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Ford launches 'commercial grade' diesel option for F-150 Trailer-Body Builders / January 8, 2018 For those looking for towing capacity and fuel economy in their full-size pickup, Ford Motor Co. announced a sixth engine option for the 2018 F-150: a 3.0L V6 Power Stroke turbo diesel. The automaker said it expects the engine will deliver 30 highway mpg as well as 11,400 lbs. towing and 2,020 payload capacity. Ford dealers will begin taking orders for F-150s with the 3.0L diesel in about a week, with deliveries slated to begin this spring. The engine is available on 4x2 and 4x4 trucks. This latest engine shares a number of "commercial grade" technologies with the larger 6.7L Power Stroke diesel available in Ford's Super Duty truck lineup, according to the company. The same powertrain team behind the 6.7L designed and engineered the new 3.0L Power Stroke V6 diesel engine for North American F-150 customers who tow and haul frequently. The 3.0L diesel is good for 250 hp. and 440 lbs.-ft. of torque, with peak torque available very quickly at 1,750 rpm and "strong torque delivery continuing throughout the rpm range," the OEM said, optimizing it for towing or hauling heavy loads. The 3.0L V6 diesel features: The same compacted graphite iron block material construction and forged-steel crank used in the available 2.7L EcoBoost engine for added strength and durability and reduced weight; A variable-geometry turbocharger for greater responsiveness and reduced turbo lag; A common-rail fuel injection system to optimize performance and fuel efficiency with a high-pressure 29,000 p.s.i. injection calibration for smoother, quieter operation and reduced emissions; Dual fuel filters for improved break-in; A mechanical engine-driven fan and dual radiator shutters for improved high-temperature, high-altitude performance; and A cast-aluminum oil pan and two-stage oil pump for reduced parasitic loss and improved fuel efficiency. For fleet customers, the new diesel will be available on all F-150 trim levels with SuperCrew 5.5-ft. or 6.5-ft. bed configurations and SuperCab trucks with a 6.5-ft. bed. Retail customers can select the 3.0L diesel for F-150 Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum edition SuperCrew trucks with either a 5.5-ft. or 6.5-ft. bed and SuperCab trucks with a 6.5-ft. bed. The design team paid particular attention to extreme driving conditions in engineering the 3.0L diesel, according to Ford. The OEM called the 2018 F-150 with this latest engine "the most efficient F-150 towing machine ever." Part of that comes from the F-150's aluminum-alloy body introduced in 2015, which lightened the truck by 700 lbs. and allowed engineers to reinvest that weight in technologies to bolster towing and payload capability. For 2018, stronger axles coupled with the F-150's boxed, high-strength steel frame make for a more robust package. In more moderate driving and towing conditions, the F-150 engine control system backs off the fan load through a viscous coupler, closing down the two radiator shutters for improved aerodynamic efficiency and reduced parasitic engine loss. Ford didn't overlook the transmission. Calibrated specifically for the 3.0L diesel's low-end power and torque curves, the standard SelectShift 10-speed automatic features shift points and gear ratios that optimize power, low-rpm torque and efficiency. The transmission can non-sequentially select gear ratio based on need, the company noted, and standard auto start-stop functionality boosts fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

GM's medium-duty Silverado revival shifts ahead in March Michael Wayland, Automotive News / January 8, 2018 DETROIT -- General Motors will reveal its new Chevrolet Silverado medium-duty pickups in March at the Work Truck Show. The automaker, nearly a decade after abandoning the segment during its 2009 bankruptcy, confirmed in September that it planned to begin selling 4500 and 5500 chassis-cab versions of its Silverado pickup in late 2018. The trucks, which the company has said were built from the ground up and are not variants of existing trucks, are aimed at fleet and commercial buyers and can be upfitted with work-specific beds and boxes. GM said the Silverado 4500 and 5500 will be offered in regular and crew cab varieties, as 4x2s or 4x4s, and with a range of weight ratings and wheelbases. They will be powered by a Duramax diesel engine and Allison transmission, a combination it has used on about 2 million trucks. "The Silverado 4500HD/5500HD trucks are the flagship of our full-line commercial truck portfolio and we've designed them to be among the best in the industry in maneuverability, serviceability, visibility, quietness and comfort, diesel fuel economy and more," said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet, in a statement. The trucks are expected to go into production in Springfield, Ohio, in late 2018, according to GM. The automaker partnered with Navistar International Corp. to develop and produce the trucks. Additional technical specifications for the Silverado 4500HD/5500HD are expected to be released at the reveal. The Work Truck Show, scheduled from March 6-9 in Indianapolis, is North America's largest work truck event. More than 11,000 public and private truck fleet operators, dealers and equipment distributors are expected to attend this year's show, according to GM. .

