8/26/10
DMAX Marks 10-Year Manufacturing Milestone
- More than 1.2 million engines produced
- Company nears environmental landfill free goal
In ceremonies attended by community and government leaders, company officials marked cumulative production of 1.2 million engines since July 2000. DMAX is the exclusive manufacturer of the award-winning Duramax diesel engine that powers Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups and Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full size vans.
“Over our company’s 10-year history, the Duramax diesel engine has become a success story and the pride of loyal Duramax owners around the world,” said Maho Mitsuya, DMAX chief executive officer. “We’re proud of the role we’ve played in producing the leading reputation for quality, reliability and durability in the heavy-duty truck market.”
A panel of experts recently selected the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4-ton heavy-duty and the Sierra one-ton heavy-duty, both powered by the new Duramax, as best overall diesel-powered trucks in the 2010 Heavy-Duty Shootout conducted by pickuptrucks.com.
DMAX today also announced a major environmental commitment for the facility – establishing it as a landfill-free operation by Oct. 1. The operation will join 69 GM facilities globally whose manufacturing wastes are recycled, reused or converted to energy. No waste from normal plant operations is sent to a landfill.
“Many manufacturing plants generate waste along with their products, but at the DMAX plant, diesel engines with fewer emissions are our only output,” Mitsuya said. “All manufacturing wastes generated at our facility will be recycled or reused in some way.”
GM announced in 2008 that it intended to convert half of its major manufacturing facilities worldwide into landfill-free operations by the end of 2010. GM is currently 95 percent toward delivering on that commitment.
GM was among the first organizations – and to date is the only auto manufacturer – inducted into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WasteWise Hall of Fame, recognizing ongoing outstanding waste reduction and recycling efforts.
The all-new Duramax engine design contributes to the environmental accomplishments while featuring significantly more torque and higher horsepower, 11 percent better highway fuel economy and substantially reduced emissions.
“The 2011 Duramax engine produces 63 percent fewer emissions than the previous model and also can run on B20 biodiesel fuel,” said Rick Spina, GM vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. “Reduced vehicle emissions, combined with the DMAX plant's certification as a landfill-free facility, provide evidence as to GM's ongoing commitment to reducing our impact on the environment.”
The Duramax engine is a benchmark for reliability and durability as well as competitive horsepower, torque and quietness within the heavy-duty diesel pickup industry.
“The bottom line is that the DMAX engine plant built more than 1.2 million engines in 10 years with a track record of quality that sets them apart from other manufacturers,” Spina said. “Many of our loyal Duramax owners have hundreds of thousands of miles on their engines today.”
About DMAX, Ltd. – General Motors established the DMAX joint venture with Isuzu Motors Limited in 1998. The first diesel engine, jointly designed by the companies, was produced at the plant in July 2000. The 584,000-square foot DMAX plant currently employs 532 hourly and salary employees.
About General Motors: General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 208,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 157 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corp. on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corp. More information on the new General Motors can be found at http://www.gm.com/.
About Isuzu Motors Limited – Isuzu Motors Limited (Isuzu) is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medium- and heavy –duty trucks and the number one selling low cab forward truck in North America since 1986. Since building its first truck in 1918, Isuzu has sold over 26 million trucks worldwide. Among its innovations are the first air-cooled diesel engine in 1936, the first two-ton low-cab-forward truck in 1959, and the first direct-injection diesel engine. Engines are the heart of Isuzu Motors Limited, an industry leader of over 20 million diesel engines worldwide. Isuzu products, noted for reliability and durability, have stood the test of time. Today, home base for the Powertrain Division of Isuzu Motors America, LLC is Plymouth, Michigan. Isuzu offers more than 30 different engine models with power ranges beyond 500 hp, for use in both on- and off-road applications. And, with a growing network of master distributor locations and over 300 authorized service dealers in North America, it is easy for any customer to obtain the most advanced, reliable diesel engines in the world. More information can be found at http://www.isuzu.com/.
8/25/10
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Virtual Test Drive
A virtual test drive in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid! This video comes from YouTube CompareFord and http://www.comparefordsocial.com/.
