kscarbel2

Though the "Tornado" engine has a bad reputation, I always wanted an M715. The legendary M37 (M715 predecessor) is ten times better, but the M715 has character.

Trump renews auto tariff threat as trade czar aims at China Ryan Beene & Shawn Donnan, Bloomberg / November 28, 2018 WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump raised the prospect of slapping a 25 percent tariff on imported cars and ordered a review of China’s retaliatory auto tariffs against the U.S. as his administration scrambled to respond to General Motors' announcement of plant closures this week. In a pair of Twitter posts on Wednesday, Trump pointed to a longstanding U.S. tariff on imported pickup trucks that has helped U.S.-based automakers dominate that market. He argued that a similar import tax on cars would have prevented GM’s move to close plants in the U.S. “The reason that the small truck business in the U.S. is such a go-to favorite is that, for many years, tariffs of 25% have been put on small trucks coming into our country. It is called the ‘chicken tax,”’ Trump said on Twitter Wednesday. A 25 percent duty on imported light trucks was applied in the 1960s by President Lyndon Johnson in retaliation to West German tariffs on U.S. poultry. Other products were included in those American levies initially but have since been eliminated. The pickup tariff, which also applies to work vans, has remained and has been a major contributor to U.S.-automaker dominance in the domestic pickup market. More cars would be assembled in the U.S. if the same tariff were applied on imported autos, Trump said, adding in a second tweet that “G.M. would not be closing their plants in Ohio, Michigan & Maryland.” Later in the day U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced that Trump had ordered a separate review of China’s 40 percent tariff on auto imports from the U.S., 25 percentage points of which is the result of Chinese retaliation against Trump’s own tariffs on imports from China. The U.S. currently charges a 27.5 percent tax on imported cars from China. “As the president has repeatedly noted, China’s aggressive, state-directed industrial policies are causing severe harm to U.S. workers and manufacturers,” Lighthizer said. “China’s policies are especially egregious with respect to automobile tariffs.” Lighthizer said Trump had directed him to "examine all available tools to equalize the tariffs applied to automobiles.” Summit meeting The move comes just days before Trump is due to sit down for dinner with China’s Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires and some analysts said it appeared to be related to that. The U.S. had a trade surplus in cars with China last year. According to Kristin Dziczek of the Center for Automotive Research, the U.S. exported around 260,000 light vehicles to China in 2017 and imported about 60,000. China said Thursday that tariffs on U.S. autos would be 15 percent if not for the trade dispute, and it called for a negotiated solution. “Speaking to the media frequently or waving the big stick of tariffs is not helping,” foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said when asked about Lighthizer’s comments. But it also comes as Trump is pondering broader actions on cars that threaten to hit key allies in the European Union and Japan. Trump’s administration is mulling whether to apply fresh tariffs on imported autos under national-security grounds, as it did on steel and aluminum imports this year. The main targets of such a move would be cars from the EU, Japan and South Korea. Some administration officials have been arguing that hitting allies such as the EU and Japan with tariffs at the same time as Trump is soliciting their help in taking on China would be counter-productive. The EU and Japan, in particular, have also drawn promises from Trump that he would not proceed with the auto tariffs as long as they are engaged in trade negotiations that are due to get underway in earnest early next year. NAFTA 2.0 Meanwhile, Canada and Mexico, two other major sources of U.S. auto imports, are set to be exempted from any tariffs as a result of the new version of the North American Free Trade Agreement negotiated by Trump. Administration officials have been putting the final touches on a report laying out the conclusions of a Commerce Department study of auto imports that has to be presented to Trump by February. Once the report is submitted formally to him, Trump would have 90 days to take action. Automakers, dealers and suppliers have come out against any new tariffs, arguing that they would hurt even U.S.-based companies and the U.S.’s international competitiveness. GM, which attributed its move this week to changing consumer tastes and declining sales, has said that the tariffs on steel and aluminum had already cost it $1 billion in profits. Economists are also worried about the broader consequences for what would be a major escalation in Trump’s trade wars. U.S. imports of new passenger vehicles and parts were worth more than $340 billion last year. The International Monetary Fund warned on Wednesday that the auto tariffs represented a major risk to the global economy. If the U.S. went ahead with auto duties and its trading partners responded in kind, it would take as much as three quarters of a percentage point off of global output, which IMF economists now expect to grow 3.7 percent next year.

