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Engineering News / August 29, 2018 VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) South Africa, a Volvo Group and Eicher Motors joint venture, has entered the domestic heavy-duty truck market, with the start of sale of its Pro 6000 series trucks. This will add to the Pro 3008 8.5 t gross vehicle mass (GVM) truck range introduced when the company officially kicked off local sales last year. “We are launching product step-by-step,” says VECV South Africa VP and country head Surender Singh. “Once we have stabilised one variant, we can come in with the next variant.” The new range consists of the Pro 6016 (eight-ton payload) 16 t gross vehicle mass (GVM) heavy-duty freight carrier and Pro 6025T (10 m3) 6 x 4 25 t GVM heavy-duty construction tipper. The trucks are powered by VEDX engines, which have been designed and developed in collaboration with the Volvo Group. “The Eicher Pro 6000 Series is the range of next-generation heavy-duty trucks that offer class-leading fuel efficiency, superior uptime, and enhanced driver comfort, safety and efficiency through various cabin features and intelligent systems,” promises Singh. “The trucks have undergone rigorous endurance and performance testing for over 100 000 km in South Africa.” The Pro 6000 Series are aimed at the haulage, distribution, construction, industrial loads, courier and perishables markets. While Singh acknowledges that the local truck market is highly competitive at the moment, especially in the Pro 3000 segment, he believes that the eight-ton manual transmission market has room for growth. “We do not compete on sticker price,” he adds. An Eicher Pro 3000 truck is the one to buy when “people want a truck with not so many frills”, or they want “to upgrade from a small Fuso or FAW”. Pro 6000 trucks will be available at 15 dealer locations in South Africa. VECV has joined hands with a number of well-established dealership groups such as the AAD Group, BB Motor Group, Billson Trucks, CMH Group, Ermelo TTC Group, Imperial, Morgan Group, Shorts Commercial Vehicles and Premier Truck and Bus. VECV SA has sold 103 Pro 3008 trucks from July 2017 to July 2018. The aim is to sell 300 trucks this financial year, which ends on March 31, 2019. Singh notes that VECV SA is still studying assembly in South Africa, “which is a critical market for us. Once our plans are finalised we’ll communicate it to the market. We should know by around December.” However, he notes that local assembly is not a question of if, but rather how and when. VECV SA is also investigating the launch of a commuter bus, assembled on the Pro 6000 series chassis, with the bus bodies then built in South Africa. The company aims to bring some bus prototypes to South Africa by the end of October. VECV SA also expects to make an announcement on the introduction of a light-duty truck by the end of March next year. In terms of regional markets, VECV SA has received an order of 57 trucks from Zimbabwe, with 22 already delivered. The India-based VECV sold 65 932 trucks on the global market in the 2017/18 financial year. “By 2020 we want to reach 100 000 units, so exports are important,” says Singh. VECV has set its initial sights on three export clusters, namely the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia. “We have 26 distributors in Africa,” notes Singh. The next phase of expansion should see the group enter South America. .

