kscarbel2

Does your truck have a planetary hub reduction axle? (which I think the P1021 is) You want to attach a 13-speed Eaton Fuller transmission???

So they basically knew what was coming and yet Pearl Harbor, from what we’re told, was not on a heightened stare of alert??? And were the outdated battle wagons an intentional sacrifice (though they didn’t expect an attack so severe given Pesrl’s distance from Japan), while the important aircraft carriers were sent to sea for safety?

Bob, this truck would sell in the US market. There is a niche for low-end 6x4 chassis (e.g. power companies) that only Freightliner and Navistar are meeting today. We see people installing pusher auxiliary axles on F-750 tippers, but this would be a far better solution. https://www.isuzu.com.au/Isuzu_Files/Spec_Sheets/Current_spec_sheets/FVZ260-300_6x4_FVY240-300_6x4_ARK0930.pdf

Prime Mover Magazine / February 28, 2019 South Australia-based business, Adami’s Sand and Metal Depot, has serviced Adelaide and surrounding suburbs for over 50 years, and is steadily expanding its fleet of Isuzu trucks to meet demand. Adami’s General Manager, Mick Adami, told Isuzu that he learnt the ropes from his late father, Joe Adami, working across the many facets of the operation for the last 30 years. “We supply a wide range of materials including different types of sand and cement along with base rubble and landscaping materials,” said Adami. He added that on top of materials and sundries, Adami’s also provides a Bobcat hire service. The Adami’s on-road team comprises employees and contractors piloting around 20 trucks in total, including two Isuzu NLR 200 tippers, a NLR 45-150 tipper and FVZ 1400 and the recently purchased FVZ 260-300 [shown below]. “The Isuzu trucks are definitely very competitive and up there with any other brand we’ve bought in the past,” said Adami. “Based on our experience with the older Isuzu Ready-to-Work models, the Isuzu bodies last a good 10 years without any issues. “And these newer factory bodies are made of the tougher steel. They seem a bit lighter but also stronger too,” he said, also explaining that the business is mindful of challenges associated with capital equipment upkeep. “Part of the strategy behind buying new trucks is that it will help alleviate repair and associated costs.” Adami told Isuzu he likes doing business with the Emanuele family (North East Isuzu) and their employees as they provide an excellent level of service. “Our customers and suppliers feel a part of the business too and that’s important to us,” he said. “The local community around here, mostly post-war European immigrants, were very comfortable dealing with my Dad, and it all snowballed from there. If you have a good name and reputation, it goes a long way.” .

Diesel News Australia / March 2019 Ever since the decision by Caterpillar to get out of the business of making engines for highway trucks there has been a group of enduring Cat fanatics who have kept the dream of driving a truck with a yellow engine alive. Here is the solution on offer for Caterpillar tragics in the USA, fitting remanufactured yellow engines into brand new ‘glider’ trucks. This topic came to mind when talking to an Australian Caterpillar nut who has kept his Cat-powered T9 Kenworth in the fleet for over 2 million kilometres and has no intention of ever selling it. Other trucks in the small fleet will get turned over and moved on over time, but he cannot see a time when he would consider selling the yellow engined favourite. What is it which makes this phenomenon continue? Is the Cat fandom made stronger by the fact you can’t buy a new truck engine any more? Does absence make the heart grow stronger? Many people in the trucking industry grew substantial businesses on the back of fleets powered by Cat engines. The sentiment around the brand of engine fitted in North American trucks is very strong and has been around for a long time. When US style trucks ruled the roost in Australia, engine choice was one of the major differentiating factors. Operators were split between Cummins nuts, Detroit nuts and Caterpillar nuts, the world was divided into three clearly defined sects. Of course, the engine manufacturers encouraged the fandom and developed the competitive and tribal atmosphere around engine choice, as a way to market engines. It is the atmosphere of this era from which the current Cat fanaticism has grown. The three-way competition actually started to disappear over twenty years ago, as the Detroit Diesel operation became part of the Freightliner/Mercedes Benz/Daimler world. Almost overnight the Series 60 Detroit became unavailable in any brand of truck apart from those which were part of the Daimler group. Then it was a battle royal between the Red of Cummins and the Yellow of Caterpillar, fought out in the Australian and US truck markets, with each vying for superiority. Technical issues affected both engine brands as exhaust emission rules tightened and engines grew more sophisticated. The costs of all of this research and development was probably what told in the end for Caterpillar, who walked away from truck engines to leave Cummins as the main independent engine maker for US trucks. Needless to say there are still a lot of diehard Caterpillar fans around but no new product to fit in their trucks. Hence the development of the glider market in the US, but this is not something the Australian truck standards are going to allow in any numbers, anytime soon. Below - A Caterpillar engine rebuilt to power a new Peterbilt glider kit.

