550 Super Duty 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel 4×2 and 4×4 work truck with a TorqShift automatic transmission.
This is VMAC’s second new product release so far this year, following the RAPTAIR-G30 gas drive air compressor, which the company also presented as a ground-breaking air compressor design.
“As the global leader in advanced mobile air compressor systems VMAC continues to expand its product line to meet the growing needs of its customers,” said Gordon Duval, VMAC’s vice-president of marketing and sales.
“VMAC is the first to offer a PTO driven air compressor that mounts directly to the transmission, eliminating the complex and time consuming installation of traditional underdeck compressor systems.”
The VMAC DTM70 is a direct-transmission mounted PTO-driven rotary screw air compressor system that can produce up to 70 CFM at 100 percent duty cycle. That’s enough air power to run a one-inch impact gun or even a 90lb pavement breaker, VMAC reports.
The compressor system features controls that are designed to be easy to use. After pressing the on button, the digital control box and the DTM70 system engages the PTO, the compressor turns on, and the throttle control automatically idles the truck engine up and down to match air demand. For cold climate operation, there is a heater built in so the compressor automatically warms up on the way to the job site.
The DTM70 is designed for easy installation.
“Installation time for the VMAC DTM70 on Ford diesel 4×4 trucks is half that of traditional under deck air compressors,” Duval said. “Traditional underdeck systems are extremely heavy, are challenged with ground clearance, and require modification of the Ford transfer case on 4×4 models, all of which adds up to significant time and expense for installers.
“We’re very proud of this product announcement. It underscores our commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations by continually evolving our advanced air solutions to help them reduce expenses, improve productivity and grow their bottom line.
- See more at: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/vmac-launches-worlds-first-transmission-mounted-pto-compressor/?utm_source=hwt&utm_medium=email&utm_content=06-15-2016&utm_campaign=Hard%20Working%20Trucks&ust_id=73ef45b752004fd7c5cf260e66e4ffd4#sthash.Jg5ObDO7.dpuf
The New Isuzu FTR Reveal at The Work Truck Show March 2, 2016
Isuzu unveils all new class 6 F-Series truck live at the 2016 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana.
6/19/16
2016 Ford F550 With Scelzi 16' Aluminum Flatbed - Harrold Ford
6/18/16
Spartan Cargo
The Spartan Cargo is a cutaway that’s an excellent solution for multi-stop deliveries in cities and other tight places. The low-profile design and exceptional maneuverability make for a smooth ride. Practical and comfortable, with room to stand up straight inside, the Spartan Cargo is all business.
Features
Access your cargo with ease in our low-profile design that features low floor heights
See better inside with bright, lightweight 3/8″ FiberPanel® PW (FRP) white side wall panels
Load large cargo – even sheets of plywood with the extra room of the true interior truck body lengths and 48-1/2″ double-swing rear doors
Work comfortably in the cargo area with our stand-up truck body height interior (72″ and 78″ heights only)
Gain better traction and prevent slips with a 3/4″ anti-skid black coated floor
Options
Enjoy more cab room and stand up to move between cab and cargo area with a full-height cab-access door (availability based on chassis). Note: Shortens interior truck body length
Access your cargo quickly and easily with an ultra-low, step-saver side door; great for multi-stop delivery
Enjoy a bright interior work space by adding natural lighting with a translucent roof
Organize and store cargo and equipment with custom interior fixed or adjustable shelves
Save time by storing and accessing your ladder more efficiently with a ladder rack and rear access ladder
Acquire additional towing capabilities with a hitch receiver
Secure your cargo with several cargo control options best fit your business application
Find out more at: http://supremecorp.com/truck-bodies/spartan-cargo/
Ram Trucks | 2017 Power Wagon Reveal | “Push On"
There is a point when giving up is not an option.
When you find out if you have what it takes to continue.
This is the point of no return. And this is the 2017 Ram Power Wagon.
6/17/16
The Tough 10 Reasons the Ford F-150 Outpaces Every Other Truck
Those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to drive it. Here are 10 reasons why the forward-thinking Ford F-150 continues to leave all other trucks in the dust.