Exactly, it's a 500 series cab with a bonnet. It's not proportional.....the standard 500 cab is too narrow. It looks goofy behind that wide hood. We all know pairing a COE cab with a bonnet can work great (e.g. Argosy), but this is a poor execution.

Scania Group Press Release / November 28, 2018 Field Test Driver Fernando Bachi is one of the first drivers in Brazil to experience Scania's new generation of trucks. Every day, Fernando and his truck named "Isabela" take on the rugged dirt roads of Mato Grosso. .

The exterior styling of the J12 concept appeals to me more, and of course FCA could create a 4-door version. .

I would like to see the return of the full-size J-series pickups, based on the 2019 Ram 1500 and 2020 Ram HD product. If the Chevrolet/GMC spin works for GM, it certainly could work for FCA. The Jeep brand is their cash cow, and a full-size pickup would increase the cash inflow.

GM's plan only partly solves gap between capacity and sedan demand Paul Lienert, Reuters / November 28, 2018 DETROIT -- General Motors' monumental announcement on Monday that it plans to close up to five assembly plants in North America and slash its workforce will only partially close the gap between capacity and demand for the automaker's sedans, according to a Reuters analysis of industry production and capacity data. Sales of traditional cars in North America have been declining for the past six years and are still withering. After GM ends production next year at factories in Michigan, Ohio and Ontario, it will still have four U.S. car plants, all operating at less than half of rated capacity, according to figures supplied by LMC Automotive. In comparison, rivals Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will have one car plant each in North America after 2019. The Detroit Three are facing rapidly dwindling demand for traditional passenger cars from U.S. consumers, many of whom have shifted to crossovers, pickups and SUVs. Cars accounted for 48 percent of retail light-vehicle sales in the United States in 2014, according to market researchers at J.D. Power and Associates. This year, sedans will account for less than a third of light-vehicle sales. That shift in turn has left most North American car plants operating far below their rated capacities, while many light-truck plants are running on overtime. The collapse in car demand is a challenge for nearly all automakers in the United States, including Japan's Toyota and Honda, which have the top-selling models in the compact and midsize car segments. Toyota executives said last month they are evaluating the company's U.S. model lineup. But Toyota also plans to build compact Corolla sedans at a new $1.6 billion factory it is building in Alabama with partner Mazda. The obstacles facing GM in its plans to close more factories became apparent on Tuesday as President Trump threatened to block payment of government electric vehicle subsidies to GM. While it is not certain that Trump unilaterally has the power to do that, he made it clear he intends to use his office to pressure the company to keep open a small car plant in Ohio that GM says will stop building vehicles in March. Asked whether GM's plans to close factories and cut jobs might not solve the demand problem for its sedans, GM spokeswoman Kimberly Carpenter said on Tuesday: "We continuously look at our operations for opportunities to improve our efficiency and capacity utilization. We believe the actions announced yesterday move us in the right direction and we will continue to monitor the market and consumer trends and adjust accordingly." Shares of the No. 1 U.S. automaker closed 2.5 percent lower at $36.69 on Tuesday, after rising nearly 5 percent the previous day. Abandonment issues GM executives have said they do not intend to abandon cars to the extent that Ford and FCA have. GM car plants that will remain open include Fairfax, Kan., which builds the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac XT4 compact crossover. But that plant is operating at 48 percent of capacity, well below the 80 percent that GM CEO Mary Barra is targeting as the average for North America. A GM plant in Lansing, Mich., that builds the Cadillac ATS and CTS and Chevrolet Camaro is running at just 33 percent capacity, while the GM Orion Township, Mich., facility that builds the Chevrolet Bolt electric car and the Chevrolet Sonic subcompact runs at 34 percent capacity. A Bowling Green, Ky., plant that builds the Chevrolet Corvette works at just 27 percent of its potential output, according to LMC data. "Until GM gets more flexibility in its platforms, it will continue to have to play whack-a-mole with its plants as the market transitions — and it will happen again," said LMC analyst Bill Rinna. In all, the four GM car plants that will remain open have a combined capacity of more than 800,000 vehicles a year, but are expected to produce only 360,000 cars this year, according to LMC. Industry analysts have said the general break-even point for running an assembly plant profitably is around 80 percent. Barra said on Monday GM's North American plants are running at 70 percent capacity — including light-truck plants that are working overtime. Ford plans to end production in March of the Taurus at its Chicago plant, which also builds the Explorer and Aviator crossovers. That will leave the automaker with only one U.S. car plant, in Flat Rock, Michigan, which currently builds the Ford Mustang and the Lincoln Continental. The Mustang is due for a mild redesign around 2021, but the Continental is scheduled to be phased out then, according to two sources familiar with the company's plans. Flat Rock is running at just 49 percent of capacity, but Ford has said it plans to add new products to the plant, including its first automated vehicle, in 2021. Fiat Chrysler still builds the full-size Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger and Challenger at its Brampton, Ontario, plant. Demand for those large cars remains robust, and the plant is running at nearly 80 percent capacity.

