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Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / April 2, 2019 Kenworth has expanded its option offerings for the company’s medium-duty cabover K370 and K270 models. For the Kenworth K370 Class 7 cabover, new options are the Dana Spicer S23-172E 23K high entry axle, Reyco 23K rear suspension, Dana 1710 driveline series, 8K lift axle pusher, pusher tires and wheels, and upsized park and spring brakes. These options are applicable for heavy freight delivery, dump truck, small concrete mixer and crane, while also opening the door for other vocational uses, such as a larger concrete mixer or 43K dump. The K370 and the Class 6 K270 both now offer the Davco 245 fuel/water separator combined with a battery disconnect switch on the left-hand rail as an option. “These enhancements for the Kenworth K270 and K370 cabovers provide customers with more choices to expand the product line into a wider range of medium duty applications,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. The Kenworth K270 and K370 are powered by the 6.7-liter PACCAR PX-7 engine, which is rated up to 260 horsepower and 660 lbs.-ft. of torque. Both models are standard with the 2100 HS Allison 5-speed automatic transmission. A 55-degree wheel cut offers a tighter turning radius and greater maneuverability for operating in crowded urban environments. The cabovers also offer a large windshield for enhanced visibility, and room to carry a three-person crew with an air-suspended driver seat and two-person bench seat. With a bumper to back of cab measurement of only 63.4 inches, the Kenworth cabovers provide increased room for body installations. This enables the K270 and K370 to haul more payload with a shorter overall length. This is especially important as overall truck length is becoming more regulated in some major metropolitan cities. .

Meritor Invests in Electrification Technology Provider TransPower Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / April 2, 2019 Meritor has announced an additional strategic investment in TransPower, an electrification technologies provider for large commercial vehicles, to support future growth. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. "This investment will allow us to advance the development of transformative electrification technologies for the commercial vehicle industry," said Jay Craig, chief executive officer and president, Meritor. "Our collaboration with TransPower has proved successful in the early phase of our electrification strategy and we believe it will continue to create a winning formula as we look ahead to low-volume production in the future." Meritor's investment will fund continued improvements in the development of controls for its eAxle and commercialization of electric vehicle system solutions from both companies. Through various programs with major OEMs, almost 100 vehicles are planned to be equipped with Meritor and TransPower electrification systems between 2019 and 2020. Meritor's eCarrier platform integrates an electric motor into the axle, freeing up space for batteries and other components. The design serves as the foundation for various drivetrain configurations, including full electric, hybrid, and single or tandem axles with various options based on product application for vehicle Classes 5 through 8. California-based TransPower supplies integrated drive systems, full electric truck solutions and energy-storage subsystems to major manufacturers of trucks, school buses, refuse vehicles and terminal tractors. The company has been focused exclusively on developing electrical drive solutions for more than seven years.

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / April 2, 2019 Strick Trailers has released a fiberglass reinforced composite dry van trailer, offering a combination of light weight, durability, longevity and low-cost maintenance. The FRC trailer made its debut during American Trucking Associations' Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, showcasing a 53-foot beverage linehaul van for regional delivery and a 40-foot beverage van featuring an overhead door with lift gate, custom E-Track system, insulation package, and Thermo King heater unit for local delivery. The FRC is available in any combination from 28-foot pups to 60-foot linehaul vans providing carriers a customized trailer to meet the demands of daily operations. The FRC trailers are offered with interior optional features such as E-track, various cargo control systems, and enhanced insulation packages for greater climate control abilities to meet specific delivery requirements. The FRC Trailers are assembled in Monroe, Indiana. “By means of a new revolutionary sidewall construction process, we’re able to combine select materials to create seamless, snag-free, full-length FRC side-wall panels that are pultruded with a moisture-resistant P.E.T. core that is 100% recyclable,” said Justin Bell, vice president of Strick Engineering. “This process guarantees longevity as the panels will not delaminate, and the hydrophobic characteristic prevents "wicking", ensuring zero water intrusion or corrosion.” .

Trailer-Body Builders / April 2, 2019 Fontaine Modification recently acquired truck upfitter ProBilt Services of Ohio, along with the company’s 30,000-square-foot facility located less than half a mile from the Kenworth assembly plant in Chillicothe. This facility, which also has parking for more than 100 trucks, becomes Fontaine’s ninth US modification center. The team at Fontaine’s new Chillicothe facility will provide fleet in-servicing and vehicle modifications to Kenworth trucks. A ship-thru agreement with Kenworth means customers can have their modifications completed and their trucks made “ready to work” without additional transportation time and expense. Services include equipment and graphics installation, pre-delivery inspections, cab modifications and custom vehicle modifications. “We’re excited to acquire this well-run operation with a good crew of technicians and a long list of happy customers,” said Paul Kokalis, Fontaine Modification president. “We look forward to putting our more than 30 years of truck post-production leadership to work for Kenworth customers around the country.” Fontaine operates two additional modification centers* in Ohio, one in Springfield and another in Avon Lake. The company also has three locations in North Carolina, two in Texas and one in West Virginia. Fontaine said it plans to retain ProBilt’s Chillicothe team. * https://www.fontainemodification.com/company-locations-cxlm “We’re proud of our Chillicothe team and the business relationships we have made there,” said Toney Fitzgerald, principle owner of ProBilt. “While we are sad to leave Chillicothe, we trust Fontaine Modification will nurture and grow this business to its full potential. This move allows us to focus on our home operation in Denton TX.” .

