The CarGo Delivery Vehicle Is Brilliant Design!

CarGo: An alternative pickup for city delivery by Adam Schacter of Adam Schacter Design Ltd. We think it is absolutely brilliant!

See more of the CarGo

Daimler Trucks Presents Concept For Electric Truck: Fuso Canter E-Cell



Daimler Trucks Presents Concept for Electric Truck

• Battery-electric powered Fuso Canter E-CELL concept celebrates world premiere at IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hanover
• Consistent implementation of Daimler Trucks’ goal of “zero-emission mobility”
• Dr. Albert Kirchmann, President and CEO of MFTBC: “The Canter E-CELL concept underscores our strategy of offering customers the cleanest, most resource-conserving drive technology for every application.”

Hanover – Daimler Trucks is presenting its concept for an electric truck at IAA Commercial Vehicles, where the vehicle is having its world premiere. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation (MFTBC), which is part of Daimler Trucks, is presenting the Fuso Canter E-CELL with battery-electric drive in Hanover from September 21 to 30. With the concept Fuso Canter E-CELL, Daimler Trucks is consistently implementing its global Shaping Future Transportation initiative for zero-emission mobility. The nearly silent-running and emission-free Canter E-CELL has a range of about 120 kilometers, making it ideal for urban centers and other environmentally sensitive areas.

Says Dr. Albert Kirchmann, President and CEO of MFTBC: “Following the successful introduction of our Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid light truck, the Fuso Canter E-CELL is our next consistent step on the road to zero-emission mobility. The concept underscores Fuso’s strategy of offering customers the cleanest, most resource-conserving drive technology for every application.”

The Canter E-CELL concept vehicle to be presented by Fuso is suitable for everyday use and based on a Fuso Canter 3S13 with a 3.5 ton gross vehicle weight. The batteries are positioned in the chassis frame. The Fuso Canter E-CELL dispenses entirely with a combustion engine and thus produces zero emissions. The new concept vehicle from MFTBC features the latest technological developments and demonstrates that advanced technology will soon make electric mobility possible for trucks as well.

MFTBC makes environmental friendliness a top priority with all of its Fuso Canter light truck models. In addition to the new electric concept, the best-selling truck from Daimler Trucks is also produced as a hybrid version and with a conventional diesel engine. Nearly 1,000 of the Fuso Canter Eco Hybrids are already on the road in Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, and in a large-scale testing program in London. Depending on the region in which the Canter Eco Hybrid with diesel-electric drive is used, it delivers fuel savings of between ten and 15 percent. The two-ton version of the Canter Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 8.6 liters per 100 kilometers, currently the lowest fuel consumption of any truck in Japan.

And the current diesel Fuso Canter for the European market is also a top performer in terms of environmentally friendliness: In all of its weight, engine, and performance variants, the light truck is in compliance with the limits specified by the EEV (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle) emissions standard, currently the most stringent voluntary norm.

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2009, the company sold a total of about 99,500 vehicles, including light, medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Daimler AG owns 85 percent of MFTBC shares. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks division of Daimler AG. See more at http://www.daimler.com/.


About Daimler


Daimler AG is one of the world’s most successful automotive companies. With its divisions Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Buses and Daimler Financial Services, the Daimler Group is one of the biggest producers of premium cars and the world's biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles with a global reach. Daimler Financial Services provides its customers with a full range of automotive financial services including financing, leasing, insurance and fleet management.


The company’s founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, made history with the invention of the automobile in the year 1886. As an automotive pioneer, Daimler continues to shape the future of mobility. The Group applies innovative and green technologies to produce safe and superior vehicles which fascinate and delight its customers. With the development of alternative drive systems, Daimler is the only vehicle producer investing in hybrid drive, electric motors and fuel-cell systems, with the goal of achieving emission-free mobility in the long term. This is just one example of how Daimler willingly accepts the challenge of meeting its responsibility towards society and the environment.


