kscarbel2

Ford planning major cuts in Russia Keith Naughton, Bloomberg / March 26, 2019 Ford Motor Co. may close two of its three assembly plants in Russia as part of a restructuring of its money-losing business operations in the country, a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. The automaker, which operates a joint venture in Russia with local automaker Sollers, plans to make an announcement about the future of its operations there on Wednesday, the person said. Ford is likely to close one passenger-car factory near St. Petersburg and another in the Tatarstan region, but continue producing commercial vehicles at a third plant, said the person. Moscow-based Sollers said in a statement that the two companies have reached a new agreement on the future of their venture and are finalizing details. Ford announced it was putting the business under review in January as part of a broader restructuring in a region that’s dragged on earnings for years. Ford is also ceasing production at a French transmission factory, reducing its German staff by more than 5,000 people and cutting an unspecified number of jobs in the U.K. Ford’s 50-50 joint venture with Sollers dates to 2011 and currently manufactures seven models, according to FordSollers’ website. The plant near St. Petersburg builds the Focus and Mondeo models, and the Tatarstan facility in Naberezhnye Chelny makes the Fiesta and Ecosport crossover. Ford also has an engine plant and third assembly factory in the Tatarstan region in the town of Elabuga, which produces the Kuga crossover, Explorer SUV and Transit light commercial vehicles.

Dealers get a glimpse of Bronco prototype Michael Martinez, Automotive News / March 25, 2019 In the 800-plus days since Ford Motor Co. flashed a Bronco logo on stage at the 2017 Detroit auto show, development of the highly anticipated SUV has been shrouded in secrecy. But Ford used a gathering of its top-selling dealers last month in Palm Beach, Fla., to take the wraps off a prototype and to divulge plans for a "family" of rugged off-road vehicles, which sources told Automotive News will eventually include a small unibody pickup. Dealers, after relinquishing their phones, were shown an early build of a two-door Bronco and told that a four-door version also would be offered, according to multiple sources in the room. The Bronco is designed to be customizable, with a removable hard top and removable doors that can be stored in the vehicle's cargo area, the sources said. The side mirrors will be attached to the front pillars so they remain in place when the doors are taken off, unlike the Jeep Wrangler — one of the chief rivals Ford is targeting with its Bronco revival. Those in the room said the SUV has a retro design, featuring a rectangular grille, round headlights and the word "Bronco" stamped across the front. The Bronco, a nameplate that Ford killed in 1996, and other off-roaders are key products for the automaker as it ditches unprofitable cars and devotes 90 percent of capital spending to more lucrative light trucks. Ford also showed dealers its small off-roader — unofficially referred to as the Baby Bronco — as well as its upcoming Mustang-inspired, electric crossover with a 300-mile range. Executives did not divulge names for either of the vehicles, due next year. The Bronco reveal was the highlight of the two-day confab, which included a private concert by the band Earth, Wind & Fire and an appearance by legendary NFL quarterback Joe Namath, who handed out Ford-blue sport coats and championship-style rings during a dealer Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The Bronco "was twice as cool as I thought it would be," said one dealer, who asked to remain anonymous while discussing future products. "It's going to be a game changer," said another dealer who attended. Ford described its off-roaders to dealers as a family of vehicles, although the company stopped short of labeling them as a subbrand. The off-road lineup will include the two- and four-door Broncos, the Baby Bronco and the unibody pickup, sources said. Jim Farley, Ford's president of global markets, confirmed plans for a compact pickup in January after Automobile magazine reported that Ford was working on such a vehicle. This is the first time, however, that the pickup has been tied to a larger off-road lineup. Dealers were told the Bronco would be available in late 2020, as soon as three months after the Baby Bronco. The unibody pickup isn't expected until at least 2021, according to another source with insight on Ford's product plans. CEO Jim Hackett did not attend the meeting, but most of Ford's senior leadership team was there, including Farley, Joe Hinrichs, Kumar Galhotra, Mark LaNeve, Matt VanDyke and Elena Ford. Ford plans to make the Bronco at its Michigan Assembly Plant, alongside the Ranger midsize pickup that went on sale in January. The automaker has been tight-lipped about the vehicle, offering only a teaser image of a boxy SUV draped in a mud-caked covering. It declined to show even an image or rendering at larger dealer gatherings such as the National Automobile Dealers Association Show in January or a meeting in Las Vegas last fall, when it displayed photos of the Baby Bronco and other future products. During the Las Vegas gathering, Farley teased dealers by promising to show them a Bronco, which turned out to be a picture of his own classic 1973 model. .