Cummins provides US Postal Service with 8 electric vans in California Green Car Congress / April 2, 2019 In March, Cummins began delivering eight Cummins-powered all-electric vehicles to the United States Postal Service (USPS) in California. The fully-electric Cummins PowerDrive equipped vans are expected to reduce fuel and maintenance costs as well as eliminate emissions. The pilot program, made possible by a grant from the California Air Resources Board to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) and administered by CALSTART, will place the zero-emission vehicles in Fresno and Stockton. Cummins will also provide operator training, vehicle support and data collection to support the program. The eight Cummins-powered vans have an all-electric range up to 85 miles with a full load on urban drive cycles typical of USPS collection vehicles. The direct drive architecture provides improved performance over the gasoline-powered version in critical areas of power and efficiency. The vans use the same charging system as passenger electric vehicles (SAE J1772 Level 2) and can reach a full charge in about eight hours, making overnight charging a viable option. In 2017, Cummins announced its commitment to invest $500 million in electrification across many applications, markets and regions over a period of three years. Cummins Electrified Power business’ 200 engineers are solely focused on inventing electrified power solutions for its customers. In 2018, the company announced partnerships and collaborations with on- and off-highway OEMs who are working on electrification solutions in products ranging from bus to medium duty trucks, light commercial vehicles, excavators and drayage trucks. .

Jay's restoration blogs are always extremely interesting.

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's Diesel Engine Puts Up Impressive Numbers Joey Capparella, Car & Driver / March 26, 2019 This new 3.0-liter inline-six beats the F-150 diesel in both horsepower and torque. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500's new turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six makes 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers beat the Ford F-150 diesel's 3.0-liter V-6 by 27 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque. We don't yet know the diesel model's towing capacity or fuel-economy estimates, but those should come before the engine goes on sale this summer. We've already tested versions of the new Chevrolet Silverado with its 5.3-liter V-8, 6.2-liter V-8, and turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine options, and now we finally know more details about its new turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six. After Jalopnik published a story about the diesel's numbers, we dug into the 2019 Silverado 1500's order guide and found the official specs that show this new Duramax turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six makes 277 horsepower at 3750 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 1500 rpm. For comparison, its closest rival, the Ford F-150 diesel with its 3.0-liter V-6, makes 250 horsepower at 3250 rpm and 440 lb-ft of torque at 1750 rpm. The Silverado's diesel mates with a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The engine is a stand-alone option at $2495 on LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country trim levels in both extended- and crew-cab forms. For lower trim levels, opting for the diesel engine requires adding numerous packages including the Convenience package and the Trailering package, meaning it can cost more than $5000 altogether. There's still more info we don't know, including the Silverado diesel's towing capacity and its EPA fuel-economy estimates. To beat the F-150 in those respects, it will need to be able to tow more than 11,400 pounds and hit 30 mpg on the highway (those max ratings are for regular-cab, two-wheel-drive versions of the F-150 diesel, a configuration that Chevrolet doesn't offer). Chevrolet told C/D that the order books on the diesel Silverado will open shortly, with first customer deliveries coming this summer.