First TIR transport from Europe to China arrives in only 12 days New Zealand Trucking / March 2019 The first successful TIR [Transports Internationaux Routiers or International Road Transports] transport from Europe to China was completed on Tuesday after a 7400 km journey from Germany to Khorgos, a major Chinese overland Belt and Road port. Carrying 12 tonnes of automobile lubricant in challenging winter conditions, the TIR truck started its journey in Germany, entering Poland and travelling through Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan to China in just 12 days without disruption or customs issues. This TIR journey follows last year’s first TIR transport from China to Europe (Khorgos – Poland, 7000 km in 13 days), jointly conducted by IRU and global leading logistics companies, CEVA and Alblas. With TIR operational in China, the China-Europe-China road corridor offers excellent opportunity for boosting international trade. The conclusion of this latest successful pilot from Europe to China marks the full activation of door-to-door TIR operations between China and Europe. According to one industry estimate, China-Europe road transport under TIR could save transport companies up to 50% on door-to-door costs compared WITH air, and at least 10 days delivery time compared with rail. “This TIR transport marks a major milestone for operations along the China-Europe corridor, which will now deliver economic and social benefits to all countries along the Belt and Road route,” said IRU secretary general Umberto de Pretto. “TIR is a real game changer for international transport and trade between Europe and China.” Siebe Alblas, COO of Alblas, the transport company who performed the round trip TIR pilots between China and Europe said he could foresee a great future for road transport between China and Europe. “The two pilots prove that both directions of the China-Europe road transport route under TIR are ready to become fully operational, with door-to-door costs and delivery times that are highly competitive compared with other modes of transport.” In September 2018, Kazakhstan and China opened the border crossing at Khorgos to boost transport and trade along the new 8445 km expressway joining Western China to Western Europe. Today, 76 contracting parties across the globe have ratified the UN TIR Convention. Over 34,000 transport and logistics companies are already using TIR to quickly and reliably move goods across international borders. .

All true. But the upcoming Bronco is surely not going to be a "Bronco", and I would have liked to purchase a Ford Everest irregardless of the Bronco endeavor. If Ford launched a vehicle that looks like the 1977 Bronco, except with modern components (alike ICON), the automaker would struggle to meet order demand. . . .

I can't buy a Ford Everest in North America, because the automaker wants to sell this instead ???

Ford Bronco Prototype Spied Testing in Detroit Andrew Wendler, Car & Driver / February 28, 2019 Short wheelbase, aggressive tires, and lifted suspension point to Bronco rather than Ranger. We are fairly certain you're looking at images of the upcoming Ford Bronco, based on the shape and size of this vehicle spotted in Detroit. The new Bronco will be based on the Ranger pickup, and that's definitely the Ranger cab under there. This is likely only the first in what should be a wave of teaser images and speculation expected in the next few months. Whenever photos of prototype vehicles and test mules surface, speculation is never far behind. That's certainly the case for this Ford mule that our spy photogs snagged today near Ford HQ in Dearborn. When the photos first started circulating, the general scuttlebutt was that the vehicle in question pegged as the forthcoming Ford Courier, a small, car-based pickup slated to slot in beneath the Ranger. But although the mule shown here may appear that tiny to the untrained eye, the large aggressive tires, high ride height, appearance of the frame—check the mounting point of the trailer hitch—and size of the Club Cab swing door, along with the shape of the glass in it, all say otherwise. Finally, if you concede that a license plate is 12 inches wide, this vehicle is roughly the same width as the current Ford Ranger. Given that, we think it is a mule for the forthcoming Ford Bronco, most likely a short-wheelbase two-door version. Look, we know the new Bronco is going to be Ranger based, and these images clearly show a Ranger cab with a small rear bed and cap, which is very likely a cobbled-together piece intended simply for prototype mules. (Note the deep indentation around the fuel filler indicating artificially swollen bodywork for camouflage and/or convenience purposes.) Although that last detail leans toward the pickup side of the equation, a wheelbase that short would be pointless and potentially dangerous in a pickup. Additionally, it's important to remember that the Bronco will likely be based on the next-generation Ranger platform, so what we are seeing here is very likely doing double duty as an R&D mule for both vehicles, i.e., the new Bronco and the next-gen Ranger. The idea is that the Bronco, now rumored to be coming as a 2021 model, will make its debut on a fresh frame (rumors also persist of a new V-6 engine), and the next-generation Ranger will switch to the new frame and suspension when it is updated a year or two down the line. In essence, the bodywork isn't the smoking gun here anyhow; it's the short wheelbase and tall ride height that point to a new vehicle, leading us to believe that this is the first of many Bronco teasers to come our way in the next few months. .

