3/31/13

Fiat Doblò Cargo - Review & Buyers' Guide 2013


For the full story go to http://www.vansa2z.com/Fiat-Doblo-Car....

Fiat redesigned the Doblò Cargo from the ground-up and launched the newcomer in the UK in 2010. In its latest incarnation it comes with a choice of two wheelbases and roof heights and an impressive selection of diesel engines.

3/30/13

Mark Boice, BusinessLink | Real People, Real Businesses


In this installment of our "Real People, Real Businesses" series, we interview Mark Boice of BusinessLink and Chrysler Commercial Vehicles. Mark tells us about free services like 24-hour towing, free loaner vehicles, and next-bay service that small business owners get by enrolling in our free BusinessLink program. BusinessLink dealers are focused on adding to your bottom line by keeping your vehicles on the road. For more, visit http://www.chryslercommercialvehicles...

2013 RAM CHASSIS CAB: BEST FOR BUSINESS


Jaime Rocha's family has been in the towing business for over 15 years. He can't think of any given business day without his Ram 5500 trucks. So when we introduced the new 2013 Ram Chassis Cabs with Best-in-Class towing and unsurpassed 5-year powertrain limited warranty, we invited Jaime to be among the first to witness it. To see what Jaime saw, watch our latest video. www.RamTrucks.com

3/29/13

Reading Truck Body Launches the New Reading Ready Van SL

Introducing the Next Generation of Service Vans
 
Reading, PA (March 20, 2013) - Reading Truck Body, LLC, a leading manufacturer and provider of high quality service truck equipment, launches the all-new Reading Ready Van SL, a cutting-edge service van offering ample, enclosed interior work space and secure, convenient outside compartments.
 
 
The Reading Ready Van SL comes equipped with many brand new features that provide extra safety, durability, convenience and efficiency in addition to Readings premium standard features.  Boasting an industry leading 6-Year limited warranty on the body and lifetime warranty on key cylinders, the Ready Van SL also includes:
 
Organization & Storage

  • Bulkhead Shelf offers additional storage for smaller, more frequently used items that require limitation of movement and no fall-out
  • Vertical Shelf Attachment Strips shelving bracket is on 4 centers and offers more adjustability of shelving network for the end-user
  • Galvanized Shelves/Trays corrosion resistant shelving that is height adjustable with 2 slot tab dividers on shelves for 50% more divisional space than the competition
  • Top Compartment Shelf full-length compartment top storage area has a 2 high retainer to prevent tool and product fall-out
  • Clear Load Space Design unobstructed load space provides clear width of 48.5 without the presence of a wheelhouse box and a low ground to threshold height
  • 17.5 Deep Compartments offer greater storage capacity and versatility
  • Dual Drop Down Conduit Pipe Doors more protective and versatile storage for longer items and does not cover stop, tail and turn lighting when in drop-down open position
 
Structure & Finish
  • Galvannealed Construction A60 coated weight steel, all galvannealed construction which offers superior corrosion protection
  • Tapered Smooth Side Wall Upper Structure provides maximum side-to-side clearance, improved aerodynamic efficiency and a smooth surface for graphics
  • Seamless Wheelhouse Panel provides a seamless appearance that also prevents corrosive build-up that can rust the product from the inside out
  • Galvannealed Steel Pooched Step Bumper Pooched slip and corrosion-resistant surface with 45 degree corners; e-coated and powder coated for durability
  • Full Width 9" Steel Bulkhead Set-back offers full seat travel for the O.E.M. Cutaway Chassis on both driver and passenger side
  • Rivetless Stainless Steel Handle Pans clean appearance that is tamper resistant and includes a perimeter gasket behind the pan assembly to prevent water intrusion
  • Top Coat Finish, Inside & Out Reading paints all areas of the service body, including the interior load space and inside the exterior cabinet compartments
  • Readings Polyester Powder Coat Finish no VOCs, reclaimable and much more durable and abrasion-resistant finish compared to wet spray enamels
 