Eckert should be a politician.....he certainly lies like one. Only fleet customers can buy an affordable diesel XL or XLT??? No diesel availability with a standard cab??? Ford is shooting themselves in the foot.....again. $2,400 to $4,000 more for the diesel. Ridiculous. Over 50% profit.

F-150 diesel to get 30 mpg Mike Martinez, Automotive News / January 8, 2018 DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. expects the first diesel version of its F-150 pickup, which goes on sale this year, to produce a highway fuel economy rating of 30 mpg. The diesel variant, announced last year as part of the F-150's 2018 model freshening, will have a 3.0-liter Power Stroke engine rated at 250 hp and 440 pound-feet of torque — both best-in-class numbers, Ford said. It's meant to appeal to customers who tow and haul more than normal. Officials expect a segment-best 2,020-pound payload and 11,400 pounds of trailer towing capability. "It's the next logical extension," said Todd Eckert, the F-150's marketing manager. "We're always looking for opportunities to expand the lineup to meet the needs of customers." The engine will be mated with Ford's 10-speed transmission, introduced on the 2017 F-150. Truck enthusiasts have clamored for a diesel option, and some rivals have offered diesels on full-size and midsize pickups. But Ford insists it's not lagging the competition. "We don't think it's late," Eckert said. "It's right on time, right when we planned it." Ford said it expects the diesel engine to account for roughly 5 percent of retail sales. It will cost $2,400 to $4,000 more than other F-150 engines. Retail customers may get the diesel on the three highest F-150 trims: Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. Fleet customers, may order a diesel in the less expensive XL and XLT trims. The diesel will be offered on the 4x4 and 4x2 versions of the SuperCab and SuperCrew. Eckert said dealers will begin taking orders for the diesel F-150 in mid-January. The trucks will be delivered in the spring. The engine, made in England, is a variant of the Lion diesel that Ford builds for use in Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles.

GAZ purchased the assets of troubled UK-based van manufacturer LDV in 2006. This gave GAZ the modern LDV Maxus van, and that cab was modified for use on the medium truck range. https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37160-russian-vehicle-maker-gaz-launches-new-gazon-next-medium-truck/?tab=comments#comment-260921 https://www.ft.com/content/1b5d1fd6-208f-11db-8b3e-0000779e2340

GAZ Group Press Release / December 6, 2017 The Gorky automobile plant of GAZ Group started production of two new models of commercial vehicles: the light duty truck GAZon NEXT with GVW 10 t and the light commercial vehicle GAZelle NEXT with GVW 4.6 t. The new GAZ products will help to renovate the transport fleets and to improve the efficiency of freight and passenger transportation in the Russian Federation. The payload capacity of the vehicle GAZon NEXT 10 is 5.9 t. This platform will be the base for creation of a wide range of specialized vehicles for municipal and road services, various spheres of business and agriculture. Application of new design solutions - a new rear suspension and an upgraded front suspension, enlarged front wheel track, a longer wheel base - allowed not only to increase the payload capacity but also to improve functionality, comfort and the driving performance of the vehicle. The vehicle features air suspension on the rear axle that makes it possible to adjust the height of the body when loading/unloading and maintain it at a constant level during the ride,providing high smoothness of driving even on rough roads. The suspension is equipped with Monroe hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar The cargo platform with the width Increased by 27 cm can accomodate12 standard europallets (instead of 10 on the previous model). The grearbox is managed through a remote drive (joystick), located on the instrument panel. The brake system of the vehicle is pneumatic, with disc mechanisms in all wheels, with the ABS and ASR systems The YAMZ-534 engine with increased power of 170 h.p. and the maximum torque up to 664 Nm resulted in improved traction-dynamic characteristics of the vehicle and reduced fuel consumption. The spacious and comfortable cabin of GAZon NEXT equipped with a springed driver's seat with anatomical support, five levels of adjustment and waist support, a 2 DIN-recorder with control buttons on the steering wheel and the climate control system Delphi with the function of heated windshield. The driver's cab is made of galvanized steel after double priming and the fenders and wheel arches are made of high-strength plastic providing a high level of protection against corrosion. The light commercial vehicle GAZelle NEXT 4.6 can carry up to 2.6 tons of cargo. Later, the chassis of this vehicle will be the base for creation of a wide range of trucks, vans and minibuses. The structural features of the vehicle are the new rear Spicer axle, the brake system with disc brake mechanisms on all wheels and ABS, the increased width of the cargo platform. In addition to the increased payload capacity of up to 2.6 tons the vehicle differs a cargo platform with the width increased by 10 cm (up to 2160 mm). The vehicle has the drop sides made of a rolled steel profile protected by cataphoretic priming and with a minimal number of weld seams. This provides a high corrosion resistance of the body. The platform of GAZelle NEXT 4.6 absorbed all the advantages of the vehicle GAZelle NEXT 3.5 that was launched in 2013 and is the most popular model in the Russian market of commercial vehicles. It has a strong double-arm independent front suspension, a roomy and comfortable cabin, a highly informative rack and pinion steering, a reinforced frame and a new rear suspension. The project aimed at development and setting up production of GAZelle Next 4.6 is implemented with support of the Russian Industry Development Foundation. .

