Cummins 2010 On-Highway Technology - Better. From Start to Finish

Cummins 2010 on-highway technology overview, including the Cummins Aftertreatment System. You can depend on Cummins to deliver the leading technology for 2010. Cummins is the only engine manufacturer with a single, integrated system that encompasses critical subsystems from air intake to exhaust aftertreatment.

Cummins 2010 on-highway engines use proven technology and the same core components that have always made Cummins engines so fuel-efficient and reliable. Cummins Heavy-Duty ISX15 and ISX11.9 and MidRange engines use the Cummins Aftertreatment System, including Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) that is already working for thousands of customers in North America and in hundreds of thousands of commercial vehicles across Europe. Produced March 2011.

Visit http://cumminsengines.com/ and follow us on Twitter @CumminsEngines

£10,000 fuel saving as Classic Catering switches to Isuzu

By switching truck brands, in this case to an Isuzu Forward 7.5tonner, Classic Catering estimates it will save in excess of £10,000 on its annual fuel costs. Classic Catering is a specialist patisserie manufacturer and distributor with a daily trunking operation from Manchester to London and the new Isuzu is already showing a 3mpg improvement in fuel economy over the incumbent brand.

This is the company’s first ever Isuzu in its 19-strong distribution fleet and the N75.190 4x2 rigid vehicle is covering over 2400 miles a week. It transports patisserie products from Classic Catering’s Manchester production facility to its London based distribution centre in Wembley.

Within the first month of service, the Isuzu returned a 3mpg improvement in average fuel consumption over the previous vehicle on this 6-day-a- week, 430 mile daily operation. Classic Catering anticipates this fuel saving will improve even further as the Isuzu settles into its working life. 


David Mincher, logistics and warehouse manager at Classic Catering explains, “We were aware of the Isuzu payload and impressive fuel economy before we bought the vehicle and everything we heard has materialised already with this first Isuzu. Almost immediately, we have been able to achieve a significant fuel saving and we are confident that the mpg figures will continue to impress us as the Isuzu beds in.” 

Supplied by local Manchester Isuzu dealer, The Hulme Group, Classic Catering’s first Isuzu is specified with the manufacturer’s popular Easyshift transmission and to further assist the fuel economy performance; the Isuzu has been fitted with a full wind deflector kit. 


The Isuzu 7.5 tonner features a Coolfreeze 16 ft multi-temperature refrigerated body, together with a GAH SX7 multi-temp refrigeration system. Inside the front of the Coolfreeze body is a two-pallet compartment for frozen products whilst, at the rear of the body, the chilled compartment can hold 7 pallet loads of patisserie products.

With its head office and production facility in Manchester, Classic Catering is one of the U.K's largest manufacturers and distributors of specialist patisserie products. It has a portfolio of over 500 product lines supplied to customers that includes breweries, blue-chip companies, sporting venues, football clubs, hotels, restaurants and independent catering outlets.

“The Isuzu 7.5 tonner has all the key attributes required by Classic Catering for a distribution vehicle. Outstanding fuel economy compliments the acknowledged payload advantages traditionally associated with the Isuzu marque. Keeping distribution costs down is key to success in any business in this current economic climate and this is where our products score highly, making them ideal vehicle for this type of intensive daily distribution,” said Keith Child, marketing director at Isuzu Truck UK.

Full details of the current Isuzu Truck range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website on www.isuzutruck.co.uk

Isuzu – A global strength

Established almost a century ago Isuzu Motors Japan is a world leading truck manufacturer. IMJ currently produces around 400,000, light to medium weight commercial vehicles, every year and their products sell within 170 countries throughout the world. The company is also a world-leader in diesel engine manufacturing and technology and produces around 1.5 million engines every year.

Isuzu Truck (UK) Limited was formed in 1996 and is the dedicated UK Isuzu commercial vehicle distributor and marketing & sales operation. ITUK currently employs 50 people and has approaching 60 dealers strategically located nationwide. All ITUK sold products are backed by ITUK’s industry-unique, award-winning, customer service programme CARE (Customer facing, Always listening, Reliable and trustworthy, Efficient and friendly).

