The Testing Behind The New International® Terrastar™

With the upcoming 16,000-19,500 GVWR International® TerraStar™ currently in testing, Ken Clark, senior reliability engineer at Navistar, takes us into the lab to share the steps taken to ensure that the new truck, like all International products, will deliver best-in-class quality, durability, and reliability.

According to Clark, part of his role is to determine the level of testing required prior to new product launches. One of his first tasks involves considering what components are common to existing International® trucks. For example, in the case of the International TerraStar, many of the components are the same as those used to build the popular International DuraStar® vehicle. "It’s not a ‘clean-sheet-of-paper’ design," he explains. "How much testing we need to do depends on how much carryover confidence we have. And the DuraStar is already a proven truck."
However, because the TerraStar features a new hood design (a tilt-away hood that offers unobstructed access to the engine compartment) that differs from the DuraStar, engineers must conduct shaker tests; during these tests, a computer-controlled hydraulic machine bumps and jostles the cab and hood to stimulate the activity of a vehicle traveling actual roads.

"The purpose is to make sure the hood is adequately durable," says Clark. "The hood does more than just cover the engine. It’s an assembly that holds the headlights and the grille. It’s designed to be both functional and attractive, and we need to make sure it’s going to last."
All International trucks also go through full durability tests, where pilot vehicles are run across simulated rough terrain on a closed track to accelerate structural damage. Over three months, lab technicians can put the equivalent of 10 years of fatigue onto the chassis and body.

"We have measured customer fleets and built wear-and-tear simulations around types of roads, and the types of things certain vehicles will likely see," says Clark. "We run trucks over two sets of rectangular steel bars on our test track to simulate railroad crossings. And we’ll customize the tests based on vehicle and vocation. For example, a WorkStar® tends to run in a more severe environment, such as construction, so it may see 10 times the railroad crossings that a ProStar® will see. The durability test will be built around these expectations."

The track also features shallow trenches that represent bridge expansion joints and areas with different curb heights and depths. "The idea is, the left front tire goes down while the right front tire goes up; and on the rear axle, it’s the opposite," Clark continues. "You’re trying to put a twisting load into the frame and suspension to provide the equivalent of a delivery truck running over a curb, or a dump truck driving out of a quarry."

There are other durability events that represent different types of rough surfaces over which a truck may be driven. The durability test will utilize those events that are suitable for the expected vocation of the vehicle.

All results are recorded in a database, and any issues that are discovered are immediately communicated back to truck designers, who incorporate the findings into redesigns.

Even though the International TerraStar is already in production, Navistar engineers are constantly testing the vehicle to ensure maximum quality. For example, the TerraStar is currently going through uptime testing, which measures reliability by placing four pilot vehicles on the road for 36,000 miles each. Whereas durability tests gauge how long a truck is going to last, uptime tests determine whether the truck performs the way it is supposed to perform.

"With the TerraStar, we’re driving the trucks in urban and suburban environments, running part of the time loaded and other times unloaded, looking for anything the customer might experience," says Clark, who notes that much of the test routes are based on the TerraStar’s expected usage, such as intra-city pick-up and delivery applications.

"The truck is testing extremely well," he says. "I think it’s unique in that it’s a Class 4/5 that’s going to offer the advantages of a Class 6 truck in a lighter package. Anyone who could use the durability and reliability of a real truck for their business is going to find the TerraStar a compelling option."

The TerraStar truck will initially be available with a 4x2 drivetrain this fall with a 4x4 drivetrain planned for release in 2011.

For more information, go to: www.internationaltrucks.com/terrastarbuildyourown

Caring for the future

Volvo 75th anniversary film 2002. Animations of Volvo's founders, Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larsson, present Volvo - founded in 1927.

Excellent video!

Hino Trucks Announces Best In Class Warranty For Its 2011 Line Up



Novi, Michigan - Hino Trucks, which received Certification of Conformity to the 2010 Emissions Regulation from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) for all of its engine ratings, announced today a new standard engine warranty of 5 years/250,000 miles. In addition to the standard items covered by Hino Trucks’ past engine warranty, the new coverage has been expanded to cover key components such as fuel injectors, the fuel injection supply pump and the turbo charger. Hino Trucks’ proprietary J-08 Series engine has been recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for two consecutive years for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Conventional Medium Duty Engines and Transmissions.”