Daimler sells its vehicles and services in nearly all the countries of the world and has production facilities on five continents. Its current brand portfolio includes, in addition to the world’s most valuable automotive brand, Mercedes-Benz, the brands smart, Maybach, Freightliner, Western Star, Fuso, Setra, Orion and Thomas Built Buses. The company is listed on the stock exchanges of Frankfurt, New York and Stuttgart (stock exchange symbol DAI). In 2009, the Group sold 1.6 million vehicles and employed a workforce of more than 256,000 people; revenue totaled €78.9 billion and EBIT amounted minus €1.5 billion.

Ford XB Falcon ute - TV commercial

Neat ad for the XB Falcon ute, featuring actor Max Fairchild (better known to most as Beau from the Beaurepaires ads).

I love these old pieces. Just for the fun of it.

2012 Nissan NV Van Partners With Adrian Steel For Individual Customization



 NISSAN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL

PARTNERSHIP WITH ADRIAN STEEL TO UPFIT 2012 NISSAN NV

- Strategic partnership established to make it easy for buyers to upfit their Nissan NV -

Nissan Commercial Vehicles today announced a strategic partnership with Adrian Steel, a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicle equipment, to become an official upfitter for the all-new 2012 Nissan NV commercial van.

The catalog of accessories for the Nissan NV is currently under development and will include interior shelving systems, ladder racks and other items from Adrian Steel to help customize the vehicle for individual vocational needs.

The 2012 Nissan NV is Nissan’s first entry into the North American commercial vehicle market. The NV’s innovative design addresses many of the van segment’s currently unmet customer needs, such as driver comfort, cabin functionality and cargo-area usability and is the result of more than five years of detailed research.

“We designed the Nissan NV to reinvent the commercial van segment,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles. “This partnership with Adrian Steel will help our customers – such as electricians, HVAC contractors, plumbers and builders – get the most out of their vehicle.”

The Nissan NV was designed with upfitters like Adrian Steel in mind. For example, the reinforced mounting brackets on the roof are designed to facilitate easy installation of ladder rack systems without piercing holes in the sheet metal, which can lead to corrosion and water leaks. The standard “upfitter pre-wiring” allows convenient access into the electrical system. Inside the cargo area are multiple integrated reinforced mounting points for simple installation of shelving and racks – again requiring no sheet metal drilling.

“Adrian Steel is honored to be a partner for the new Nissan NV Commercial Van” said Dalton Cheaney, Nissan account manager for Adrian Steel. “We will help the Nissan commercial customer optimize their vehicle by providing them cargo management solutions.”

The 2012 Nissan NV will go into production in Canton, Miss. in early 2011. Nissan’s Canton plant has recently completed a $118M construction project to prepare for the launch of the NV. A dedicated commercial vehicle dealer network is also being developed within the existing Nissan dealer body.

About Nissan North America, Inc:
In The Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.nissanusa.com/ and http://www.infinitiusa.com/.

About Adrian Steel:
Adrian Steel, founded in 1953, provides cargo management solutions for commercial vehicles. Adrian Steel's attention to detail and customers is thorough. It began through the corporate values instilled by founder Bob Westfall, University of Michigan All-American and Detroit Lion All-Pro football standout. Those values instilled a team effort to provide customers with value-added products and services that have become the standard of our industry. We have developed a comprehensive network for handling all your vehicle needs, no matter how many units you need or where your vehicles will be put to work. For more information and free, full-line catalogs please visit the Adrian Steel website at http://www.adriansteel.com/ or call us toll free at 1-800-677-2726.

Isuzu ECO-MAX Tour Comes To Future Ford of Sacramento

We checked out the Isuzu ECO-MAX Advantage Tour when it was paused for an hour and a half at Future Ford of Sacramento. Isuzu reps and two of the manufacturer reps for the two different bodies built by Supreme Corp and Reading Truck Body were on hand to tell the story of the ECO-MAX truck and the bodies sitting on the chassis. Check out the photos of the wall sections on the composite Supreme Van Body and though you cannot see it, the Reading body is made of aluminum so it carries much more cargo. Both bodies are lightweight and perfectly matched to the Isuzu ECO-MAX NPR chassis.