Truck News Australia / March 2019 New trucks from Kenworth don’t come around very often, but this week has seen the release and first drive of two all new models from Kenworth. Diesel got a first look and a first drive around the AARC testing track at Anglesea in Victoria. The two new models are the T410 and the T360, effectively replacing the current T409 and the T359. These are the latest updates to the Kenworth range as the 2.1 metre wide standard cabin design works its way across the offering from Kenworth. The first in the sequence was the introduction of the T610, which came out two years ago and has been accepted as a viable model. In fact, the T610 and the T610 SAR has been approaching 50 per cent of the Paccar assembly plant in Bayswater’s production in recent times. The new models are part of a general realignment of the model range in the Kenworth world. The T610 trucks are now those fitted with 15 litre engines from Cummins and the T410 range are trucks fitted with the 13 litre engine from Paccar, the MX13. In the past, models like the T409SAR was often sold fitted with a 15 litre X15 engine, but this is no longer the case. If you want a fifteen litre engine, you go the T610 or any of the other T6 models still available, plus, of course, the T909. The T410 will only be available with a Paccar 13 litre. In superseding the T359, the T360 just takes the vocational workhorse of the last few years to another level. This what Kenworth do best, come up with a model, run with it for a few years and then refine it and refine it until it is ideally suited for an application. This is the case for the T360, which has developed from the original T350 from earlier this century. The truck was originally designed to fit into the tight dimensional rules around heavy rigid trucks, where a short bumper to back of cab (BBC) and a set forward axle enable operators to maximise load space or body space whilst retaining high GCM allowances. One of the more successful adaptations of this design has been the 8×4 and 10×4 versions of this model. In the T360 we see the truck become a flexible platform for twin steer rigid operation utilising the nine litre Cummins ISL with a choice of transmissions in behind. On first impression these trucks deliver on everything Kenworth were looking to take the brand forward. Using the single basic cabin introduces a cost saving for the company, while providing a better working environment for the driver. These new trucks are characterised by the availability of safety systems and excellent all round visibility for the driver. The sometimes cramped feel in some Kenworth product has gone, with these wider cabs with much more glass fitted in the windows. The cabin interior layout is now much simpler and more rational, plus consistency across the range means a driver getting out of a small T360 and climbing into a top power T610 will be confronted with an almost identical layout. All of the trucks tested drive well and felt very much fit-for-purpose. The concentration on the MX13 engine seems to be justified by the reconfiguring of the the engine to run at 12 volts and its much improved integration in the driveline, especially when coupled with another innovation in the Australian market, the Paccar 12 speed AMT transmission. This new AMT is in fact, an adaptation, made by Eaton, of the transmission makers 12 speed AMT sold widely on the US market. It has been calibrated to the Paccar engine’s performance characteristics. The smoothness and swiftness of the ratio changes, coupled with a particularly torquey little performer in the MX13 make for a very smooth and effortless drive. .

Scania Group Press Release / March 28, 2019 When Swiss bus driver Walter Burch retired five years ago, he was offered the job of his life. Twice a week, he drives a purpose-built Scania Interlink over the Alps at almost 3,000 metres on one of the world’s most spectacular and demanding bus routes. .

Engineering News / March 27, 2019 In one of its largest fleet deals concluded to date, Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa (DTBSA) has handed over 77 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks to Bakers South Africa (SA), an independently owned transport and logistics services company, based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. “This is one of the biggest orders that we have concluded with Mercedes-Benz Trucks and, as in the past, we are sure that we will reap the benefits, especially with the latest Actros Euro V,” says Bakers SA chairperson Abdul Tayob. In an unprecedented move for the local market, all 77 trucks are Euro V emission standard. The new Actros Euro V reduces harmful nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions by up to 90% in comparison with Euro II engines, which are the norm on South African trucks. As the amount of carbon dioxide (C02) emitted is directly related to the amount of diesel burnt, the global average fuel saving of up to 7% on the Euro V Actros also means that CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 7%. The only requirement is that 50 ppm low sulphur diesel is used. This is needed both technically for the vehicles and to meet the promised emission target. This clean fuel is not yet available all across South Africa, but is starting to roll out progressively, even if the legal standard remains Euro II. “More attention to the environmental and safety standards is becoming the norm. These aspects are, therefore, becoming increasingly important to us. As well as having a bearing on a company's image, they have tangible economic benefits,” notes Tayob. “There are a number of advantages that persuaded us to purchase only Euro V Actros. From a technical side, the trucks’ reliability, improved safety and low fuel consumption meant this was the best choice we could make.” Bakers SA’s fleet has comprised 99% Mercedes-Benz trucks since its inception in the seventies. .

Iepieleaks / March 25, 2019 Volvo Trucks has showcased a concept XXL cab for the Australian market. Just like the previous FH model the new FH is also going to offer more interior space. The cab is 20 cm longer than the standard FH sleepercab and that gives a lot more interior space. The longer cab is still a concept and not for sale yet, but Volvo seems to be serious about it. Funny enough we found the same longer XXL cab on the official British Volvo website, complete with all the sizes. The illustration shows the changed air deflectors. The difference with the Australian concept is that the UK version seems to be stretched inbetween the side deflectors. The Australian concept cab has longer side panels. The space behind the storage lockers show that. We wonder if one of these cabs is going to make it to series production, and we do give the UK version the best change. .