GM claims most powerful diesel engine in a 1/2-ton pickup Michael Wayland, Automotive News / March 26, 2019 DETROIT — General Motors is delivering on a promise that the new diesel engine in the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 pickups will achieve segment-leading power. GM on Monday said the Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel will deliver an SAE-certified 277 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. That compares with Ford Motor Co.'s 3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6 diesel rated at 250 hp and 440 pound-feet of torque in the 2019 F-150 and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' previous 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 in the Ram 1500, which was rated at 240 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque. Ram is working on a new version of the [VM Motori-produced] EcoDiesel, which was last available for the 2018 model year. The engine is expected to debut in the Jeep Wrangler in 2019, followed by the Jeep Gladiator pickup in 2020. The company has not announced availability of the engine for the Ram 1500. When unveiling the 2019 Silverado in January 2018, GM product boss Mark Reuss, now also president of the company, said he was "really confident" that GM would have "the best-performing diesel in the segment." GM didn't release towing capacity, payload and fuel economy ratings for the Duramax diesel model, which is expected to arrive in dealerships this summer. It will be a first for a full-size GM pickup since the late 1990s. The fuel economy improvements in the pickups' gasoline engines have been unimpressive, including some carryover engines that achieve up to 3 mpg combined below the comparable outgoing models. The Duramax diesel model — paired with a 10-speed transmission — will be priced starting at $2,495 over a 5.3-liter V-8 model and $3,890 over a 2.7-liter turbo model. Both prices are identical to the upcharge for a 6.2-liter V-8, which is rated at 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 460 pound-feet of torque. .

.

http://www.bisindustries.com/Services/Logistics/Rexx.aspx

We're generally told that our theme song is a "government of the people, by the people, for the people". Most agree that Lincoln pegged it. So why then do the people's employees keep secrets from the people? The President (whomever it may be at the time) is chosen by the people. If he/she is alleged to have been involved in wrongdoings, should not the people be in the loop on that? In its entirety? After all, the people are allegedly "the boss" in a democracy (In a democracy, political issues are supposedly decided by a majority vote of the people). Why would it ever be appropriate to hide (cover up) such matters from "the people" ? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Attorney General Barr weighs how much of Trump-Russia report to release Associated Press / March 24, 2019 WASHINGTON — Attorney General William Barr has scoured special counsel Robert Mueller’s confidential report on the Russia investigation with his advisers, deciding how much Congress and the American public will get to see about the two-year probe into President Donald Trump and Moscow’s efforts to elect him. Barr was on pace to release his first summary of Mueller’s findings on Sunday, people familiar with the process said. The attorney general’s decision on what to finally disclose seems almost certain to set off a fight with congressional Democrats, who want access to all of Mueller’s findings — and supporting evidence — on whether Trump’s 2016 campaign coordinated with Russia to sway the election and whether the president later sought to obstruct the investigation. Barr and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller and oversaw much of his work, analyzed the report on Saturday, laboring to condense it into a summary letter of main conclusions. Mueller delivered his full report to Barr on Friday. The Russia investigation has shadowed Trump for nearly two years and has ensnared his family and close advisers. And no matter the findings in Mueller’s report, the probe already has illuminated Russia’s assault on the American political system, painted the Trump campaign as eager to exploit the release of hacked Democratic emails to hurt Democrat Hillary Clinton and exposed lies by Trump aides aimed at covering up their Russia-related contacts.

Saved from a sinking ship.......you can't get much better than that.

Isuzu Trucks Australia / March 21, 2019 .