The Isuzu ECO-MAX Advantage Tour is still traveling, so check out the Isuzu Facebook page for dates and times of the tour and when it will be in your vicinity. Here's a link to the Isuzu Facebook page: Isuzu Facebook.

Find out more about the Isuzu ECO-MAX here: ECO-MAX Announcement. You can find more about the Reading Aluminum Bodies at http://www.readingbody.com/ and also find more about Supreme products at http://www.supremecorp.com/.

2008 Hino 338 with Dual Steering - Not Your Everyday Site. . .

Here's a very interesting truck . . .

2008 Hino 338, OEM dual steering with intergal column, dual accelerator, brake, headlights, and turn signals, OEM full functional right auxiliary instrument panel, 260hp diesel, Allison 3000 automatic transmission, 152" wheel base, 84.6" CA, air brakes, exhaust brake, aluminum alloy rims, 33,000 GVWR, and more.

Call Monarch Truck Center at 800-380-4333 at their San Jose, CA location, or 800-858-1555 at their Union City store.

Here's a short 30 second commercial:

Monarch Commercial

Stellar Industries Offers Updated Model 12628 Telescopic Crane with Stellar® CDT™ and New T-Max2 Body to Fill Niche

Garner, Iowa – Stellar Industries, Inc. is offering the updated Model 12628 telescopic service crane to fill a niche between the Stellar® models 10628 and 14528 cranes. The Stellar 12628 is an industry first in capacity and functionality, and it now features the Stellar® CDT™ (Crane Dynamics Technology™) control system. The 77,800 ft-lb crane boasts a maximum all hydraulic reach of 28’4” and can lift up to 12,000 pounds at 6’6” in boost mode. The Stellar model 12628 has industry leading features such as a hexagonal boom design for reduced flex and increased strength, and it offers a variable speed, multi-function radio remote control equipped with the Stellar CDT system as a standard feature.

The Stellar CDT system incorporates two-way communications and a feedback feature that is first in the mechanics crane market to offer integral capacity alert incorporated into the handheld controller. The system will indicate to the operator when the load being maneuvered is increasing the load moment of the crane. Indications are by visual and sensory signals built into the Stellar handheld controller using color-coded LED lights and varying cyclical vibrations. The Stellar CDT system can also allow operators who encounter an overload situation to productively operate through that overload situation by increasing crane capacity to 118% of its normal operating capacity for a short period of time. The Stellar CDT equipped 12628 also features a refined safety system. If a capacity monitoring device fails to operate correctly the crane will enter the safe mode. The safe mode will allow the operation of the crane at a reduced speed until the safety device is repaired, replaced or returned to proper working order.

“The 12628 and its recent updates fit nicely in our product line-up,” says Tim Davison, Product Manager, bodies and cranes. “fits the We have a 10,000 lb and 14,000 lb crane that both offer market-leading features,” he continues, “however, many customers wanted something larger than our 10628 but not quite as large as the 14528, so the 12628 growing needs of many customers.” Davison adds, “ And in true Stellar fashion, we’ve made it an industry leading crane and body packed with features, such as the Stellar CDT system, that exceed market expectations!”


In addition to the 12628 crane, Stellar has designed a new mechanic truck body to accommodate this new 77,800 ft-lb crane. The Stellar TMax2 body uses the same Torsion box understructure, the proven Torq-Isolator crane compartment and E-coat primer as standard Stellar bodies. It features up to 60” high and 22” deep compartments with double panel doors, stainless steel hinges and door handles and is designed to accommodate the Stellar CDT Equipped cranes when in boost mode. The TMax2 is part of the new TMax Series.