Scania Group Press Release / August 29, 2018 The vineyards of Bordeaux are doubtless best known for the fine wines they produce. But they are getting things right in more ways than one. With grape marc, the residue produced in the wine-making process, being used to make biofuel, transport operator Citram Aquitaine is running the ED95-driven Scania’s Interlink LD Euro 6 bus between Bordeaux and Blaye. Citram Aquitaine is a transport operator for our times, committed to sustainable methods of energy transition. In an experimental bid to move away from fossil-free transport, it is now testing Scania’s Interlink LD Euro 6 bus on its intercity 201 route between Bordeaux and Blaye: a vehicle adapted to long-distance travel which is powered by bioethanol produced by Raisinor France Alcools. “We have to be at the forefront of innovation,” says Nicolas Raud, director of Citram Aquitaine. “I believe that the ability of a carrier to reconsider its energy mix is essential.” The environmentally sound bus is hard to miss, with the proud message “I run on bioethanol produced from grape marc” emblazoned on its side. “We were immediately drawn to Raisinor and Scania’s proposal of locally produced, environmentally friendly power, so we asked to be involved in the experiment to measure the efficiency and viability of this solution,” says Raud. Partnership for the planet The collaboration between Scania and Citram is enabled by the key contribution of Raisinor France Alcools, which supplies the biofuel required to run the experiment. In a bold and ambitious move, Raisinoor has brought together the French wine cooperatives, with Union Coopératives Vinicoles d’Aquitaine (UCVA) producing 100,000 tonnes of grape marc every year on its site at Coutras in the Gironde department, which is in the Bordeaux wine-making region. “Their production potential would supply 1,000 vehicles locally,” says Jérôme Budua, Director of Raisinor France Alcools. Citram on sustainability Established in 1921 as a private company, Citram has been the main passenger transport company in the Gironde department for years. “We are responsible for 80 percent of intercity operations in Gironde,” says Raud. “This covers 42 routes, some of which play a pivotal role in the network, completing up to 19 return journeys a day.” As the trailblazer of cutting-edge coaches offering services such as Wi-Fi, electrical sockets, and on-board TV), Citram is now busy thinking about a sustainable methods of energy transition. “By using the waste products from our local wine industry to manufacture the fuel that is used in some of our vehicles locally, we are joining the green intelligence movement,” says Raud. Commitment to alternative energy at a cost A vehicle running on ED95 consumes more because the energy output of ethanol is half that of diesel, and it is more expensive to buy compared with a diesel vehicle: “To cause less pollution, we must accept the bill,” says Raud. “Reappraising our fleet of vehicles by investing in alternative energy can only be done with the support of the region, and we know that the region views this approach favourably. It is up to us to suggest an economically acceptable energy mix. “Bioethanol and gas allow us to develop an energy mix that is suitable for our area. In our network, some remote places do not have and probably will never have a petrol station with gas. They could easily accommodate this locally produced, ecologically relevant energy.” Scania’s Interlink: a bus for an environmental boost Comfortable, strong, well finished, the Scania Interlink is suitable for use as a school bus as well as on scheduled transport routes. The “green” benefits of the bioethanol-fuelled bus are undeniable. “The bioethanol/diesel comparison is irrefutable, with 85 per cent fewer carbon emissions, 50 percent less nitrogen oxides and 70 per cent fewer particulates,” says Budua. And so while bioethanol is more demanding than diesel, requiring shorter oil change intervals and maintenance/service periods, Scania offers a wealth of experience with this fuel, having operated biofuel buses in Sweden since the 1990s. Why Raisinor and Scania go back a long way It was during the 1990s that Raisonor signed its initial contact with Scania, supplying bioethanol for buses in Sweden. Their partnership was solidified in 2009 with the arrival of the European directive encouraging the use of ethanol in fuel (E85 or SP95-E10). “From that time, we discovered the benefits of launching biofuel in France,” says Budua. We had to obtain approval for bioethanol in France. We are now talking of a second-generation bioethanol which stands out from the first-generation alcohol produced from beetroot and cereals.” .

Renault Trucks Press Release / August 27, 2018

Good video, and they sourced a terrific narrator.

MAN Truck & Bus Press Release / August 27, 2018 At MAN Truck Modification, we optimize our series-production vehicles according to your needs and specifications. With over 30 years of experience in building special-purpose vehicles, we design, construct and build exactly the MAN you need, focusing on three modules: driver’s cab, chassis and driveline. .