“Our engines have been recognized as the medium duty market leader for quality, durability and reliability. We are confident in our product and we are willing to stand behind it with the industry’s best standard engine warranty,” said Bob McDowell, Senior Vice President of Sales and Customer Support.

Hino Trucks is using Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to meet the 2010 EPA emissions requirement. In fact, Hino Trucks is the only medium duty conventional truck to meet the 2010 EPA Emissions Requirement without the use of credits. “The Earth does not take credits and it is a core value of Hino Trucks to be socially responsible,” explained Glenn Ellis, Vice President Marketing and Dealer Operations. “In addition to meeting the emissions requirement without the use of credits, our 2011 model year trucks will see a fuel economy improvement. By choosing Hino Trucks, our customers are choosing the cleanest, highest rated engine in the conventional medium duty market,” added Ellis.

Hino Trucks is taking its message on the road by hosting a multi-city dealer tour throughout the month of October, showcasing the 2011 line up. Hino Trucks 2011 268 model was recently named the 2010 American Truck Dealers (ATD) Medium Duty Commercial Truck of the Year. Hino Truck dealers are now taking delivery of the 2011 trucks and are offering an introductory low APR finance rate through Hino Trucks’ preferred financial partners, Toyota Financial Services and Hitachi Capital America.

About Hino Trucks

Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, assembles, sells and services class 6-7 commercial trucks in the United States and is headquartered in Novi, Michigan. With over 175 dealers across the country, Hino Trucks is the fastest growing medium duty truck nameplate in the United States. Visit our internet home page at http://www.hino.com/ or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

KUV Training Video Series - Chapter 3

Take an in depth comparison of a Knapheide KUV to a cargo van with a shelving bin package. Learn more about Knapheide and our products at http://www.knapheide.com/

This is chapter 3 of 3.

I post these videos because they are leading edge and welcome to the industry. Excellent job by Knapheide Manufacturing.

KUV Training Video Series - Chapter 2

Customize your KUV with these popular options to make you more productive. Learn more about Knapheide and our products at http://www.knapheide.com/

This is chapter 2 of 3. Chapter 3 tomorrow.

The reason I post these is because they are leading edge for the industry. This is something that has been needed for a lot of years and Knapheide has done an excellent job of featuring one of their key products.

KUV Training Video Series - Chapter 1

Take an in depth look at the standard features of the Knapheide KUV. Learn more about Knapheide and our products at http://www.knapheide.com/

Great video. Well done.

Harbor Low Profile Service Body with Liftgate

Here is a few shots of a job that Harbor Truck Bodies just finished for the Monte Vista Water District in Montclair, CA. It is a bit unique in that it is a low profile service body (34") with standard Stainless Steel open top lids and it has a Tommygate liftgate. In addition to this combination, there are a number of additions that are quite useful and effective. There is a light strip at the top of the cab for working in harm's way, a receiver hitch, a non-forklift loadable rack with a strobe light and two outdoor lamps for night work. The rack also has a compartment made of partially expanded metal. Notice also the HD tie downs in the floor of the bed area and unique tie down anchors on the top of the body. All that beauty is mounted on the new Ford Super Cab single rear wheel chassis.

We love this whole combination of features and especially the low profile service body which not only looks nice and clean, but has so much more visibility. Let Kimberly build one for you. Call her at 800-433-9452 and visit Harbor's website at http://www.htbi.net/.

Chris Anderson: How YouTube Is Driving Innovation

A most excellent talk and worth the time to enjoy! See much, much more at http://www.ted.com/

Tradepack Gets Business Flowing For Fluid H20



After operating out of an impractical Mitsubishi Triton for several years, Sydney plumbing company, Fluid H2O, has upgraded to an Isuzu NPR 200 Premium and business is booming.

