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When you contacted your Mack brand dealer, what did they say?

Ford recalls 2018 big pickups, SUVs for transmission glitch, rollaway risk Michael Martinez, Automotive News / April 6, 2018 DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. on Friday issued a recall for 2018 model year F-150 pickups and Expedition SUVs with 10-speed automatic transmissions for a potentially unseated transmission gear shift cable clip. The recall also covers 2018 model year F-650 and F-750 pickups with six-speed automatic transmissions. About 347,000 vehicles are affected. In the affected vehicles, a clip that locks the gear shift cable to the transmission may not be fully seated. That could allow the transmission to be in a different gear from the one selected by the driver. In some instances that could mean the vehicle may not be in park even when the driver shifts to park and turns off the ignition, which could cause unintended vehicle movement. There would not be any warning chimes or messages, since the shifter would be in the proper position. Ford said it's aware of one reported accident and injury involving the issue. Here's where the affected vehicles were made. 2018 Ford F-150 pickups built at Dearborn Assembly Plant, Jan. 5, 2017 to Feb. 16, 2018. 2018 Ford F-150 pickups built at Kansas City Assembly Plant, Jan. 25, 2017 to Feb. 16, 2018. 2018 Ford Expedition SUVs built at Kentucky Truck Plant, April 3, 2017 to Jan. 30, 2018. 2018 Ford F-650 and F-750 medium trucks built at Ohio Assembly Plant, April 25, 2017 to March 9, 2018. Second recall Ford on Friday also issued a recall for about 161 2017-18 model year F-150 pickups, 2018 Expedition SUVs, 2018 Lincoln Navigator SUVs and 2018 Mustang cars with 10R80 transmissions for a potentially missing roll pin that attaches the park pawl rod guide cup to the transmission case. The issue could lead to the vehicles eventually losing their park function even when the shifter and instrument panel display indicate the vehicle is in park, leading to unintended movement without any warnings. Here's where the affected vehicles were made: 2017-18 F-150 pickups built at Dearborn Assembly Plant, Oct. 20, 2016 to March 5, 2018. 2017-18 F-150 pickups built at Kansas City Assembly Plant, Dec. 22, 2017 to Feb. 26, 2018. 2018 Expedition SUVs built at Kentucky Truck Plant, Nov. 28, 2017 to Feb. 14, 2018. 2018 Mustang vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Nov. 6, 2017 to Feb. 12, 2018. 2018 Lincoln Navigator SUVs built at Kentucky Truck Plant, Dec. 13, 2017 to March 8, 2018.

For operations that require a Class 6 or 7 for occasional use (not every day run hard), of which there are many, the low-cost Ford medium is worth consideration, particularly with the gasoline option.

The Mack brand MHD is way overpriced, and for that reason sales are dismal. Most fleets that run a truck in daily commercial operation would never buy the Ford mediums.

What is your thought process behind comparing Ford F-650 Class 6 sales and Mack brand Class 8 sales.

I liked the Taurus SHO. Many are unaware the engine was contract engineered by Yamaha. Like UK-based Ricardo and Austria-based AVL, Yamaha actually does quite a bit of engineering under contract for global vehicle manufacturers.

As has been noted, the Taurus used to outsell the Toyota Camry. (The Taurus's 2006 replacement, the Ford Five Hundred, was a flop on arrival. That Ford can not compete with Toyota speaks volumes about the levels of incompetence within management. This is the Ford that gave away the HN80 to the Germans, giving away a US$500 million investment and America's then most advanced commercial truck platform for a mere $200 million. This is the Ford that abandoned the North American mid-sized pickup segment for seven years, that abandoned the Bronco brand for 24 years, has yet to bring the global market Everest to America, and brought the trouble-free global market Kuga to the US (as the Excape) only after adding an engine fire package.