Nissan e-NV200 Concept Previews Future Affordable, Multi-Usage Zero Emissions Small Van

01.09.2012 , DETROIT

– Advanced Electric Vehicle Design, Based on the Award-Winning Nissan NV200, Makes World Debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show –

The innovative Nissan e-NV200 Concept, which makes it world debut at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit, serves as more evidence of Nissan’s leadership position in the zero-emission automotive industry. Based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction.

“With its ‘no gas, no tailpipe, no emissions’ powertrain, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept combines a quiet, comfortable driving experience with a large, highly versatile, functional interior space within a compact overall body length,” said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “A potential game changing vehicle in its segment, the battery capacity will support a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF, while payload and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200. The production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at private users or families in major regions.”

As a potential mass production vehicle, Nissan e-NV200 Concept would also provide a reduction in operating costs compared to current internal combustion engine vehicles.

“A vehicle like the Nissan e-NV200 Concept would energize the current compact van market in more ways than one – helping improve the quality of urban life and providing a smart financial investment for large and small businesses alike,” Murakami added.

NV200 Functionality, Nissan EV Identity
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept exterior starts with a foundation of a production Nissan NV200, then adds strong visual cues from the breakthrough Nissan LEAF EV. The versatile and highly acclaimed NV200 light commercial vehicle won the 2010 International Van of the Year award for Nissan, as well as the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, an organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs. On top of those, it received the CDV of the 2010 Year award in China, while also establishing its presence in Japan as segment leader with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept’s EV-style identity starts with its front “face.” The wide hood is accented by a large central charging port door, the blue–accented Nissan badge, and sweeping headlights with LED illuminated accents. The exterior is highlighted by the interaction of the strong main character lines and its broad body surfaces. Large front windows and long rear greenhouse combine with a pair of large glass roof panels to create an airy, open interior environment. The exterior is painted in a customized color, following the concept of the Nissan LEAF’s Aqua Blue, which expresses a sense of environmental friendliness.

Inside, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior depicts a clean, modern Nissan EV identity through use of the EV meters, blue colored accents and bright interior color palette, while also retaining the NV200’s strong functional feeling. The e-NV200 Concept interior also features advanced telematics and a flat C-cluster display that resembles and responds to user input like a tablet computer.

“The Nissan e-NV200 Concept is a standout design, sharing the iconic EV look established by the Nissan LEAF but in a modern, active, functional commercial vehicle form,” said Murakami. “Inside, it offers a smart, convenient cockpit along with an EV feel and an easy-operational interface.”

Zero Emission Drivetrain
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF.

Silent, zero emission power is supplied is by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 207 lb-ft (280 N-m/rpm) of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

And, like the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles. In line with the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers excellent projected fuel economy – a critical factor for commercial vehicle operators.

Real World Testing Underway
In addition to the global debut of the Nissan e-NV200 Concept, evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are currently being conducted to provide real-world feedback from delivery and other companies in various global markets. The initial trial was conducted in summer 2011 by the Japan Post Service, which used a single prototype for delivery and collection duties in Yokohama, Japan. Additional testing began in London last month in conjunction with FedEx. Feedback will help Nissan tailor future battery-powered light commercial vehicles to better fulfilll exact customer requirements.

Nissan’s New York “Taxi of Tomorrow”
As a true global product, the Nissan NV200 is produced in Japan, Europe and China, and is currently available in 40 countries. Future launches are planned for North America and India. Undoubtedly its most visible role to date will begin in late 2013 when the Nissan NV200 becomes the foundation for New York City’s new designated yellow cab, serving an estimated 600,000 passengers a day.

Selected over other global manufacturers for its combination of compact exterior and maximum interior space in a multi-year “Taxi of Tomorrow” competition, the all-new Nissan NV200 Taxi design reflects the input of hundreds of taxi owners and drivers, and thousands of passengers who shared their ideas and priorities with Nissan designers and engineers.