Why Ford Just Overhauled Its Big Trucks John Rosevear, The Motley Fool / March 27, 2019 Hint: Electric vehicles are involved -- but not in the way you think. It was overshadowed a bit by other news, but Ford announced something important recently: It's giving its commercial vehicle lineup a big overhaul. Commercial trucks and vans might not seem as exciting to investors as, say, electric cars. After all, where's the growth? But investors should take note here: Commercial vehicles are one of the "profit pillars" that will help Ford fund new high-tech lines of business, including big moves into electric vehicles and self-driving. In other words, commercial vehicles are a key part of Ford's plan to get to that exciting future. Ford is spending money to maintain its strong competitive position and increase the profitability of its trucks, and that's not boring at all. Let's take a closer look. A slew of new profit-boosting commercial vehicles Here's the laundry list of new products, changes, and updates that Ford has announced around its commercial-vehicle lineup since the beginning of March: An all-new F-600 Super Duty. The F-600 fills a blank spot in Ford's lineup: It has the capabilities of a medium-duty "Class 6" truck, but it's sized like a "Class 5" model -- more like a big pickup. That makes it easier to drive and park, and cheaper to operate. A revamped Transit van, with new driver-assist technologies that make it easier to drive, a new all-wheel-drive option, and more fuel-efficient drivetrains that make it less expensive to operate over its life cycle. That's all important, because the Transit is a big seller and a big profit generator. It's Ford's global commercial-van stalwart, used by plumbers and delivery services and other commercial customers all over the world. The automaker is making the investments necessary to keep it competitive with rivals from German heavyweight Daimler AG and others. Ford's biggest trucks, the F-650 and F-750 Medium Duty models, get a new gasoline engine option (a new 7.3-liter V8) and a revamped dashboard and stereo system intended to help the bigger trucks feel familiar to new drivers who might have experience with Ford's pickups. Ford points out that the labor market for medium-duty truck drivers in the U.S. is tight right now; these changes seem simple, but they'll help Ford's customers get new drivers up to speed more quickly. Ford's F-53 and F-59 "stripped chassis" models, which serve as the basis of vehicles like motor homes and walk-in vans, also get new steering systems and instrument clusters intended to make them easier to drive. Ford's ancient E-Series van, which is still offered in a "cutaway" version used for vehicles like shuttle buses and ambulances, also gets the updated instrument cluster and radios, and the new 7.3-liter engine is now an option here as well. Last but not least, Ford announced that it will build the next-generation version of its small Transit Connect vans at the Mexico factory that currently builds the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans. The Transit Connect is a popular urban commercial vehicle. Ford also offers a version with seats and an upgraded interior as an alternative to minivans. Right now, Transit Connects sold in the U.S. are imported from Europe; building the vans in Mexico should reduce the costs of those sold here while giving Ford's dealers more vans to sell. · So what? · About two years ago, former CEO Mark Fields explained that Ford sees commercial vehicles as one of its four "profit pillars," along with pickups, SUVs, and performance vehicles. These are all parts of the vehicle market where the company has a significant presence and generates good profits. At the time, Fields said that Ford would invest in all of them to boost profits, which in turn would be used to finance the automaker's moves into electric vehicles, self-driving, and shared mobility. · Fields' successor as CEO, Jim Hackett, has changed many things at Ford since taking over in May 2017, but he hasn't changed that part of Fields' strategy. This series of announcements might not sound sexy, but they're an important component of Ford's plan to get to a profitable high-tech future -- by boosting sales and staying abreast of rivals in the here and now. .

Hino strives for a piece of the Class 8 truck market Brian Straight, Freight Waves / March 28, 2019 COLUMBUS, Indiana. It’s been about 50 years since a truck maker has successfully entered the Class 8 market in North America and lasted, said Dominik Beckman, director of marketing and dealer operations for Hino Trucks. So what makes Hino think it can do that now? “We still view ourselves as an emerging player,” says Beckman, despite the fact that Hino has been selling trucks in the U.S. for 30 years. Beckman said the company has earned 15 percent overall market share in the medium-duty segments, selling 14,492 units in 2018. That market share is 17 percent in Class 4, 31 percent in Class 5 cabover diesel, and increased 10 percent in Class 6, where Penske, Ryder and Enterprise purchase 38 percent of all vehicles. Growth in these segments are being driven by last-mile, Beckman said, as Hino trucks come off the assembly line as chassis that are then outfitted with a wide array of bodies. Opportunity exists in Class 7 and Class 8, Beckman believes, and Hino is looking to prove that out. The company is no stranger to heavy duty trucks. Part of Toyota, Hino sells Class 8 vehicles in many global markets. The new trucks in America will launch later this year. Orders will be taken starting in May. The XL Series will be offered in the Class 7 XL7 straight truck or the Class 8 XL8 tractor configuration. Both will be powered by Hino’s A09 turbo diesel, 8.9 liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The trucks will be come in various configurations, ranging from a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 33,000 to 60,000 lbs. and gross combined weight rating (GCWR) up to 66,000 lbs. The engine can produce up to 360 horsepower and 1,150 lbs.-ft. torque. Wheel base options include configurations up to 304 inches. Tandem axle is also an option. The truck will be built at Hino’s new Mineral Springs, West Virginia factory, a 1-million square-foot facility opening this year. Inside the truck, driver comfort was considered. Model-year 2020 vehicles will include an air-ride cab and driver’s seat, hands-free Bluetooth audio/calling, steering wheel controls, LED headlights, cruise control, and air conditioning will all be standard equipment. The vehicles will come with HinoWatch 24/7 roadside assistance and HinoCare maintenance programs. Hino’s telematics solution, Hino Insight, will also be available. Hino Insight Telematics carries a one-year complimentary subscription, while Insight Remote Diagnostics and Insight Case Management are complimentary for five years. The Hino Insight package offers customers up to a 30 percent reduction idle time, 25 percent reduction in fuel costs, and 20 percent increase in fleet utilization through its data insights, Beckman noted. Since being introduced in 2017, more than 40,000 Hino trucks have been sold with the Insight package. Beckman also said that Hino will added extended cab and crew cab configurations of the XL series as well as a heavier front axle option for snow plow applications. Those updates will be formally announced at the North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta this fall. The company will also give its Class 4-5 cabovers a makeover for the 2021 model year. .