Ford, GM to drop 4 car nameplates Automotive News / April 4, 2018 General Motors and Ford Motor Co. plan to discontinue four slow-selling car models, including the venerable Ford Taurus sedan, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. GM will stop production of the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic by as early as this year, and is planning to discontinue the Chevrolet Impala in the next few years, the Journal said. It also reported that Ford will stop making the Fiesta small car for the U.S. market by as early as next year, and discontinue the Taurus, once the top-selling car in America. Overall, U.S. sales of new cars are down nearly 11 percent this year and are on track to drop for the fifth straight year in 2018. Automotive News, in its annual Future Product series last summer, reported the Sonic, Impala, Fiesta and Taurus were widely expected to be discontinued at the end of their current product cycles. The Detroit News in July also reported that Ford and GM were looking to stop production of those vehicles. "Nothing formal to report today," Steve Majoros, marketing director for Chevrolet's cars and crossovers, told reporters on Wednesday when asked about the Journal report. "But I would say for all three of those products [Sonic, Impala and Volt] we are committed to those. They're a part of our portfolio today, they'll be a part of our portfolio here in the future. "Every car we have in our portfolio plays a role, every car's important and you know the only way we're going to stay the fastest-growing brand is to keep providing the vehicles that people want. So they're a part of our portfolio and they're going to continue." U.S. sales of the Sonic have fallen 21 percent to 5,983 vehicles this year while Impala deliveries have plunged 36 percent to 14,067. Taurus deliveries are off 25 percent this year in an overall large car market that has shrunk 12 percent. The Taurus debuted in 1985 but was dropped in 2006 in favor of the Five Hundred sedan. Former Ford CEO Alan Mulally revived the Taurus name for the 2008 model year. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has already pared the Dodge Dart small car and Chrysler 200 midsize sedan from its U.S. product portfolio to better focus on light trucks. The move to drop car nameplates comes at a time when U.S. consumers are increasingly shunning sedans and coupes in favor of crossovers, pickups and SUVs. Last month, Ford disclosed plans to pad its product portfolio with more light trucks, and add more hybrid and pure electric vehicles. Ford late last year began telling suppliers it is ending North American production of the Fusion midsize sedan, which Automotive News reported in December. “As we have said, by 2020 trucks and utilities – including their electrified versions – are going to be almost 90 percent of our volume. Passenger cars, including Fiesta and Taurus, remain an important part of our lineup,” Ford spokesman Mike Levine said in a statement Wednesday, in response to a question about the Fiesta and Taurus. Ford’s Lincoln luxury brand last week unveiled a production preview of the all-new Aviator crossover that’s expected to be built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant next year, which also builds its sibling Explorer crossover and the Taurus. Last month, GM unveiled a revamped luxury Sierra pickup, intensifying the battle among the Detroit 3 for fat profits at the top end of a highly lucrative segment.

Heavy Duty Trucking / April 3, 2018 Navistar International announced that Friedrich W. Baumann has joined the company as senior vice president, strategy, and planning. Baumann will lead Navistar’s strategic planning, product planning and analytics teams and will also oversee Navistar’s alliance with Volkswagen Truck and Bus. "Friedrich is a proven leader whose breadth of international, corporate and operating experience in our industry will serve Navistar well as we build on our momentum for continued long-term success," said Troy A. Clarke, Navistar's chairman, president, and chief executive officer. "We are confident that Friedrich will drive great ideas and bring new perspectives to our strategy and planning function as we pursue sustainable, profitable growth." Prior to joining Navistar, Baumann worked for 24 years at Daimler Trucks where he most recently served the role of senior vice president at Daimler Trucks North America. "I am eager to be joining Navistar at this exciting time in the company's history," said Baumann. "Troy and the team have done a great job of positioning Navistar for long-term success and I look forward to doing my part in further developing this winning culture and working with the entire team to drive growth, market leadership and sustainable profitability because of uncompromising customer dedication."

Notice in the video mention of legendary Swiss truckmaker Saurer. Without Saurer, the International Motor Company (aka Mack) would never have gotten airborne.

I hope Gail is feeling better soon Paul.