Iepieleaks / February 28, 2019 .

Geely has no place on the board of Volvo Affars Varlden / March 1, 2019 Chinese car company Geely, despite being a major owner, will not have a seat on Volvo's board. This is evident from the notice to the meeting, which Dagens Industri snatched up. Carl-Henric Svanberg will remain. He has been in the club since 2012. Other proposed members are Matti Alahuhta, Eckhard Cordes, Eric Elzvik, James W. Griffith, Martina Merz, Kathryn V. Marinello, Hanne de Mora, Helena Stjernholm and CEO Martin Lundstedt. Last year, Geely became the new major owner of Volvo Group by purchasing shares from Cevian. The company already owns Volvo Cars. According to information from Dagens Industri however, the Chinese company has chosen not to submit any request for board representation. The background is that the company is also a major owner of Daimler, which opens up for conflicts of interest. Related reading - https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/52633-truckmaker-ab-volvo-drops-geely-linked-board-member-after-daimler-move/?tab=comments#comment-392986

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / March 1, 2019 At The Work Truck Show 2019, Freightliner will exhibit a wide range of its vocational vehicles and powertrain options in its booth. Visitors to the booth can also explore the new battery-electric Freightliner eM2 truck. In addition to the eM2, several of Freightliner’s vocational truck models will be on display in the booth, including the Freightliner 114SD, which can now be spec’ed with the lightweight Cummins X12 engine. Other Freightliner work trucks – such as the 108SD and the M2 106 – will be upfitted with a range of bodies that demonstrate different customization options. Part of Daimler Trucks North America’s (DTNA) e-mobility initiative, the medium-duty eM2 is being designed for local distribution, pickup and delivery, and last-mile logistics applications. The first eM2 was recently delivered to Penske Truck Leasing for real-world testing as part of the Freightliner Electric Innovation Fleet, reflecting DTNA’s co-creation approach with customers to co-develop technology that shapes the future of transportation. The Innovation Fleet is developed in partnership with Penske Truck Leasing and NFI, and is partially funded by a $16 million grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Series production of the eM2 begins in 2021. This year, Freightliner is a Platinum sponsor of the Green Truck Summit, which focuses on clean energy trends and initiatives for commercial vehicles. Freightliner has been a sponsor of the Green Truck Summit since 2012. “DTNA is investing heavily in the development of practical and sustainable electric vehicles to support our customers and the environment,” said Kelly Gedert, director of product marketing for Freightliner and Detroit. “We are committed to providing value to our customers’ businesses in a world of constantly evolving challenges, which is why we continue to develop our product portfolio to positively impact their business needs.” Work Truck show attendees will also see the market-leading powertrain options that are ideal for vocational applications, including the Detroit DD5, Detroit DD8, and Detroit DD13 engines. .