Kenworth Truck Co. Press Release / March 28, 2019 COLUMBUS, Miss., March 28, 2019 - The 200,000th PACCAR MX engine produced for the North American market at the PACCAR Engine Company’s engine plant in Columbus, Mississippi, was celebrated recently during a special presentation to UPS. The milestone engine is a PACCAR MX-13 rated at 455 hp and 1,650 lb-ft of torque that resides in a new, fuel-efficient Kenworth T680 Day Cab going into service in UPS regional haul operations. “It was fitting to recognize UPS with the 200,000th PACCAR MX series engine. We have established an excellent collaboration with UPS over the years, aided by the strong support of MHC Kenworth – Atlanta and the PACCAR Columbus engine plant,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “PACCAR MX engines are known for outstanding fuel efficiency, exceptional reliability and durability, low ownership cost, high horsepower and torque ratings, and quiet operation. These important attributes provide tangible benefits to UPS and all our customers operating PACCAR MX engines.” “We appreciate the selection of UPS to receive the milestone 200,000th PACCAR MX engine for installation in our newest Kenworth T680. Our Kenworth T680s equipped with PACCAR MX engines are performing well in UPS operations throughout the United States,” said Bill Brentar, UPS Senior Director of Maintenance and Engineering for Transportation Equipment at the company’s headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. “UPS maintains a productive working relationship with Kenworth and MHC Kenworth – Atlanta, and we look forward to our continued mutual success.” UPS purchased its first Kenworth trucks with PACCAR MX engines from MHC Kenworth – Atlanta in 2012. Today, UPS operates more than 3,000 Kenworth T680s with the PACCAR MX-13 engine. “Our collaboration with UPS is very important. UPS further optimized the PACCAR MX-13 engine’s benefits by also making the PACCAR 12-speed automated transmission standard for its T680s, beginning with last year’s 700-truck order of Kenworth’s on-highway flagship,” said Eddie Davis, MHC Kenworth vice president. During the special ceremony, Kevin Baney, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing, presented a special commemorative plaque to Brentar and Mark Collins, UPS Director of Maintenance and Engineering for Transportation Equipment. Also participating were MHC Kenworth’s Eddie Davis, and Katie Guest, new truck sales, MHC Kenworth – Atlanta; Lance Walters, plant manager for the PACCAR Engine Plant in Columbus, Mississippi; Kathie Falcone, Kenwoth director of sales operations; and Andy Manos, Kenworth national fleet service manager. The PACCAR MX engine series is comprised of two engines. The 12.9-liter PACCAR MX-13 engine provides efficiency and flexibility together into one, high-performance solution, and is available with ratings of 405 to 510 hp and 1,450 to 1,850 lb-ft of torque. The 10.8-liter PACCAR MX-11 engine features superior performance, powerful and lightweight design, and offers ratings of 355 to 430 hp and 1,250 to 1,650 lb-ft of torque. Both the PACCAR MX-13 and PACCAR MX-11 offer a B10 design life of one million miles in line haul applications. This means 90 percent of PACCAR Engines will log up to one million miles without a major overhaul. The state-of-the-art Columbus factory began producing PACCAR advanced diesel engines in 2010. Located on a 400-acre site in the Golden Triangle Industrial Park, the 450,000-square-foot factory employs more than 600 people, and produces 160 engines each day of operation, according to plant manager Walters. The plant has been a zero-waste-to-landfill facility since it was opened, and nearly 90 percent of material arrives at the plant in returnable containers. “Employees are critical to the plant’s success with the quality, innovation, technology and care they build into every PACCAR MX engine produced here,” Walters said. .