DAF Trucks Press Release / August 28, 2018 Proud of our Heritage, Leading Today, Ready for the Future That is the overall DAF theme at the IAA 2018, which will be held in Hanover, from 20 to 27 September. DAF Trucks will proudly showcase its innovation capabilities throughout its 90 year history, which is illustrated by the classic DAF A1600 from 1967 through to the future DAF CF Electric Innovation truck – both of which will be displayed on the DAF Trucks stand in Hall 17. A prominent position will be taken by DAF’s latest LF, CF and XF ranges, setting the industry benchmark in quality, reliability and fuel efficiency. DAF celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. Starting as a small workshop in Eindhoven, the company has grown into the premier truck manufacturer in Europe. DAF’s heavy-duty market share in Europe grew from 15.3% in 2017 to 16.5% in the first half of this year. DAF Trucks is the heavy duty market leader in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic and Hungary, and is Europe’s market leader in the tractor segment. DAF is the number 1 import brand in Germany, Europe’s largest truck market. Prominent position for new LF, CF and XF The DAF vehicles on display at the IAA include the LF for distribution transport, the versatile CF for a wide variety of applications and the flagship XF for heavy and on-highway transport. The LF distribution truck was awarded ‘Fleet Truck of the Year 2018’ in the United Kingdom. The new CF and XF were voted ‘International Truck of the Year 2018’ thanks to a number of technical innovations, resulting in 7% fuel efficiency improvement, setting the benchmark in the industry. The CF and XF are the leading tractors. DAF will also be showing its vocational vehicles, including the new lightweight CF 8x4 mixer chassis and the unique 6x2 CF with BDF frame for demountable bodies available from the factory for maximum quality, vehicle availability and efficiency. CF Electric Innovation Truck Alongside the LF, CF and XF, DAF shows one of its Innovation Trucks: the DAF CF Electric. The CF Electric is a 4x2 tractor unit developed for up to 40-tonne GCW distribution applications within urban areas. The vehicle uses VDL’s advanced E-Power Technology for fully electric operation. The center of the intelligent powertrain is the 210 kW electric motor drawing energy from the 170 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The CF Electric has a range of approximately 100 kilometers – suitable for high volume distribution applications. Fast charging of the batteries can be performed in 30 minutes, while a full charge can be completed in as little as 1.5 hours. First series of CF Electric trucks will be put into field test operation with customers this year. 90th Anniversary Edition One of the eye-catchers at the IAA is the DAF XF 90th Anniversary Edition. This highly exclusive truck commemorates the founding of DAF in 1928. The vehicle features a premium options package, exclusive striping and exterior design elements, as well as the most powerful 530 hp/390 kW PACCAR MX-13 engine. DAF’s famous historic logo is proudly displayed on the front of the truck, on the sides and back of the cab, as well as in the luxurious, fully leather upholstered interior. Well positioned for the future “DAF has always provided and always will provide a complete range of excellent trucks that offer the industry’s lowest operating costs, best transport efficiency and highest driver comfort,” said Richard Zink, Director Marketing & Sales and member of the Board of Management of DAF Trucks. “We are building on a rich, 90 year heritage that has resulted in our market leading position. Our strong capabilities will enable us to create trucks and power trains which lead us into the future.” DAF Trucks stand DAF Trucks can be found in Hall 17 of the IAA exhibition complex. Occupying an area of 2,500 m2, the exhibition stand will showcase the complete prize-winning product range, setting the standard in innovation, quality, low operating cost, environmental leadership and vehicle performance. To highlight the importance that DAF Trucks and its 1,100 sales and service dealers attach to a full range of services to support their class leading products, PACCAR Financial, PacLease, PACCAR Parts, TRP and DAF MultiSupport Repair and Maintenance are presented prominently at the DAF IAA stand. .

Today's Trucking / August 29, 2018 .

The S&P 500 vs. everyone who said the market was about to crash .

Ford downgraded by Moody's to one level above junk status Michael Martinez, Automotive News / August 29, 2018 DETROIT -- Roughly six years after Ford Motor Co. returned to investment grade and reclaimed its mortgaged Blue Oval, the automaker is once again in danger of plunging into junk bond status. Moody's Investors Service on Wednesday downgraded Ford to Baa3 from Baa2, a move the credit agency telegraphed earlier this year when it changed its rating outlook on Ford to "negative" from "stable." The agency cited "erosion in the company's global business position and the challenges it will face implementing its Fitness Redesign program." Ford last month said it would undergo an $11 billion global restructuring effort over the next three to five years. "The Fitness program is a necessity, but it will take several years for material financial and operating benefits of the program to be realized," Moody's said. "Success could be challenged by having to address the serious performance problems in multiple business units simultaneously. At the same time, Ford will have to continue investing in the areas critical for the future of the auto industry. These areas include alternative propulsion, autonomous driving, ride sharing and connectivity." Ford shares fell 0.4 percent to close Wednesday at $9.97 in New York. Ford, in a statement, said it's delivered "year after year of solid financial results" since the Great Recession. "The company has a strong balance sheet, which provides financial flexibility," spokesman Brad Carroll said. "We know we can capitalize on our strengths, bolster underperforming products and regions and disposition where we cannot make an appropriate return. We’re confident that as we do, the market will recognize our progress.” Moody's said the prospect of an upgrade to Ford's rating through 2020 is "very modest," and that it could fall to junk status "absent clear progress in pursuing the Fitness initiatives by early to mid-2019, with evidence that the company is on a strong trajectory for recovery." Ford is in the midst of reorganizing its business in North America by slashing $25.5 billion worth of engineering and other costs. That includes a product overhaul that involves cutting virtually all of its sedans, redesigning most of its utilities and adding products in new segments like off-road utilities and midsize pickups. Earlier this week, Ford announced the creation of a new management organization tasked with studying customers to develop more profitable and competitive vehicles.

