kscarbel2

You're welcome old friend, my pleasure. No, GVW sold Workhorse to Navistar in 2005, who dumped it in 2012.

Tenneco is a "buy" at these 52-week low levels. This truly is a $48 stock. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/TEN?p=TEN https://www.autonews.com/suppliers/tenneco-stock-plunges-after-lowered-outlook-spinoff-delayed Note the dividend yield of 7.97 percent. That's hard to come by. https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TEN/dividends/yield

A superb video on why the US, sadly and mistakenly, doesn't have high-speed passenger rail service (and of course government and big business made the choice......not the "people" who now suffer for a lack of it).

Here's something you won't see at VTNA..........

They have engineered an entire range of models, what one would expect from professional truck people. Power includes the X15. To invest in a new cab, chassis and so many components, the "plan" had to include a full portfolio. As I learn more, I will share.

Here's an article that gives you some idea about the man leading today's Autocar. Alike Elon Musk, he's from South Africa. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Taitz Chairman, CEO, Grand Vehicle Works LLC Margaret Littman, Crain's Chicago Business Without a college education — but with on-the-job training running a frozen-food business in his native South Africa — Andrew Taitz immigrated to the U.S. "I wanted to buy and build businesses, and the States is the single largest, most accessible market," he explains. "At that time, South Africa did not have a great future to bring a family up in." Two weeks after he and his wife, Dana, married, they came to the U.S., choosing Chicago for both practical and emotional reasons. "It was 1990, and there was a recession then. I was looking for manufacturing firms, and Chicago was one of the least-affected regions," he says. "But it also felt right to start here. It is not hard to be a foreigner here." That same combination of pragmatic and intuitive thinking helped Mr. Taitz turn beleaguered and bankrupt businesses into a $400-million niche. In 1993, he made his first purchase, Indiana-based Union City Body Co., a maker of bodies for delivery trucks. His first job was to woo back the company's old customers. "A lot of them were deserting Union City because (the firm) wasn't going to be around long," recalls Merrit Kinne, director of fleet maintenance for California's Aramark Services Inc., a Union City customer. It was at this time that Mr. Taitz had a flash of insight. He realized it was inefficient to have one company make a truck body and another make the chassis — which had been the industry standard. Why not merge the two? "His vision pretty much caught the rest of the industry flat-footed," Mr. Kinne says. By 1998, Mr. Taitz persuaded General Motors Corp. to sell the specialized chassis division he needed to produce the guts for Union City's body parts. He moved the GM operations from Detroit to Indiana, renamed the business Workhorse Custom Chassis, and structured it under Grand Vehicle Works LLC, the Highland Park holding company that also encompasses Union City. He promised that the new plant would be up and running within eight weeks, and it was — surprising even his supporters. "It was a difficult time. It was 20 below zero, and I am not used to winter. It was stressful because we had to stick to the timelines I had promised," he says. "But that's what's exciting about business — doing things that people think cannot be done." .

"This idea that undocumented [illegal immigrants] - and by the way a significant portion of undocumented folks [criminals] in our country are there because they've overstayed their visas. It's not people breaking down gates coming across the border." Joe Biden May 9, 2019

"I think that anyone who is in a situation where they're in need of healthcare, regardless of whether they are documented or undocumented [a legal or illegal immigrant], we have an obligation to see that they are cared for." Joe Biden May 9, 2019

Over the next couple of weeks, Autocar is holding meetings with its major refuse customers on the DC-64R. After that time, they will present more information to the general public. Response to the truck has exceeded their expectations. They're handling this launch very carefully. They are a smaller truckmaker who can't afford to make costly mistakes and waste money. Each step must be calculated. I'm impressed. The truck "passion" at Autocar is driven by majority owner Andrew Taitz. He bought out Carlisle Group's stake in 2005 and has been stubbornly growing the company every since. “Our approach is different because we take orders from the customer and start from there, customer-engineer it, and build it for the application taking into account exactly what it’s going to be used for. That’s a pull model, and everyone else in the business has a push model, where they focus on high-volume production for over-the-road and delivery and then modify those vehicles for severe-duty applications. That doesn’t work as well.” Andrew Taitz

Ford Trucks International / May 9, 2019 The Ford Trucks F-MAX makes life easier with technologies such as Maxcruise, its multimedia system and more! . 1507940147251-drlcss.mp4