6/16/16
2016 Ford F550 With 12' Scelzi Contractor Body - Harrold Ford
Dave with Harrold Ford goes over a Ford F550 with a contractor body. See more at http://www.sacramentoworktrucks.com
6/15/16
SmartSpace Van Storage Solutions by Masterack
See how different configurations offer storage solutions for different industries and contractors.
2016 Transit - Innovative New Configurations
- SYNC® 3, Ford’s new communications and entertainment system, is available for 2016 Ford Transit – making America’s best-selling van even smarter
- The vehicle with the most configurations in its class just got even more flexible, as dual sliding doors now give customers a total of 58 vehicle configurations, up from 47 for 2015
- Ford Transit became the best-selling van in America only six months after going on sale; Ford built more than 100,000 Transit vehicles for the 2015 model year
Ford Transit became the best-selling full-size van in America just six months after it went on sale. For the 2015 model year, Ford has produced more than 100,000 Transit vans and wagons at Kansas City Assembly Plant.
Transit is available in passenger van and wagon versions, in three lengths, three heights and two wheelbases. Now, Transit offers even more versatility by offering dual sliding doors on medium- and high-roof van models.
SYNC® 3 – Ford’s new communications and entertainment system – is available for 2016, featuring faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, more intuitive smartphone-like touch screen, and easier-to-understand graphical interface to help Ford customers connect on the road.
A rearview camera is standard on all 2016 van and wagon models, as is a front dome lamp with map lights and theater dimming. New colors are Shadow Black, Magnetic, Race Red and Caribou.
Transit is also available in chassis cab and cutaway body styles, while Transit wagon offers XL and XLT trim levels.
Choice of power
A CNG/propane gaseous engine prep package is available for the 3.7-liter V6 to enable customers to run their vehicles on compressed natural gas or liquid propane. This engine is also engineered for optimal performance with E85 flex-fuel capability.
The 3.2-liter Power Stroke® five-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel – based on Ford’s proven global diesel engine architecture – features state-of-the-art fuel, turbo and emissions systems that meet stringent U.S. clean diesel standards.
For maximum capability, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® promises to be a trusted workhorse – whether carrying materials to a job site or towing a trailer with Transit’s available hitch. This EcoBoost provides best-in-class maximum gasoline engine torque of 400 lb.-ft.
Each engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for efficient rear-wheel-drive operation.
Most configurations ever
With Transit, the power of choice goes beyond powertrain options to encompass multiple lengths and roof heights to provide full-size van buyers with the precise configuration they require.
The high-roof van features 81.5 inches of interior cargo height – enough headroom for a person 6 feet, 4 inches tall to stand upright in the cargo area. The medium-roof model offers as much as 72 inches of cargo height, while the low-roof model has nearly 57 inches to provide an ideal combination of payload management, upfit readiness and garageability.
When properly equipped, Transit provides up to 487.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, with rear cargo doors that can open up to 237 degrees for easy loading and unloading.
The interior has been designed for easy upfit of racks, bins, shelving and other cargo storage and hauling solutions. The largest passenger version can carry as many as 15 people, while providing 100.5 cubic feet of storage.
Driving quality
Thanks to a power rack-and-pinion setup, Transit provides drivers with an exceptionally communicative steering feel. The front suspension consists of subframe-mounted MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar for smoother, flatter cornering, while progressive rear leaf springs and heavy-duty gas-charged dampers provide for well-controlled ride quality – regardless of load status.
Minimized operating costs
Transit’s global design delivers on the same customer expectations in 116 markets worldwide where this sturdy commercial vehicle will be available – expectations for versatility, fuel efficiency and low operating costs.
Transit has been developed to be efficient to service and maintain, with specialized technical service support including extended operating hours available at more than 600 Ford Business Preferred Network dealers.
Built Ford Tough
Transit features rugged unibody construction and extensive application of high-strength and boron steel, which has been tested at Ford proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America.