Two Ford plants losing shifts, but no layoffs planned Michael Martinez, Automotive News / November 28, 2018 Ford on Wednesday said it will eliminate shifts at assembly plants in Michigan and Kentucky but give all affected workers jobs at other locations nearby. About 500 workers will move from the Louisville Assembly Plant, which makes the Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC crossovers, to instead make Super Duty pickups and full-size SUVs at the Kentucky Truck Plant, also in Louisville. The Escape plant will go from three shifts to two in the spring. Around the same time, Ford's plant in Flat Rock, Mich., which makes the Mustang and Lincoln Continental southwest of Detroit, will go from two daily shifts to one. Most of those workers can transfer to the Livonia Transmission Plant, which will gain roughly 500 jobs, about 30 miles away. Another 150 workers will move from Flat Rock to other Ford facilities. Ford said the moves will allow it to increase production of its profitable Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs by 20 percent at Kentucky Truck. Ford earlier this year said it would build 25 percent more of the SUVs than it originally planned because of high demand. Livonia Transmission supplies a number of vehicles, including the Ford F-150 and Ford Ranger. Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker said the automaker was not anticipating any job losses as all affected workers will transition to another Ford plant. "Our collectively bargained contract provides for the placement of all members displaced by the shift reduction and, after working with Ford, we are confident that all impacted employees will have the opportunity to work at nearby facilities," UAW Vice President Rory Gamble said in a statement. The moves come two days after General Motors said it plans to cut about 14,000 jobs by laying off 15 percent of its salaried employees and closing plants in Michigan, Ohio, Maryland and Ontario. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., whose congressional district includes Flat Rock, released this statement in response to Ford's announcement: "While I am deeply disturbed at the elimination of a shift in my district, I appreciate Ford’s concern for their employees and their commitment to keeping jobs in the U.S. "Democrats and Republicans must continue to work together to ensure we have a strong, healthy economy that supports workers, provides good-paying jobs, levels the playing field with strong consistent trade policies, and keeps our country as the world leader in transforming mobility."