Ford CEO Jim Hackett talks X's and O's of leadership with Michigan's Jim Harbaugh Nick Bunkley, Automotive News / August 29, 2018 Imagine GM CEO Mary Barra plays on Ohio State's offensive line. That's basically how Jim Hackett pictures her. The Ford Motor Co. CEO says he got the idea from his football coach at the University of Michigan, the late Bo Schembechler. Hackett, a backup center on Schembechler's powerhouse teams in the mid-1970s, was a guest on this week's episode of "Attack Each Day," a weekly podcast hosted by Michigan's current coach, Jim Harbaugh, and his father, Jack. Hackett explained one of Schembechler's motivational strategies: "He would have your position and your name, 'Jim Hackett,' and he'd have the center from Ohio State, and he'd say, 'Are you going to outplay him today?' So I do this thing where I go, 'Is Jim Hackett going to outplay Mary Barra today?' " He continued: "Is Clare Braun, my chief of staff who's here today, is she better than the people at Chrysler? He made you see that competing was what you had to get yourself ready to do." Since replacing Mark Fields as CEO in May 2017, Hackett has talked repeatedly of the need to improve Ford's "fitness," so it can "compete and win." It's clear that his football days were a major influence in how he has approached the business world, in 20 years running the Steelcase furniture company and now in his time at Ford. In between, Hackett did a brief stint as Michigan's interim athletic director and hired Jim Harbaugh to resurrect the Wolverines' troubled football program. Hackett was hailed as a hero in Ann Arbor for nabbing Harbaugh and reversing other unpopular moves by his predecessor, but things haven't quite played out on the field as many fans had hoped. Harbaugh logged a 28-11 record in his first three seasons and has yet to beat Michigan's chief rival, Ohio State. Meanwhile, just a short distance away, it's tough to argue that Hackett is outplaying Barra, at least on the scoreboard that Wall Street and other outsiders can see. Ford's stock price is down, analysts have been agitated by vague messaging, and Hackett has launched a turnaround effort that's more extensive and costly than many experts had anticipated. Hackett said Harbaugh's critics are misguided and short-sighted. "If I hear that," Hackett said, "I ask them if they know football." Hackett's comments left the impression that he, similarly, hasn't been rattled by the mounting questions about his leadership of Ford and intends to keep barreling forward, demanding patience from stockholders and employees. Hackett said he often listens to sports talk radio while commuting from Ann Arbor to Dearborn and grows agitated by callers criticizing Harbaugh, who opens his fourth season this weekend as a one-point underdog against Notre Dame. "One of the things I worry about is I'm going to call in one day," Hackett said near the end of his hourlong appearance on the Harbaughs' podcast. (The episode, released Tuesday, was titled "Think Ford First" and also revealed that Hackett gave Harbaugh a Mustang convertible this summer.) "I can't take some of the mythical -- they don't understand how good we are, how great we have it, so I hold back," Hackett said. "They won't give him enough credit for what he's done since he's here." .

Call Watt's Mack at 1-888-304-6225 and ask for a 32MK53 (black painted) or 32MK53P4 (chrome).