Company owner, Matthew Lemon, said he opted for an Isuzu because he required a reliable truck that could easily handle the operations of the business, including a 24-hour emergency plumbing service.

"Isuzu’s reliability is exceptional," Mr Lemon said. "I have friends in the plumbing business who own Isuzu trucks. They recommended Isuzu to me because they have had no trouble with their trucks.

"It’s been a great move for us to go to a truck that can actually handle our application. It makes our job a lot easier."

Mr Lemon says the NPR 200 provides more than enough power for his commercial use and its exterior styling is well matched to his business’ professional image.

"They are a lot more attractive and look much better finished off than Isuzu’s competitors," Mr Lemon said.

"We need to look professional on the road and the truck portrays this very well. Also, having a lot of gear on board allows us to complete a job on the same day."

The NPR 200 Tradepack ‘Premium’ upgrade with automated manual transmission (AMT) was also a major selling point for Mr Lemon.

"I don’t like driving manual vehicles, so one of the things that stood out on the NPR 200 Premium Tradepack was the AMT,” Mr Lemon said.

"I also really like the cruise control feature in this model."

The NPR 200’s modifications and custom paint job were designed by Mr Lemon, who contracted Pacific Body Works to build the service body. After almost eight months of fabrication work, Mr Lemon finally has his masterpiece on the road.

"The NPR 200 was originally a Tradepack model, but I removed the back to apply my own custom body and paint job," Mr Lemon said.

"It’s a great vehicle. The performance has been fantastic, it hasn’t missed a beat. I’m really happy with the Isuzu product."

Fluid H2O was so pleased with its Isuzu NPR 200 that it recently purchased a second Isuzu model – an NPR 400 Long. This vehicle is currently undergoing modifications to suit Fluid H2O’s new requirements.

"The NPR 400 Long is going to look very impressive; it will be white with Fluid H2O’s company colours and chrome rims. It has been fitted with a compressor on the side of the chassis and a diesel jet motor," Mr Lemon said.

"The new truck will be mainly used for high pressure water jetting and clearing out drains. It will particularly be used for the new Fluid H2O service - sewer relining - in which we use a new German technology.

"Instead of excavating a sewer we can reline it, which is fantastic because many people in Sydney’s eastern suburbs don’t want to dig up their driveways, granny flats, gardens or streets. We actually invert a liner through the sewer which gives our customers a lifetime guarantee."

Both N Series trucks included three year warranties and roadside assistance. The NPR 200 was purchased from NSW Isuzu Dealer, Gilbert and Roach Huntingwood, which is responsible for all of the truck’s servicing.

"Some of my friends who work in the building and plumbing trades have since purchased Isuzu trucks and have applied the same body as me," Mr Lemon said.

See more from Isuzu Australia at http://www.isuzu.com.au/

Texting While Driving Doubles From Before State Ban, Reversing Early Trend - News - Business Fleet

Texting While Driving Doubles From Before State Ban, Reversing Early Trend - News - Business Fleet

Six millionth Ford Transit and 45 Years Strong

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FORD TRANSIT: 45 YEARS OF SUCCESS

Since its launch in 1965 more than six million Transits have been built at 22 factories across the world.

Transit is made in Southampton, with engines from Dagenham and transmissions from Merseyside.

More than 2.1 million Transits have been sold in Britain: Britain's best seller

with more than 23,000 sold in first half of 2010.

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 27 July, 2010 – Ford's iconic Transit has a significant birthday next month, celebrating 45 years of success. The Ford Transit, the pioneer of the ubiquitous white van, has led the UK market ever since the year that Jim Clark won the Indianapolis 500 and F1 World Championship, Tom and Jerry and Thunderbirds made their TV debuts, the Sound of Music movie was released and Mary Quant invented the mini skirt.

At launch, the cheapest Transit, a short wheelbase, petrol-engined van with 610kg payload, cost £542. The most expensive Transit was a 15-seat Custom bus which cost £997. From 78 derivatives in 1965, there are now more than 600 Transit entities, providing a range of dedicated commercial vehicles to ensure there is a model for every job required.