Doors & Hinges
  • Solid Sliding Bulkhead Door with J Glide Track door slides on co-polymer 'J' track assembly rather than floor track assembly which can harbor debris and make operation difficult; windowless for enhanced security
  • Solid, Windowless Rear Doors offers a large, unobstructed area for company graphics with a higher level of security and confidence for tools and equipment inside the load space
  • Integral Rain Gutter Over Rear Doors Rain Gutter moves water east or west of door opening instead of a drip edge that allows water to sheet down across the opening
  • Readings Rod & Bearing Block Hinge hinge assembly is mechanically attached for cleaner appearance, ease of repair and corrosion resistance
  • 18ga Double Panel Compartment Doors heavier gauge than the competition with solid hat section reinforcements to eliminate panel deflection
  • Spring Loaded Door Stays: Vertical Side Compartments Door Stay operates with over-center design in geometry for ease of closure and staying open
  • Readings Dual-Pro Door Seal System includes a quality door seal and a mechanical seal which provide a secondary defense against water intrusion
  • Adjustable Door Striker 4-way adjustable with ribbed Allen bit head, tri-chromate washer and threaded pressure block for positive adjustment
 
Lights, Locks & Electronics

  • (2) Dome Lights with Disc Rocker roof mounted lights mechanically secured to roof for reliable operation; Disc Rocker switch operates smoothly and resists damage
  • Tail Light Guards lighting guards inside the rear compartments that are ported for serviceability while offering protection from theft and damage
  • L.E.D. Stop, Tail, Turn Signals and Clearance Lighting rubber isolated for vibration resistance, cooler burning, brighter and longer-lasting than incandescent bulbs
  • 12 Stage Electro-Cathodic Immersion Process removes human error associated with a manual application and provides 100% coverage
  • Rotary Paddle Latch Assembly stainless steel latch is 'free wheeling' when cylinder is locked which prevents lock failure should it be tampered with
  • Double Bitted Key Cylinder includes a rubber 'O' ring behind the high-quality cylinder to prevent water blow-in through the lock assembly
For more information on the Reading Ready Van SL please visit www.ReadingBody.com.
 
About The Reading Group, LLC
The Reading Group was originally founded as Reading Body Works in 1955. The Reading Group owns Reading Truck Body, LLC, which has a manufacturing plant in Reading, PA with additional company-owned installation facilities operating as Reading Equipment & Distribution, LLC. Reading Equipment & Distribution specializes in dealer sales, custom product sales, and installations, with a large focus on utility applications and alternative fuel conversions.
 
For more information on Reading Truck Body, LLC and its products please visit www.ReadingBody.com.

3/28/13

New Knapheide 9' Gooseneck Body Configured Like A Service Body At The NTEA Work Truck Show


Bob Dias with West Coast Truck Equipment in West Sacramento CA shows off the Knapheide 9' PGND Gooseneck truck body setup like a service body with lower compartments in the rear to accommodate a gooseneck trailer. Check out all the features on this particular truck. See more about Knapheide truck bodies at http://www.Knapheide.com. You can see more about West Coast Truck Equipment at http://www.WestCoastTruckEquipment.com

You can also see more about the NTEA and the Work Truck Show at www.NTEA.com

3/27/13

Empowering America's Tradesmen with Mike Rowe


Mike Rowe, TV Host of Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs, tackles his dirtiest job of all – closing the skilled labor gap and getting America back to work

There appears to be a surplus of jobs waiting to be filled – from auto mechanics to welders – and not enough people trained to fill them. Yet our unemployment rate continues to hover around 9 percent and America's jobless are getting increasingly frustrated and scared. Meet what has become known as “the skills gap” – the space between the plethora of challenging, rewarding, high paying careers in skilled labor waiting to be filled, and a lack of trained professionals ready to fill them.

Dirty Jobs is not really a show about dirt. It’s a show about people, and over the years I’ve learned a lot from people that wake up clean and go home dirty. I have learned for instance, that a single fire ant can bite you multiple times, especially in places where a man does not wish to be bitten. I’ve learned that widths are more hazardous than heights, and that short cuts lead to long delays. I’ve also learned that a good plumber is now more expensive than a good shrink, and a lot harder to find. 

This whole Skills Gap thing is real, and it’s getting bigger every day. In Alabama, half the skilled workforce is north of fifty, and retiring fast. For every four workers that leave, only one enters to replace them. And according to a 60 Minutes story last month, there are now three million skilled jobs that American companies simply cannot fill. Three million. What’s up with that?

Finding Solutions
I’m not qualified to offer a solution. I'm just a TV Host. On cable. But I can tell you that my biggest revelation on Dirty Jobs was seeing firsthand the degree to which our country has become disconnected from skilled labor. Again and again, in all 50 states, I've heard the same thing from hundreds of workers. They all talk of a "disconnect" between the work they do, and the society that benefits from it. I think maybe they’re on to something.