A Bigger B-triple Diesel News Australia / March 2019 At the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator PBS demonstration event in Portland this week a new groundbreaking combination hits the streets, it’s a bigger B-triple, a lot bigger at 42 metres long and with a GCM of 82.5 tonnes. The much increased length means this combination suits high cube loading and will be going into service with Direct Freight Express as soon as the demo day is over. This new vehicle marks a change in the development of the B-triple. In the past the push has always been towards a modular B-triple with set lengths for the lead trailers and the dog. In fact the B-triple has had limited success as the A-double has come on stream with similar capacity but as a more flexible after the combination is broken up. This long B-triple is able to travel on PBS Level 3B roads which basically equates to the Type 1 Doubles over 36 metres in length network. Its much improved swept path performance should see operators get access beyong the as of right 3B in certain circumstances. That improved swept path comes from four steering axles on the trailers. there are two on the first lead trailer and one on the second with the rear trailer also having one steer axle. This also reduces drag on the prime mover, road damage and tyre wear, as well as enabling the three trailers to negotiate roundabouts and other intersections. These trailers as demonstrated are specified for high cube express post and time sensitive parcel freight. The trailers are 4.6 metres high with double drop decks all round. The gaps between the trailer bodies has been minimised to reduce wind drag. The combination also utilises all of the latest safety systems with EBS, ABS and Rollover protection and it’s all monitored in the Intelligent Access Program. This is what the whole PBS project was supposed to be about, pushing the limits to enable operators to find real productivity gains while running safer trucks out on the highway. .

Prime Mover Magazine / March 21, 2019 Can the A-double change the trucking industry? That was the question posed at the start of a very comprehensive story back in 2011 on the then fledgling A-double combination. Now eight years down the track, it would appear the answer is a resounding yes. When the concept of Performance-Based Standards (PBS) was first mooted more than two decades ago, the visionaries of the scheme had general ideas of the kinds of innovative vehicles that could be nurtured. The main thrust of PBS, as it transpired, was to create a space for innovative designs capable of enabling a quantum leap in productivity improvements for transport on Australian roads. In the earlier years following the turn of the century (the PBS scheme was introduced in 2007) most of the PBS approvals on the highway achieved small productivity gains due to incremental dimension changes, extra axles or self-steering axles. Enter the A-double. Finally, in 2010 a combination emerged with the potential to make the quantum shift required to give PBS some credibility, providing the sort of productivity boost for which the industry had been crying out. Ironically, the A-double is probably the simplest of all the combinations, comprising two semi-trailers linked by a tandem-axle (there are A-double combinations with tri-axle dolly) converter dolly. But herein lies one of its greatest strengths – versatility – because it can be easily separated into two standard semi-trailers. In the past, this combination – known logically enough as a double road-train – was seen as a necessary evil in remote areas, but on-road performance made it unsuitable to come anywhere near large centres of population or busy traffic conditions. However, all that changed due to the inclusion of modern technology, specifically focussed on the converter dolly, as part of an intense engineering effort by a number of trailer manufacturers including Haulmark Trailers to get the A-double concept up and running. “The whole thing started in late 2006 after Haulmark had been involved in the PBS process for many years,” says Haulmark’s National Sales and Marketing Manager, Mark Johnston. “We had built a number of PBS approved vehicles, steerable extendable trailers and a 52-foot trailer without a self-steering axle. “The A-double is the game-changing solution which comes up with the very elusive quadruple bottom line: It offers considerable improvement in productivity, emissions, congestion and safety for everyone.” Developing vehicles for PBS requires a deep understanding of how a vehicle performs. Designers need to know where it performs well and where it doesn’t perform well. They have to identify what needs to be worked on and improved to meet the standards. Understanding the dynamics of these vehicles leads to developing the technology to provide solutions. “We need to continually find solutions for the growing freight task, to control emissions, deal with congestion, all of those things,” Mark says. “We take the principles of PBS, our understanding of the dynamics of vehicles and then we try to apply technology to a range of those vehicles to see which is actually going to come up with the real trump card. “We came up with the A-double concept because it gives us a significant step up in mass – up to 85 tonnes gross combination mass (GCM) – a significant step up in trailer length and in so doing we significantly improve emissions and congestion with a safer vehicle.” Fast forward to the present and according to Mark Johnston, the success of the A-double between Toowoomba and the Port of Brisbane has been phenomenal and there are now more than 150 of these super-efficient combinations plying this route. He estimates that this equates to around 200 less trucks used for this purpose compared to before the A-double was introduced. However, he maintains the ongoing stumbling block to wider use of higher productivity PBS-approved combinations like A-doubles is the approval process. “It requires a positive mind-set on the part of the road managers, be it state or local government, in wanting to make these things happen in a timely fashion so that operators can make a business case for investing in these vehicles,” Mark explains. “If this happens then it can actually make a big difference by removing a large number of trucks from a given route. This has the flow-on effect of improving safety, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making things commercially more palatable for operators.” Prime Mover also spoke with Les Bruzsa the Chief Engineer of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), who reiterated that the original purpose for developing the A-double centred around carrying containers from Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane. He explains that the original A-doubles have an overall length of 30 metres and are able to carry two 40-foot containers and up to four 20-foot containers, depending on how much each weighs, providing 100 per cent productivity benefits for specific freight tasks like containers For example, two 20-foot containers of grain weighing up to 30-32 tonnes each can be carried on the centre of the trailers for the inbound journey and four empties carried on the return trip, which is not possible on conventional combinations like B-double or prime mover semis. “This combination is certainly one of the PBS success stories,” Les exclaims. Another is the four-, five- and six-axle truck and dog tipper combinations, with the quad-axle variants proving particularly popular. He went on to say that last year the NHVR approved 1,862 PBS combinations which is around a 30 per cent increase on 2017. “In general PBS is growing very quickly, we approved 197 PBS A-double combinations last year,” Les says. While the A-double had its formative years in Queensland, other jurisdictions are also starting to realise the benefits. “Now we have A-doubles operating in South Australia, NSW and Victoria while the first approval for Tasmania is due to happen soon.” Les suggests the willingness of road authorities to recognise the benefits of PBS combinations to the road network and society in general has markedly improved in recent times. For example, he cites the development of A-double combinations with an overall length up to 34 metres which enables larger axle spacings between the axle groups leading to less strain on older bridges. “The original 30 metre A-double is still probably the most common but we now have shorter and longer versions including 26 metre and up to 34 metre units which still meet Level 2 PBS requirements. “We have some A-doubles operating in Victoria at longer than 30 metres because at the 30-metre limit they would have had too large an impact on certain bridges.” In summing up, Les remarked that A-doubles represent a good option compared to B-doubles due to the extra axle group. “This means a given load is distributed over more axles and a longer distance which reduces the impact on roads and bridges.” As the momentum of PBS-approved vehicles increases and with further development of a ‘bigger picture’ approach to access approval by road regulators, it seems the use of high productivity combinations like the A-double will continue to grow. .