KrAZ Trucks Press Release / December 5, 2017 A KrAZ-64431 heavy tractor went to Subcarpathia to deliver Ukraine’s New Year Tree. KrAZ Trucks' annual New Year’s gift to Ukrainian capital residents and visitors is delivering the country’s New Year Tree at the company’s expense. A 90-year-old 30-meter-high green beauty will have been delivered to Saint Sophia Square by the beginning of the next week. It will be carried by the KrAZ-64431 truck tractor (6х4) paired with a 30-ton semi-trailer. The company’s line of truck tractors does not include a lot of models but all of them meet all the needs of customers. All the KrAZ truck tractors both AWD and non-AWD models have excellent towing capacity. The KrAZ-64431 truck tractor is mass-production model used for towing semi-trailers on public roads. The truck tractor that went to Subcarpathia is a workhorse of the company’s transportation department fleet used for delivering various cargoes. The classis version features conventional front and rear suspensions with two longitudinal semielliptic springs: front one with two hydraulic shock absorbers and rear one with equalizer bar. It is provided with mechanical power steering, air-operated drum brakes with inner shoes. The cab has a sleeper to create a good rest environment for driver. KrAZ truck tractors are used not only as intended: for carrying various indivisible and heavy loads and towing trailers and semitrailers. In African countries they are used for carrying giant logs through impenetrable jungle. The truck tractor that went to Ivano-Frankovsk region is not provided with through type powertrain but that will not prevent it from coping with lofty and challenging task on forestry rugged terrain. Last year’s New Year Tree was also delivered by KrAZ Trucks, with a KrAZ Model 6446 6х6 tractor/trailer combination. .

Hendrickson Press Release / November 30, 2017 Mario Kress of MKR Technology R&D team speaks out about their fantastic cooperation with Hendrickson: “In only 4 years of getting into Dakar racing, MKR is passing the fast track. Hendrickson contributed with highly developed products that distinguish from common springs by up to 30% weight savings and a high durability. Due to a strong commitment and consistent work with Hendrickson engineering team, the next generation is already in progress. First test results are expected at the end of 2018.” . .

Dana Press Release / November 27, 2017 . . .

Truck News / January 4, 2018 Cummins Westport’s 2018 ISX12N natural gas engine has been certified by the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The ISX12N meets CARB’s optional low NOx standard of 0.02 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from engines operating at the current EPA NOx limit of 0.2 g/bhp-hr. The Cummins Westport natural gas offering is the first Class 8 truck engine for larger heavy-duty vehicles to certify to the 0.02 g/bhp-hr optional standard and provides the trucking industry a near-zero emissions solution. “Cummins Westport’s 2018 product line offers customers ultra-low emissions with reliable performance,” said Bart van Aerle, president of Cummins Westport. “The ISX12N near-zero emissions natural gas engine provides truck and bus customers with an industry-leading alternative fuel option for demanding applications.” With production starting February 2018, the ISX12N natural gas engine will be available with ratings from 320hp to 400hp and up to 1,450 lbs.-ft. of torque. The engine is designed for line haul, regional haul, refuse, vocational trucks, motorcoach, and commuter buses. All Cummins Westport engines offer the option of using compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or renewable natural gas as a fuel source.