MAN Truck & Bus Press Release / February 28, 2019 Curtain up for our new MAN CitE According to the motto “Reinventing the urban landscape” the perfect truck for urban delivery and distribution transport combines avant-garde exterior with ergonomic and safety to provide high efficiency – eMobility at its best. Find out more here: https://go.man/9jqbTXt8 ,

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / March 1, 2019 Dana Incorporated has acquired the Drive Systems segment of the Oerlikon Group, including the Graziano and Fairfield brands. The acquisition expands the company’s capabilities in electrification and improves its manufacturing presence in key markets, according to Dana. The Drive Systems business serves a global roster of original equipment manufacturers with a portfolio of high-tech products that can be found in a wide range of applications for operating machinery and equipment used in agriculture, construction, energy, mining, on-road transportation, and high-performance sports cars. “Dana’s acquisition of the Drive Systems segment of Oerlikon enables us to support our customers’ shift toward vehicle electrification across nearly every vehicle architecture in the light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and off-highway segments,” said James Kamsickas, president and chief executive officer of Dana. “The Drive Systems business’ highly talented team is also strategically positioned to give our customers access to critical manufacturing capabilities in key growth markets, such as India, China, and the United States.” The addition of the Drive Systems segment to Dana is immediately accretive to earnings and creates a number of opportunities for increased revenue and profitable growth, including: Extending Dana’s current technology portfolio, especially in the area of high-precision helical gears for the light- and commercial-vehicle markets, as well as planetary hub drives for wheeled and tracked vehicles in the off-highway market. Growing Dana’s electronic controls capability for transmissions and drivelines through the acquisition of VOCIS, a wholly owned business of Oerlikon Drive Systems, and further expanding its motors technologies through Ashwoods Electric Motors. Increasing Dana’s product offerings that support vehicle electrification in each of Dana’s end markets – light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and off-highway. Optimizing Dana’s global manufacturing presence to be closer to customers in key growth markets such as China and India, as well as the United States. And adding four research and development facilities to Dana’s extensive network of technology centers, as well as 12 facilities to the company’s global manufacturing footprint. .

Deborah Lockridge, Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / March 1, 2019 AxleTech, which turns 100 years old this year, is reinventing itself with a focus on electrified vehicle solutions. By focusing on a “power-agnostic” between-the-wheels electrification technology, it believes it can provide integrated, in-axle systems that provide the same power and efficiency as conventional diesel powertrains – and maybe even better. “This is key, as vehicle manufacturers and owners will demand this with any powertrain change,” explained Jason Gies, AxleTech director of business development for electric vehicle systems, in a March 1 webinar for reporters. AxleTech, based in Troy, Michigan, traces its roots back 100 years as part of the original Rockwell International. Since then there have been a number of name changes and ownership transitions. Today, the company is emphasizing the “tech” in its name, providing advanced powertrain systems, axles, brakes, components, and aftermarket and remanufactured parts for heavy-duty commercial and defense applications. Key in its growth is commercial vehicle electrification. According to a Frost & Sullivan report, AxleTech said, the electrification adoption rate for medium- and heavy-duty trucks is expected to be 10.6% by 2025 globally, and 12.3% for North America. The forecast calls for growth to increase starting in 2020. “That’s just next year,” Gies said. “The industry is looking at a lot of growth very quickly.” Three years ago, AxleTech put together a team to develop electrified axle solutions. The company plans to make a big announcement at ACT Expo in April, but already has developed several electrified axle solutions. It has several vehicle partners: • Thor Trucks. AxleTech is developing an on-highway fully integrated e-axle system that it will pair with Thor’s proprietary batteries • Wrightspeed, which is making range-extended electric powertrains • Proterra, an electric bus start-up, which Daimler last year made a big investment in. Part of what AxleTech developed are two-speed gear boxes that give the Proterra system a 20% efficiency improvement. In fact, Gies said, Proterra in 2017 set a world record for longest distance traveled on a single charge, over 1,100 miles, for any vehicle. AxleTech's “between the wheel” systems are power-agnostic, Gies noted. It could be full battery electric, hydrogen fuel cells, range-extending technology, or even hybrids. “We require three essential things from the OEM: a cooling line, a control cable, and a power cable – and AxleTech does everything else.” AxleTech contends its system-engineered technology has an advantage over early electric truck solutions that involved replacing the truck engine with a single, large electric motor and multi-speed gearbox. This configuration is referred to as a “direct drive” solution, because it follows the traditional longitudinal drivetrain platform. However, AxleTech said, this approach has shortcomings, including poor packaging, efficiency, cost, and compatibility of the major components. More recent commercial EV powertrains have very specialized configurations, AxleTech says, but varying degrees of customized chassis, suspensions, and e-powertrains raise concerns of long-term supportability and cost. In contrast, Gies told reporters, AxleTech designs its technology to address four key factors: Performance, cost, maintenance support, and packaging (easily integrated into current vehicle platforms.) Next month at ACT Expo in Long Beach, California, AxleTech said, it will launch “the most efficient electric powertrain in the world for Class 6-8 trucks,” as well as a compact and powerful system for low-floor transit buses and some new strategic partnerships. .