Prime Mover Magazine / March 22, 2019 Interstate express freight company, Direct Freight Express, has displayed its new B-triple in a comprehensive demonstration of Performance-Based Standards (PBS) approved combinations organised by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) at Portland in Victoria this week. In a similar vein to the B-quad combinations operated by Lamattina, the Direct Freight Express B-triple has been designed as a modular combination. This means it has the versatility to operate with maximum productivity in both the full combination at just under 42 metres overall length and with a gross combination mass (GCM) of 83 tonnes between Adelaide and Perth under Level 3 access. Alternatively, by decoupling the tag trailer and operating as a B-double with Level 2 road access, the 30-metre combination will operate on the eastern seaboard under L2 access with a GCM of 63 tonnes. Fresh from the highly successful PBS vehicle demonstration day at Portland, Chief Engineer at the NHVR, Les Bruzsa, was keen to extol the virtues of what is ostensibly the most productive B-triple on the road today. “This is a modular design and Southern Cross Trailers are doing this extremely well,” said Bruzsa. “It has the same modular operating ability as the B-quad which can be also run as a B-triple or B-double.” This modularity is one of the stand out features of Direct Freight’s B-triple because unlike earlier B-triples, each trailer is the same length at 14.3 metres and each tri-axle group has a maximum load capacity of 20 tonnes. With a train-like overall length of nearly 42 metres, the triple trailer combination has a height of 4.6-metres, with the curtain-sided double drop deck trailers configured to maximise cubic freight volume in its intended role transporting express post and time sensitive parcel freight. All of the trailers utilise mezzanine decks which enable the transport of a staggering 120 pallets in double-stacked formation. This reduces to 84 pallets when in B-double guise. Due to the absence of converter dollies, the roll-coupled B-triple configuration offers the multiple benefits of maximised payload space while minimising turbulence and wind resistance between trailers. Other benefits of this design are said to include superior stability and tracking for improved road safety. Furthermore, there are four self-steer axles across the combination, two on the rear two positions of the lead trailer and one each on the rearmost position of the middle and tag trailers. The two on the lead trailer have electronic sensors which harmonise the respective wheel cut angles to minimise tyre scrub and sidewall deflection when turning at slow speeds. All of the steer axles have speed activated locking mechanisms which lock the wheels in the straight-ahead position above 40km/h to improve dynamic stability at higher speeds. Each of the trailers rides on Stefair airbag suspension which is road-friendly certified. The full disc electronic braking system (EBS) incorporates anti-lock (ABS) and stability program (ESP) to mitigate the risk of rollover in the event of a sudden manoeuvre. To ensure compliance with routes, the unit is continuously monitored under the Intelligent Access Program (IAP). .