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, 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/

Frito Lay Canada Introduces Smith All-Electric Truck Fleet

Frito Lay Canada is Canada's First Food Manufacturer

to Introduce Zero-Emission Electric Vehicles into Delivery Fleet

Six zero-emission electric vehicles to be added across the country

Mississauga, ON - In collaboration with Transport Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Frito Lay Canada, a division of PepsiCo Canada, is the country's first food manufacturer to introduce zero-emission electric vehicles into its delivery fleet. Six vehicles will be based at Frito Lay Canada’s major distribution centres across the country – three in Brampton (ON), one in Ottawa (ON), one in Surrey (BC) and one in Laval (QC).

The zero-emission electric vehicles were made by Smith Electric Vehicles, the world’s leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, and each has a 60 kilometre per day range which meets the daily kilometre needs of the majority of the routes from the designated distribution centres. The six electric vehicles will be powered by electricity from the grid, offset by renewable energy credits, and at the end of the battery lifespan (3-5 years or longer) they will be returned to Smith Electric for recycling.

“Electric vehicles are good for the environment because they do not use fossil fuels and they do not produce greenhouse gas or particulate emissions during operation,” says Helmi Ansari, sustainability leader, Frito Lay Canada. “We’ve been striving to reduce our footprint on the planet for many years and energy conservation has long been a strategic initiative for the company. Today’s introduction of electric vehicles to our fleet brings us one step closer to our vision of a fleet that’s comprised of several types of highly-efficient vehicles that meet our various route needs and driving distances across the country.”

“Commitment to sustainable growth is a core Frito Lay Canada value, as it is for our parent company, PepsiCo Inc, which strives to achieve Performance with Purpose. Performance with Purpose is about achieving financial success while improving all aspects of the communities in which we operate - environmentally, socially and economically - creating a better tomorrow,” says Marc Guay, president, PepsiCo Foods Canada. “The introduction of our six zero-emission electric vehicles is the latest step in our ongoing environmental sustainability journey,”

“There are long-term benefits to having a sustainability strategy – both for the business and the environment,” said Guay. “We think it’s about demonstrating leadership and being a responsible corporate citizen. We are on an environmental sustainability journey and we firmly believe our efforts will have a long-term benefit to our consumers and the environment.”

The goals at Frito Lay Canada are clear: use less water, electricity and fuels while reducing waste from everything the company makes, moves and sells. In addition to the introduction of the electric vehicles into its delivery fleet, Frito Lay Canada has:

• Reduced the total distance travelled by delivery trucks by 3 per cent (1 million kilometres) in 2009 by optimizing delivery routes.
• Reduced manufacturing fuel consumption by more than 20 per cent since 1999 per kilogram of snacks produced.
• Reduced water consumption by over 30 per cent per unit since 1999, saving 5.4 billion litres of water through changes in manufacturing plants.
• Reused approximately 40 million shipping cartons since 1999 which is equivalent to more than 300,000 trees saved annually and more than 2 million trees saved since 1999.
• In 2009, diverted more than 92 per cent of manufacturing waste from landfills into recycling and re-use streams, and are striving for over 99 per cent Landfill diversion (1 per cent or less of the waste going to landfill).
• Introduced the world’s first 100 per cent compostable chip bag innovation with the SunChips® brand.

Frito Lay Canada’s environmental sustainability efforts were recognized in 2009 by several prestigious Canadian government and industry environmental awards:

• 2009 CIPEC (Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation) Leadership Award for Corporate Stewardship
• 2009 Green Supply Chain Award from Transport Canada and Supply Chain Logistics Canada
• 2009 CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment) Pollution Prevention Award

This year’s introduction of the SunChips® 100 per cent compostable chip bag and today’s announcement about the addition of the six zero-emission electric vehicles are all important steps in the environmental sustainability journey with many more initiatives to continue into 2010 and beyond.