Cummins Inc. Press Release / March 27, 2019

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / March 27, 2019 Fontaine Modification and Daycab Company are offering a new extended cab option for International HX Series trucks that adds eight inches of interior space to the rear of the cab. The expanded cab offers drivers additional space for storing personal items and adjusting seats to increase comfort on the road. Some fleets choose the HX Series for applications where length is a primary concern because of the design’s short bumper to back of cab measurement. But for applications where this is not as critical, an extended cab can expand the truck’s versatility. “In some applications where drivers spend extended periods of time in their trucks, additional cab space can improve their safety, efficiency and comfort,” says Jamil Young, president, Fontaine Modification Fleet Services. “This new modification is a simple, effective solution.” The cab extension was designed to use many original equipment parts, maintain the existing cab and exhaust mounting, and utilize only minimal specially designed parts. Daycab Company builds the extensions at its Tennessee manufacturing facility and paints them to match the existing cabs. Fontaine then installs them on the trucks at its Laredo, Texas, modification center, which is located near the Navistar International manufacturing plant where the HX Series is built. After installation, Fontaine returns the trucks to International’s transportation system. Using this ship-thru process allows customers to receive vehicles quickly and efficiently, reducing logistical time and cost. .

ZF to acquire WABCO in $7 billion deal Fleet Owner / March 28, 2019 With WABCO, ZF looks to form the world’s leading integrated systems provider for commercial vehicle technology as race for autonomous vehicles heats up. German auto parts manufacturer ZF Friedrichshafen AG is acquiring WABCO Holdings Inc., a global supplier of technologies and services that improve the safety, efficiency and connectivity of commercial vehicles. The deal will combine WABCO’s specialty in commercial vehicle safety systems — which includes technologies that can automatically slow or stop a vehicle — with ZF’s driveline and chassis technologies. Under the agreement announced on Thursday, ZF will acquire all outstanding shares of WABCO for $136.50 per share in an all-cash transaction for an equity value of over $7 billion. The acquisition price represents a 13% premium to the closing stock price of $120.75 on Feb. 26, the date before media reports and WABCO’s confirmation that ZF had approached the company. The acquisition is part of ZF’s Next Generation Mobility strategy and will expand the company’s expertise to include commercial vehicle braking solutions for the first time. This plays a central role for the control of automated driving functions – including emergency braking maneuvers of trucks and trailers. Following the acquisition, customers of both companies will be able to have a fully integrated system approach, new drive systems for E-Mobility and autonomous driving functions. ZF expects that automated driving functions will primarily be implemented for commercial vehicles and in areas with low complexity and traffic – such as factory sites, at airports, and in agriculture. The combination of both businesses is expected to further accelerate the development of new technologies to enable autonomous commercial vehicle functions, making ZF less dependent on the economic cycle of the passenger car industry. In a company statement, ZF added that the acquisition is consistent with its goal to develop and deliver technology solutions that make cars and commercial vehicles see, think and act in order to reduce emissions and increase road safety. While ZF already has sensor systems and computing technology for its “see“ and “think” competence, together with WABCO ZF will in future be completing the portfolio for commercial vehicle technologies to offer solutions to allow vehicles to “act”. ZF notes it is already a leading supplier in the area of steering and driveline technology. “This is the right combination at the right price at the right time for WABCO,” said Jacques Esculier, chairman and CEO of WABCO. “We have a history of successful collaboration with ZF, including prototyping industry-first technologies, and the strategic fit between our two companies is compelling. After a thorough review, we are very pleased to announce a definitive agreement that we believe is in the best interest of WABCO shareholders.” Wolf-Henning Scheider, CEO of ZF, said: “We believe that, together with WABCO, ZF can form the world’s leading integrated systems provider for commercial vehicle technology, creating long-term value and security for its customers, employees and owners.” For ZF, the acquisition of a specialist in commercial vehicle braking systems “means adding a stable and growing business segment and enables our existing commercial vehicle division to expand its expertise in vehicle dynamics control,” Scheider added. “This will create the foundation for ZF to offer comprehensive systems for safe and automated mobility solutions for passengers and goods to our customers. This is also in the best interest of our owners, the Zeppelin Foundation and the Dr. Jürgen and Irmgard Ulderup Foundation, as the transaction will result in a sustainable strengthening of ZF.” Esculier said he’s proud of WABCO’s track record since becoming a stand-alone public company nearly 12 years ago. He added that WABCO’s “early anticipation of industry dynamics and ongoing ability to innovate technology ahead of others are key contributors to our sustained differentiation and success. We are therefore highly attuned to long-range competitive forces and their potential implications as the sector contemplates a future of autonomous, electric and connected vehicles.” Esculier said it has become apparent that the industry will face “a new level of strategic complexity” and will attract new competition, including new entrants from outside the sector that are able to bring resources to the table. “Considering these factors, we strongly believe this is the appropriate moment to be joining forces with ZF, providing access to critical technology and the global size and scale to de-risk the return on investment required as the industry transforms. And as a result, it will realize certainty of value and liquidity for our shareholders,” Esculier said. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by WABCO’s Board of Directors, is expected to close in early 2020. It is subject to approval by WABCO’s shareholders, customary closing conditions, and regulatory approvals. .