Gladiator fulfills Jeep's long-delayed dreams of a pickup Larry Vellequette, Automotive News / November 27, 2018 LOS ANGELES -- After a nearly 14-year tease of just-over-the-horizon promises and someday-soon product plans, Jeep showed the first production pickup to carry the brand's name in a generation: the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. And Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the brand put an end date on the horizon and identified someday-soon, promising that the Gladiator -- a descendant of an ultrapopular concept pickup of the same name Jeep first showed in 2005 -- would be in showrooms in the second quarter of 2019. In styling and off-road performance, the 2020 Gladiator is a derivative of the Jeep Wrangler and shares a number of components and key attributes with the latest-generation JL Wrangler that went on sale this year, including removable doors, a removable roof and a folding front windscreen. But while it is Wrangler-based, the Gladiator is distinct from the iconic off-roader, with a frame that is 31 inches longer and a wheelbase that is 19.4 inches longer to carry its 5-foot cargo bed. Engine power Under its hood clips, the Gladiator will be powered by either the standard 285-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gas engine or -- beginning in 2020 -- an optional 260-hp 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 diesel engine mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or optional eight-speed automatic. Both engines will come with electronic stop-start systems standard to improve fuel efficiency. In exterior styling, the Gladiator freely apes the popular JL Wrangler, incorporating much of the SUV's exterior lighting and design cues while departing in some small ways to improve capability. One example: The seven slots in the Jeep grille are larger on the Gladiator than they are on the Wrangler to enhance airflow for towing, allowing the Gladiator to boast up to 7,650 pounds of towing capacity and up to 1,600 pounds of payload capacity with an optional Max Towing package. Roof options The Jeep pickup also will come with three available options for removing its roof, depending on trim level: A standard black hard top, available across all models. A premium Sunrider soft-top system with retainers that slide into tracks to make the top easier to remove and reinstall. Body-colored removable hard-top options on the Overland and Rubicon trims. The Gladiator's 5-foot bed comes equipped with underrail lighting to illuminate the cargo area, integrated cargo tie-downs and an available covered, external 115-volt plug. Interior, storage Inside, the Gladiator picks up a number of the Wrangler's styling cues and features, especially in first-row seating and instrumentation, including its optional 8.4-inch touch-screen Uconnect infotainment system. But the second-row seats are exclusive to the pickup, with seat bottoms that fold up to expose a storage compartment with an optional lock, and a seat back that can lock in place for additional secure storage. A front-looking camera is standard on Rubicon trim levels to allow the driver a clear view of obstacles ahead during off-road use. The Gladiator is equipped to hang with the Wrangler in terms of off-road capability, with third-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles, Jeep's Command-Trac 4x4 system on the Sport and Overland trims and its Rock-Trac heavy-duty off-road system standard on the Rubicon trim. Despite its extended frame, the pickup boasts an approach angle of 43.6 degrees, a break-over angle of 20.3 degrees and a departure angle of 26 degrees, with 11.1 inches of ground clearance, Jeep says. The brand also says the Gladiator is capable of safely fording up to 30 inches of water. Pricing was not announced. The pickup is being assembled in the southern half of FCA's Toledo Assembly Complex, which also assembles the Wrangler. Workers on the Gladiator line are building pilots daily, with production slated to ramp up significantly after the first of the year. Photo gallery - http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=CA&Date=20181128&Category=LA_AUTO_SHOW&ArtNo=112809999&Ref=PH&Profile=1252 .

Regarding rear axle ratios, the dealers have software for calculating the sweet spot for all engine/transmission combinations. KW's sales engineering department will weigh in too. Speak with a knowledgeable salesperson at your KW dealer.

You're welcome. The BMT family aims to please.

Agreed. But with today's modern high-speed road networks, the viability of the concept has made significant leaps forward. At present, there are now several freight trains running between Europe and cities in China that naturally move cargo far faster than ships.