Trailer-Body Builders / August 28, 2018 ROUSH CleanTech, an alternative-fuel technology company, recently developed the first available propane autogas engine certified to California Air Resources Board’s optional low oxides of nitrogen emissions standard for heavy-duty engines with 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour (g/bhp-hr). The engine is 90-percent cleaner than the current Environmental Protection Agency’s most stringent 0.2 g/bhp-hr heavy-duty engine standard, ROUSH said. “Last year, we introduced a propane autogas engine that was 75-percent cleaner than the EPA’s emissions standard,” said Todd Mouw, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “But, we knew our next challenge was to meet CARB’s lowest NOx standard at 0.02 g/bhp-hr. “Our newest propane autogas engine reinforces ROUSH CleanTech’s commitment to provide vehicle solutions that reduce the impact to the environment while leveraging an abundant, domestically produced fuel that costs less than diesel.” NOx emissions are regulated under federal air quality standards because they are harmful to human health and the environment, contributing to regional ozone attainment challenges, smog and other air-quality issues. Heavy-duty diesel trucks are the single largest source of NOx emissions, contributing to smog in a majority of the nation’s most populated urban regions. According to the EPA, operating vehicles with ultra-low emission engines can make significant improvements to regional air quality and reduce a wide variety of human health impacts. “In Southern California, the development and deployment of near-zero emission vehicle technologies are critical to meeting clean air standards,” said Wayne Nastri, executive officer for the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “We congratulate ROUSH CleanTech on this achievement.” This new certification covers all of ROUSH CleanTech’s 6.8L V10 3V propane engines for Class 4-7 vehicles. Installation of the new optional ultra-low NOx engines has begun with some 2018 Ford commercial vehicles and Blue Bird Vision propane school buses. ROUSH CleanTech, which has deployed more than 18,000 propane autogas vehicles, will manufacture both the low-NOx 0.05 and ultra-low NOx 0.02 g/bhp-hr propane engines. School, shuttle and transit buses and Class 4-7 medium-duty trucks equipped with ultra-low NOx engines are expected to be very competitive in seeking funding from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust settlement, the company said. “The certification of this ultra-clean propane engine could not have come at a more opportune time as private and public fleets can now begin applying for a piece of the $2.9 billion Volkswagen settlement funds,” said Tucker Perkins, president of the Propane Education & Research Council. “The settlement is meant to fund projects that cost-effectively reduce NOx emissions, so vehicles powered by the new ultra-low NOx ROUSH propane autogas engine are an ideal fit for accomplishing this goal.” .

Ford forms new group to develop more profitable, competitive vehicles Michael Martinez, Automotive News / August 28, 2018 Ford Motor Co. wants to apply its deep understanding of truck customers across its lineup. The automaker this week formed what it calls an Enterprise Product Line Management group to work with marketing, engineering, mobility and product development teams to overhaul the company's vehicle portfolio. The goal is to better study what customers want and build more profitable, competitive vehicles. It's an approach Ford has taken with its most popular vehicle: the F-series pickup. The automaker also credits its leadership in commercial vehicles and sports cars to the same obsession with understanding its buyers' specific needs. "By taking this approach, we can raise the bar across our product lines," Jim Farley, Ford's president of global markets, said in a statement. "Each team will have clear accountability for winning in the marketplace and delivering profitable growth." Ford's profit margin on its global operations in the second quarter was 2.7 percent, down from 5.1 percent a year earlier. Its North American margin declined to 7.4 percent from 9.5 percent in the second quarter of 2017. Executives have targeted 8 percent global margins -- 10 percent in North America -- by 2020. Ford tapped Jim Baumbick as vice president of the new group. Baumbick, who becomes a company officer and reports to Farley, had been executive director of global product planning and strategy. The formation of the new group comes as Ford prepares a product overhaul. In the coming years, it's cutting virtually all of its traditional car offerings, redesigning many of its crossovers and SUVs and entering new segments such as off-road utilities and midsize trucks. By 2020, Ford plans to have the freshest showroom in the industry with an average vehicle age of 3.3 years. By 2023, the Ford brand's number of nameplates will rise to 23 from 20 today. Ford CEO Jim Hackett and other senior executives say the automaker wants to offer products in segments where it knows it can win, and it hopes the new organization can help it get there. It's organizing its products into 10 categories: F series, urban utilities, rugged utilities, family utilities, performance vehicles, commercial vehicles, electric vehicles, compact trucks, luxury vehicles and emerging-market vehicles. .

Exactly, if it's affordably priced. I'm still wondering how T-Line can make money........reaching there of course depends on achieving economy-of-scale. Out of the blue, I can imagine this as a great municipality truck. The basic get-it-done truck like the Louisville was.

C'mon Mark, I hear you, but these guys have a very modest budget. I think what they've done here, with limited funding, is a viable vehicle.