Scania Group Press Release / March 28, 2018 A Scania R 500 won this year’s “Green Truck Award” by a healthy margin. The German fuel test focuses on lowest fuel consumption. Scania’s new truck generation, with its updated 13-litre engine ensured that Scania took the prize – again. European hauliers appreciate the lowest fuel consumption, highest average speeds and lowered C02 effects that help to keep costs and environmental impacts low. With an average fuel consumption of 24.92 litre/100 km and an average speed of 79.91 km/h on the same 350 km long test track, the difference between Scania and the next best competitor was a healthy 0.4 litre per every 100 km. Translated into a typical annual mileage for a long-distance truck of 150,000 kilometres, the difference adds up to 600 litres annually (or approximately 3 m3of diesel fuel over a period of five years). Over the past three to four years, Scania has received praise in hundreds of press reviews. Scania has also set numerous new fuel records in many European countries in comparison tests carried out by indepen­dent trade journalists. “The ‘Green truck Award’ is a unique comparison test since it has this total focus on what matters most to our customers from a cost and sustainability perspective,” says Wolfgang Buschan, Product Director, Long Haulage, Scania Trucks. “The fact that we won the award again this year is extremely flattering.” The “Green Truck Award” is arranged by two leading German trade magazines, “VerkehrsRundschau” and “Trucker”. The participating trucks have a GTW of 40 tonnes and are driven under monitored conditions on public roads between Munich and Nürnberg. The fuel consumption and the average speed are strictly controlled and potential differences in weather and traffic conditions are eliminated. Low fuel consumption not only saves cost, it also corresponds with energy efficiency, reduced CO2emissions and increased sustainability. .

Scania Group Press Release / March 30, 2018 Swiss haulier praises new Scania R 500’s fuel consumption. Long-time Scania customer Beat Bürgin could not quite believe the fuel figures for his recently-acquired new generation R 500. The bottom line showed that that the new truck consumed 16.5 percent less fuel than the older R 490, an annual saving of 6,400 euros. “There’s a world of difference between the old and new,” says Bürgin. “Although these trucks are only a few years apart, the difference in fuel consumption is a huge step forward.” Easier freewheeling: “Scania has done its homework” The Swiss haulage company Bürgin Transport compared the fuel consumption of its two trucks from summer to late autumn 2017. Both are fitted with Euro 6 engines, with similar aftertreatment systems. With similar climatic conditions, air conditioning and heating are used in the same manner. The vehicles also use identical tyres and the covered distances are the same. The vehicles are deployed for the same operations, to the same customers along the same routes. Bürgin Transport’s trucks have daily deliveries to between four and seven locations in German-speaking Switzerland and southern Germany to Frankfurt. “I think Scania has done its homework and the new truck is definitely a massive leap forward. I’m really thrilled by the freewheeling features. Considering the entire driving mode, we’re looking at 25 percent in a freewheeling mode, which saves fuel. This is surely due to the new gearbox which enables disengagement and makes freewheeling easier.” Reliable Scania trucks Bürgin Transport was founded by Beat’s father Edouard in 1972 when he bought his first truck. The company presently has some 25 trucks in operation. Its main business is in transports of agricultural goods but is also engaged in logistics for the pharmaceutical industry as well as general cargo operations. “Being Swiss you naturally grow up with the now-defunct Saurer trucks. After their demise in the early 1980s, we had to seek a replacement. With Scania, we’ve found a good or even better alternative. Since we have been operating Scania, we have not once had to replace an engine, gearbox or rear axle. This makes it a reliable product for us and plan accordingly.” “Now the trucks are even more comfortable” Driver Willi Haug is equally enthusiastic: “I’ve been driving Scania trucks for the last 20 years and I’m very happy with them. The trucks have developed enormously over the past few years. They’re strong, powerful and economical and now the trucks are even more comfortable.” Asked whether he has changed his driving style in view of the astonishing fuel savings, Haug vehemently denies being complicit. “The way I drive is always the same. Why change anything? I’ve been on the road for 40 years now and am used to my way of driving, which has always served me well.” Meanwhile, company owner Bürgin is looking forward to expanding his fleet with more fuel misers. “This model has delivered large savings but we’ve also observed big savings in comparison with competitors. That’s why we are committed to the new model and to Scania as a brand.” .

MAN Truck & Bus Press Release / March 30, 2018 .

