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Jim Park, Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / March 4, 2018 Dana introduced its new Spicer S172 series single drive axle for Class 7 and 8 vehicles during a press conference at the Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting in Atlanta. According to Dana, the new axles retains the robustness and strength of the existing S170 drive axle while reducing weight by more than 60 pounds. The axle is crafted for 4x2, 6x2, and 8x2 applications up to 25,000 pounds gross axle weight rating. It offers a broad range of gear ratios, from 3.07 to 6.14, and features a low hypoid offset with High-Power Density AdvanTek gearing to optimize efficiency. The high-strength pinion bearings allow for greater lifespan under heavy loads, improving durability and overall performance, the company says. In addition, a passive lube management system has been added that requires less lubricant overall while maintain optimum lobe flow. "It uses a venturi-cover design to optimize the lube flow in the axle and to make better use of the available lubricant, so we require less lubricant that a standard axle," said Steve Slesinski, director of Dana's global product planning. "We coupled the venturi-cover with a patented lube meter that controls the amount of lubricant going in between the bearing system of the pinion. That helps reduce spin losses due to churning and thus improves axle efficiency." The single drive axle can also be paired with the Dana tag axle as part of the Spicer EconoTrek tandem axle, a durable, lightweight 6x2 configuration that offers increased fuel economy, improved performance, and reduced maintenance for heavy-duty linehaul tractors. This system is up to 3% more efficient and up to 380 pounds lighter than typical 6x4 offerings. The tandem version is more than 60 pounds lighter than existing D170 series tandem axles, and it's available in a broad range of gear ratios, from 3.07 to 6.14, to serve a variety of needs, especially heavy-haul applications such as the Canadian logging sector with GWV up to 160,000 pounds and 50,000-pound gross axle weight ratings. “Dana engineers are continuously examining innovative ways to improve our existing products,” said Mark Wallace, president of Dana Commercial Driveline Technologies. “We were able to build upon the advanced features of the S170 and make it lighter without sacrificing its industry-proven durability and efficiency. We remain a company committed to finding a better way to address the needs of our customers and the commercial-vehicle market.” .

The picture above is Communist Party Secretary Li Shufu. He is the largest shareholder of Volvo Group, and thus the Mack brand.