Prime Mover Magazine / March 22, 2019 Mining services company, Bis, is leveraging its position as a mine haulage operator and original equipment manufacturer to design and build a robust haul truck in-house in Perth, Western Australia. Bis has named the truck Rexx, which reportedly offers ‘compelling’ value to miners. Rexx is built to carry a 160-tonne payload, and is expected to travel more than four times further than conventional dump trucks. Rexx will form part of Bis’ suite of bespoke load and haul solutions, which also includes dual powered road trains. Speaking at the product launch in Perth, Bis CEO, Brad Rogers, said Rexx was a game changer for mine haulage, incorporating the best features of long-haul road trains and short haul mine trucks. “Rexx’s robust and simple design leverages our existing knowledge and resources,” he said. “This has meant we were able to keep our manufacturing costs low, allowing Bis to deliver savings to customers through our service delivery model. “At Bis, we are driven by bringing technology and innovation to our customers to deliver real value. We are very excited about the opportunity that Rexx creates for a whole range of mining operations in Australia and internationally.” Rexx has been designed to operate on narrower, lower specification roads. The design, according to Bis, offers a smoother ride and better visibility for operators and dramatically improved tyre management. Rexx has also been designed for ease of maintenance. Rexx’s greater distance capability is said to eliminate the need for double handling and its associated risks. Designed with the highest safety requirements in mind, Rexx is equipped with Bis’ fatigue management system, as well as 360-degree view cameras and reversing cameras for greater hazard management. .

Pilots transitioning to the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft from older 737 models were given a short, self-administered online course that made no mention of the new MCAS software system now at the center of two crash investigations, say pilots' unions spokesmen for Southwest Airlines and American Airlines. Pilots of Southwest Airlines and American Airlines took courses -- lasting between 56 minutes and three hours -- that highlighted differences between the Max 8 and older 737s, but did not explain the new maneuvering characteristics augmentation system (MCAS). "The course was not instructor-led. It was self-administered," said Southwest Airlines union spokesman Mike Trevino. The set course took pilots approximately three hours to complete, he said. The 8,500 pilots of Southwest Airlines exclusively fly the 737, and it is the world's largest operator of the 737 Max 8, employing 34 of the aircraft. "MCAS was installed in the aircraft and Boeing didn't disclose that to the pilots," said Trevino.

Ford hires Amazon vet to succeed Shanks as CFO Michael Martinez, Automotive News / March 21, 2019 DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. said Bob Shanks, its CFO since 2012, will retire at year end and be replaced by Tim Stone, a 20-year veteran at Amazon and former CFO of Snap Inc., the parent company of popular phone app Snapchat. The move is part of series of global changes announced Thursday that include new presidents of Ford's European operations and international markets group. Stone, 52, will join Ford next month as a company officer and will become CFO on June 1. He will report directly to CEO Jim Hackett. Shanks, 66, joined Ford in 1977 and was previously CFO at Mazda Motor Corp. He'll stay on through year end to assist on special projects, Ford said. His departure had been expected. "Bob will leave a remarkable 42-year legacy at Ford," Hackett said in a statement. "As a CFO, he's been relentless in driving for results and pushing the company to greater heights. He's also been a wonderful colleague who leads with integrity, warmth and humor. Bob's leadership was integral to Ford's comeback during the Great Recession, and he has been an invaluable partner as we transform Ford to succeed in the next era." Stone has a background in the tech sector, which could suit Ford well as it tries to redefine itself as an auto and a mobility company. Stone said he's familiar with Ford because his family drove Explorers and Ford vans, and his father used Ford vehicles in his work as a general contractor and plumber. "He was a key player in the incredible success at Amazon and he understands the principles of fitness and growth as complementary virtues for Ford's future," Hackett said. The automaker also announced other changes to its leadership team: Peter Fleet, president of international markets group, will retire. The international markets group is a new business unit that Ford will begin reporting financial results for on Jan. 1. It covers about 100 markets, including operations in Africa, ASEAN, Australia, India, Mexico, Middle East, New Zealand and South Korea. Fleet, 51, has held roles in Ford marketing, sales and service, and global business operations. Most recently, he was Ford's president of Asia Pacific. He'll be replaced April 1 by Mark Ovenden, president Ford Middle East & Africa. He'll report to Jim Farley, Ford's president of global markets. Stuart Rowley, 51, COO for Ford North America, will replace Steven Armstrong as president of Ford of Europe. Armstrong will become chairman of Ford of Europe. In his new role, Armstrong, 54, will oversee key transformation projects and joint venture partner interactions for the region, as well as lead Ford's engagement with European governments on key industry legislation and issues, the automaker said. Both men will report to Farley, and the moves are effective April 1, Ford said. Birgit Behrendt, 59, vice president, joint ventures, alliances and commercial affairs in Europe, will retire at the end of March. In her role, she helped establish Ford's global alliance with Volkswagen. She'll continue to be a member of the Ford Werke Supervisory Board. Ford did not name a successor.