Consider what we reward in our culture today. American Idol is still the number one show on television. The Four Hour Work Week is still a national bestseller. Vocational training classes have evaporated from our high schools, and careers that don’t require a 4-year degree are now considered “alternative." We have actively discouraged an entire generation of students from working with their hands, and turned a whole category of viable careers into “vocational consolation prizes.” I hate to sound like a scold, but really, is it any wonder that our kids aren’t lining up to learn a useful skill?

Closing the Gap
The Skills Gap is not a mystery; it’s a reflection of what we value. And if we're serious about closing the gap, we need to reconnect with that part of our workforce. We need to reinvigorate the trades. We need to confront the stigmas and stereotypes associated with skilled labor, and let go of this absurd belief that a four-year degree is the only viable way to acquire useful knowledge.

Twelve million unemployed Americans is a scary thing. But three million available jobs that can’t be filled…well, that’s really scary. Because that means we’re not dealing with a lack of opportunity. We’re dealing with a lack of desire.

Skilled labor needs a PR campaign. A big one. Because closing The Skills Gap is not about creating jobs. The jobs are already there.  It's about our preserving our infrastructure, expanding our manufacturing base, enhancing our ability to compete globally, and bolstering our national security. If you share my addiction to paved roads, affordable energy, cheap food, and indoor plumbing, you should also share my concern.

Because this whole Skills Gap thing is real. And the first step is a doozy.

-Mike Rowe


Article and photo courtesy of Employing America by MediaPlanet. To see more, visit http://sites.conversionplanet.com/employing-america/qa-with-mike-rowe

3/26/13

Nissan, Gibson Collaboration Builds a One-of-a-Kind Mobile Repair Van


NEW YORK – Making its world debut ahead of the 2013 New York International Auto Show is the Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van.

This unique vehicle is the result of an iconic collaboration between Nissan and Gibson that are, opportunely, corporate neighbors in the Nashville area.

"Gibson and Nissan are both Tennessee-based companies that build products worthy of consumer passion yet suitable for everyday use. We've sought a way to combine forces for many years now, and the introduction of the 2013 NV200 Compact Cargo van gives us the perfect opportunity to do so. Working with Gibson has been a dream come true for many of us here at Nissan," said Joe Castelli, Nissan's vice president of Commercial Vehicles.

The Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van, built by Nissan, is an extension of both Gibson Pro Audio and Gibson's fabled Repair & Restoration shop, based in Nashville, Tenn. This facility is where the best and brightest guitar builders go to ply their craft for one of the oldest and most-respected guitar companies.

As the Repair & Restoration shop fixes and customizes guitars owned by both the top professional musicians in the world and passionate enthusiasts, the Gibson NV200 Compact Cargo acts as a quick response support vehicle for professional and part-time musicians in need of timely repairs. It also will serve as an educational tool to the public representing the art of someone who makes or repairs stringed instruments, also known as a luthier.

In discussing the collaboration between Nissan and Gibson, Castelli said: "it's really worked out and beautiful music is now being played between our great product and their (Gibson's) great product. For each company, our customers are looking for something that is high quality. It's not only assumed, but it's expected."

http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/

http://www2.gibson.com/Gibson.aspx

Stop closing sales and start providing value, or lose to price.


Much more at http://gitomer.com/ - Jeffrey Gitomer on how provide more value

3/25/13

UPS Natural Gas Truck by Mack Trucks At MATS 2013 Show




Mack Showcases Natural Gas-Powered MACK® Pinnacle™ Built for UPS at MATS
 
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 21, 2013) – Mack Trucks today unveiled its highly anticipated 12-liter natural gas-powered MACK® Pinnacle™ Axle Back model during the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show.
 
            The natural gas-powered Mack Pinnacle, offering a liquefied natural gas (LNG) solution for on-highway applications, was built for UPS (NYSE: UPS).
 
            The addition of the natural gas-powered Pinnacle expands Mack’s natural gas line-up to the highway segment. Mack already offers natural gas-powered MACK® TerraPro™ Low Entry and MACK® TerraPro™ Cabover refuse models, and later this year, plans to introduce a natural gas-powered version of the MACK® Granite® model.
 
            “Mack began offering natural gas as an option as soon as it was clear the solution made sense for the refuse market,” said Kevin Flaherty, president, Mack Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. “The introduction of the natural gas-powered Mack Pinnacle expands our experience and expertise into another market segment, and serves as an example of our commitment to developing solutions meeting the needs of customers like UPS.”
 