Interior features planned for the Nissan NV200 Taxi include a spacious cargo area to accommodate luggage for four passengers, sliding doors with entry step and grab handles for easy entry and exit, passenger-controlled rear-seat heat/air conditioning with a Grape Polyphenol filter to improve cabin air quality, enhanced interior materials intended to help passenger cabin smell fresher, and breathable, anti-microbial, easy-to-clean and environmentally friendly seat upholstery.

For additional information on the Nissan e-NV200 Concept, please visit www.eNV200.com. For information on the Nissan NV200 Taxi, please go to http://taxioftomorrow.com/.

The Calistoga Water Truck

My wife and I have often taken a short trip into the Napa Valley on Silverado Trail and drive to the end in Calistoga, CA, known for their natural spas and mud baths, Calistoga Water, among other things. I've passed this wonderful truck sculpture that we call the Calistoga Water Truck many times and today decided to stop and take some pictures and also to see it up close. It's a great rendition, even showing a differential, a loaded bed and a reckless driver and his dog companion.

You can see the size of it as I had my picture taken next to it. It has a lovely rust-like patina and is a pleasant eye-catcher that makes me smile every time I see it. Enjoy!

Snow Control Evolution and Light Duty Truck Use

The Evolution of Snow Control and

Why You Can’t Put Plows on Some Light Trucks these days!

By Steve Taylor

Until the early 1900’s some of our ancestors used horse drawn snow rollers to roll and compact the snow on the streets. 

I guess that the compacted snow worked pretty well for horse drawn sleighs but then the cars came along. I don’t think that packing the snow on top of the road worked so well for the rubber tired cars!

Later on someone decided to mount a plow to a big truck to make big road plows. Then in the late 1940’s a few enterprising men decided that there was another use for military style Jeeps putting them to work plowing driveways. These Jeeps were rugged but light and nimble and they were also 4 wheel drive. They could do quick work of removing snow from the driveway. Even big snow storms with several feet of snow, it would just take longer!

Even though there were ½ ton pickups back in the 1940’s, they were all 2 wheel drive and could not push a plow very far without getting stuck! Then in the 1960’s the “Big Three” started adding “4- wheel-drive” as an option to the pickups. These were the same rugged trucks that rode hard, steered hard, and were generally underpowered; but when they added 4wd they created a whole new industry as it allowed the snow plow manufacturers to mount plows to them.

The snow plows and equipment were a little rough and primitive. They were basically well thought out, but still empirical designs. If you put a light plow on a heavy truck, chances are it would bend or break! It wasn’t because of the horsepower as much as it was because of the weight of the truck and the need to use speed to ram into heavy snow banks. The answer to bending the blades and other structural components was to add more steel. Result: More steel and more weight on the front of the truck.

Somewhere in the 1980’s GM and Ford decided that the pickup trucks should ride better, be more comfortable, more stylish and have more horsepower. At about the same time new federal regulations required crash testing to assure occupant protection. Regulations were made about braking and fuel integrity during a crash as well. This started a change in the designs of the components that mount to trucks. Previously, Detroit engineers paid little attention to equipment mounted on trucks. But starting with this period there would be new scrutiny on the snowplow mounts and the staying within the law.

At first the law required that the front axle rating be sufficient to carry the weight of a raised plow blade. Then the regulations were changed to accommodate the snow removal industry. This meant that because the blade was not mounted on the truck and raised for a portion of the year, then the weight rating of the axle only had to accommodate the “permanently attached components” left mounted on the truck year round. It recognized that the raised blade would overload the axle, but that it was OK because the overload would only occur part-time!

Anyway, that decision was a relief for the truck and the snow plow manufacturers. This meant that ½ ton and under pickups and SUV style vehicles could have plows mounted and the truck could ride like a car. The manufacturers could sell lower priced pickup trucks or SUV’s for home driveway plowing.

But what was once considered acceptable was now considered marginal and risky.