Now, I hardly ever put anything in this blog about cars, but I was very impressed with this video. Since I spent most of my life in the automobile business and I've been a sales manager in one form or another since 1975, training to do presentations has always been a focus. Here's why this video impressed me from a sales perspective--and this applies to almost any kind of selling:
1. The greeting was excellent, real and in good spirits.
2. The vehicle was brought to the customer at the customer's convenience.
3. This is a familiar area for the customer, so they are much more comfortable.
4. THERE WERE ONLY A FEW KEY POINTS MADE. Some salespeople just love to talk about all the features, benefits, this and that and the other. People don't need that many things to make a decision. Frankly, the more you talk, the further the sale gets from you in general.
5. The demonstration was completely in flow with the rest of the conversation--and, this is key: it was conversational.
6. He treated the customer as a friend, yet not too personal. He was comfortable and that flows easily to the customer.
7. This was obviously not the time to close the sale, so there was not attempt to do so. This was a demonstration and effectively serves as a taste, a sniff, a social get together. As this, it is effective as a convincer of the sales person, the dealership, the product, and the experience.
I want to say, BRAVO! Well done. I know it was staged, but it was very well done and I would highly recommend this approach and please keep in mind not to tell too much. People have a hard enough time trying to decide and more information is usually not the deciding factor.
Now, I hardly ever put anything in this blog about cars, but I was very impressed with this video. Since I spent most of my life in the automobile business and I've been a sales manager in one form or another since 1975, training to do presentations has always been a focus. Here's why this video impressed me from a sales perspective--and this applies to almost any kind of selling:
1. The greeting was excellent, real and in good spirits.
2. The vehicle was brought to the customer at the customer's convenience.
3. This is a familiar area for the customer, so they are much more comfortable.
4. THERE WERE ONLY A FEW KEY POINTS MADE. Some salespeople just love to talk about all the features, benefits, this and that and the other. People don't need that many things to make a decision. Frankly, the more you talk, the further the sale gets from you in general.
5. The demonstration was completely in flow with the rest of the conversation--and, this is key: it was conversational.
6. He treated the customer as a friend, yet not too personal. He was comfortable and that flows easily to the customer.
7. This was obviously not the time to close the sale, so there was not attempt to do so. This was a demonstration and effectively serves as a taste, a sniff, a social get together. As this, it is effective as a convincer of the sales person, the dealership, the product, and the experience.
I want to say, BRAVO! Well done. I know it was staged, but it was very well done and I would highly recommend this approach and please keep in mind not to tell too much. People have a hard enough time trying to decide and more information is usually not the deciding factor.
8/24/10
2011 Ford Super Duty Virtual Tour and Test Drive With Greg Foutz
Greg Foutz, Ford F250 Super Duty racecar driver from Foutz Motorsports, gives us a tour of the all new 2011 Ford Super Duty truck!
8/23/10
Ford Falcon XR8 UTE Commercial - It's A Guy Thing. . .
Very funny. Had to watch it two or three times and saw more each time. Fun!
8/22/10
The Glass Racking Company 6-Pole Height Adjustable Glass Van Rack Going Down
The Glass racking Company, show how easy our 6 Pole Glass van rack adjusts downwards. Three minutes, one person, no tools. Sweet! See more at http://www.glassrackingcompany.com/. Check out the US distributor for this product at http://www.alliedbody.com/ located in Seattle, WA.
8/21/10
2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Is Most Powerful, Capable Edition Ever Offered with 6.2 Liter Engine
2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150
• 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 combines the smooth handling and legendary durability of America’s best-selling line of trucks with the authentic styling of Harley-Davidson
• A new 6.2-liter V8 engine is now standard, making it the most powerful and capable Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 ever offered. The engine, which debuted earlier this year on the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and maximum trailer tow capacity of 7,500 pounds
• New standard content for 2011 includes the voice-activated Navigation System, a 4.2-inch productivity screen, power moonroof and Remote Start System
STURGIS, S.D., Aug. 10, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 combines two rich traditions into an extraordinary package for customers who crave capability and long for the open road. With authentic styling, a new standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and plenty of technology upgrades, it’s the most powerful and capable Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 yet.
“The new 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 perfectly blends the flexibility and capability of F-Series trucks with the free spirit of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles,” said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer. “Both companies have a passion for the road, which shines through in our specialized truck.”
The successful collaboration between these two icons of the open road has produced nine F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250 and F-350 models, and in 2009, the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck. The exterior of the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 offers a bold front fascia and six-bar-shaped billet-style satin chrome grille and boasts “Harley-Davidson” satin chrome badging. The truck also has a lowered appearance because of a standard, fully integrated deployable running board.