How China's Geely sought to buy FCA Luca Ciferri, Automotive News / March 5, 2018 GENEVA -- The most-watched name in the global automotive industry, Chinese billionaire Li Shufu, won't attend the auto show here this week. The founder and chairman of privately owned automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., who last month drew a harsh spotlight in Germany by becoming Daimler's largest shareholder, will be keeping his usual distance from the auto world's biggest stages. Li rarely attends auto shows outside China. His public appearances in Europe -- with a contingent of Chinese politicians, entrepreneurs and media -- are typically at events tied to his growing list of European brands. He was in Berlin on Oct. 20, 2016, to unveil Lynk & CO, a near-premium brand co-developed by Geely with Volvo Car, which Li had acquired from Ford Motor Co. six years earlier. He was in England on March 22, 2017, to open the London Taxi Co.'s new facility near Coventry. The 2013 purchase of the legendary black cab maker marked Li's second acquisition in Europe. And he's planning to attend a Lynk & CO event this month in Amsterdam, says a spokesman, who also confirmed Li's decision to skip Geneva. In Amsterdam, Li is expected to announce that Volvo's plant in Ghent, Belgium, will build Lynk & CO cars for Europe. And in the midst of such public appearances, there was a trip to Europe last spring that could have dramatically reshaped the global auto industry -- and Li's expanding role in it. Flight to Turin In May, Li flew to Turin in a Geely-owned jet for a private meeting with John Elkann, the Agnelli family heir who chairs Exor, the holding company that controls Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, said people involved in the trip and the talks. They asked not to be identified, as the meeting wasn't made public. A Geely spokesman in China said "it was normal to have business contacts" but declined further comment. An FCA spokesman deferred any comment to Exor. An Exor spokesman declined to comment. Li was scouting for options to expand Geely outside China. FCA is the third-largest automaker in the U.S., the fourth-largest in Europe, a major player in Latin America -- and weak in Asia. It could have been a perfect fit for Geely, and not only geographically. In a world that is turning to SUVs and premium brands, buying FCA would have given Geely an iconic U.S. marque synonymous with SUV across the world -- Jeep. Geely also would have received such storied sporty brands as Maserati and Alfa Romeo. On top of that, FCA would have added 4.7 million annual vehicle sales -- under the names Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Ram and Maserati -- in more than 150 markets to the growing Geely empire. FCA has 231,000 workers operating in 162 manufacturing facilities and 87 r&d centers, company data show. In China, Geely's sales were up 45 percent in January, making it the second best-selling automaker. It was No. 5 overall for production, but that ranking includes joint ventures with foreign automakers. Among domestic automakers, it was No. 1. Last summer, amid Automotive News reports of Chinese suitors, FCA said it had had no contact with Geely. Technically, that was accurate, as Li was not talking with FCA but with its controlling shareholder. Exor owned 29 percent of FCA shares and 42 percent of voting rights as of Jan. 10 this year, Exor data show. Differences After Li's trip to Turin in May, representatives of the suitor and potential seller held discussions in private meetings in London in July and August, three sources told Automotive News Europe. The initial offer valued FCA at $20 billion. It constituted Geely purchasing Exor's stake as well as a public tender for the 71 percent of shares held by other investors. The offer was rejected. Geely's emissaries then raised their offer to $22 billion, with no success. Two sources with direct ties to the discussions gave different views on why a deal didn't happen. The first source, speaking under condition of anonymity, said the sweetened $22 billion offer was deemed too low. Exor was convinced it could have extracted more value by selling FCA in parts. Under that scenario, one step would have involved the spinoff or sale of FCA's Magneti Marelli parts business, a move FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne still wants to pull off this year. Another step would have combined Alfa Romeo and Maserati into a separate company to be sold. A third would have seen the Jeep and Ram brands being sold as a package. Finally, the remaining European, U.S. and Latin American businesses would have been offered to a fourth buyer, possibly a Chinese group. The second source said FCA was open to accepting a $22 billion deal if Alfa and Maserati were excluded. Geely rejected that idea. The discussions were over by the end of August. Not an easy surrender Li, 54, the son of a farmer from China's eastern Zhejiang province, has been seen as a Chinese remake of Henry Ford, a century later. He founded Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in 1986, which was at the time focused on refrigerators. He moved into motorbike manufacturing in the 1990s before turning to autos in 1997. The purchases of Volvo and London Taxi and the creation of Lynk & CO followed the Great Recession. Last year, he won control of British sports car maker Lotus, acquired a 49.9 percent stake in Malaysian automaker Proton and spent $3.3 billion to become the biggest shareholder of Volvo, the world's second-largest truckmaker. Then, this year, came the stake in Daimler. Reports surfaced in late November that Daimler had rebuffed advances from Li, who reportedly was seeking to acquire about 5 to 7 percent. Then, last month, Li disclosed that after a series of stock market purchases, he had acquired a 9.7 percent holding in Daimler through the Geely Group, which is owned by Li and managed by Zhejiang Geely Holding. Since moving on from FCA last summer, Li has spent more than $12.5 billion in automotive acquisitions. Considering that he was ready to buy FCA for $22 billion, he could have nearly $10 billion handy for further acquisitions. Getting financial resources seems to be no obstacle. He plays an active political role in China and is a regular delegate to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, a largely ceremonial political advisory body. His political savvy may have helped get the Daimler investment done smoothly, analysts and local media said, especially amid a crackdown by China on overseas deals. In announcing the Daimler deal, China's official Xinhua news agency said Geely reflected a wider "bullish" push by local automakers overseas and the overall "rising strength of Chinese automakers." Li's business ambitions also appear to align with those of China's government, which wants to strengthen the country's high-tech expertise and leapfrog global rivals by becoming a leader in electric vehicles and autonomous driving. But, for now at least, Li's ambition won't include FCA. .