Transit is assembled at Ford’s recently upgraded Kansas City Assembly Plant.
6/14/16
Navistar to produce GM Cutaway Vans
Navistar announced today that it will be manufacturing the cutaway model of GM’s G Van starting in 2017.
The multi-year contract with GM will add 300 jobs to Navistar’s Springfield, Ohio plant and free up factory space at GM’s Wentzville, Mo. plant where it plans on increasing pickup production.
“We’re very pleased to partner with GM on this important manufacturing opportunity,” said Persio Lisboa, president, Navistar operations. “Our Springfield plant is an important part of our manufacturing footprint, and we’ve been preparing it for a higher volume concentration of light and medium-duty products as part of our manufacturing strategy.
“This is an important step towards our goal to drive automotive quality into the commercial vehicle industry.”
GM produces cutaway vans for commercial customers. The company’s Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans, which are full-length on frame, are upfitted into utility or service vehicles, ambulance or rescue vehicles, shuttle buses or school buses.
“This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans,” said Cathy Clegg, GM North America manufacturing and labor relations vice president.
Navistar and GM are not disclosing any further details of the agreement at this time.
Navistar primarily manufactures its DuraStar and WorkStar models at the Springfield plant. Last September, Navistar and GM announced a separate long-term agreement to develop and assemble a medium-duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicle at Navistar’s Springfield plant starting in 2018.
The future products will be jointly developed using Navistar’s expertise in rolling chassis configurations and manufacturing capabilities, and GM’s commercial components and engines. The trucks will be available under both the International and Chevrolet brands, and will mark Navistar’s reentry into the Class 4/5 market.
Source: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/navistar-to-produce-gm-cutaway-vans/
6/13/16
Isuzu NRR, Switch-N-Go Walk-Around Review
Work Truck Direct had the opportunity to check out the Isuzu NRR with the highly versatile Switch-N-Go body system. Terrence Maloney from Isuzu and Russ Wallace from Switch-N-Go highlight some of the unique features of this vehicle setup. Useful for Arborists and Landscapers!
For more information on the vehicle, click here: http://goo.gl/r5HsK5
Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition - Monteal - June 19-22nd
Announcing EVS29 Opening Keynote Speakers
EVS29 organizers this week announced more keynote speakers for the plenary discussions. At the opening plenary on June 20, the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) will welcome delegates from around the world and kick off the world's largest gathering of the electric drive industry. Event co-hosts from Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) will be featured, and prominent policy and industry leaders from Canada and the United States will deliver keynote remarks on the future of electric drive. Follow this link to find the keynote speakers.
6/12/16
6/11/16
Ford first in line for DriveVansA2Z 2016
Ford has announced its plans for the UK’s premier interactive, hands-on LCV driving event, DriveVansA2Z , taking place at the home of British motor sport, Silverstone, on 20 & 21 September 2016. Visitors will be able to get behind the wheel of Ford’s entire and extensive Euro 6-compliant light commercial vehicle line-up.
Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain commented: “We are delighted to be taking part at this year’s DriveVansA2Z event at Silverstone. It is a wonderful venue and a great place for visitors to test drive our new range of Euro Stage 6-compliant light commercial vehicles; not just the UK’s best-selling Transit range, but also Fiesta van and the Ranger pick-up.
DriveVansA2Z is a live show dedicated to vans, 4x4 pick-ups and vans, and light trucks. It allows visitors to see, touch, feel and drive back-to-back all kinds of vehicles, providing a real-world appraisal before that all-important purchase. Visitors can use the Stowe Circuit, perimeter roads, rough terrain and 4x4 course, all at this world famous racing circuit.
All drivers and operators of light commercial vehicles, regardless of the number they run, are welcome. Tickets are priced at £25 for the day, but register for the VansA2Z e-Newsletter and entry is free. Once registration has been completed we will e-mail a code to claim a free ticket by return.
Tickets and further information about the event can be found here
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- See more at: http://www.vansa2z.com/Ford-first-in-line-for-DriveVansA2Z-2016#sthash.dHkkQcxT.dpuf
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