Quotes
“Electric vehicles are good for the environment because they do not use fossil fuels and they do not produce greenhouse gas or particulate emissions during operation. We’ve been striving to reduce our footprint on the planet for many years and energy conservation has long been a strategic initiative for the company. Today’s introduction of electric vehicles to our fleet brings us one step closer to our vision of a fleet that’s comprised of several types of highly-efficient vehicles that meet our various route needs and driving distances across the country.”

-- Helmi Ansari, sustainability leader, Frito Lay Canada

“Commitment to sustainable growth is a core Frito Lay Canada value, as it is for our parent company, PepsiCo Inc, which strives to achieve Performance with Purpose. Performance with Purpose is about achieving financial success while improving all aspects of the communities in which we operate - environmentally, socially and economically - creating a better tomorrow. The introduction of our six zero-emission electric vehicles is the latest step in our ongoing environmental sustainability journey,”

-- Marc Guay, president, PepsiCo Foods Canada

“There are long-term benefits to having a sustainability strategy – both for the business and the environment,” said Guay. “We think it’s about demonstrating leadership and being a responsible corporate citizen. We are on an environmental sustainability journey and we firmly believe our efforts will have a long-term benefit to our consumers and the environment.”

-- Marc Guay, president, PepsiCo Foods Canada

About Frito Lay Canada

Frito Lay Canada is a member of the PepsiCo, Inc. family of companies and is Canada’s largest snack food company.

About PepsiCo Canada

PepsiCo’s businesses in Canada are organized into two business units. PepsiCo Foods Canada includes Frito Lay Canada and the Quaker Foods & Snacks business. PepsiCo Beverages Canada includes Pepsi-Cola Canada, Gatorade and Tropicana. For more information, please visit http://www.pepsico.ca/.

Frito-Lay Starts 'Charge' On Largest Fleet Of All-Electric Trucks In North America

First Five Trucks in US Hit Streets of NYC

PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay North America division is setting the wheels in motion for what will ultimately be the largest fleet of commercial all-electric trucks in North America this week. New York City will become the first U.S. city to receive its favorite snacks from fully-electric delivery trucks, with five new trucks beginning routes this month.

In total, Frito-Lay will be deploying 21 electric trucks this year. The company projects it will roll out 150 additional trucks in 2011, making Frito-Lay the largest commercial fleet of all-electric trucks in North America. The trucks, designed by Smith Electric Vehicles, generate zero tailpipe emissions and operate for up to 100 miles on a single charge.

Electric trucks reduce fuel consumption, noise pollution and CO2 emissions, compared to traditional delivery trucks. The initial rollout in New York was funded through a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

“Frito-Lay has implemented bold goals for reducing our use of key resources such as fuel to ultimately help us reduce our overall environmental impact,” said Mike O’Connell, director of fleet capability for Frito Lay North America. “There are real economic and environmental benefits to electric trucks. Once the planned 171 electric trucks are deployed we will eliminate the need for 500,000 gallons of fuel annually. Each truck emits 75% less greenhouse gases than a conventional diesel truck.”

The program expands a long-running commitment by Frito-Lay North America and its parent company PepsiCo to environmental sustainability. With the seventh largest privately owned fleet in the U.S., Frito-Lay has set a goal of becoming the most fuel efficient fleet in the country. Electric vehicles give Frito-Lay an opportunity to leverage the latest advances in transportation technology as a significant way to reduce the impact of its fleet.

Frito-Lay is working with Smith Electric Vehicles, the nation’s top manufacturer of battery-electric commercial trucks. Smith Electric is a leader in the development of commercial electric trucks designed to operate at peak effectiveness in urban environments. Smith Electric produces the Newton, which is the only all-electric commercial truck on the market.

“Frito-Lay’s truck program is a significant step forward in the advancement of electric vehicles,” said Bryan Hansel, CEO of Smith Electric Vehicles. “Businesses will improve their environmental impact and see cost savings with the reduction of fossil fuels. More importantly, the insights gained operating in urban environments will be invaluable in extending electric vehicle technology to consumer markets in the future.”