German supplier ZF agrees to pay $7 billion for Wabco Automotive News / March 28, 2019 Trucking parts supplier Wabco Holdings Inc. on Thursday said it agreed to sell itself to German rival ZF Friedrichshafen in a deal valued at more than $7 billion. The all-cash deal is for $136.50 per share and represents a 13 percent premium to Wabco's closing price of $120.75 on Feb. 26. The two companies said the deal, which is expected to close in early 2020, had been unanimously approved by Wabco's board of directors. The deal is contingent on ZF clinching more than 50 percent of Wabco's shares. Last month, Reuters reported that ZF had held takeover talks with Wabco, as the unlisted company seeks to overhaul its business for an era of self-driving trucks. Wabco, based in Brussels for tax purposes with its operational headquarters in suburban Detroit, specializes in braking control systems and other safety technologies for commercial vehicles. Last month Wabco reported record annual sales and earnings, posting net income of $394 million on revenue of $3.83 billion. It employs about 16,000 people in 40 countries. Last year, Wabco invested $20 million to build a 102,000-square-foot headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. It's unclear whether ZF will maintain that building or consolidate it with other large operations around suburban Detroit in Livonia and Northville. Following the acquisition, ZF expects to generate about $44 billion a year in revenue. ZF CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider said in a statement: “We believe that, together with WABCO, ZF can form the world’s leading integrated systems provider for commercial vehicle technology, creating long-term value and security for its customers, employees and owners. "For ZF the acquisition of a specialist and leader for commercial vehicle braking systems means adding a stable and growing business segment and enables our existing commercial vehicle division to expand its expertise in vehicle dynamics control. "This will create the foundation for ZF to offer comprehensive systems for safe and automated mobility solutions for passengers and goods to our customers." ZF has done large acquisitions in the past and in 2014 bought TRW Automotive for $13.5 billion to expand into the potentially lucrative self-driving car market. Previously, ZF has said it plans to invest more than 12 billion euros ($13.6 billion) into e-mobility and autonomous driving.

Transport Topics / March 28, 2019 ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a global supplier of mobility systems for commercial vehicles, passenger cars and industrial technology, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wabco Holdings Inc. for $7.1 billion, or $136.50 per share. The planned acquisition has been approved by ZF’s management board and supervisory board, and Wabco’s board of directors. Once completed, the combined company will have sales of about $45 billion. Wabco’s products and services include integrated braking systems and stability control, air suspension systems and transmission automation controls, as well as aerodynamics, telematics and fleet management offerings. “We do not expect other offers and view ZF as the most logical acquirer given their size, complementary commercial vehicle business and stated aim to grow this area of their business,“ R.W. Baird & Co. analyst David Leiker wrote in a note. “Other companies over time with a rumored interest in Wabco include Continental AG and Cummins Inc., but we do not expect either to make a competing offer. Continental is pursuing other areas of investment, while Cummins has remained focused on powertrain-related products,” Leiker added. ZF expects to close the transaction in the beginning of 2020. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, other customary closing conditions and shareholder approval with more than 50% of Wabco’s outstanding shares.

VW updates status of Ford alliance talks Jan Schwartz, Automotive News / March 28, 2019 HANNOVER -- Volkswagen Group has signed a deal to develop a pickup truck with Ford and may extend its alliance to include autonomous driving and mobility services, the German automaker said. In January, VW and Ford agreed to develop a range of midsize pickups and commercial vehicles. They also agreed to explore cooperating on electric and autonomous cars as part of a sweeping alliance designed to save each automaker billions in costs. The successor to the VW Amarok pickup will be the first joint vehicle project with Ford, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles CEO Thomas Sedran said on Thursday. Ford has a platform for its Ranger midsized pickup truck, which could help VW lower development costs. Other joint vehicle projects may follow including joint EVs, Sedran said, without elaborating. Discussions over VW's investment in Ford's self-driving unit Argo AI have been ongoing for several weeks. "We are in constructive talks about taking a stake in Argo, the Ford division for autonomous driving. A joint company for offering mobility as a service is also a possibility," Sedran said Thursday. Last month, The Wall Street Journal reported that VW is preparing to invest $600 million as an equity investment in Argo, with each company owning half of the business. VW would invest $1.1 billion in working capital for the entity's r&d operations, the report said. The talks will come to a conclusion in the coming months, Sedran said. Ford bought Argo, a Pittsburgh-based self-driving startup, in 2017 but development costs for autonomous cars have spiraled in recent years, leading several carmakers to seek alliances and outside investors.