Trailer-Body Builders / February 27, 2019 Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies recently expanded its Endurant automated transmission lineup to include a new dual Power Takeoff (PTO) version of the 12-speed model. The new dual PTO option of Endurant provides customers with two PTO mounting locations: an eight-bolt bottom mount and a four-bolt rear mount with a combined 95 horsepower capability. A single PTO model with an eight-bolt bottom mount location also is available, giving fleets enhanced flexibility in the secondary market. “We’re very excited to put our award-winning Endurant in the hands of more fleets,” said Charles Masters, general manager of Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies. “The dual PTO model will allow more fleets to experience the many industry-leading features of Endurant.” Since the launch of the 12-speed overdrive model in late 2017, the Endurant portfolio has expanded to include an 11-speed direct-drive model with calibrations optimized to meet the needs of linehaul and regional fleets typically operating at lower cruise speeds and on flatter terrain. Having overdrive and direct-drive models gives fleet managers the choice to select the best ratio for their application and route, the company said. All Endurant transmissions have a variety of features designed to reduce maintenance and increase uptime: Internal electrical system routing that minimizes exposure and corrosion to wires and connectors for improved reliability; A smart prognostics feature provides clutch replacement notification to better plan maintenance scheduling; An industry-exclusive transmission fluid pressure sensor notifies drivers of low oil levels to provide burn-up warranty coverage; Smooth and intuitive shift strategies that enhance the operator’s driving experience; Predictive shifting using look-ahead technology to execute shift decisions that improve fuel efficiency and provide additional driver comfort; A maintenance-free 430-millimeter self-adjust clutch that requires no grease; An industry-leading 750,000-mile lube change interval in linehaul applications; Endurant requires only 16 pints of lubricant, about half the amount of competitive models; A replaceable input shaft sleeve allows for affordable and quick repair, while competitive transmissions require a costly and time-consuming full teardown; and, Capable of maximum 510 horsepower and 1,850 foot-pounds of torque. Like all automated transmissions from the Eaton Cummins joint venture, Endurant is available with IntelliConnect, a telematics capable system designed to provide near real-time monitoring of vehicle fault codes, prioritizes critical events and provides accurate and comprehensive action plans by technical experts at Eaton. The primary objective of IntelliConnect is to increase a fleet’s uptime by reducing unplanned downtime and providing quicker repair diagnostics through remote communication with a vehicle’s transmission. The joint venture’s components are backed by Eaton’s Roadranger network of more than 180 drivetrain professionals who provide solutions, support and expertise to fleets and dealers. For more information visit eaton.com/roadranger, where the latest product information is available, as well as service, parts and training assistance. To learn more about Endurant, please visit eatoncumminsjv.com/endurant. .

https://getransportation.com/wabtec-and-ge-transportation-merge-creating-global-leader-rail-equipment-services-and-software http://old.post-gazette.com/businessnews/19990604motive2.asp