            “By expanding the UPS natural gas fleet, we have an opportunity to take advantage of a domestic resource, a domestic product and continue our sustainability efforts,” said Mike Britt, director of alternative fuel vehicle engineering at UPS. “Supporting the overall growth of LNG infrastructure ultimately benefits our customers and community by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
 
            Ideal for regional haul and LTL, the Mack Pinnacle is equipped with the Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine and available for order with either an LNG or compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system. The maintenance-free aftertreatment, requiring only a three-way catalyst to meet EPA 2010 and CARB emissions standards, combined with low-cost natural gas, reduces vehicle lifecycle costs and thereby improves customers’ return on investment.
 
Mack Trucks unveiled its 12-liter natural gas-powered MACK® Pinnacle™
Axle Back model, built for UPS, during the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show.
 
Dedicated to quality, reliability, and total customer satisfaction, Mack Trucks, Inc. has provided its customers with innovative transportation solutions for more than a century. Today, Mack is one of North America’s largest producers of heavy-duty trucks and MACK® trucks are sold and serviced through an extensive distribution network in more than 45 countries. Mack trucks and diesel engines sold in North America are assembled in the United States. Mack manufacturing locations are certified to the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality and ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems. Mack is also a proud sponsor of Share the Road, an American Trucking Associations' public information campaign aimed at enhancing the safety of our nation’s roadways.
 
Mack Trucks, Inc. is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs about 115,000 people, has production facilities in 19 countries and sells its products in more than 190 markets. In 2012, the Volvo Group’s sales amounted to $45 billion. The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo shares are listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and are traded OTC in the U.S.
 
For more information about Mack, visit our Web site at www.macktrucks.com

3/24/13

Nissan and Gibson Combine Forces with NV200 Mobile Guitar Workshop

Two Tennessee-based companies partner on co-branded Gibson/Nissan NV200 TM Compact Cargo, debuting at the 2013 New York International Auto Show



FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Gibson and Nissan have combined their respective expertise in professional music and practical, small business vehicles to create the Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van. The van acts as a mobile guitar repair shop, serving the needs of both working musicians and casual pickers and can service major music markets or locales where guitar players congregate, such as major music festivals, concerts, recording studios or even private homes.

"The NV200 Compact Cargo van's small footprint makes it ideal for maneuvering in tight places, which is perfect for both urban music venues and crowded outdoor concerts where space is at a premium," said Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. "The large cargo bay with standard integrated mounting points and available cargo hooks help make the vehicle configurable and customizable to suit the needs of a working guitar technician."

Class-leading combined fuel economy of 24 mpg*, provided by a 131-horsepower 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine matched with an efficient Xtronic CVT® transmission, further increases the road-worthy appeal of a vehicle that can log as many miles as the typical touring band.

"The Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo van is perfect for small businesses, entrepreneurs and dreamers," said Joe Castelli, vice president, Commercial Vehicles and Fleet, Nissan North America. "By partnering with Gibson on the NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van, we're showing the ultimate expression of what can be done with this vehicle for those with a viable business concept, a little creativity and with a starting price of $19,990**, an appreciation of great value. As this is a van meant for trades, vocations and working people, we couldn't be more excited than to see it put to good use in the hands of some of the most skilled craftsmen in the world."

The Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van, built by Nissan, is an extension of both Gibson Pro Audio and Gibson's fabled Repair & Restoration shop, based in Nashville, Tenn. This facility is where the best and brightest guitar builders go to ply their craft for one of the oldest and most-respected guitar companies.

                     
Click image to enlarge

As the Repair & Restoration shop fixes and customizes guitars owned by both the top professional musicians in the world and passionate enthusiasts, the Gibson NV200 Compact Cargo acts as a quick response support vehicle for professional and part-time musicians in need of timely repairs, as well as serving as an educational tool to the public representing the art of guitar building and repair, or luthiery.

NV200 Compact Cargo provides 122.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and a 53-inch cargo height, which is comparable to many standard roof full-size vans. It also offers tall cargo door openings – including the standard 40/60-split rear doors – and a low load floor height of 19.5 inches. Payload capacity is rated at 1,500 pounds (S model).

This capability plays right into the heart of the vehicle - a pullout bench that features an array of luthier's tools such as calipers, scale rulers, fret files, fret pullers, different types of sandpaper, super glue, wood glue, tuning forks, a radius planer, various guitar parts (strings, tuning machines, frets, nuts, bridges, knobs, linseed oil, potentiometers, pickups), pliers, screw drivers and a soldering station. Luthiers can either extend this bench to the lip of the NV200 to work on instruments or guide in on its pair of casters to a separate location to perform repair or setup work on guitars.