Manufacturers decided that certain light models required modified product and installations to assure reliability and durability and also comply with the law. Blades and components were made lighter, but not necessarily weaker with higher strength steels. If you considered all the weight of a work ready truck, including a driver, full tank of fuel, other attached equipment and payload, etc. then the plow weight might have to be offset by a counterbalance weight in the pickup bed in the lighter rated trucks. Sounds OK in theory, but if you looked at mounted pickup snowplow units, you could not find many with counterbalanced loads in their beds, it’s just not practical as the bed is used for other payload.

So you can see that the point had been reached where the trucks were designed for ride while also designed to survive the forces incurred in normal plowing conditions.  But field testing would show that many storms require plowing heavy wet snow and ice and the resulting loads exceed the design of the truck. Yes you might get away with plowing 100 storms with no damage, but with the “perfect storm” and some aggressive plowing, the loads could cause damage to the truck, or to the plow or with a failure that could possibly cause injury.

 

If you read equipment comments on Plowsite.com like I often do, you will find many disparaging comments about the plow manufacturers making the products lighter and cheaper. You will find a multitude of comments on how they have used the old heavy equipment for years and never had a problem. Now the equipment bends too easy.

Maybe the truck and equipment industry has not done a good job of informing the buyer why construction changes have occurred and about the choices made to offer good, reliable product. Of course we are spoiled, because we think we need everything, all options; we want the ride, we want the comfort, we want the gizmos and we want to be safe, etc. and we want it at the lowest possible price; so therefore here is what we are faced with:

·         Ford is already not allowing plows on ½ ton F150’s. Someday, we might not be able to buy a plow to mount on any truck smaller than a ¾ ton pickup

·         We have to size our truck purchase with all our equipment needs and therefore weight additives:  snow plow, trailering, sand/salt spreading, payload (sand/salt), driver, passenger(s), tool boxes with tools, full fuel, etc. The dealer should help us in this process

·         We need to plan to take a close look at what we really need in a truck, what is essential to our needs. Many options add substantial weight, this will add up to heavier rated components. It also contributes to reduced fuel economy.               

·         If we own a fleet of snowplow trucks, we are handing over the keys to other operators who may not have the knowledge of or care about the truck or equipment and its limitations like we do. When it comes to removing lots of heavy wet snow, they may push the truck beyond the upper limits and cause wear or breakage.

But when you read or hear about weak products, remember that sometimes people leave out “small” details about what happened just before they first noticed the failure. I have had many years’ experience researching product failures and could give you many examples. Many times the failure could be related to something unusual, such as plowing at 30 miles per hour and hitting an unseen embedded (curb or railroad track) object. Or a failure could be related to lack of maintenance of the product or the truck. By all means, do pay attention to what users say, especially if you are hearing it from multiple sources and pay attention to what the manufacturers and truck dealers say as well. But don’t make a purchase decision without defining your needs and doing research before you buy.

By the way, the snow rollers worked in a time when there was little need to get out after a storm, people had stocked up and had canned the summer seasons vegetables and fruits, the wood was piled high and dry for the stove, there were few driveways, no cars to get out, the breadwinner may have been off working in a wood harvest operation or a railroad camp miles away. There were no daily commutes, less need to get out and go anywhere. The fuel for the horses was grown in the field! When you think about everything we now consider necessary to live 100 years later, could it be that we have regressed from being “self –sufficient” to “other- reliant”?

               

Guest post by Steve Taylor. Steve is a consultant in the Truck Equipment business with over 30 years in the snowplow and truck body manufacturing business. He specializes in the design and quality/reliability field and may be reached by email at steve@truckarchitect.com. You may visit his website at http://www.truckarchitect.com/.

What Truck Should I Get for Towing

Detroit Wrecker Sales is dedicated to serving our Industry. Here are some answers to common questions we get everyday. Please feel free to call us anytime if you have questions. We have customers from all over the country. Detroit Wrecker Sales 313-835-87-- or 877-TOW-0030 www.Detroit Wrecker .com

Great Looking Hauler Trailering Body from Harbor on Dodge Crew Cab

This is the way to haul your trailer and gooseneck: The Harbor Hauler Body. Whenever people are pulling trailers, they always seem to need stuff and then they need someplace to put the stuff and here is the solution. There is plenty of room for stuff in this body and it is specifically designed to make trailering with 5th wheel or gooseneck very easy and efficient.