Paccar Australia Press Release / December 8, 2017 Australia’s number one heavy-duty truck manufacturer, Kenworth, has delivered its 60,000th Australian-designed and built truck at its Bayswater plant in Melbourne. Andrew Hadjikakou, Managing Director of PACCAR Australia, handed the keys of the T610SAR prime mover to long-standing Kenworth customer Peter Wickham, co-founder of Wickham Freight Lines – one of Australia’s largest privately-owned transport companies, at an event at Kenworth’s head office and factory in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Andrew said Kenworth’s achievement in manufacturing 60,000 trucks was a major milestone, not only for the company and its dealer group, but for its suppliers, the vast majority of whom are local. “Celebrating key production milestones is a Kenworth tradition, one that began in April 1974 when we handed over the keys to truck number 1,000. Since then we’ve celebrated each major milestone, leading to today, when we hand over the keys to the 60,000th truck that’s rolled off the Kenworth production line since we began designing and manufacturing uniquely Australian trucks in 1971,” Mr Hadjikakou said. Kenworth trucks are the mainstay of Australian transport businesses of all sizes, from large fleets to single owner-operators. Its trucks are also exported to New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. “The heavy-duty truck market in Australia is one of the most competitive in the world,” Andrew stated. “In an industry with no tariff protection, no government financial assistance and often volatile exchange rate movements, Kenworth successfully maintains its status as the market leader against imported brands from the US, Europe and Asia. We continue to successfully deliver high value-added manufacturing – that is, world-class trucks, which provide distinct business advantages,” he said. Andrew said Australia had a diverse range of operating environments unlike anywhere else in the world. Trucks must deal with extreme heat in remote, dusty mines and across deserts. Others must haul loads that are two or three times heavier than overseas, and on rough and unmade roads. Often trucks are required to perform an inordinate amount of hours, some as much as 24 hours a day. “It’s critical this country has a local manufacturer that understands the challenges facing transport businesses. Kenworth is the only local truck manufacturer offering full design capability, technical expertise and resources to application-engineer trucks for the most extreme on and off-road operations,” Andrew explained. “Our trucks are designed to satisfy these unique needs. They feature higher cooling capacities to handle heavier weights and hotter conditions, more robust construction to manage the roughest roads, and embody a design philosophy that means cost-effective maintenance and reliability,” he added. Mr Hadjikakou said Kenworth’s more than 45 years of local manufacturing have a significant ripple effect that has benefited many Australian industries and Australians. The company currently employs more than 1,000 staff in Melbourne, the majority of whom are directly or indirectly involved in the manufacturing operations. It also supports the industry’s best nationwide network of PACCAR dealers who employ about 3,000 people throughout Australia. In addition, the company supports a variety of local suppliers who provide the majority of the parts and materials which make a Kenworth. As part of its manufacturing commitment, Kenworth has made a substantial investment in design engineering. This enables it to purpose-build trucks with short lead times – a feat imported trucks cannot match. “Local design and manufacturing remains the driving force behind our business, and we’re in it for the long haul. We are continually reinvesting in expanding our operations, continually refining our techniques and introducing new technologies. Most importantly, we listen to our customers and we meet their needs,” Andrew added Wickham Freight Lines takes possession of 60,000th Kenworth Mr Hadjikakou said it was fitting Kenworth’s milestone truck was built for Wickham Freight Lines. “Wickham Freight Lines is one of our long term customers,” Mr Hadjikakou said. “They are knowledgeable and passionate about the road transport industry and forthright with their thoughts and opinions, which has contributed to the continuous improvement of our trucks for close to four decades. It’s been a win-win for both parties, and it’s the epitome of how we conduct business with all of our customers.” “It’s gratifying to receive this milestone vehicle,” Darren Eather, Chief Executive of Wickham Freight Lines, said at the official hand-over. “We have been working with PACCAR for many years; it’s being part of a team. They satisfy all of our trucking needs – not just sales, but also finance, servicing and parts. PACCAR and Brown and Hurley take the stress out of maintaining a large and diverse fleet, enabling us to focus on improving our service to customers,” Mr Eather said. Wickhams is one of the largest privately-owned transport companies in Australia. Established in 1992 it specialises in transporting fresh, chilled and frozen meat and produce, as well as consumer products and dry goods, servicing retail supply chains and other logistics providers. With its unique head office in the shape of a Kenworth K108 cabover in Warwick, Queensland, and terminals in Sydney and Melbourne, the company now operates a Kenworth fleet of 160 prime movers with its distinctive red and white livery. Wickhams employs various Kenworth models to handle different applications, but the fleet is predominantly the cabover K200. The company’s latest T610SAR – Kenworth’s 60,000th truck – is powered by a Cummins X15 engine, producing 600 hp and 1850 lb/ft of torque. The engine uses SCR exhaust after-treatment technology for emission reduction, which meets Euro 5 and Australian ADR 80/03 emissions regulations. The truck is equipped with an Eaton Fuller RTLO22918B 18-speed manual transmission, Meritor MF573 (7.3t) front axles and Meritor RT46-160GP rear axles. It also features two 480-litre and two 400-litre rectangular fuel tanks, Kenworth Airglide 460 suspension and an 860mm Aero Roof sleeper. Wickhams’s T610SAR, will go to work transporting meat and produce in refrigerated trailers travelling to approximately 250,000 kilometres a year along the eastern seaboard. Kenworth’s T610SAR is the brand’s latest release. In just one year since its launch on December 3, 2016, it has established itself as a versatile and hard yards specialist, which can manage a variety of applications; including interstate line haul up to 19m B-double and tipper and dog applications. The T610SAR features a significantly wider cabin, which is centred around the needs of the driver. With increased walkthrough space between seats, greater room head-to-toe for the driver, more standing room in the sleeper cabs, the interior is far easier to move around in. With advanced heating and cooling that’s more powerful yet efficient, the cabin maintains optimum temperature at all times. The expansive windscreen offers a panoramic view of the road, the cabin’s superior ergonomics means controls are positioned intuitively and dashboard instrumentation is visible at a glance. With a complete range of active and passive safety features, including advanced collision avoidance technology, the T610 readily adapts to operating conditions to enhance fuel economy with no impact on productivity. Mr Eather says the T610, like all Kenworth models, offers significant advantages compared with other American-style and European brands he has tried over the years. “We have bought almost 250 Kenworths, and we continue to buy them every year because it’s good for business. With Just In Time (JIT) deliveries now the norm, our customers need our trucks there on time every time. Kenworths are designed and manufactured in Australia for Australia’s harsh environments and applications. And Kenworth builds trucks to our exact specifications and requirements – and that makes all the difference,” he said. “Kenworth trucks are more reliable, durable and cost effective to run. They can handle hard work, long hours and many years of service. It’s no wonder our drivers love them. The trucks are also safe and comfortable to operate, and they perform well under any conditions,” he explained. Mr Eather says Kenworth’s nationwide dealer network, in particular Brown and Hurley, also plays an integral role in its transport efficiency. “Our trucks cover a lot of territory, so it’s comforting to know that if they ever have a problem, there’s a Kenworth dealer nearby,” he added. Kenworth trucks, with GCM from 39 to 260 tonnes, cover the full spectrum of heavy and extreme-duty applications. This includes multiple-trailer regional and interstate freight, tipper and dog construction work as well as off-highway operations for the logging and mining industries. .