Located directly behind the front seat is a custom rack that holds up to four guitars in various stages of repair and disrepair. The cockpit has been customized to evoke Gibson's classic designs with wood veneers in the dashboard that evoke classic Gibson materials such as mahogany and flamed maple and special leather-appointed seats.

Gibson Pro Audio is also represented throughout the vehicle with a custom audio system provided by Onkyo, Gibson Pro Audio consumer electronics' brand.

The vehicle is sheathed in a full body wrap that reads, "Gibson Repair & Restoration" on one side, and "Gibson Pro Audio" on the other. The wrap also contains images of classic Gibson stringed instruments and Gibson Pro Audio products such as speakers made by Cerwin-Vega! and KRK and Onkyo- and Stanton-branded headphones.

Castelli explains, "Gibson and Nissan are both Tennessee-based companies that build products worthy of consumer passion yet suitable for everyday use. We've sought a way to combine forces for many years now, and the introduction of the 2013 NV200 Compact Cargo van gives us the perfect opportunity to do so. Working with Gibson has been a dream come true for many of us here at Nissan, and we look forward to the next steps collaborating with them."

The Gibson NV200 Repair & Restoration Van made by Nissan will debut on March 27th at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. Please visit www.NissanNews.com for artist renderings and a video on the construction of the vehicle.


About Nissan North America
In North America, 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 and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012 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 www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.


About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.9 million vehicles in 2012, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($US118.95 billion) in fiscal 2011. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.


About Gibson
Founded in 1894, Gibson is a global musical and lifestyle company based in Nashville, Tennessee, that creates products to enrich the lives of musicians, fans, and consumers, alike. Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including iconic acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Run by technology visionary, Henry Juszkiewicz, the company has been at the forefront of innovation since its inception, the latest of which is the Firebird X guitar. Through the Gibson Foundation, Gibson has become equally known for its philanthropic efforts on behalf of music, education, health and human services. Gibson's family of brands encompass some of the most widely known and respected in the history of music and entertainment, including Epiphone, KRK, Stanton, Onkyo, Dobro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Echoplex, Electar, Flatiron, Slingerland, Valley Arts, Maestro, Oberheim, Baldwin, Sunshine Piano, Take Anywhere Technology, J&C Fischer, Chickering, Hamilton, and Wurlitzer. For more information visit: www.gibson.com, www.facebook.com/gibsonguitar, www.twitter.com/gibsonguitar.

3/23/13

Learn About The Mack Trucks Brand New Twin Y Air Suspension at MATS 2013 Show


Mack Raises the Bar with Suspensions Featuring Proprietary MACK® Axles
MACK® Twin Y™ Air Suspension and MACK® mRIDE Offer Unmatched Customer Benefits
GREENSBORO, NC (January 28, 2013) – Mack Trucks today launched its breakthrough MACK® Twin Y™ Air Suspension, the trucking industry’s first suspension to utilize an innovative Y-shaped high-strength steel design.
Offered with proprietary MACK® axles, the Mack Twin Y Air Suspension delivers unmatched comfort, handling and fuel efficiency for highway customers desiring a smoother, more stable ride. The Twin Y is up to 400 pounds lighter than other air suspensions, offering a significantly lighter weight option for customers.  
Mack also announced today the availability of Mack proprietary axles on its MACK® mRIDE spring suspension, ideal for vocational customers demanding a durable, stable ride with greater articulation.
“The Mack Twin Y and Mack mRIDE are designed specifically for what customers have told us they need to be successful,” said John Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing. “Both of these suspensions benefit from our Mack proprietary axles, which provide even greater stability and fuel efficiency.”
Design of Mack Twin Y Key to Improved Control, Stability
Customer field tested for more than three million miles and available on the MACK® Pinnacle™ Axle Back and Axle Forward models, the MACK Twin Y features MACK® S38 and S40 series axles with C125/126 and C150/151 carriers.
The design of the Mack Twin Y air suspension includes two stamped high-strength steel Y-shaped blades per wheel end. The Twin Y blades are joined to the axle with both upper and lower axle seats, which greatly reduces suspension windup and significantly improves tire traction and braking control.
The axle seats are clamped to the axle housing by Huck U-bolts on both sides and never need to be re-torqued.
Bushings in the upper and lower axle seats offer greater roll control and deliver easier handling and a more comfortable ride. Lighter weight and non-torque reactive, the Twin Y requires less maintenance and extends tire and component life, significantly improving customer ROI.
The Twin Y’s design means the load on the suspension is entirely on the air ride and not on the pivot bushing.
“The industry has never before seen an air suspension system engineered like the Mack Twin Y,” said Jerry Warmkessel, Mack marketing product manager for on-highway. “Offered with Mack axles for even greater fuel efficiency, the Twin Y air suspension sets the bar for the industry. Our customers demand a good ride at a competitive cost and lower weight. We’re offering all of that and more with the Mack Twin Y.”
Mack mRIDE for the Tough, Vocational Applications
The Mack mRIDE spring suspension, paired with the Mack C150/151 series axle carriers, delivers superior performance for vocational applications and is available on the MACK Granite®, Titan by MACK, Mack Pinnacle Axle Forward and the MACK TerraPro™ model trucks.
The use of spring leafs over four separate rubber block packs offer stability and articulation, while also allowing the needed clearance for larger tires and brake components required in construction and vocational applications.
In addition to being lighter than other spring suspensions, the mRIDE delivers a smoother ride, improved stability and greater ground clearance over difficult terrain. The Mack mRIDE provides constant ground contact for all wheels over its articulation range, which in turn maximizes traction on any jobsite. 
The parallel pinion angles of the Mack axles extend the driveline joint life. Coupled with the greaseless mRIDE suspension, the offering boasts easier maintenance and is easier to align, contributing to reduced customer maintenance costs.
“The completely integrated drivetrain offered by a Mack MP engine, Mack transmission, Mack axles and now the Mack mRIDE suspension creates superior performance, stability and handling,” said Curtis Dorwart, Mack vocational marketing product manager. “Mack vocational customers can count on mRIDE-equipped trucks to absorb more of the rough work on jobsites, keeping drivers more comfortable and productive.”
For more information on the Mack Twin Y Air Suspension and Mack mRIDE, please visit Mack booth no. 30245 during the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky. March 21-23.
       