Today's Transit continues to represent great value. A special edition "Sapphire" went into production at the Southampton Plant this year to mark 45 years of success. The Sapphire develops more power and torque, has longer service intervals yet costs just £295 more than the last celebration model in 2005, the Transit "Hallmark".

Opel Vivaro E-Concept Premiere At IAA Commercial Vehicles 2010

Debut: Vivaro e-Concept Study Adds New Impulses

Opel Premiere at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2010

• Electric-van concept, seen with more than 400 km extended range
• Clean advanced technology perfect for congested urban areas
• Capacity with more than 5 m3 cargo space and 750 kg payload target

Hannover/Rüsselsheim. Opel is sending new impulses to electric mobility: At the IAA Commercial Vehicles Fair in Hannover (September 23 to 30, 2010) the brand debuts a research project on a Vivaro e-Concept, an electric van with up to 400 kilometers extended range. With this concept, Opel imagines that environmentally friendly e-mobility could also be intriguing for commercial vehicle operators.

“We would like to test the acceptance of our advanced propulsion technology by showing the Vivaro e-Concept to the commercial vehicle specialists attending the show,” says Chris Lacey, Executive Director, International Operations Opel/Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles. “We are convinced that we will get a fantastic reaction from the people who use such vehicles on a daily basis: Electric mobility will allow them to travel in city areas which are now off-limits to petrol and diesel-powered vehicles and the range-extender technology makes it possible to use an electric van for normal routine business.”

The Vivaro e-Concept aims to prove that operators do not have to make great concessions to practicality when they choose intelligent propulsion. The e-Concept is conceived to have 5.0 cubic meter storage capacity able to carry 750 kilograms of load, making it an excellent value for urban delivery drivers.

The e-Concept is envisioned to be capable of meeting the typical daily needs of inner city delivery transport fully electrically and therefore completely emission-free. The vehicle would be extremely quiet and clean – with respect to the environment and reduced traffic zones in the inner city.

The 111 kW electric motor in the Vivaro e-Concept propulsion system delivers 370Nm of torque and would offer 100 kilometers pure electric driving range. On longer, regional hauls or shuttle services, range-extender switches on, extending the total driving range to more than 400 kilometers. Thanks to Opel’s extended range propulsion concept, engineers foresee the Vivaro e-Concept as capable of driving permanently with engine and electric motor propulsion, enabling drivers to reach distant destinations with the confidence and peace of mind that a depleted battery will not strand them.

Intelligently stowed energy

Opel engineers have mounted the batteries, which can be re-charged on a standard household 230-volt outlet under the floor of the Vivaro e-Concept. There, the lithium ion battery modules are protected from the weather. At the same time the modules provide a low center of gravity for good handling characteristics, protecting especially from crosswind influence.

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Ford Lifts Disguise On All-New Ford Ranger For Its Worldwide Premiere In Sydney

• Bold, powerful and confident, the all-new Ford Ranger will make its world debut at the Australian International Motor Show on October 15.
• Bold, powerful and confident, the all-new Ford Ranger makes its world debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The new face of Built Ford Tough for compact pickup truck customers in 180 markets around the world, Ranger is the result of an all-new global compact truck platform developed in Australia
• Ranger delivers an enhanced pickup ownership experience with more power and excellent fuel economy from a new engine family, more capability than ever with exceptional towing and payload capacity, and new levels of driving quality



SYDNEY, September 20, 2010 – Ford is preparing to take the wraps off a comprehensively redesigned, new-generation compact pickup developed in Australia for sale in 180 global markets. The worldwide premiere of the all-new Ford Ranger is certain to be the big news of this year’s Australian International Motor Show, where it will be unveiled on October 15, 2010.

The all-new Ranger is the latest in a wave of global products driven by the ONE Ford strategy. Designed and engineered at Ford’s Campbellfield product development and Geelong proving ground facilities, and based on a new global compact truck platform, Ranger has been transformed to assert true pickup truck leadership.

“Australia has played a leading role in the development of this latest global Ford product,” said Joe Hinrichs, president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. “Ranger is symbolic of how our great product development capability is being leveraged by the ONE Ford plan like never before.”