KENWORTH RELEASES NEW T610 SLEEPER CAB OPTION Paccar Australia Press Release / February 28, 2018 Following the introduction of the T610 and T610SAR in early 2017, Kenworth announced today the release of a 760mm mid roof sleeper cab, complementing its existing day and 860mm sleeper cab options and providing customers with even more choice. The new sleeper cab option is suitable for many different applications including 19m tippers, tankers, and 19m B-double applications. Designed from the inside out in a decade-long development process, the T610 cabin is centred entirely on the needs of the driver. Touted as Kenworth’s ‘Best Truck Yet’, the design incorporates greater foot space, more storage, wider walkthrough access between the seats and more expansive door and windscreen glass, providing space, visibility and ergonomics never before seen in Kenworth’s suite of Australian-made trucks. “The core of the T610 project was about building a bigger cab to create the ultimate driver environment, which leads to better all-round driving performance, safety, efficiency and productivity” said Brad May, PACCAR Australia’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “This 760mm sleeper cab option allows even greater flexibility for our customers whose applications demand it. The mid roof allows access under gantries and suits many height restricted truck and trailer combinations and provides an additional 90mm of head room than the day cab.” Significantly wider and with increased walkthrough space between seats and greater room head-to-toe for the driver, the T610 interior delivers the driver a more open and relaxed cabin that is far easier to move around in and rest during breaks. The new mid roof sleeper offers an inner spring mattress with hinged pan for under bunk storage, optional under bunk fridge and open shelving as standard. Kenworth spent significant time optimising the shape and surfaces over the sleeper cab roof to improve the aerodynamics and optimised clearance. The T610 The result of more than 100,000 Australian design hours and more than ten million kilometres of testing and validation, the T610 has been the single largest investment in product development the company has ever made in Australia. From idea to reality, this significant investment in new technologies and design is specifically for the Australian road transport market. The T610 and T610SAR represent everything a Kenworth should be in terms of durability, reliability and safety. Yet the really noticeable product improvements are the superior space, ergonomics and driver comfort and control – the drumbeat behind Kenworth’s ‘Best Truck Yet.’ The T610 builds on a proven approach honed over many years, starting in 1975 with the first Australian designed and manufactured Kenworth, the W900SAR and later the development and evolution of other iconic models such as the aerodynamic T600, and the K series range. It is the culmination of more than 40 years of Australian design and application engineering experience, integrating with a parallel development program drawing on the global resources of PACCAR. The T610 delivers Kenworth’s most innovative, durable and productive truck yet, designed and manufactured right here in Australia for our local conditions and applications. .