Tampa, Florida based Brandon Ford was recently named the world's largest volume Ford truck dealer for 2018. Los Angeles-based Galpin Ford remains Ford's largest overall volume sales dealer.

Transport Engineer / March 18, 2019 DAF Trucks has announced that its LF Sweeper chassis, in partnership with Johnston Sweepers, is now available with ZF’s 12-speed AS Tronic transmission. The new gearbox option comes following demand from Johnston Sweeper’s customers and, says DAF, bridges a gap between the existing manual and fully automatic transmission options from Allison. The wide ratio spread (10.37:1 to 0.81:1) is said to suit both local authorities and contractors, delivering low-speed control and acceptable highway speeds. The AS Tronic option is available on DAF LF with Paccar PX-7 engines at 16 and 18 tonnes GVW. The first two 18-tonne GVW Johnston-bodied vehicles equipped with the AS Tronic option are now in operation with Go Plant and Sweeptech. “We’ve made an already excellent sweeper truck even more appealing to a greater number of customers,” says David Price, municipal sales manager for DAF Trucks. “The AS Tronic is a proven automated manual gearbox, and one with which our customers will be very familiar.” .

Transport Engineer / March 14, 2019 Waste management and recyling operator McGrath Group has taken delivery of four new Volvo vehicles, as part of a fleet replacement programme. Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London, the new arrivals are two FMX 6x4 tractors and two FM 8x4 hooklifts. The FMX tractor units replace models from another manufacturer, as the operator moves to a Volvo-only policy for trucks that are 18 tonnes and above. The tractors are powered by a Euro VI D13K engine delivering 494bhp and 2,500Nm of torque, and their Sleeper cabs are specified with the One Bed Resting package. The FM hooklifts are powered by the D11K engine, delivering 404bhp and driving through the I-Shift automated transmission system. The vehicles replace existing FMs and come complete with FM Day Cabs, cruise control and a three-year subscription to the Dynafleet telematics and tracking system. The FMX and FM vehicles are subject to three-year and two-year warranties, respectively. “We were keen to upgrade the lifting equipment that we use on our vehicles and these new Volvos give us the ability to do that,” says John McDaid, transport director at the Essex-based operator. “With the FMX tractor units, we were particularly impressed with the improved manoeuvrability, driveability and fuel consumption that we experienced.” .

Commercial Motor / March 20, 2019 .