DAF Trucks - 90 Years of Innovative Transport Solutions DAF Trucks Press Release / March 22, 2018 1928 - 2018 On 1 April 1928, Dutch engineer Hub van Doorne started a small construction workshop in the city of Eindhoven, the Netherlands. From these humble beginnings, DAF has evolved into a leading global truck manufacturer focused on innovation, quality, and transport efficiency. The highly talented Hub van Doorne opened his small workshop in the corner of the local Coolen brewery in Eindhoven. Initial work included welding and forging for the city and local companies like lamp and radio manufacturer Philips. The Great Depression inspired Hub van Doorne – together with his brother Wim – to expand services. The workshop evolved into a trailer manufacturing business in 1932 and the company name was changed into Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagen Fabriek (Van Doorne’s semi-trailer factory), abbreviated to DAF. Thanks to their welded chassis, the trailers and semi-trailers that left the small factory, stood out from the competition because of their high payloads. The welding – used to make these trailers was a unique innovation in those days that significantly saved weight. Another unique invention was the DAF container trailer which debuted in 1936 and was designed to quickly load and unload containers from a railway carriage. This was a very early example of intermodal transportation and made DAF one of the world’s first suppliers of container trailers. A New Truck Company Was Born In 1949, the first DAF truck entered production and the company name became Van Doorne’s Automobiel Fabriek. A year later a dedicated truck factory was built and production started with three, five and six tonne truck chassis and the truck company we know today was on its way. Leading in engine development In the early days, DAF installed Hercules and Perkins petrol and diesel engines, but in 1957 the Eindhoven company designed and began manufacturing the first DAF-branded engines. Two years later, DAF improved the DD575 diesel engine by adding a turbo charger which was another ground-breaking achievement. DAF introduced turbo intercooling as an industry-first in 1973. The technology was initially developed to meet the demand for higher engine outputs and lower fuel consumption, but also proved to be indispensable in realizing cleaner exhaust emissions. In the 1980s DAF launched ATi, Advanced Turbo Intercooling which provided further power and efficiency gains through a further refinement of injection technology and an optimised shape of the combustion chamber. In 2005, DAF unveiled the PACCAR MX engine that is now installed in all of DAF’s heavy-duty trucks and over 40% of Kenworth and Peterbilt built trucks. The latest generation MX-13 and MX-11 engines feature extremely efficient down speeded engines, intelligent drive lines and efficient rear axles that result in high torque being available at impressively low engine speeds for unmatched fuel efficiency and the highest driver comfort. Together with advanced vehicle software algorithms, excellent aerodynamics and a new compact after-treatment system, these DAF innovations result in a fuel efficiency gain of an impressive 7%, the largest fuel efficiency gain in the history of the company. Cab sets new standards The first DAF trucks from the late 40’s, early 50’s left the plant as just a chassis with in front of the engine the characteristic grille with seven chrome bars and a temporary seat made of wood. The DAF chassis were driven to bodybuilders for the mounting of a custom and locally made cab. In 1951 DAF introduced its own cab, with round corners and a slanted front grill for better aerodynamics. Driver comfort was enhanced by the introduction of a suspended seat. In the 1960’s, DAF further enhanced driver comfort with the first cab designed for international transport. The DAF 2600 offered two beds and windows all around for a spacious feeling and an optimal view on the road. Power brakes and power steering eased the demanding job of the driver. The 2600 is now considered to be the first of all international transport trucks. In 1969, DAF was one of the earliest manufacturers to introduce a tilting mechanism for the cab-over engine model which greatly improved maintenance access. With the introduction of the Space Cab concept in 1988 DAF enhanced its leadership position as a truck manufacturer with its full focus on both operating costs and the driver. With the remarkable Space Cab concept, DAF again set new standards in cab size and comfort for international transport. Together with the even larger Super SpaceCab which was introduced in 1994 DAF cabs continue to be the benchmark when it comes to driver comfort and roominess. DAF, A PACCAR Company In 1996, DAF became a PACCAR company. Since then, DAF has continued its leadership position as a global technology leader with major developments in trucks, engines, and state-of-the-art facilities. Excellent Trucks in the Market DAF launched the new LF, CF and XF series in 2001 and 2002, the award-winning XF105 model in 2005, and the Euro 4 and 5 program in 2006. A full range of new, ultra-clean Euro 6 models entered production in 2013. And in 2017, the New CF and New XF were named ‘International Truck of the Year 2018’ for their class-leading transport efficiency and impressive fuel efficiency gain of 7%. Also in 2017, In the United Kingdom, the New LF was awarded ‘Commercial Fleet Truck of the Year’. DAF’s commitment to quality has earned the company five International Truck of the Year awards, the industry’s highest honor: 1988 - DAF 95 1998 – DAF 95XF 2002 – DAF LF 2007 – XF105 2018 – CF and XF Developing Technologies for the Future In 2015, DAF demonstrated truck platooning. The EcoTwin vehicle system enabled trailing vehicles to automatically follow the lead truck resulting in lower fuel consumption, reduced CO2-emissions and improved traffic flow. Due to EcoTwin’s success, DAF was selected to exclusively participate in English platooning trials in 2017. DAF is engaged with leading European technology development projects to gain comprehensive experience with alternative electric and hybrid power trains. Global Excellence DAF is driving business globally in the 21st century. Its class-leading trucks are manufactured in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Brazil, and DAF products are sold by 1,100 independent dealers on five continents. DAF trucks are backed by industry leading services provided by PACCAR Parts and PACCAR Financial. Fleets are supported by Europe’s best roadside assistance, International Truck Service (ITS) and DAF Connect, DAF’s advanced fleet-management system. “DAF provides a complete range of excellent trucks that offer the industry’s lowest operating costs, best transport efficiency and highest driver comfort,” said Preston Feight, DAF president. “Thanks to the wonderful team of over 10,000 dedicated people who design build, sell and support its quality trucks, engines, parts and services DAF is well positioned to continue growing successfully around the world.” Photo gallery - http://www.daf.com/en/news-and-media/articles/global/2018/q1/22-03-2018-daf-trucks-90-years-of-innovative-transport-solutions .