There's quite a bit of massaging Bob. And most of the parts were resourced from within China.

At any given point in time, there are thousands of secret agreements between countries, orchestrated by "big business".......the world's wealthy aristocracy who know no boundaries. It's literally impossible for the masses to connect the dots and make any educated guess as to what is really going on.

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China market Ford Cargo - 6x4 tipper Exterior - https://product.360che.com/img/c1_s63_b17_s7015_m45378_t16.html Chassis - https://product.360che.com/img/c1_s63_b17_s7015_m45378_t18.html

Hyundai Truck & Bus Press Release / January 9, 2018 .

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Trump threatens to tax European auto imports Reuters / March 4, 2018 WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump kept up pressure on trading partners, threatening European automakers with a tax on imports if the European Union retaliates against his plan to impose tariffs on aluminum and steel. Trump's tweet showed he is refusing to yield to U.S. business interests and foreign trading partners alarmed at the prospect of a trade war that rattled financial markets this week. "If the E.U. wants to further increase their already massive tariffs and barriers on U.S. companies doing business there, we will simply apply a Tax on their Cars which freely pour into the U.S.," Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday. "They make it impossible for our cars (and more) to sell there. Big trade imbalance!" The United States imposes a 2.5-percent tariff on cars assembled in Europe and a 25-percent tariff on European-built vans and pickup trucks. Europe imposes a 10-percent tariff on U.S.-built cars [China imposes a 25% import tax on most cars, and a 35% import tax on luxury cars as well as commercial trucks]. Trump criticized Europe in remarks at a fundraiser, according to video posted online Saturday, and suggested they would not increase tariffs. "The European Union: brutal. They've been brutal to us," Trump said at a Florida fundraiser. "They've banded together in order to beat the United States in trade." Trump did not respond to questions about tariffs or other topics upon returning to the White House Saturday. In a speech Friday night at Harvard University, European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager said the EU will respond to the tariffs "to defend European industry, and the world trading system," according to a copy of her remarks. She called the Trump action "one-sided protectionist measures, which hurt, not just jobs, but the whole system of rules that makes our global economy work." German automakers Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG and BMW AG build vehicles at plants in the United States. BMW employs more than 9,000 workers in South Carolina and is one of the state's largest employers. The United States accounts for about 15 percent of worldwide Mercedes-Benz and BMW brand sales, while it accounts for 5 percent of VW brand sales and 12 percent of Audi sales. The United States had a $22.3 billion automotive vehicle and parts trade deficit with Germany in 2017 and a $7 billion deficit with the United Kingdom, according to U.S. government data. Last year, Germany's automotive trade association said "the United States would be shooting itself in the foot by imposing tariffs or other trade barriers." Trump's threat comes amid mounting transatlantic tension on trade. On Thursday, Trump said the United States would apply duties of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum to protect domestic producers. Major automakers say the move will hike the cost of cars and trucks. The next day, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told German television that "We will put tariffs on Harley-Davidson (motorcycles), on bourbon and on blue jeans -- Levis." Canada also has said it will retaliate for any tariffs on steel and aluminum. Trump had tweeted on Friday that trade wars are good and "easy to win," roiling U.S. financial markets. In January 2017, Trump warned German car companies he would impose a border tax of 35 percent on vehicles imported to the U.S. market.