Bill Ford: 'Very pleased' with recent stock performance Michael Martinez, Automotive News / May 9, 2019 DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co.'s top executives Thursday promised shareholders that difficult decisions made last year are setting up the company for stronger performances in 2019 and beyond. During the company's annual shareholders meeting, CEO Jim Hackett and Executive Chairman Bill Ford pointed to strong first-quarter earnings — and a corresponding surge in Ford's stock price — as signs that Hackett's controversial global reorganization was necessary. Since the start of the year, Ford's stock price has risen 34 percent, and last month it topped $10 a share for the first time since August. Shares were trading down 1 percent to $10.24 on Thursday in afternoon trading. "I think our stock price kind of languished as a result of us slogging through some very necessary but difficult changes," Ford said. "We're not where we're going to be, we know that, but we're very pleased that the results of a lot of the hard work that took place in 2018 are starting to show in 2019 and that our stock price is responding." Hackett, who has spent considerable time in his first two years as CEO defending his plan to Wall Street analysts, said Thursday his so-called redesign was not "moving too slowly, nor was it too futuristic," and that it is finally showing positive results. "The optimism in the company is higher now," Hackett said. "We've turned that corner." Recession planning Hackett last month vowed that Ford would be ready for any upcoming recession, and shareholders Thursday pressed for details. CFO Bob Shanks, who retires next month, reiterated the automaker's position that it is working to ensure the company could break even if U.S. industry sales plunged to 11 million per year. He said Ford would be able to break even if the annualized selling rate — which was 16.41 million in April, according to the Automotive News Data Center — hit 11.5 million. In 2009, automakers sold just 10.4 million vehicles in the U.S. "We've been thinking about the design of our business such that it doesn't only make money in great times," Hackett said. "We have to be a vibrant business through all cycles." Shareholder proposals For the second consecutive year, shareholders questioned Ford's decision to abandon the North American sedan market in favor of crossovers, SUVs and pickups, and Hackett reiterated Ford's position that it plans to keep sedan customers by offering different types of low-cost vehicles. Responding to a question about a potential spinoff of the company's Smart Mobility business, Ford said it's not something the automaker was considering because the sector is rapidly evolving. Among shareholder proposals, voters rejected an annual request to eliminate the Ford family's special class of shares. Ford said 65.7 percent voted against the change, up from 63.9 percent last year. For the third year in a row, Ford conducted its annual meeting solely online, a departure from in-person gatherings of the past in Delaware. Some shareholders have complained, but the automaker said it can answer more questions and reach more shareholders with the virtual format, and General Motors has said it would move to a similar online-only format.

Houston, they have a problem. Many of their dealers aren't qualified to be successful heavy truck dealers. They could only suffice to provide after-sales spare parts support. https://www.autocartruck.com/find-service-location-distributor/ For example: Dallas - http://www.iptruck.com/ Chicago - https://www.standardequipment.com/

You're right of course. The problem is this dealer network will need to reboot itself (get pumped up) so as to effectively take this ball and run with it. I assume they have been doing direct sales to Waste Management and the larger fleets (as the Mack factory branches did). For that reason, the dealers have been doing more after-sales support than selling. Now, this business model will have the change.

No, spoke to them on the phone.

The electric LR incorporates the same Volvo technology already being used in Europe. https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/55770-volvo’s-first-electric-trucks-put-to-work/

They will......already confirmed, with X15 power.

Relating to chassis articulation, I pay more attention to the crossmembers, how rigid the crossmembers as selected make the frame.

I understand that, but I still don't care for the cab-over-engine U Series' grille on a MY2020 DC Series conventional cab truck, specifically the extensions on the left and right side. I would rather see a classic yet updated DC grille, in two different widths depending on cooling package requirements.

I like the general theme of the grille, but not the extensions on the left and right side.

AxleTech has its origins as the North American Off Highway and European Specialty Division of Rockwell International. https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38346-axletech-international-acquired-by-the-carlyle-group/