New Zealand Trucking / November 2018 The success of the first TIR [a globally applicable international customs transit and guarantee system] journey by road from China to Europe proves the system’s cost, time and security advantages. It is set to boost trade between China and Europe, unlocking a critical Belt and Road route and offering development opportunities across Eurasia. The first TIR truck transport from China to Europe started its 7000 km journey at the Khorgos border, entering Kazakhstan and travelling through Russia and Belarus to Poland in just 13 days – with a door-to-door cost and delivery time competitive with both air and rail. This TIR transport initiative is a joint effort between IRU, the global industry association for road transport, and global leading logistics companies, including CEVA Logistics, Shanghai Jet-rail International Transportation, and Alblas International Logistics as the operator. The truck left China on 13 November, arriving at its destination in Poland without any disruption or customs issues on November 26. IRU secretary general Umberto de Pretto says the milestone will be a game changer for cross border transport in China. “This first TIR journey by road from China to Europe is a win-win-win model for business, trade and governments. “It shows that the system is secure and also highly competitive in terms of cost and time relative to other modes of transport on similar routes. It will boost trade between China and Europe, which will help China and the countries along the Belt and Road route to reap the economic and development rewards of international road transport. It is also a wakeup call to European hauliers – who can seize the opportunity to benefit from round trip operations.” CEVA Logistics Greater China EVP Torben Bengtsson said they foresaw a great future for road transport from China to Europe. “The pilot proves that it could save up to 50% door-to-door cost compared with air, and at least 10 days delivery time compared with rail. The market is eager for the new product, we have a lot of customers waiting for the start of a regular service. During the coming weeks we will prepare to start regular operations as early as possible in 2019.” A key role was played by the Chinese branch office of Alblas in Ürümqi. Jan Alblas, CEO of Alblas (Netherlands), stated that the historical event took years of preparation. “We are the first transport company ever that conducted a TIR transport from China to Europe. Being the only European transport company in China with an international transport licence, we are able to execute the entire transport door-to-door with our own transport equipment and our own drivers. We are pleased with the results from the test and still see room for further optimisations in order to achieve the ideal transport time of 10 days from China to Europe.” In September 2018, Kazakhstan and China opened the new border crossing at Khorgos to boost transport and trade along the new Western China to Western Europe 8,445 km expressway – part of China’s Belt and Road project. The World Bank predicts the corridor will more than double road freight volumes between China and Europe. With this first TIR transport, operations along this corridor are now ready to deliver economic and social benefits to the whole region. .

Ford's Detroit campus plan wins state tax breaks Crain’s Detroit Business / November 28, 2018 [Michigan taxpayers to absorb $209 million for train station] DETROIT -- Michigan's economic development board on Tuesday approved a 30-year tax abatement for Ford Motor Co.'s planned campus in Detroit's historic Corktown neighborhood that is the tax-incentive linchpin for the automaker's revitalization of the long-vacant Michigan Central Station. The Michigan Strategic Fund's board signed off on Ford's application for a 30-year Renaissance Zone designation for the 18-story train station and its parking deck, the former Detroit schools book depository that is adjacent to the depot and the property of the former Lincoln Brass Works factory at 2051 Rosa Parks Blvd. The tax breaks amount to $208.8 million -- or $6.95 million annually -- in property taxes that Ford won't have to pay over a period of 30 years that will begin in five years, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The Corktown properties currently generate less than $200,000 annually in taxes, according to a MEDC briefing memo to MSF board members. The MSF board's approval of the Renaissance Zone designation is the final step toward Ford securing nearly $239 million in total tax breaks for the $740 million autonomous vehicle campus the automaker plans to establish in Corktown by 2022. Ford appears to have more time, though, to bring 5,000 jobs to Detroit in exchange for the tax breaks. The strategic fund's briefing document says Ford has pledged to bring 2,500 "direct jobs" to Corktown by Dec. 31, 2022 and another 2,500 employees of suppliers and "partners" by Dec. 31, 2028. Ford "anticipates the bulk of the supplier jobs to be created or brought in by 2022," said Stacey Bowerman, vice president of business development projects for the MEDC. Detroit City Council has approved tax breaks under the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act, a Commercial Rehabilitation District -- abatements valued at $27 million over 12 years, according to the MEDC memo. Those tax breaks will effectively freeze the taxable value of the Corktown properties at current levels after the renovations and improvements are made. City Council also approved an application for a Renaissance Zone, which exempts Ford from paying real and personal property taxes as well as Detroit's city taxes on corporate income and utility users. Ford Land Development Co., the automaker's real-estate development arm, plans to tear down the 289,000 former brass factory on Rosa Parks Boulevard and build a new 500,000-square-foot to 600,000-square-foot office and research building. Ford, which announced its purchase of Michigan Central Station in June, had pushed for quick approval of the tax breaks this fall from state and city officials in order to begin work constructing a temporary safety enclosure to dry out the weather-damaged train depot, which sat exposed to the elements for years. Major rehabilitation and construction work at the train station is expected to begin in early 2019, according to the MEDC memo. The brass factory property is adjacent to The Factory building at Rosa Parks and Michigan, where 250 Ford employees in the company's electric and autonomous vehicle divisions began working in late May. Rehabilitation of the 273,000-square-foot former DPS book depository at 2231 Dalzelle St. is set to begin in early 2019. The onetime post office built in 1936 has sat vacant since a fire ravaged the building in 1987. .