Also standard are 22-inch Euroflange forged wheels with a polished center wheel cap and low-profile performance tires. The paint selection is classic Harley-Davidson – Tuxedo Black and Ingot Silver.
New graphics on the hood and body side of the truck are executed in an engine-turned finish and feature dimensional satin chrome “Harley-Davidson” lettering. The graphics are reminiscent of the “speed scallops” used on hot rods.
Interior trim panels are covered in Tuxedo Black paint, while the door scuff plate and console lid also carry the engine-turned finish. All interior chrome surfaces feature a new satin finish. Premium leather-trimmed seats come with accent color inserts and a unique cloisonné badge.
New engine, more power
Ford tapped into a bit of its proud racing heritage to create the new 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, which uses big-bore architecture to produce impressive horsepower and torque. The new gasoline engine delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and provides improved maximum trailer towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.
“This engine has tons of torque and already has been proven in the field with both the F-150 SVT Raptor and Super Duty,” said Mike Harrison, V8 engine program manager. “The exhaust for the Ford Harley-Davidson edition has been specially tuned to feature a throaty V8 rumble customers will love.”
Benefits of the new 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine include:
• SOHC valvetrain with roller-rocker shafts: The single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder head design results in a stiff valvetrain that allows optimized camshaft lift profiles and results in great low-speed torque. The roller-rocker shafts allow valve angles to be splayed, resulting in optimized intake and exhaust port layout for better breathing.
• Dual-equal variable cam timing: Intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events are phased at the same time to optimize fuel economy and performance throughout the engine speed range and throttle positions.
• Two spark plugs per cylinder: Due to the large bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help the engine maintain a smooth, stable idle.
• Dual knock sensors: A knock sensor on each bank of cylinders of the V8 engine allows the spark timing of each cylinder to be individually optimized real-time, throughout the engine speed range. The engine learns the optimum timing via an adaptive algorithm.
Taking convenience to the next level
The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 adds plenty of technology options to give customers what they are looking for. Key to helping customers take advantage of all the capability offered by the Harley-Davidson F-150 is a standard 4.2-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) productivity screen.
This screen offers menu options, giving the customer important information related to fuel economy and towing performance. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel and is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer.
Additionally, the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 comes equipped with a standard voice-activated Navigation System that integrates several functions including voice-recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch screen.
For the customer who wants more control of transmission gear selection, SelectShift Automatic™ transmission functionality is available. A toggle switch located on the console shift lever engages the mode, where the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, giving him or her total control over gear selection and performance feel.
Other standard features on the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 include:
• Power moonroof
• Rear view camera
• Second-row heated seats
• Ambient lighting
• Remote Start System
Customized Harley-Davidson appeal
The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 interior is customized to appeal to the truck buyer who appreciates the attention to detail for which both
Ford and Harley-Davidson are renowned.
Examples are the seats and console lid, which feature handmade cloisonné badges that are produced by the same company that makes badges for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles; the console has a limited-edition serialization plate, which is numbered individually.
“We take creation of the Ford Harley-Davidson trucks very seriously, but it’s also something we have a lot of fun with along the way,” said Design Manager Brad Richards. “We hope that comes through in each of the finished trucks.
“We ensure Ford Harley-Davidson trucks exude the same bold personality as the legendary motorcycles,” Richards added. “We take two brands that are undeniably unique and forge a product that embodies the best qualities of both.”
For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.
8/20/10
Ford, Detroit Edison, Xtreme Power To Build One Of Michigan's Largest Solar Energy Systems
- Ford, Detroit Edison and Xtreme Power are teaming up to establish one of Michigan’s largest solar power generation systems and electric vehicle charging stations at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich.
- Ford will work with Detroit Edison to install a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system at Michigan Assembly. The system will be integrated with a 750-kw energy storage facility that can store two million watt-hours of energy using batteries – enough to power 100 average Michigan homes for a year
- Renewable energy generated by the solar energy system will help power production of Ford’s new Focus and Focus Electric cars as well as its next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles
- Michigan Assembly solar energy systems are projected to save an estimated $160,000 per year in energy costs
The renewable energy captured by the project’s primary solar energy system will help power the production of fuel-efficient small cars, including Ford’s all-new Focus and Focus Electric going into production in 2011, and a next-generation hybrid vehicle and a plug-in hybrid vehicle coming in 2012. A secondary, smaller solar energy system will be integrated at a later date to power lighting systems at Michigan Assembly.