Specific benefits associated with Smith’s all-electric trucks include:

• Can run up to 100 miles on a single charge
• Zero tailpipe emissions
• Emits 75 percent less greenhouse gas than diesel
• Operates virtually silently, eliminating noise pollution
• Provides a long term economically viable solution

Frito-Lay’s New York fleet program aligns with Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s PlaNYC, which is an effort to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency of cars and other vehicles in New York City.

New York will be the first of three cities in the U.S., along with Columbus, Ohio and Ft Worth, Texas, where Frito-Lay will be piloting electric trucks on regular daily routes. The company has already deployed six electric trucks in Canada.

Frito-Lay North America is the $13 billion convenient foods business unit of PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), which is headquartered in Purchase, NY. Learn more about Frito-Lay at the corporate Web site, http://www.fritolay.com/, the Snack Chat blog, http://www.snacks.com/ and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fritolay.

PepsiCo offers the world's largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 19 different product lines that each generates more than $1 billion in annual retail sales. Our main businesses - Frito-Lay, Quaker, Pepsi-Cola, Tropicana and Gatorade - also make hundreds of other nourishing, tasty foods and drinks that bring joy to our consumers in more than 200 countries. With annualized revenues of nearly $60 billion, PepsiCo's people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth, called Performance with Purpose. By dedicating ourselves to offering a broad array of choices for healthy, convenient and fun nourishment, reducing our environmental impact, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, PepsiCo balances strong financial returns with giving back to our communities worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.pepsico.com/

Mercedes-Benz Plant Produces One Millionth Commercial Vehicle

Mercedes-Benz Plant in Ludwigsfelde

Produces One Millionth Commercial Vehicle

• Big celebration with more than 2,000 employees and guests
• The milestone vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, is handed over to the Berlin Landesverkehrswacht traffic safety organization

Ludwigsfelde – The Mercedes-Benz plant in Ludwigsfelde has every reason to celebrate: Today, following 45 years of production, the one millionth commercial vehicle rolled off its assembly line. The milestone vehicle is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. More than 2,000 employees, political officials, and businesspeople took part in the ceremony at the plant and witnessed the official handover of the milestone vehicle to the Berlin Landesverkehrswacht traffic safety organization. And there’s something extra special about this milestone: That’s because the one millionth commercial vehicle from Ludwigsfelde is equipped with the one millionth engine produced at the nearby Mercedes-Benz plant in Berlin.

“Our plant has had a very eventful history and things have not always been easy,” said Michael Humpert, Plant Manager and Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Ludwigsfeld GmbH. “That’s why we are particularly happy that we can jointly celebrate this production milestone today. I would therefore like to thank our employees for their dedication.”

A brief film clip was shown during the ceremony enabling the guests to relive the plant’s 45-year history. In his address, Mayor Frank Gerhard of Ludwigsfelde congratulated the plant and highlighted the facility’s great importance for the region. Further speakers were Dr. Heinrich Weiss, Head of Production at Mercedes-Benz Vans and a former manager of the plant, and Lothar Heinzmann, a former director of the IFA combine. Seven vehicles were exhibited during the celebration as representatives of all the various model series that have been produced in Ludwigsfelde to date.

Milestone vehicle to be used for a good cause

Then Plant Manager Michael Humpert and Thomas Uhr, Plant Manager of Mercedes-Benz Engines Berlin, presented the one millionth commercial vehicle to Hans Zucker, President of the Berlin Landesverkehrswacht organization. The Sprinter will support the latter by doing its work at schools and events. For more than 60 years now, the volunteers at Berlin Landesverkehrswacht have been helping all road users to become more safety conscious. One of the organization’s main tasks is to educate children concerning road traffic.