Sounds like you have a good understanding of the situation. The all-encompassing goal is for you to be able to make money. The human nature aspect is choosing a brand you can like, and a model that has an aesthetic appearance that pleases you. You want to feel good about your purchase, when you look at the truck, and at the end of the month when you pay your bills. In your application, the Allison is a wise investment.

Exactly, the "cost" of your engine choice is a factor. Pay up for what you need, but don't shoot past that point and pay extra for an excessively large engine you don't need, which is heavier (a detractor to possible payload) and thirstier (more money unnecessarily leaving your pocket). I don't like the Volvo D13 (rebadged as Mack brand MP8). Most of all, I don't like the cheap Delphi fuel injection system, including the fact that it's a jury rig.....a common rail on their old unit pump injection architecture engine block. The Bosch and Cummins-Scania XPI high pressure common rail fuel injection systems are the best in the business. Volvo's Delphi system is soooo bad.....they went with the low bidder. The DD13 is a great engine, but that would mean buying a Western Star. That's more engine than you need, and I think the Kenworth, all factors considered, is a wiser investment with greater resale value (The Australian market Western Star product is top notch, but the US market sells a cheapened product). If you like the aesthetics of the Peterbilt, you can get the same ISX12/Allision combination in their vocational models. And after touring their Denton, Texas plant, you'd be a Peterbilt loyalist.

I ideal balance of power, torque, fuel economy and weight. Twelve liters is all 95 percent of the market needs, and particularly in a dump (tipper) application. Trucks are not cars......they were never intended to accelerate as quick as one. But matched with the Allison, the X12 will deliver impressive acceleration (for a truck) and fuel economy, with solid reliability and dependability. Over the last five years, Kenworth has taken huge market share in the vocational segment with these trucks. Many satisfied customers can tell you why.

GMC is indeed making a killing with each Denali-spec'd light truck. And that's great for the division. However, I personally feel that GMC is also GM's commercial truck brand. Not to mention how narrow GMC's portfolio is, and how overextended Chevrolet's is.....at least when they used to build cars.

Reuters / November 27, 2018 White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Tuesday indicated President Donald Trump may announce specific ramifications for General Motors's plans to cut thousands of jobs and potentially close some of its North America plants. "I'm going to leave that to him," Kudlow said when asked if Trump has consequences in mind for the major auto maker. "You may find additional announcements coming on that topic." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “Very disappointed with General Motors and their CEO, Mary Barra, for closing plants in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland,” said Trump. “Nothing being closed in Mexico & China. The U.S. saved General Motors, and this is the THANKS we get!” .

The Kenworth with an ISX12 and Allison transmission is popular for very good reasons.

Great points.

It's been reported that GM is in crisis mode over their new 2019 pickup. With the new 2019 Dodge (Ram) pickup now having the best interior in the segment, Chevrolet has been pushed to third place. Those who answer to Mary Barra about that are sweating. Ford has the highest sales. However, once the new heavy duty Dodge range enters the picture for 2020, I think we'll all be able to say that Dodge has the best line-up. It will be interesting to see if Dodge's heavy duty range gets a tilt hood, or hear that they changed their 2020 product late in the design process, adding a tilt hood after the Silverado/CV debut.

The International Harvester W Series conventional (bonneted) cab. .

W Series "Westcoaster" with EW cab (1946-1949). http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pix/trucks/t_brad_dunkin/2008/04-24/file0008.jpg .