The combined systems are expected to give Michigan Assembly the largest solar power array in Michigan and save an estimated $160,000 per year in energy costs. Installation of the system begins later this year.
“With this solar energy system, we will be able to gain vital understanding about the integration of renewable power, smart-grid technologies and energy storage at an industrial facility,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president, North America Manufacturing. “This project is a part of the transformation of Michigan Assembly from a large SUV factory to a modern, flexible, and sustainable small car plant.”
SolarCurrents and the future of sustainability in Michigan
Ford will work with Detroit Edison to install a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system at Michigan Assembly. The system will be integrated with a 750-kw energy storage facility that can store two million watt-hours of energy using batteries – enough to power 100 average Michigan homes for a year. Xtreme Power of Austin, Texas, is supplying its Dynamic Power Resource on-site energy storage and power management system.
The solar energy installation is part of Detroit Edison’s pilot SolarCurrents program that calls for photovoltaic systems to be installed on customer rooftops or property over the next five years to generate 15 megawatts of electricity throughout Southeast Michigan.
The Michigan Assembly project is made possible by a $3 million investment by Detroit Edison’s Solar Currents program, a $2 million grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission in support of the state’s smart-grid initiative, and approximately $800,000 from Ford.
“Our partnership with Ford is just the latest example of how our companies have worked together to power the economic engine of Southeast Michigan,” said Trevor Lauer, Detroit Edison vice president, Marketing & Renewables. “Building solar energy systems on the scale we’re pursuing will increase demand for these technologies, and we’re working with the governor’s office and various economic development organizations to attract renewable energy manufacturers and green jobs to Michigan.”
A model for sustainable energy use
Michigan Assembly will operate on a blend of renewable and conventional electricity. The renewable energy collected by the solar system will go directly into the energy-efficient microgrid to help provide power to the plant. When the plant is inactive, such as holidays, the collected solar energy will go into the energy storage system for later use, providing power during periods of insufficient or inconsistent sunlight.
Michigan Assembly’s energy storage system will be able to recharge from the grid during off-peak hours when energy is available at a lower cost. This in turn will provide inexpensive power during peak operating hours when the cost per kilowatt-hour is higher, and reduce peak demand on the grid.
“We share a commitment with Ford to fostering an environmentally sustainable model of energy use in the U.S., and this joint project is indicative of just how far we’ve come,” said Carlos Coe, CEO, Xtreme Power. “We are proud to work together to help transform vehicle manufacturing into a sustainable process powered by clean, renewable energy.”
Solar Power to be used for electric vehicle battery charging
Ford also will install 10 electric vehicle-charging stations at Michigan Assembly to demonstrate advanced battery charging technologies using renewable energy and other smart-grid advances. The stations will be used to recharge electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities. Xtreme Power will provide an active power management system on the charging stations. Ford also will demonstrate the possibility for using electrified vehicle batteries as stationary power storage devices after their useful life as vehicle power sources is over.
“Ford is strongly committed to its sustainability strategy to support positive social change and reduce the environmental impact of its products and facilities,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Michigan Assembly is the latest Ford manufacturing facility to utilize renewable power for production.”
Ford’s Dagenham Diesel Centre in the United Kingdom was the first automotive plant in the world to obtain all of its electrical power needs from on-site wind turbines. In addition, Ford’s Bridgend Engine Plant in Wales was the first site retrofitted with one of the largest integrated, grid-connected solar photovoltaic installations at a car manufacturing plant in Europe.
Since 2008, Ford has sourced renewable electricity to cover the full electric power demand at its manufacturing plant in Cologne, Germany. Through this initiative, the company is reducing its CO2 emissions 190,000 tons per year. Renewable or green power supplies 3 percent of Ford’s energy needs worldwide.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.
About Detroit Edison
Detroit Edison (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan and other non-utility, energy businesses focused on gas storage and pipelines, unconventional gas production, power and industrial projects, and energy trading. Information about Detroit Edison is available at dteenergy.com and at twitter.com/dte_energy.
About Xtreme Power
Based in Kyle, TX, Xtreme Power engineers, manufactures and operates integrated power management and energy storage systems for use in renewable energy and micro-grid applications. Xtreme’s Dynamic Power Resource™ combines the large-scale storage capabilities of the company’s proprietary PowerCell™ technology with its micro-second controls and high-efficiency power electronics, creating a comprehensive solution to the intermittency and variability challenges facing utilities and independent power producers looking to implement clean energy to the electrical grid. By providing scalable systems engineered specifically to the needs of its customers, Xtreme Power offers a safe and cost-effective approach to dramatically increase the feasibility of renewable energy.