Scania Group Press Release / March 19, 2019 Three new lines of specially-designed watches go on sale Scania has launched a special range of watches to mark the 50th anniversary of the V8 engine. The three different watches have been developed by Scania R&D designers, and those who wear them can expect to have a roaring time as the watches are inspired by details from the V8 truck. The watches were designed from scratch, making it possible for the design team to style them after features of the real trucks. “We could decide completely what details and design elements from the V8 trucks we wanted to highlight to get the proper V8 look and feel,” says Jesper Höglin, Product Manager at Branding Products. Close cooperation with R&D The new models have taken over a year to design and develop. During the conceptual phase, Antonio Cantos, Senior Graphic Designer and Fredrik Rudenstam, Team Leader Visual & Graphic Design at Scania’s R&D department sketched out and built models, applied details and produced a whole new design language. “When we developed the V8 merchandise products, we wanted to emphasise the heritage and what the V8 represents today: power and precision. The V8 is a source of great pride to Scania and to those who drive it,” says Rudenstam. He adds, “We have a refined exterior and powerful interior. Precision outside, power inside. Features that normally don’t fit together, but in the V8 they do. You get the power you need for a certain moment, combined with precision.” The watch cases are designed with elements and angles taken from the V8 truck and its engine. V8 Limited Edition The first model is the ‘V8 Limited Edition’, a chronographic (display and stopwatch) high-end watch. It comes in a limited edition of 500, each one numbered on the back. Its black leather band and red stitching evokes the look and feel of the V8 steering wheel. The model also has a timing feature and buttons on the side that are inspired by the V8 piston head, as well as a pattern with holes that is a nod to the V8 steering wheel. And the hands of the clock are the same as the speedometer needles. The Scania logo and V8 symbol adorn the watch face, while the Scania griffin is embossed on the rear. V8 Black Edition The second model ‘V8 Black Edition’ is sportier. It has the characteristic red colour from the V8 truck’s styling kit included on the strap, which is also inspired by the timing belt in the engine. The rough surface of the bezel (the grooved ring that holds the cover of the watch face in position) is meant to emphasise the tough heart of the truck. The watch face is adorned with the Scania logo and V8 symbol, while the case back is embossed with the Scania griffin. V8 Metal Edition On the third watch, ‘V8 Metal Edition’, small Vs have been added around the clock face, emulating the shape of the V8’s logo. It has a sleek and sturdy profile and a subtle brushed metal finish. The watch movement is solar powered and can run for more than four months on just one charge. Facts: The three new watches are available now. They are on sale at Scania dealers around the world and are also available via Scania’s web shop. https://www.scania.com/global/en/home/experience-scania/merchandise.html Only 500 of the chronograph model ‘V8 Limited Edition’ have been made, with each watch numbered on the back. Each model is solar-powered by a hidden panel beneath the dial that converts light into electrical energy. The watches can operate for more than two months on a full charge. They are water resistant to 100 metres. The watches have luminous hands and markers. .

F-150, Ram, Titan top IIHS passenger-side crash tests; GM pickups, Tundra among the worst Michael Martinez, Automotive News / March 21, 2018 The Ford F-150 is the only pickup to earn top ratings in passenger-side crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The IIHS on Thursday said all four of General Motors' pickup nameplates earned only "marginal" ratings [pictured below], while the Toyota Tundra [pictured below] was the only one of 11 crew-cab pickups tested to get a "poor" rating. GM's pickups and the Tundra received "poor" ratings for how the vehicle's structure held up in the passenger-side small overlap test, which IIHS initiated in 2017. All 11 pickups tested earned "good" ratings for head, neck and chest injuries. The Tundra was the only one not to receive a "good" rating for hip and thigh injuries. The Ram 1500 and Nissan Titan joined the F-150 in receiving "good" ratings overall for passenger-side safety, though they landed one notch below the F-150 for structural integrity. The results contrast with top ratings for nine of the 11 pickups on driver-side testing conducted previously. The Honda Ridgeline, despite trailing the top performers with an "acceptable" overall passenger-side rating, is the only pickup to qualify for a 2019 Top Safety Pick award. That's because the Ridgeline is the only one to also get the required ratings of "good" for headlights and "superior" for front crash prevention. "We commend Ford, Nissan and Ram for providing state-of-the-art crash protection for both drivers and front passengers of their large pickup models," David Zuby, IIHS chief research officer, said in a statement. "As a group, however, the pickup class still has a lot of work to do." Small-overlap crashes account for about 25 percent of the serious driver injuries and deaths that occur in frontal impacts, IIHS says. The test, introduced in 2012, involves 25 percent of a vehicle's front end on the driver side striking a 5-foot-tall barrier at 40 mph. IIHS added a passenger-side small-overlap crash test in 2017. Vehicles are given "good," "acceptable," "marginal" or "poor" ratings. Many automakers initially struggled with the driver-side tests but have increasingly added features to improve their performance. Ford in 2015, for example, added steel horns -- known by most engineers as wheel blockers -- onto the frame of some F-150 versions to redirect the energy of the collision away from the passenger cabin. The automaker later spread the wheel blockers across all F-150s. For the redesigned 2019 Ram 1500, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles incorporated what it calls a "splayed" frame, spreading the leading elements of the frame outward on each side of the pickup -- and protecting the wheel in the process. IIHS said the Tundra's dummy received the most damage during testing, indicating a right lower leg injury would be likely in the event of a real-world crash. Right hip injuries also would be possible. Maximum intrusion into the Tundra's structure was 15 inches, vs. only 5 inches for the F-150. The dummy in the F-150, by comparison, showed no signs of potential injuries. The Tundra, along with the Nissan Frontier, are the only pickups to not earn a "good" rating in either driver-side or passenger-side tests. IIHS noted that they are the oldest in the group, with the Tundra's basic structure dating to the 2007 model year and the Frontier's to the 2005 model year. .