Ford aims to spread Mustang's DNA Michael Martinez, Automotive News / August 27, 2018 DETROIT — After 10 million vehicles over 54 years, the Mustang remains one of the most vital nameplates in Ford Motor Co.'s stable. It's Exhibit A for what the Ford brand wants to stand for: bold, emotional designs that elicit passion among its customers. The rest of its cars lack that cachet, which is why, after the Fusion sedan disappears from showrooms early next decade, the Mustang effectively will be Ford's last car standing as the brand shifts to a lineup dominated by pickups and utility vehicles. Now, Ford is trying to re-create that Mustang magic in its crossover and SUV lineup. One vehicle in particular, a yet-to-be-named battery-electric crossover, was heavily inspired by the Mustang; Ford floated the name Mach 1 for it this year, though the production version is likely to get a different moniker. "It's core to what people see Ford as," Carl Widmann, the Mustang's chief engineer, told Automotive News. "We wanted a vehicle that would draw people to the showroom floor. There's clear evidence that's the case." The Mustang has been the best-selling sports coupe in the U.S. since its redesign in 2014. Ford began selling the Mustang globally in 2015 and now sells it in more than 140 markets, including China, Germany and Australia. Despite the Mustang's importance to the company, CEO Jim Hackett reportedly pushed back the seventh-generation program by about a year. A redesigned Mustang now is expected in 2021. The car rides on an exclusive rear-wheel-drive platform but could move to one of the company's five new modular architectures, presumably the rwd/all-wheel-drive unibody underpinnings it would share with utilities such as the Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. That would give Ford the option of building an awd pony car for better handling in winter and to compete with the awd version of the Dodge Challenger that launched in 2017. The company also plans the first Mustang hybrid, set to arrive in 2020. Members of the Mustang team were mum on details about the next-generation car but said the move to a modular architecture won't hurt their design creativity. "Mustang is still going to be a strong, well proportioned vehicle," the Mustang's chief designer, Darrell Behmer, said. "The modular architectures will still give us flexibility; it's not going to bastardize Mustang." 'A tremendous trick' Widmann said the move won't fundamentally change the car. "The general layout of rwd has morphed over time, but it's still the general architecture that it has been," he said. "In the architecture world of a rwd — which you're going to end up with a rwd architecture — I think these pieces of it are pieces that will always work. As you tune it and put a top hat on it, you can get different combinations and can define a lot of the emotion." The current-generation Mustang resonates so well, Widmann said, because of its styling, diverse powertrains and driveability on or off a racetrack. The team worked to give the 2015 model a more aggressive look while keeping traditional design elements. The vehicle's footprint was unchanged, but the roof and hood were lowered about 1.2 inches. Visibility also was key, Widmann said, as the team tried to maintain the previous generation's proportions. "It's critical to always have the ability to keep theme elements but not be stuck in a rut," Widmann said. "It's a balance of not being caught in the past but still moving forward, which is a tremendous trick." Ford has made incremental improvements since the 2015 redesign, adding a 10-speed automatic transmission and dropping the V-6 engine in 2018. It also has reintroduced special editions, including the Bullitt and California Special, and revived performance variants such as the Shelby GT350 and Cobra Jet. Although U.S. sales are down 4.8 percent this year to 48,362 through July, the car is outselling its chief rivals: the Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. "It's the heart and soul of Ford," Jim Farley, Ford's president of global markets, said at a celebration this month of the 10 millionth Mustang produced. "It's one of the reasons why we're different and it continues to inspire other vehicles in the lineup." Performance and utility The Mustang-inspired electric crossover, due in 2020, likely will borrow heavily from the pony car's front-end design and combine the performance of an EV with the utility of an Explorer-like crossover. Just don't expect it to be called Mach 1, a name Ford used for a Mustang performance option at various times from 1968 through the 2004 model year. "We put that out there to evaluate it," Farley said of the name. "There are pros and cons. I don't want to handicap it at this point, but we got a very strong reaction from people." After Ford released a teaser video for the vehicle this year, one YouTube user responded: "If they end up calling an SUV a Mach 1, I will never buy a Ford car or truck as long as I live. Blasphemy!" Another added: "As a man who owns a 2003 mach 1 5-Speed, I am DISGUSTED. The mach 1 is the most iconic stang and you're disgracing its name with this. Shame." Regardless of what name Ford picks, people who have helped shape the Mustang are excited by the prospect of expanding its DNA to other vehicles. "Mustang has a soul. It's a balance of performance and design," Behmer said. "If you can capitalize on the cachet and let that rub off on the rest of the portfolio, it's a good thing."