8/19/10
Full Line of EC Series Cranes Available From Stellar
Garner, Iowa – Stellar Industries, Inc. now offers a full line of easy to use electric/hydraulic cranes that use environmentally friendly, non-toxic hydraulic oil. The Stellar® EC Series has five models available in a range of 6,500 ft-lbs (.99 tm) up to 38,000 ft-lbs (5.25 tm). This new environmentally friendly crane line was developed based on customer requests and will enhance the current full line of the Stellar® heavy-duty mechanic service cranes.
The EC Series crane line incorporates both hydraulic and manual boom reach, with the EC6000 reaching out 21-feet. All the EC Series cranes have a short stow length and a low profile, both of which allow the crane to fit nicely behind the chassis cab when not in use.
The boom design of the EC Series line features a “Piggy-Back” or Double Boom design, providing considerably more strength than traditional square boom designs. This new crane line also boasts a true worm gear rotation of a full 410 degrees (EC2000 has a 340˚ rotation) that uses a high-strength steel ball bearing turntable gear, a high-strength steel worm gear, and a cast-steel worm gear housing.
The entire EC Series crane line also comes equipped with a state-of-the-art radio remote control and it also utilizes environmentally friendly hydraulic oil that is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and that is recyclable and biodegradable. Both come standard and are industry first features for this class of crane.
Other features worth noting include specifically designed and manufactured hydraulic cylinders for each particular model, allowing the crane to effectively and efficiently lift what it is designed to lift. The planetary winch system is equipped with a permanent magnet electric motor with a planetary gear reduction system that ensures the winch will never quit lifting before it reaches the cranes full rated capacity.
“In addition to the success we’ve experienced with the current heavy-duty crane line, we were getting numerous requests from our distributors and end users to market a more economical version of a electric/hydraulic crane,” says Tim Davison, Product Manager, bodies and cranes. Davison continues, “Based on that market demand and the expertise we developed over the years with the previous models of mechanics cranes, it was the right decision to develop a feature laden crane at a lower price point.” He continues, “We are confident the EC Series will dominate the electric/hydraulic crane market. Our lifting performance will meet or exceed that of other competitive cranes in this market class.” Davison concludes, “But what will put this line above all the others is the great feature ensemble, which includes a radio remote control, a durable rotation system, the environmentally friendly hydraulic oil and the new piggy-back boom system, which brings the hex boom like strength to an economical price point.”
Stellar Industries, Inc. was founded in 1990. It is an employee owned and operated manufacturer of hydraulic truck mounted equipment located in North Iowa. Products include hooklifts, container carriers, cable hoists, telescopic cranes, articulating cranes, and the X-Tra-Lift, as well as complete mechanic service truck packages, and tire service truck packages. Stellar is a progressive company that focuses on its people, as they are the key to making the products and the company successful.
For more information regarding Stellar Industries, Inc., visit http://www.stellarindustries.com/ or call 800-321-3741.
8/18/10
The Glass Racking Company - Company Overview
These products are now distributed and serviced by Allied Body Works, Inc. of Seattle, WA, founded in 1947. Metalcraft Engineering is the manufacturer and is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
In addition, Allied Body Works has teamed up with a Mitsubishi Fuso dealer in the Seattle area with backing from corporate Mitsubishi Fuso to demonstrate their site glazing vehicles.
Allied Body Works also will have units on display at the National Glass Associations annual Glassbuild held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in September. It is this country's largest exhibition of equipment for the glass and window industry.
CTS will share more about Allied Body Works and The Glass Racking Company soon. In the meantime, to contact Allied Body Works, call 206-391-6684 and their website is http://www.alliedbody.com/. You can see more about the glass industry products at http://www.theglassrackingcompany.com/.
8/17/10
Another Interesting Custom Flatbed From North Bay Truck Body
Here's another unique custom flatbed manufactured by North Bay Truck Body. This one is built on a Ford F550 chassis sold by Ron DuPratt Ford in Dixon, CA. The bed includes a 12' flatbed with crossbars on 12" centers and 1-1/8" Apitong hardwood flooring for 10' of the 12' length, with the remaining 2' covered with 1/8" diamond plate steel. It also sports a 3"x2" HD material rack with no long bars and includes Rack Straps with special lights for night work. Strobe lights are attached to the front section of the material rack.