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / May 8, 2019 Meritor, Inc. has entered into an agreement with an affiliate of The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm, under which Meritor will acquire AxleTech for approximately $175 million in cash, adjusted for changes in working capital at closing and subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The transaction advances Meritor’s M2022 objectives to accelerate global sales and growth by leveraging the company’s core competencies to grow strategically in adjacent markets. The addition of AxleTech enhances Meritor’s growth platform, bringing a highly complementary global product portfolio across the off-highway, defense, specialty, and aftermarket segments, according to the company. AxleTech’s offerings include a full product line of independent suspensions, axles, braking solutions, and drivetrain components. These capabilities will enable Meritor to offer global customers a wider array of differentiated products and solutions while further diversifying the company’s portfolio. Headquartered in Troy, Mich., AxleTech is a privately-held leading technology company that designs, engineers, manufactures, sells, and services drivetrain systems and components, with a focus on off-highway applications. AxleTech generated $248 million in revenue in calendar-year 2018. “We are delighted to welcome AxleTech back to the Meritor family. The addition of AxleTech is a compelling value-creating opportunity to broaden our position in attractive, adjacent markets and advances our M2022 strategy," said Jay Craig, Meritor’s CEO and president. “Meritor’s technical expertise, operational excellence and proven track record will be a powerful platform to accelerate growth. Our product portfolios are highly complementary and we share a commitment to our people and customers. We look forward to realizing the full benefits of the transaction by serving as a premier supplier to our global customers and enhancing shareholder value.” Meritor expects to realize more than $15 million in annual cost synergies by fiscal year 2022, through operating, productivity, and manufacturing efficiencies. The combination of AxleTech’s offerings with Meritor’s on-highway leadership will position the company to accelerate growth and deliver an enhanced value proposition to new and existing global customers. Upon completion of the transaction, AxleTech will operate within Meritor’s Aftermarket, Industrial, and Trailer segment. The transaction is currently expected to close in the fourth fiscal quarter, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Mack debuts electric-powered waste truck Truck News / May 8, 2019 LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Mack Trucks showcased its LR battery-electric refuse truck at WasteExpo. The demonstration model will begin real-world testing next year with the New York City Department of Sanitation. “The Mack LR BEV is the latest example of Mack’s leadership within the refuse and recycling industry,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice-president, North American sales and marketing. “Built on our decades of experience in powertrain innovation, the electric LR delivers a powerful yet quiet, zero-emission solution designed to tackle one of the most demanding applications in one of the largest cities in the world.” The truck features an integrated electric powertrain, consisting of two 130-kW motors, which produce 496 hp and 4,051 lb.-ft. of torque from zero rpm. It also features a two-speed Mack Powershift transmission. “New York City, and DSNY in particular, is a world leader when it comes to testing the latest technologies to help us reduce our environmental footprint,” said New York City DSNY deputy commissioner Rocky DiRico. “We’re proud to be the first Mack customer to test this exciting new technology, and we look forward to continuing to work with Mack throughout this project.” Mack says refuse applications are ideal for electric-powered trucks, as they run pre-determined routes and return to home after every shift. Frequent starts and stop provide significant regenerative braking opportunity to recapture energy. Mack LR BEV Specifications: Electric Motors: Two Alternating Current motors, 130 kW each 370kW (496 hp) total peak power, 260 kW (349 hp) continuous power 4,051 lb.-ft. of torque Traction voltage: 600 volts Batteries: Four NMC Lithium-Ion Batteries (Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide Charging System: SAE J1772 compliant Up to 150kW charging power at 200 amps maximum current 600-750 volts, depending on state of battery charge Regenerative braking system Accessory Power: 12 volt, 24 volt and 600 volt circuits Transmission: Two-speed Mack Powershift Axles: Mack FXL20 20,000-lb. front axle Mack S522R 52,000-lb. rear axles Body: Heil 25-yard DuraPack 5000 rear loader

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / May 8, 2019 Volvo Group subsidiary Mack Trucks unveiled its Mack LR battery-electric vehicle (BEV) at WasteExpo 2019. Combining the design of the Mack LR model with a fully electric Mack drivetrain, the demonstration model will begin real-world testing in 2020 in the demanding operations of the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY). “The Mack LR BEV is the latest example of Mack’s leadership within the refuse and recycling industry,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president, North American sales and marketing. “Built on our decades of experience in powertrain innovation, the electric LR delivers a powerful yet quiet, zero-emission solution designed to tackle one of the most demanding applications in one of the largest cities in the world.” The Mack LR BEV is powered by Mack’s integrated electric powertrain consisting of two 130-kW motors producing a combined 496 peak hp and 4,051 lb.-ft. of torque available from zero RPM. Power is sent through a two-speed Mack Powershift transmission and put to the ground by Mack’s proprietary S522R 52,000-pound rear axles. The Mack LR BEV features a copper-colored Bulldog hood ornament, signifying that it’s an electric vehicle. All of the LR BEV’s accessories, including the hydraulic systems for the Heil DuraPack 5000 body, are electrically driven through 12V, 24V, and 600V circuits. Four NMC lithium-ion batteries (Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) are charged via a 150kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system. As one of Mack’s largest customers, DSNY was an ideal choice to test the first LR BEV model in a real-world application. DSNY is the world’s largest sanitation department, with its 10,000 employees collecting more than 12,000 tons of refuse and recyclables each day. DSNY is also a sustainability innovator and has initiated several programs designed to reduce waste sent to landfills, as well as cut emissions. “New York City, and DSNY in particular, is a world leader when it comes to testing the latest technologies to help us reduce our environmental footprint,” said New York City DSNY Deputy Commissioner Rocky DiRico. “We’re proud to be the first Mack customer to test this exciting new technology, and we look forward to continuing to work with Mack throughout this project.” Even as electromobility technology and supporting infrastructure continues to develop, refuse and recycling collection represents an ideal application for BEVs because of the potential to deliver the most value to customers. Collection vehicles operate on predetermined routes and return home every off shift, helping eliminate concerns about range and finding a location to charge. The truckmarker notes that the frequent starts and stops, which can occur thousands of times per shift, also provide a significant regenerative braking opportunity to recapture energy. Fully electric trucks like the Mack LR BEV provide a number of benefits, including zero emissions and the potential for improved environmental sustainability. In addition, fully electric trucks produce significantly less noise, enabling nighttime operation, a particularly attractive option for refuse operators in urban environments, according to Mack. . .