Isuzu Truck America Press Release / March 20, 2019 Class 6 Truck Comparison of an Isuzu FTR and F-650. All testing performed by an independent third party. .

Cummins Inc. Press Release / March 22, 2019 There’s something to be said about confidence. Confidence gives you the feeling of security, support, and strength. We all look for the edge that allows us to perform our best, whether that’s on the job or off the clock. Why not have an engine that gives you that extra edge of confidence in your truck? Cummins 6.7 Liter Turbo Diesel takes 3500, 4500 and 5500 RAM customers to the next level of performance. PERFORMANCE An engine needs to provide the power and performance you need on and off the job. Cummins is committed to providing customers with an extra edge of confidence in performance while hauling, so you can work hard and play hard. The Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel for Chassis cabs boasts 360 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque. The RAM 3500 / 4500 / 5500 Chassis Cabs with the Cummins 6.7L turbo Diesel are offered with an Aisin 6-Speed Auto Transmission. With the 3500 delivering a 25,890 lbs. of best-in-class towing capability Also available with the 45/5500 RAM Chassis Cab, with 800 pound-feet of best-in-class torque, delivering 35,220 lbs. of maximum towing capability. HIGH RELIABILITY From hauling your equipment on and off the job site, to Hauling your toy hauler on the weekend, you should have the highest level of reliability when it comes to hauling, towing, and payload. This legendary engine provides fuel efficiency and class-leading 12,000 thousand mile oil change intervals. That’s power and reliability you can always count on. DURABILITY As the only engine with its own high mileage club, there is no denying that at 100,000 you’re just getting started with a Cummins powered RAM. Wear your engine’s high mileage like a badge of honor. Become part of the Cummins legacy of longevity with an engine that will withstand what you need for your work, business, or personal needs. Sign up with your high mileage RAM today at highmileage.cummins.com LEGACY Cummins has been providing confidence for100 years. From pioneering new technology to first partnering with Ram in 1989 to haul two tons more than any competitor at the time. Cummins has been a leader in the diesel engine world since Clessie Cummins launched the company in Columbus, Indiana in 1919, with a commitment to producing the finest diesel engines on the planet. From humble beginnings grew an international enterprise that today provides products and service to customers in more than 150 countries. Nearly a century spent perfecting diesel engine performance provides Cummins unmatched insight and expertise. The Cummins 6.7L Turbo diesel in RAM HD Pickup and CC are manufactured in our plant in the same community where it all started. And Customers can expect the same reliability and dependability they have experienced since Cummins began powering Ram trucks in 1989. .

Matt Cole, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / March 25, 2019 A small number of Freightliner Cascadia, Mack Anthem and Pinnacle, and Autocar Xpeditor tractors are being recalled for various issues, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents. Daimler Trucks North America announced a recall of approximately 111 model year 2013-2016 Cascadia tractors equipped with Hendrickson 5-inch drop axles. The company says that in certain front axle, brake lining and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube. A tie-rod failure would cause a disconnect between the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering. DTNA will notify affected owners, and dealers will replace the stamped brake spiders and the toe-rod for free. Owners can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with recall number FL-807. NHTSA’s recall number is 19V-093. Mack Trucks is recalling approximately nine model year 2018-2019 Mack Anthem and model year 2014 Mack Pinnacle tractors equipped with air brake supply tanks that have an air volume amount ranging from 70 to 96 percent of the amount required by federal regulations. These trucks fail to meet the “Air Brake Systems” section of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. The undersized air brake supply reservoir may not provide enough air to properly operate the brakes during repetitive brake applications, reducing brake performance. Mack will notify owners, and dealers will add an air tank to the affected trucks for free. Owners can contact Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with recall number SC0417. NHTSA’s recall number is 19V-107. Additionally, Autocar is recalling approximately 260 model year 2008-2019 Xpeditor trucks equipped with undersized brake chambers, which could allow the trucks to roll when parked. The undersized brake chambers are out of compliance with the “Air Brake Systems” section of the FMVSS. Autocar will notify owners of affected trucks, and dealers will replace the parking brake chambers with properly sized chambers for free. Owners can contact Autocar customer service at 1-888-218-3611 or 1-877-973-3486 with recall number ACX-1903. NHTSA’s recall number is 19V-091.

Paccar Ltd Press Release / August 22, 2017 .