Geely to invest in heavy-truck maker AB Volvo Bloomberg/Reuters / January 5, 2018 About a decade after Chinese billionaire Li Shufu bought Volvo Car Corp. from Ford Motor Co. and revived the brand, he’s turning his attention to the separately owned Swedish company’s heavy trucks in a bid to expand outside China. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. says it plans to buy a stake in AB Volvo from activist investor Cevian Capital AB, making it the truckmaker’s largest shareholder. Sources told Bloomberg that the deal is valued at 3.25 billion euros (25 billion yuan), verifying a report by Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter. The stake, representing 8.2 percent of Volvo’s capital and 16 percent of the votes, would mark Geely’s first foray into the heavy-truck market. In addition to its namesake heavy-vehicle brand, AB Volvo's marques include Mack, Renault Trucks and UD. "Given our experience with Volvo Car Group, we recognize and value the proud Scandinavian history and culture, leading market positions, breakthrough technologies and environmental capabilities of AB Volvo," Li, Geely’s chairman, said in a statement. ‘No plans to merge’ There are "no plans to merge" the two Volvos, a Geely spokesman told Reuters. Last year, Geely bought a 49.9 percent stake in Malaysia’s Proton Holdings as well as 51 percent of Lotus Cars. “Geely is becoming a full-range transportation company and seems to be defining itself as a company that moves people and things,” said Bill Russo, managing director of Gao Feng Advisory Co. “Any device that does this is on their radar.” Geely plans to buy Cevian’s 88.5 million Class A Volvo shares and 78.8 million Class B shares, the two companies said. Last autumn, the Chinese company sought to buy out Cevian’s stake. Board seat Joakim Kenndal, a spokesman at Gothenburg-based Volvo, said the stake sale “came as a surprise.” Geely spokesmen refused to comment on the transaction beyond the company statement. Geely plans to seek board representation, the source said. Cevian has one seat on the Volvo board. Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Geely’s Volvo Car Group, also sits on the truckmaker’s board. Nomura and Barclays agreed to buy Cevian’s stake in Volvo and sell it to Geely once the purchase has regulatory approval, the Chinese carmaker said. Cevian has long wanted Volvo to divest its construction equipment business. While that hasn’t happened, Volvo has disposed of its information technology business and cut jobs. Revival If the successful revival of Volvo Car Group under Li is any precedent to go by, the transaction may benefit Volvo trucks as well. Li started out making refrigerator parts and later turned a bankrupt state-owned manufacturer into China’s biggest privately owned carmaker. He cemented his reputation as a savvy deal-maker after reviving Volvo Cars after the purchase from Ford in 2010. He gave Volvo’s engineering team the resources to invest in new models. At the same time, he lowered the Swedish manufacturer’s high costs by jointly developing vehicle underpinnings with Geely, while building an assembly plant in China for exports. Swedish Enterprise Minister Mikael Damberg said he welcomed the new investor in Volvo, the country’s largest company by revenue. “The new owner Geely has proven to be a serious investor linked to the development of Volvo Cars, made major investments in Sweden, grown the number of employees and has so far been a success story,” he said to news agency TT. The Chinese company said it plans to use the new tie-up with AB Volvo to enhance the truckmaker’s electrification, autonomous driving and connectivity. While Geely will be the biggest shareholder, it will rank second to investment firm Industrivarden AB in voting rights because Industrivarden owns Class A shares that have greater voting power than Class B stock.

A nice 4670. .

International Harvester Co. Press Release .

International Harvester Australia Ltd. Press Release / 1957 .

Defense Update / December 21, 2017 The Romanian Ministry of National Defence awarded Iveco Defence Vehicles (Iveco DV) a contract for the supply of 173 military trucks to be supplied within 2018. The delivery includes specially designed 6×6 military logistic vehicles from Iveco DV's high mobility truck range. Designed as troop and transport the trucks are equipped with a self-recovery winch, and Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) the vehicles offer exceptional mobility and fording capability. The trucks are C-130 air transportable. This is the second batch of Iveco-DV trucks Romania orders. In 2015 Iveco delivered 57 vehicles to the Romanian MOD, This previous batch included high mobility trucks in 6×6, tractor 6×6, 8×8, 8×8 with hook lift, 8×8 with trans container configurations, these vehicles have already been fielded with the Romanian forces. .

Transport Engineer / January 3, 2018 Recycling and renewable energy company Viridor’s Trafford Park, Manchester operation has received nine Volvo trucks, supplementing the six already in its fleet. Logistics unit manager Chris Hanson-Jones said: “After a lengthy national procurement exercise by Viridor, we chose a mixture of Volvo FMX and FE skip loaders and roll-on roll-offs, plus one Volvo FM front end loader.” The new group of rigids was supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, which also provides full repair and maintenance for the Trafford Park fleet. The Volvo choice, he added, “comes down to suitability of the vehicle for the job, which comes ahead of cost. The Volvo product is reliable and operates particularly well on landfills.” One of the major aims of the current fleet replacement project is to improve driver safety. “If you are a Viridor Trafford Park driver and you're driving a skip vehicle it will now always be a Volvo chassis cab with a Boughton Engineering skip loader on the back so you'll always be familiar with the vehicle and controls,” Hanson-Jones explained. This should also eliminate one basic cause of driver injuries; missing their footing when entering vehicles, because the steps are in a different place to their usual truck. He added: “It sounds silly, but that's actually a big cause of accidents, especially now that drivers are increasing their efficiency and moving from truck to truck throughout the day.” The other big attraction of Volvo for Viridor is its green credentials, including the D8K and D11K Euro 6 engines and I-Shift transmission. “We deal with big brands like Manchester United and Media City, so ecological concerns are a big part of the tender process we do with them,” he points out. .