The tall boxes at the front of the body are made by Protech and are 36"x18"x64" and are mounted by cutting away part of the flatbed. The roadside box has two adjustable shelves and the curbside box has a permanent shelf and a drawer section with 6-3" aluminum pull-out drawers. Two Protech underbed boxes measuring 18"x18"x18" add additional storage. There is a custom jackhammer box at the rear end of the box right of the bumper and step with lockable access door. Customer's vises and pipe vise are installed on the rear platform.
Call North Bay Truck Body at 707-864-2700, and visit their website at http://www.nbtb.com/.
8/16/10
Plateau Takes It To A Higher Level
Established in 1979, Australian-owned Plateau Food Distributors is one company that is not standing still. As a food service company Plateau supplies products to commercial clients including restaurants, cafes and caterers. Servicing clients in Sydney and the NSW Central Coast, Plateau Food Distributors deals with some big names, such as Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar, Hog’s Breath Cafe and Gema Catering.
Plateau Food Distributors opened in a butcher shop at Collaroy Plateau on Sydney’s northern beaches and has operated for 18 years, processing meats and shredding cheese for the pizza and bakery trade.
In 1997 the business was purchased by current owners John Smith and Chris Montgomery, who expanded to supply market-leading brands including Devondale, McCains and Patties. Plateau Food Distributors today operates a 'cash and carry' outlet and employs 33 staff.
With their clients' reputations to uphold, as well as their own, it is imperative that Plateau Food Distributors' products are extremely fresh and of a high quality, before and after delivery.
A loyal Isuzu customer for 25 years, the company runs a modern fleet of Isuzu trucks, with 13 NQR 450 models and one FSD 850. The trucks are always on the go, delivering frozen, chilled and dry products.
According to Plateau Food Distributors’ Managing Director, John Smith, the Isuzu trucks’ insulated van bodies make the vehicles ideal for transporting perishable goods.
"Our delivery trucks are modified and fitted with freezer bodies and refrigeration units to allow for transportation of chilled and frozen products," Mr Smith said.
Plateau Food Distributors has 15 drivers of their Isuzu fleet, so it is important that the trucks are easy to handle and reliable for long delivery runs.
"All of our drivers are very pleased with the performance of the Isuzu trucks," Mr Smith said.
"Our fleet vehicles each cover 40,000 to 60,000 kilometres per year, operating in busy city conditions and in regional areas – they cover a lot of ground."
Mr Smith said that although it's a small vehicle, the Isuzu NQR 450's four cylinder, sixteen valve SiTEC Series II 185 engine makes light work of deliveries.
"The six-speed synchromesh manual trucks are ideal for our fleet’s diverse driving conditions," he said.
As the larger truck in the fleet, the FSD 850 features a six cylinder, 24 valve SiTEC Series II 255 engine. The Isuzu four-bag electronically controlled air suspension system helps to meet the needs of heavier deliveries often allocated to this truck. The FSD also features cruise control for highway driving.
Both Isuzu models have advanced safety features including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Anti Skid Regulator (ASR) and driver and passenger airbags.
The Isuzu NQR 450 and FSD 850 both meet the latest government emissions regulations with their Euro IV rating. This also helps to fulfil the environmental standards and expectations of Plateau Food Distributors' clients.
"We always choose Isuzu trucks due to their power, economy, reliability and excellent resale value – Isuzu trucks are really second to none," Mr Smith said.
As a devoted Isuzu customer, Plateau Food Distributors ensures its trucks are given the appropriate care required to uphold a successful fleet.
"We take the Sydney trucks to an Isuzu dealership for their first service, and all of the Central Coast trucks are serviced at Gilbert and Roach Isuzu," Mr Smith said.
In addition, all trucks in the company's fleet are protected by a three year Isuzu warranty.
"We purchase Isuzu Trucks to not only expand the fleet, but also to replace retiring vehicles. The trucks generally have a lifespan of five years before they are resold and replaced with new Isuzu models," Mr Smith said.
In the past 12 months, Plateau Food Distributors has added eight new units to its fleet, with plans to add another three units by the end of 2010, and continue expanding in the foreseeable future.
See much more at www.isuzu.com.au.
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