The taut, toned new design of the all-new Ford Ranger establishes a powerful presence on the motor show stage. It will be the first time for the public to see the next-generation Ford compact pickup without its camouflage.

New Ranger prototypes – disguised under heavy black padding, tape and decals to obscure their true identity – have been shot by automotive spy photographers all over the world, as development units clocked more than 1 million kilometres of testing in the toughest conditions, from the Outback to the deserts of the Middle East to the Alps in Europe.

Now, under the lights at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, the covers will come off to reveal a dazzlingly contemporary new look for the future of Ford Ranger pickup truck capability. It makes a powerful promise – backed by Ford’s Australian and global expertise – to owners around the world.

From impressive gains in power and fuel economy – the result of its new engine family – to outstanding pickup truck capability that includes exceptional towing and payload capacity, the next-generation Ford Ranger emerges as a clear segment leader. It not only builds on the tremendous Ranger heritage of capability, but it also gives owners a spacious, comfortable, feature-filled interior and sophisticated driving experience that they would expect only from a car.

Visitors to the 2010 Australian International Motor Show can experience the exciting lineup of Ford vehicles, along with a host of interactive activities for motoring enthusiasts and families, from October 15-24 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

See more from Ford Australia at http://www.ford.com.au/.

Countdown Begins To Launch Of Isuzu's Cleanest Ever Truck Range



With the election now decided, an intensification of the Federal Government's efforts to reduce Australia's carbon emissions over the next decade is expected, especially with a strong 'Greens' presence in the Senate.

The Labor Party's commitment to a five per cent emissions reduction by 2020 is an ambitious one by any measure, and it can only be achieved by a concerted approach by commercial and domestic stakeholders.

Exactly what this means for the Australian trucking industry will remain unclear until a decision is made on the efficacy and nature of a mooted carbon emissions trading scheme.

While there is conjecture as to if and when such a scheme will be introduced, operators should be prepared for the impact this may have on their bottom line.

The good news is that the Australian trucking industry has been proactive in its efforts to adopt cleaner and 'greener' technology over the past 20 years.

In fact, trucks on Australian roads are among the cleanest in the world thanks to the introduction of stringent emissions control legislation, the most recent of which (ADR80/03) will come into effect on 1 January 2011.

For Isuzu Trucks, the transition to ADR80/03 and the Euro V emissions benchmark will be relatively straightforward.

Isuzu's current model range meets Euro IV standards as a minimum and requires only minor modifications to achieve a blanket Euro V rating.

All eyes are now on the forthcoming launch of Isuzu's new Euro V-compliant truck range, which will be introduced to the Australian market alongside six new truck models across the N and F Series ranges.

In the area of exhaust emissions, Isuzu's engine technology and diesel particulate diffuser (DPD) exhaust after treatment systems have been refined to suit Australian conditions over the past three years. This means Isuzu trucks will comply with the lower emissions outlined by the Euro V benchmark with a reliability that competitors may find difficult to match.

The new range launch is expected to enhance Isuzu's position of continued market dominance, secured in the face of challenging global economic conditions.

According to the official T-Mark industry data, a total of 4925 Isuzu trucks were sold as at August YTD, 2010; 2167 more units than its nearest competitor, and a 3 per cent overall increase in unit sales on the preceding year.

Isuzu's market dominance has been driven largely by its outstanding performance in the light duty truck segment, where it has recorded a 10.5 per cent volume growth for the year to August 2010, for a market segment share of over 37 per cent.

The brand has also performed well in the heavy duty truck segment, recording 3.4 per cent growth during the same period.

While sales of Isuzu's medium duty models fell by 5.3 per cent on the previous year, this figure reflects a general downturn in the medium duty segment nationwide; despite this at end of August year to date, Isuzu still held over 42 per cent of the medium duty market segment.

With the imminent launch of Isuzu's new truck range, operators can expect more of the legendary Isuzu reliability they've become accustomed to, bolstered by a suite of safety and practical enhancements.

See more about Isuzu Trucks Australia at http://www.isuzu.com.au/