VW to pursue IPO plan for trucks division Reuters / March 4, 2018 BERLIN - Volkswagen intends to change the legal structure of its trucks business this month as a first step towards an initial public offering (IPO) of the division, German paper Handelsblatt reported. Changing Volkswagen Truck & Bus, with brands MAN and Scania, to a public limited company would be a first step to making the unit ready for capital markets, Handelsblatt reported, citing company sources. The next stage would be to engage investment banks. “Shares could be traded for the first time in the early part of the coming year,” the paper quoted an unnamed manager as saying. Handelsblatt said that VW intends to retain a majority stake in the division for now and that the IPO could bring the group proceeds of more than 10 billion euros ($12.3 billion). The paper added that no final decision has been taken and that the plans require approval from the supervisory and management boards. Staff councils would also have to be brought into the process, which could happen in the next few weeks, Handelsblatt reported.

Transport Engineer / February 27, 2018 Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK has announced that 100 of its Actros1 tractors will be released to the UK market in March. Described as “the ultimate in premium exclusivity”, the Actros1 has been designed for owner-drivers, although the manufacturer says the truck’s name means it could be the flagship in other fleets. Based on the 6x2 chassis with top-spec GigaSpace cab, Actros1 comes in either a black or silver/black colour scheme. Mercedes-Benz expects most of the 100 to be the 2563LS variant with 616bhp OM473 15.6-litre, six-cylinder engine, but points out that the 2553LS model with second-generation 12.8-litre OM471 with 523bhp output is also available as a fuel-efficient alternative. As well as a Safety Pack with Active Brake Assist 4 and Proximity Control Assist systems, and a driver’s airbag, it comes with a high-performance engine brake and tyre pressure monitor. Fuel performace is boosted with Predictive Powertrain Control and Fleetboard telematics hardware. The vehicle also comes with Uptime maintenance technology, which uses sensors to advise the allocated dealer of vehicle condition so parts can be ordered in advance. Inside, the luxurious Style Line design is complemented by a leather-trimmed steering wheel and Comfort leather massage seats for driver and co-driver, an uprated multimedia entertainment system and a Premium Comfort mattress. Other features include automatic climate control, an electric sunroof and sunblind, a microwave and pull-out refrigerator, and rear overhead lockers. Externally, the Actros1 has painted sideguards and catwalks, Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels (wider than standard at the front) with painted hubs, and roof-mounted air horns. Bi-xenon headlamps, LED tail lights and an illuminated grille-mounted star complete the look. “Actros1 brings together the very best Mercedes-Benz has to offer in terms of performance, comfort, safety, economy and maximised use, in a stunningly designed package which will make it the envy of every other driver on the road,” predicts Ben Grayson, marketing communications manager for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. He adds: “Actros1 has been crafted from start to finish with the driver in mind and, with a maximum of 100 being built, demand is sure to be strong from discerning customers who desire the ultimate in premium exclusivity.” .