That is a classic truck to my liking.....LNT 1000.

Is it my imagination, or has this Easter been boosted to the level of Christmas with commercial promotion and gift giving? It almost seems as though business is discretely trying to create a second Christmas-like spending season to boost sales.

Ford awards CEO Hackett $16.7 million as he tries tricky turnaround Bloomberg / March 29, 2018 DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. awarded $16.7 million in compensation to CEO Jim Hackett in his first year in the role as the former office furniture executive attempts a tricky turnaround aimed at reversing a stock slide, reviving profits and preparing the nearly 115-year-old company for the autonomous age. Hackett, who took the top job in a management shakeup last May, received $1.3 million in salary, $1 million in bonus and $14.4 million in stock and other compensation, Ford said Thursday in a regulatory filing. His total for 2016, when he was running Ford’s nascent mobility business, was not revealed because he was not among the company’s top paid executives at that time. Hackett, 62, is working to overhaul Ford’s lagging lineup while also spending billions to develop self-driving cars and electric vehicles to prepare for the profound changes expected to upend the auto business in the coming decade. The former Steelcase Inc. CEO is shifting spending away from slow-selling cars to develop new crossovers and SUVs so Ford can reverse market share losses in that hot segment. To pay for those new models and bets on future technology, Hackett has warned that Ford’s profit will fall this year. Investors have traded shares down about 11 percent this year. Compensation balance “Given where the stock price is, investors don’t want to see an excessive compensation package,” David Whiston, an analyst for Morningstar Inc. in Chicago. “But you have to balance that with the need to retain talent.” Earlier this month, rival Tesla Inc.’s shareholders approved the largest compensation deal in history for its CEO, Elon Musk. If successful, the award could end up being worth more than $50 billion. For the first time, Ford provided the ratio of the CEO’s compensation to the average worker, as required by a new federal mandate. Hackett’s annualized pay was 285 times the $87,783 earned by the company’s median worker. Ford’s board ousted Hackett’s predecessor, Mark Fields, after shares fell about 35 percent and the company lost nearly $25 billion in market value during his nearly three-year tenure as CEO. Fields received $21 million in compensation for his partial year of work in 2017, excluding a stock incentive grant that was canceled when he left. That compares with compensation valued at $22.1 million in 2016, his last full year as CEO. Earnings struggles Top executives reached an overall average of 100 percent of the 2017 targets set for them by Ford’s board, according to the proxy. That included 133 percent for automotive revenue, 55 percent for automotive operating margin, 106 percent for automotive operating cash flow, 146 percent for Ford Credit pretax profit and 107 percent for quality. Ford’s pretax earnings fell by $1.9 billion last year amid higher prices for commodities such as steel and increasing costs for warranty repairs. The carmaker was hit harder by rising commodity prices than its rivals and has said its costs are too high, which is why Hackett has set a goal of slicing $14 billion in expenses. Analysts say the bulk of Ford’s profits continue to come from the F-series pickup, which saw U.S. sales rise 9.3 percent last year. Executive Chairman Bill Ford received total compensation of $15.6 million for 2017, compared to $13.9 million in 2016. Excluding pension values and other compensation, pay for the 60-year-old great-grandson of Henry Ford rose 16 percent to $12.9 million, from $11.1 million in 2016. The company scheduled its annual meeting for May 10 and it will be conducted online for the second year in a row. Shareholders for the 14th consecutive year will consider a proposal to strip the Ford family of its 40 percent voting control of the automaker and move to one vote per share. The measure is opposed by Ford’s board, which includes two family members, Bill Ford and his cousin Edsel Ford II.