Transport Engineer / January 2, 2018 Scottish haulier JL Wilkie & Co says its Volvo FH-540 tractor with I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission has “far exceeded” expectations, with “remarkable” fuel returns. The tractor was one of a pair of new arrivals and the first Volvo trucks to join the Dundee-based operator’s fleet. The other vehicle is an FH-500 with standard I-Shift transmission. Both are 6x2 pusher axle chassis with Globetrotter cabs, and were supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland. Both are specified with Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels, Xenon headlights and Hyva tipping gear. The interiors also feature twin bunks, leather seats, fridge-freezers and microwave ovens. David Wilkie, operations manager at JL Wilkie & Co, says the I-Shift Dual Clutch is “the best gearbox I’ve ever used in a truck”. He adds: “Our operation sees trucks regularly go off-road on to farm access tracks, and the public roads to reach these locations are also challenging. That environment brings its own mpg challenges and includes a fair share of soft surfaces. I-Shift Dual Clutch never requires any manual intervention and it never gets stuck in the mud, as there’s no interruption to power delivery.” Using Dynafleet, Volvo’s fleet management system, Wilkie is monitoring fuel performance for both vehicles. The FH-540 I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission is delivering better figures than its standard I-Shift stablemate, although Wilkie expects returns from the latter to improve as the vehicle beds in. “But the current returns from I-Shift Dual Clutch are remarkable. That transmission is undoubtedly the future and it has to be specified with every new truck we order from now on.” Both trucks are supplied on a four-year contract hire with Volvo Gold Plus R&M contracts. .

Commercial Motor / January 3, 2018 To mark our middle East special issue, featuring the Top 10 Best Middle East books in this week's issue of Commercial Motor (on sale 4-10 January), we are giving away a complete set of our favourites (including a DVD) to one lucky reader. Old Pond has a comprehensive and exciting selection of books and DVDs on the long-distance road haulage routes that became collectively known as the Middle East runs, and you can enjoy them first hand by answering the following question: What, according to our book round-up, was Astran Transport previously known as? A - Asian Transport B - Asia Transport Email your answer with the subject Old Pond Competition to competitions@roadtransport.com, including a contact number and your full mailing address. A winner will be picked at random and their details sent to Old Pond, which will dispatch the set to you. The deadline for entries is 12pm on 11 January. .

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Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO on the podium in the first stage of the Africa Eco Race 2018 Iveco Trucks Press Release / January 3, 2017 Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO placed its two IVECO Powerstar trucks in the top 10 in the first stage of the tough rally raid competition. Gerard de Rooy crossed the finish line in third position, followed by Wuf Van Ginkel in sixth, having tackled the difficult stony and dusty conditions of the track. The 10th edition of the Africa Eco Race is underway, with a record number of competitors. The participants started early in the morning of Tuesday 2nd January in the Moroccan port town of Nador, with the short, 92-km first stage taking them from Ameziane to Merada, across cultivated areas with hard ground on tracks made of mostly gravel and rocks. This is familiar terrain for the Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO pilots Gerard De Rooy and Wuf Van Ginkel, who have both driven on rallies in Morocco in the past. Gerard De Rooy, Team leader, made his mark right from the first stage of the competition on board his #400 IVECO Powerstar with his experienced co-pilot Moi Torrallardona and the technical support of mechanic Darek Rodewald. He finished in third position, 5’25” behind the leader, Russian Vladimir Vasilyev. He was careful on this first stage to avoid the risk of punctures on the stony ground of the track. Wuf Van Ginkel finished in sixth position on the second IVECO Powerstar (#403) with co-pilot Erik Kofman and mechanic Bert van Donkelaar. The Sentinel warning system that signals the arrival of a faster vehicle or a stationary one on the track was not working on any of the trucks, making it difficult to overtake: “it took a lot of time to overtake small SSVs and slower cars took a lot of time” commented Gerard de Rooy. The second stage will take the competitors on a 443-km route, which will include the renowned dune section of Erg Chebbi. Follow all developments on www.iveco.com/TeamPetronasDeRooyIveco IVECO will keep fans updated during the rally on www.iveco.com/TeamPetronasDeRooyIveco with daily updates from Africa published in English. Social media channels and the IVECO press site will also be updated with news, reports, videos and photos. . .