Matt Cole, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / March 20, 2019 Daimler Trucks North America is recalling more than 3,000 Freightliner Cascadia tractors over a potential issue with an optional steering wheel air bag, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents. The recall affects approximately 3,365 model year 2018-2020 Cascadia trucks equipped with the optional air bag. In these trucks, the air bag could deploy unexpectedly. DTNA says it will notify owners, and dealers will remove the air bag as an interim remedy, for free, while the company develops a remedy program. Owners of affected trucks can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with recall number FL806. NHTSA’s recall number is 19V-066. NHTSA adds that this recall supersedes a recall issued in November over faulty air bags.

"It wasn't so much about avoiding tariffs," Hinrichs said, "it was about improving the business." These guys regularly lie through their teeth Bob.

Ford to build some EVs in Michigan, next Transit Connect in Mexico Michael Martinez, Automotive News / March 20, 2019 DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. has changed its North American production plans for autonomous and electric vehicles, again. The automaker on Wednesday said its Flat Rock Assembly Plant near Detroit eventually will become a second location for production of battery-electric vehicles, in addition to a plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico. It is scrapping plans for an autonomous vehicle center at the Flat Rock site and instead will build those vehicles at another location in southeast Michigan. The $900 million Ford had planned to spend on AV production in Flat Rock through 2023 will instead be largely dedicated to EVs and the next-generation Mustang, officials said. The plant, which is scheduled to lose its second production shift this spring, eventually will get the shift back, along with 900 new jobs. Ford did not say when the jobs, which it had previously announced, would be added. As part of the moves, Ford said production of the next-generation Transit Connect van would shift to Mexico from Spain. Ford had been expected to start North American production of the Transit Connect, with Flat Rock among the locations believed to be under consideration. "It's a better plan for how we allocate capital in a more efficient way," Joe Hinrichs, Ford's president of global operations, told Automotive News. The automaker did not disclose a location, investment figure or jobs estimate for its autonomous vehicle center. In a statement, Ford said the site will upfit purpose-built, commercial-grade hybrid vehicles with self-driving technology and unique interiors. Production is slated to begin in 2021, with the vehicles being used commercially rather than sold to consumers. "As we ramp up AV production, this plan allows us to adjust our investment spending to accommodate the pace of growth of this exciting new technology," Hinrichs said. "This new plan combines our core strength in mass manufacturing with the agility and leanness we've shown with our modification centers for specialty manufacturing." Ford has shifted its EV and AV assembly plans several times since January 2017, when it canceled a $1.6 billion small-car plant under construction in Mexico shortly before President Donald Trump took office. At the time, Ford said it would make a big investment in Flat Rock to build autonomous vehicles and a long-range battery electric crossover. Later that year, it reversed the decision, saying it would focus on AVs in Flat Rock and move production of the battery-electric crossover to Mexico. The long-range battery electric crossover, which Ford says is inspired by the Mustang and due in 2020, will still be built in Mexico. Flat Rock will be dedicated to Ford's future EVs, which will sit on a new, dedicated battery-electric architecture. Ford's decision to build its next-generation Transit Connect in Mexico, after years of importing it from Spain and Turkey before that, allows the company to source more parts for the van from North American locations to meet requirements for the pending USMCA trade agreement. Ford is involved in a court battle with the government over allegations that it was unfairly skirting the so-called chicken tax -- a 25 percent tariff the U.S. has levied on light-truck imports since 1964 -- by bringing over Transit Connects that were built as passenger vehicles and then converting them to cargo vans stateside. The third-generation Transit Connect, which analysts expect to go on sale in 2021, will be made in Hermosillo, Mexico, where production of the Fusion and Lincoln MKZ is slated to end at an undisclosed time. "It wasn't so much about avoiding tariffs," Hinrichs said, "it was about improving the business."

Why don't you request one from your Mack brand distributor?

It was an available factory option. https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30186-macks-powered-by-other-engine-manufacturers/