Is that true? They want that big of a change in specs, from an Explorer chassis to a full-size van for residential delivery??? The full-size high-roof (single or dual rear tire) Transit could easily be modified for the mission. I've never seen a Transit rust.

Matt Cole, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / August 27, 2018 More than 1,200 model year 2012-2015 Freightliner and Western Star tractors are being recalled over an issue that could cause a tie rod failure, according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Daimler Trucks North America alerted NHTSA of potentially 1,256 trucks that could be affected, however DTNA estimates that only 1 percent of recalled trucks are affected. Trucks included in the recall are: 2012-2015 Freightliner 114SD 2012-2015 Freightliner Business Class M2 2012-2015 Freightliner Cascadia 2012-2015 Freightliner Coronado 2012-2015 Western Star 4900 According to NHTSA documents, in certain front axle, brake lining and brake spider combinations, braking can cause high vibrations, resulting in the failure of the tie rod tube. A tie rod failure would cause a disconnect between the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering. DTNA will begin notifying affected truck owners on Sept. 24, and dealers will replace brake linings, brake spiders and tie rods for free. Owners can contact Daimler customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with recall number FL782. NHTSA’s recall number is 18V-503.

Fleet Owner / August 27, 2018 Zero-emission commercial powertrains developer Lightning Systems announced a new electric powertrain for Chevrolet's Low-Cab Forward trucks with 19,501-26,000 pound gross vehicle weight rating that offers an all-electric range of 110 miles. Zeem Solutions has placed the first order of 50 of the powertrains, which will be integrated into Chevy 6500XD Low Cab Forward trucks. Zeem Solutions is a commercial electric vehicle service provider for small to large fleets and helps fleet operators integrate an electric vehicle strategy to meet fleet transportation requirements. The company's CEO, Paul Gioupis, had strong testimony to the electric Class 6 Chevy 6500XD's performance: "The truck is an absolute beast, and there is no other product on the market like it." "We chose the Lightning product because once we drove the electrified Ford Transit [with Lightning Systems' conversion], we were blown away with the acceleration and overall performance, and it became clear why Ford selected them as their preferred partner," Gioupis added. The new Lightning Electric LEV100 model will offer peak motor power of 295 hp. with a 2-speed Eaton automatic transmission, providing 1821 lbs.-ft. of torque in first gear and a 65-mph governed top speed. The electric 6500XD will have a range of 110 miles, depending on route and driver. Regenerative braking adds range while reducing wear and tear on the standard friction brakes. The Lightning Electric powertrain will accommodate a full charge in three hours with DC fast-charging. Lightning Systems provides a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain, similar to General Motors' vehicle warranty. The powertrain is available on new Class 6 Low-Cab Forward trucks as well to repower existing fleet vehicles. Service and maintenance will be performed by trained local service centers and nationwide service partners, Lightning Systems noted. The electric Low-Cab Forward model will serve as a cargo van for delivery and comes as a chassis cab ready to be upfitted with cargo box, refrigeration units, and other configurations. Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning Systems, noted the electrified 6500XD follows the company's pattern of converting a truck "that is already embedded in fleets, trusted by commercial customers, and is highly serviceable with nationwide spare parts." "Just like our Ford Transit and city bus powertrains, the vehicle is elegantly engineered, quick, powerful, and quiet," he added. Orders are being accepted immediately, Lightning Systems said, and delivery of the new product is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2018. The company did not specify whether the conversion will also be available for Isuzu's Class 6 FTR truck, which is the cross-platform sibling to the Isuzu-built Chevy 6500XD, or for other Class 6 cabovers. .

So Workhorse went under $1.00 today, reaching a 52-week low of 0.91. I hate to say it, but I don't think they're going to make it. Even if their partners win the USPS contract, that might only prolong the inevitable. And the partners might not want to work with a financially insolvent Workhorse. I didn't agree with all of Ustian's tie-ups, but I did feel the Navistar-Workhorse package had a lot of synergies.