Automotive News - Reuters / February 27, 2019 FRANKFURT -- German auto supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG is considering a takeover of Belgium-based competitor Wabco and the two companies have held preliminary discussions. ZF Friedrichshafen's supervisory board has already discussed a potential acquisition of Wabco, a German newspaper paper reported, citing financial sources, adding that no decision had been taken. Wabco Holdings Inc. shares, which carry a market value of about $6.2 billion, rose 8 percent to close the day at $130.49. Wabco issued this statement following earlier reports: "In response to market speculation and noting recent appreciation in its stock price, the company confirmed today that it has been approached by ZF Friedrichshafen AG and has engaged in preliminary discussions concerning a potential transaction." The company, based in Brussels, specializes in braking control systems and other safety technologies for commercial vehicles. Last week Wabco reported record annual sales and earnings, posting net income of $418 million on revenue of $3.83 billion. It employs about 15,000 people in 40 countries. "ZF regularly reviews strategic options for action, including acquisitions, but there is no decision in this direction," a ZF spokesman told Reuters. 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. In June, ZF CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider, when asked if Wabco could still be of interest, said that brakes were not a priority for ZF at the moment as it focuses on the switch to electric and autonomous driving. ZF plans to invest more than 12 billion euros ($13.6 billion) into e-mobility and autonomous driving. ZF ranks No. 5 on the Automotive News list of the top 100 global suppliers with worldwide sales to automakers of $34.5 billion in 2017.

Kenworth Truck Co. Press Release / February 26, 2019 KIRKLAND, Washington - Kenworth Truck Company will showcase its medium and heavy duty work trucks at The Work Truck Show March 5-8 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kenworth will also offer up the latest information and spec’ing options for its vocational truck lineup in its booth (Number 1401). The show is sponsored by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA). “Kenworth has long been a proud participant in The Work Truck Show. It allows us to showcase what we consider is the industry’s most complete line of trucks that can be customized to meet the requirements of our vocational customers,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “We continue to bring new products and options to market, which can help improve productivity while lowering operating costs.” The Kenworth lineup is led by the Kenworth T370 6x6 Valew Water Tanker, equipped with a 20K front drive axle and a PACCAR PX-9 engine, and a Kenworth T880 BMC Flatbed powered with a PACCAR MX-13 engine, matched to a PACCAR 12-speed automated transmission. It features the PACCAR 20K front axle. In addition, there are two more Kenworth T370s – one equipped with a Summit service body, powered with a PACCAR PX-9 engine, and one with Altec Aerial equipment, powered with a PACCAR PX-7 engine. Completing the lineup are a Kenworth T270 equipped with Vactor Paradigm body and a PACCAR PX-9 engine, and a Kenworth K370 cabover with a DuraPatcher body and a PACCAR PX-7 engine. Kenworth will offer a “Kenworth Chassis Update” from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in the Wabash 3 room on Wednesday, March 6. The informative product session will provide insights into Kenworth’s vocation-specific options that help optimize body and equipment installation and designs.

Scania Group Press Release / February 27, 2019 Scania’s rollover side curtain airbags targets one of the most critical consequences of rollover accidents, where drivers or passengers are injured in a collision or fatally crushed by their own vehicle. This unique solution deploy and protect those travelling in the cab if the truck rolls over. Scania’s new truck generation can be equipped with rollover side curtain airbags integrated into the headliner moulding above the doors to provide significantly-enhanced protection for those travelling in the vehicle in the event of a rollover, which is one of the most serious types of truck accidents. “Our rollover side curtain airbag ensures that the driver and any passengers on board will have a much better chance of surviving a rollover accident.” “Our rollover side curtain airbag – particularly when combined with the steering wheel airbag and our seat belt pretensioners – ensures that the driver and any passengers on board will have a much better chance of surviving a rollover accident in one of the new generation of Scania trucks, with far less severe consequences than would be the case in any other truck ,” says Christofer Karlsson, who was responsible for the development of Scania’s crash safety system. How side curtain airbags work A common reason for trucks rolling over is that the driver is forced to carry out evasive action to avoid an oncoming vehicle or an obstruction. If the truck then ends up off the road, there is rarely sufficient load-bearing capacity, so the vehicle may topple onto its side or even roll over at higher speeds. Advanced systems with sensors determine when and if the rollover side curtain airbags and any other airbags should be deployed; and when deployed, the airbags inflate instantaneously. Read more about Scania’s side curtain airbags here Want to know more about safety? Read more about Scania´s new connected C-me vest that enhances driver safety here .

Renault Trucks Press Release / February 25, 2019 Since 3 months, the Saint-Priest axles plant is using a drone to perform stock control in the racks, in order to improve the ergonomics and safety conditions of this operation, which was up until now long and managed using binoculars. Welcome to the industry 4.0! .