“He’s now president for life, president for life. And he’s great,” Trump said about China's President Xi Jinping at a fundraiser in Florida on Saturday. “And look, he was able to do that [Yes, dictators can do that]. I think it’s great. Maybe we’ll have to give that a shot someday,” said Trump. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dictators for life running the United States. Shocking to hear a U.S. president say "we’ll have to give that a shot someday”. But then again, if they're "great" and all............

Freightliner Trucks Press Release / February 22, 2018 Freightliner & Alliance Truck Parts combine forces to give car #14 a strong yellow and black look for 2018. .

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Owner-Driver / February 26, 2018 All brands of truck are welcome at the Kyabram Mack Muster on March 17 and 18. Are Mack lovers the most passionate truck enthusiasts in Australia? Mangoplah mechanic Dave Willis thinks so. He’s anticipating a mammoth turnout for the 2018 Kyabram Mack Muster on March 17 and 18, 2018. Dave is organising the event with Tim Daws and John Laffan, in conjunction with the Kyabram Vintage Engine & Machinery Restoration Group’s annual rally. The muster takes place at the Kyabram Showgrounds, Kyabram, in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria – about 40km from Shepparton. The showground gates will open on Friday, March 16, for those determined not to miss any of the weekend action. And a barbecue will be held at the showgrounds on Friday night. Dave is still deciding which of his many Macks he will polish up for the muster – probably a Flintstone, Super-Liner and a couple of F models. The oldest Mack at the muster will possibly be David Daws’ 1923 AC. But Dave Willis says the event is not just for old Macks. "It’s open to all ages and conditions of Macks. And in fact it’s open to all makes of truck as well – not just Macks." Kyabram local, Jim Ristovichis, plans to take his Super-Liner, ‘Fruit Express’. Jim bought Fruit Express in the late 1980s and the Super-Liner won about 17 truck show trophies when it was new. It has had five other owners since then. Jim bought it back recently and is determined to have a major restoration completed in time for the muster. Bookings are essential for the official dinner on Saturday night which will feature guest speakers with a wealth of knowledge about Mack trucks. Dave warns the dinner will possibly be booked out before the weekend. For more information about the Mack Muster, phone Dave Willis (0428 692 753), John Laffan (0427 484 247) or Tim Daws (0458 868 988); or visit the Kyabram Mack Muster Facebook page.

Kenworth rolls out new 610 sleeper cab Owner-Driver / February 28, 2018 Following last year's release of the T610 and T610SAR, Kenworth has announced a 760mm mid roof sleeper cab option, complementing the existing day and 860mm sleeper cab. The new sleeper cab option is aimed a range of customers, including those using the T610 for 19m tippers, tankers, and 19m B-double applications. Kenworth spent ten years designing the new cab with a focus on the needs of the driver, offering better walthrough access, more storage, better ergonomics and more. "The core of the T610 project was about building a bigger cab to create the ultimate driver environment, which leads to better all-round driving performance, safety, efficiency and productivity" said PACCAR Australia’s Director of Sales and Marketing Brad May. "This 760mm sleeper cab option allows even greater flexibility for our customers whose applications demand it. The mid roof allows access under gantries and suits many height restricted truck and trailer combinations and provides an additional 90mm of head room than the day cab." The T610 interior is designed to offer the driver a more open and relaxed cabin that's easier to move around in and rest during breaks. The new mid-roof sleeper offers an inner spring mattress with hinged pan for under bunk storage, optional under bunk fridge and open shelving as standard. Kenworth also focused on optimising the shape and surfaces over the sleeper cab roof to improve the aerodynamics and clearance.