Ludwigsfelde plant has eventful history

Ludwigsfelde has a long industrial tradition. Back in 1936, Daimler-Benz built an aircraft engine plant in the city’s Genshagen district. After the plant was destroyed in World War II, the remaining machines were disassembled. A publicly owned industrial facility was established at the site in the 1950s, and construction of an automotive plant commenced in 1965. At this time, the facility also started series production of two IFA commercial vehicle models: the W 50 and L 60.

Around 600,000 of these trucks were produced before German reunification. The first Mercedes-Benz van (an LN2 model) rolled of the line in Ludwigsfelde in early 1991. Daimler-Benz AG took full possession of the plant in 1994. Series production of the Mercedes-Benz Vario commenced in July 1996, and the van is still being produced in Ludwigsfelde. The market launch of the Mercedes-Benz Vaneo in spring 2002 strengthened the plant’s position as one of the biggest employers in the Brandenburg region. The compact van was manufactured at the site until 2005.

Since 2006, the Ludwigsfelde facility has been producing the current Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model — as does its sister plant in Düsseldorf. A completely new manufacturing line containing state-of-the-art automated production equipment was constructed for the model at the Ludwigsfelde plant. Altogether, more than €300 million has been invested in machinery and buildings for the project at the plant.

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Ludwigsfelde has more than 2,240 employees, of whom 174 are trainees.

What Not To Do With A 3/4-Ton Dodge Truck

"I was going West on 80 today and saw this and couldn't resist the opportunity to take a picture of it for you. You could feature this in your news letter and say "What not to do with a Dodge 3/4 ton single rear pick-up". Talk about misuse of center of gravity limits for payload."

This was sent to me and I just love it. The creativity of some people in what they get on a truck. It's probably better they not go around corners, and especially, very fast. Just a tad unstable to say the least.

My thanks to my friend Bob Dias of North Bay Truck Body in Cordelia CA for the spy photo.

Knapheide Electric Master Locking System On 8' Service Body

Here is a basic 1-ton single rear wheel hard working work truck with a great 8' service body shown at a dealership. This is something that works for a very high percentage of businesses and is a number one selling combination.

The chassis is a new 2009 Chevy 3500HD CC30903 with the 6.0 HD Gas V8, Automatic Trans, W/T Package, AC, Tilt Wheel, Cruise Control, Locking Differential, Trailer Brake Controller, Full Size Spare Tire and Wheel, Power Windows and Power Door Locks, and Camper Mirrors. Cargo capacity is a very respectable 3,300 lbs.

The Body is a Knapheide 8' Service Body with the Electric Master Locking System, Hitch, Window Guard, Forklift Loadable Rack and was installed locally by Carter Industries of Union City, CA. The electric master locking system uses a key fob to lock and unlock all compartments and also has a separate key point near the top behind the first compartment in the photo in case the key fob battery is not functioning or the key fob is not available, and it uses the same key as the service body doors.

You can see more from Knapheide at http://www.knapheide.com/ and Carter Industries at http://www.carterind.com/.

The New Look Of Natural Gas

The new look of natural gas might surprise you. From taxis to refuse trucks to the car in your garage, NGVs are coming to a street near you.

PickupTrucks.com Reviews The New 2011 Nissan NV Commercial Van

PickupTrucks.com takes you on a walkaround of the 2011 Nissan NV Commercial Van that goes on sale in late 2010. It will be available in three versions (NV1500, NV2500 and NV3500) with two engine choices. It's aimed at the large-van market, long dominated by vehicles like Ford's E-Series and GM's full-size vans, but it's got some unconventional new features that break ground in this staid segment.

Brutus Bodies Oilfield Decks Get The Job Done!

Brutus Oilfield Decks can be built to any size chassis of your choice of steel or aluminum with high quality Fassi Cranes from 1 tm to 130 tm sizes. Oilfield decks are built in any size and configuration with a variety of engineered hitch options. See this and all the great truck bodies that Brutus Bodies builds at www.brutusbodies.com.