Give Harbor Truck Bodies a call at 800-433-9452 and let them build one for you in your color on your favorite truck. See their website at http://www.htbi.net/.

Real People, Real Business - Brea, California

Ken Lindt and Warren Mason of Harbor Truck Bodies (manufacturer of truck bodies) talk about how their family-owned business has worked with Ram Trucks to pool and house upfitted Ram vehicles and how the Ram trucks provide the most capability of any vehicle. See more from Harbor Truck Bodies at www.htbi.net

Alum-Line Flatbed Features at California Work Trucks

Clay gives us a brief tour of the features and benefits of the Alum-Line Aluminum Flatbed. They stock this product in single rear and dual rear wheel sizes.

California Work Trucks is located at 930 Whipple Road in Union City, CA. Call them at 510-477-8425. See more soon at http://www.calworktrucks.com/

Folsom Lake Ford Fleet Has A Large Selection Of Mobility Vans

Vans with Raised Tops and Side Wheelchair Lifts, Rear Lifts, Ramps, Smaller Transit Connect vans with chair lifts or ramps, Ford passenger vans with or without modifications.

Whatever your needs in Ford product mobility units, contact Ray Roy, Mobility Manager at Folsom Lake Ford. Call him at 916-351-4286. They ship units all over the United States. Website: http://www.folsomlakefordfleet.com/ and check our blog at http://folsomlakefleet.blogspot.com/.

Folsom Lake Ford, Folsom CA. Main dealership website is http://www.folsomlakeford.com/.

Revisiting a Comparison of a Royal Low Profile and Standard Height Service Body

Terry Minion of Commercial Truck Success compares a low profile service body with a standard height service body and showing the benefits of each. In this case we are using Royal Service Bodies on the lot of Fairfield Chevrolet-Isuzu Truck in Fairfield CA.

http://www.fairfieldcommercialtruck.com/ and http://www.royaltruckbody.com/

Police and Fire Badge Collection at Folsom Lake Ford Fleet

Dan Raimondi, Fleet Director at Folsom Lake Ford has gathered a collection of police, fire and other public servant badges that is constantly growing and now contains badges from all over the country.

Folsom Lake Ford Fleet is located in Folsom, CA. Their website is http://www.folsomlakefordfleet.com/.

Red Service Body At Platinum Chevrolet

Greg Martin, Commercial/Fleet Mgr at Platinum Chevrolet in Santa Rosa CA shows off a gorgeous red 2500HD with a Harbor Service Body with some very nice options such as power windows and door locks, power seat, tilt and cruise, LT1 package, 6.0 Gas V8, 6-speed automatic, and much more.

The Harbor Truck Bodies Service Body has some nice features too with the optional power pop-out lock system, standard stainless steel lids, tapered leg forklift loadable rack, class IV receiver and trailer plug.

Platinum Chevrolet is located at 3001 Corby Ave, Santa Rosa CA 95407. Reach them at 707-525-1800. Call Greg Martin directly on his cell at 707-490-6881.

Check out their new blog at http://platinumcommercialtruck.blogspot.com/. Website is http://www.platinumchevytruck.com/.

Ford Transit Connect Review & Buyers' Guide 2011

Connect, the baby of the Transit family, is an excellent light van and it sets high standards in its market segment for build quality. A real winner in VansA2Z's opinion.

Marathon Van Demonstration At Folsom Lake Ford

Mark Higdon, Commercial Truck Manager at Folsom Lake Ford gives us a brief tour of a new Marathon Van mounted on a Ford E350 Single Rear Wheel Chassis with some optional features, including a back-up camera and monitor.

Folsom Lake Ford is located in Folsom, CA and the website for the fleet department is http://www.folsomlakefordfleet.com/