New Cab From Kenworth Diesel News AU / March 2018 In an extension of the range options, a new cab from Kenworth will increase the options for customers looking at the T610 and T610SAR. Kenworth have announced the release of a 760mm mid roof sleeper cab, adding to the existing options of a day and 860mm sleeper cab. According to Kenworth, the new sleeper cab option will be suitable for many different applications including 19m tippers, tankers, and 19m B-double applications. The new cab, as released last year and now with added options, can be seen as a game changer for Kenworth. In the past each model in the range had a different cabin design. Now, with the T610 variations a common platform can be rolled out across a larger part of the range with common characteristics. The design incorporates more foot space and storage, a wider walkthrough access between the seats and more door and windscreen glass. The improvements provide space, visibility and ergonomics which were not there in Australian Kenworth trucks in the past. “The core of the T610 project was about building a bigger cab to create the ultimate driver environment, which leads to better all-round driving performance, safety, efficiency and productivity” said Brad May, Paccar Australia’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “This 760mm sleeper cab option allows even greater flexibility for our customers whose applications demand it. The mid roof allows access under gantries and suits many height restricted truck and trailer combinations and provides an additional 90mm of head room than the day cab.” Significantly wider and with increased walkthrough space between seats and greater room head-to-toe for the driver, the T610 interior delivers the driver a more open and relaxed cabin that is far easier to move around in and rest during breaks. The new mid roof sleeper offers an inner spring mattress with hinged pan for under bunk storage, optional under bunk fridge and open shelving as standard. Back at the original T610 launch, the time had come for the conventional truck in Australia to bring itself up to date. Modern electronics and assembly technology have introduced many new possibilities. The modern truck owner is also looking for a lot more from each truck in terms of productivity, information as well as driver safety and comfort. The Paccar group, as a whole, is moving towards a unified cabin design and Kenworth in Australia have come up with their unique adaptation as the T610. However, we must not forget, this is Kenworth, a very careful and conservative brand, with conservative customers, who are willing to embrace change, but not too much in one go. The T 610 seems to have hit just the right balance of old and new to keep most people happy. To begin with, the chassis remains unchanged. This is a tough and reliable set up, undergoing constant customisation, which the industry has come to rely on. The driveline is also little changed, in the actual metal, but the integration between the truck’s electronics, the Cummins Engine and Eaton transmission will further enhance its reputation. The cabin itself is changed and is a combination of three basic sections. The driver compartment is the Paccar group design used in Kenworth and Peterbilt product in the US, but adapted and beefed up for our conditions. The sleeper is a traditional design built in the same way as all of the current Kenworth cabs. These two come together under a newly-designed roof, to pull the whole design together.

Prime Mover Magazine / March 1, 2018 Commercial vehicle manufacturer, Iveco, has commented on the local assembly of the Stralis ATi model, following a manufacturing boost at its facility in Dandenong, Melbourne. According to Iveco, selected components including mirrors, wheel angles, trailer connections, batteries, wheels and liquids are now all sourced locally. The addition of the Stralis AT to the local production mix has also seen the Dandenong facility undergo investment in tooling and software to calibrate the AT’s adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems, and in doing so introduced new technology to the site that could also be used for other models in the future. “Australian buyers will enjoy several benefits from the local production of AT models including greatly reduced lead times from vehicle order to delivery, and the ability to customise to order by adding factory-fitted special options and local accessories,” Iveco said in a statement. Iveco’s local engineers are also working on the installation of new Euro 6-rated Cursor engines for both the AT and AS-L variants. The Australian engineering team is continuing its real market testing on a selection of these engines. Iveco Australia Marketing Manager, Darren Swenson, said the increase in local production and development highlighted the company’s commitment to Australian manufacturing. “Iveco is one of few truck brands that continue to manufacture here – this latest expansion in Australian-based production demonstrates the company’s commitment to having a strong local manufacturing presence,” said Swenson. “The addition of Stralis AT variants to the local production mix along with the validation of new power plants and other initiatives is great news for the local workforce and our third-party parts suppliers but also for Australian truck buyers who can further reap the benefits that locally-manufactured vehicles provide. “The expansion of local production not only reflects a strong belief from Iveco Australia that local manufacturing is sustainable, but the initiative is also strongly supported by Iveco’s parent company, CNH Industrial,” he said. The Stralis AT and AS-L ranges join several other of Iveco’s locally-manufactured models including the ACCO – which has been built in Dandenong for over 40 years – and Delta and Metro bus chassis. .