Ford's Farley: Dealerships have to 'evolve in a meaningful way' Michael Martinez, Automotive News / March 27, 2018 NEW YORK -- Jim Farley, Ford's president of global markets, envisions a future with smaller showrooms, less conquesting and a more personal relationship between dealers and customers. Speaking at the 2018 NADA/J.D. Power Automotive Forum here, Farley called on dealers to embrace new opportunities such as digital retailing, autonomous cars and electrified powertrains. Dealers saved Ford from filing for bankrutptcy, he said, and they'll continue to play a vital role in the future, despite changes coming to the industry. "The franchise system is going to have to evolve in a meaningful way, but it's doable," Farley said. "What makes you guys special is your creativity. If we just apply that creativity to a few other new areas, we can be just as successful as a team as we have in the past." Part of that success hinges, Farley said, on building more valuable relationships with customers. He suggested doing away with the goal of conquesting and focusing instead on "nurturing those existing customers and exploring new revenue opportunities." That includes focusing more on used-car businesses as well as fixed operations. New services will pop up once cars drive themselves, Farley said, and dealers need to jump on such money-making opportunities. "All these connected cars will offer services," he said. "It should not be strange at all for someone should be able to get on their phone, hit the FordPass app and get a car wash while they're at work. I can think of hundreds of services like that customers would love." Farley said the bond between dealers and customers can grow stronger through how vehicles are sold. He suggested the old system of companywide incentives on vehicles needs to give way to individual, one-on-one deals for specific customers targeted to their needs. The physical footprint of dealerships needs to change, too. Farley said one of his biggest regrets coming out of the economic downturn is asking dealers to build large, flashy showrooms. "I think we're going to need really nice facilities forever," he said. "I'm just not sure that they have to be as big as they have been." Ford's Lincoln luxury brand has been testing out what it calls "experience centers" that serve as mini-showrooms to introduce the brand to new customers in smaller, intimate spaces, usually in outdoor shopping malls. There are steps the factory can take to help dealers, too. "Ford has to become one of the simplest companies to do business with, and it starts with our product complexity," Farley said. Ford is working to change that by dramatically reducing the orderable amount of parts on vehicles and speeding up the time it takes to go from designer sketch to dealer showroom. "The auto business is clearly ripe for picking for new companies to come into our space, or traditional companies to make new kinds of bets," Farley said. "Dealers have a bight future in our industry provided they are ready to evolve with us."

Insufficient information, apples and oranges comparison.