The lightweight and low-maintenance MACK® Twin Y™ Air Suspension
provides best-in-class ride and handling.
The MACK® mRIDE spring suspension, paired with the MACK® C150 /151
axle carriers, delivers superior performance for vocational applications.
Dedicated to quality, reliability, and total customer satisfaction, Mack Trucks, Inc. has provided its customers with innovative transportation solutions for more than a century.  Today, Mack is one of North America’s largest producers of heavy-duty trucks and MACK® trucks are sold and serviced through an extensive distribution network in more than 45 countries.  Mack trucks and diesel engines sold in North America are assembled in the United States.  Mack manufacturing locations are certified to the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality and ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems.  Mack is also a proud sponsor of Share the Road, an American Trucking Associations' public information campaign aimed at enhancing the safety of our nation’s roadways.
Mack Trucks, Inc. is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, and drive systems for marine and industrial applications.  The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service.  The Volvo Group, which employs nearly 115,000 people, has production facilities in 20 countries and sells their products in more than 190 markets.  Volvo Group sales for 2011 amounted to $47.8 billion.  The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden.  Volvo shares are listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and are traded OTC in the U.S.
For more information about Mack, visit our Web site at www.macktrucks.com

3/22/13

Renault Kangoo Z.E. - ecoVan of the Year 2013


For the full story go to Vans-of-the-Year-Awards-2013-ecoVOTY. Renault's all-electric Kangoo Z.E. has been voted the VansA2Z ecoVan of the year for the second consecutive year. Competition is hotting up, however, with the imminent arrival of the Citroën Berlingo/Peugeot Partner Electrique and Nissan's eNV200 at the beginning of 2014. www.VansA2Z.com

Truck U Reviews The Load'N'Go PowerBody


Truck U on the SPEED Channel hosts Matt Steele and Bruno Massel demonstrate the Load'N'Go Powerbody slip-on work truck tool box from Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies. The work truck industries original full size steel pickup truck utility - service body.

See more about Fleetwest products at www.fleetwest.net.

See more about the Air N Arc 150 at http://www.vanair.com/index.php/air-n-arc-all-in-one-power-systems-side/air-n-arc-150-side.html

See more about Truck U at http://truckutv.com/

3/21/13

All-new Ford Transit Custom -- International Van of the Year 2013


The all-new Transit Custom sets the benchmark for efficiency and loadspace, improves your productivity and will make a striking impression on your customers. So it fully merits the prestigious International Van of the Year award.

The CNG Advantage by Westport


The benefits of converting to a compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle and the importance of selecting a Qualified Vehicle Modifier. See how Westport can help you save on your bottom line at http://www.westport.com.