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Volvo Group Press Release / September 25, 2017 Volvo Trucks’ customers have a choice of 800 colours for their truck cabs. If their favourite colour is missing, the paint lab at Volvo Group Cab plant in Umeå, Sweden can usually find a solution. Winter White is still one of the most popular colours for Volvo trucks, but an increasing number of the 300 or so trucks that leave the plant in Umeå every day are painted in different colours. “There have recently been a large number of different colours and we are seeing more and more metallic and clear varnish. Metallic is my personal favourite. There’s a blue variant which is extremely attractive,” says, Quality Control Operator, Yvonne Määttä. Before the cab is checked at the inspection station, it has to pass through a wide range of stages. After being dipped in the corrosion protection paint, primer is applied to the cab before the time comes for the robots to spray on the topcoat. The paint is then left to harden for 45 minutes in a large oven. Even if the actual painting process is fully automated, many different people and functions are involved in working on colours. Some of them work at the paint lab, one floor up at the plant. Among other things, new colours are developed at the lab and this is where customer requests also end up. Because, even though Volvo Trucks offers its customers no fewer than 800 different variants, new requests and wishes are received every week. “We have, for example, received samples on a piece of fabric, mobile phone shell or nail polish. In most cases, we are able to offer customers colours that are very close to the ones they want or else we can develop a totally new colour. Only in very rare cases are we forced to say no. That’s when the colour doesn’t have the necessary properties,” explains Andreas Bask, Paint Lab Manager. Before a new colour is introduced into production, it is subjected to rigorous tests and checks. Volvo Trucks’ customers set rigorous requirements for their trucks and every step in the painting process is important in order to ensure quality and make sure that the customer is given the precise colour he or she has specified. “We conduct a close dialogue with all the functions that are involved in the process. Even if we all have different focal points, everyone is aiming for the same thing – to ensure that the end result is as good as it can possibly be. Volvo Trucks is a premium brand and customers expect the paint to last for a very long time,” says Andreas Bask. The Volvo Group cab plant in Umeå has also invested heavily in improving both the internal and external environment. With advanced cleaning technology for air, new solvent-free materials and modern painting equipment, the plant is currently one of the world’s cleanest paintshop within the automotive industry. Facts The Volvo Cab Competence Center is located at the plant in Umeå. This means that the plant provides support for the development of new product concepts for cabs, as well as innovative and profitable production technologies within stamping, assembly and surface treatment. Umeå is also the introductory plant for new technologies and materials. It supports other plants in the Volvo Group with know-how and technical support when it comes to matters related to processes and product issues related to manufacturing. .

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Volvo Group Press Release / September 22, 2017 Together with her husband, Huguette Durand has built a distrubtion company on a passion for vehicles and driving. One hundred per cent of the fleet is made up of Renault Trucks. Huguette Durand caught the trucking bug when she started driving trucks as a 22-year-old. “A chance internship pushed me into the world of trucks,” she says. “And then, I never left.” She started a transport company together with her sister, which some years later merged with her husband’s. Today the company, Transports Durand-Lemi, has 14 drivers, including the owners’ eldest daughter. They primarily carry non-hazardous chemicals. “At Durand-Lemi, we are truck drivers first and foremost. When we buy a truck, we buy for comfort and safety and the prestige to make our customers proud. The purchase is also a question of environmental performance,” says Huguette Durand. For her, this translates into buying only from Renault Trucks. “My husband, Christian, is a big fan of the brand,” says Huguette Durand, who actually first started driving Mercedes but converted after trying a Renault Magnum. “With their elevated cabins, they were tricky to manoeuvre, but they were also so much more spacious and comfortable for the driver.” Today, Transports Durand-Lemi owns 15 vehicles, the last of which is a deep-black T Range enhanced with a vermillion red trim. The truck was a birthday surprise from her husband, Christian, which was unveiled at the inauguration of the Renault Trucks workshop in Saint-Egrève last November. Celebrating birthdays together is a clear sign of a special relationship and Huguette Durand describes the dealership as a “very trusted partner”. But she has also been happily surprised by Renault Trucks’ service network on occasions when trucks break down far from home. Service has always been provided in a very responsive and personalised manner. Knowing this makes it easy to relax and enjoy the driving, which Huguette Durand has now resumed in her new truck. “It is such a pleasure to be behind the wheel again, so now I drive between Lyon and Hanover every week – it’s a real joy.” .

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Reuters / September 26, 2017 DETROIT - Commercial truck partners Navistar International Corp and Volkswagen AG’s (VOWG_p.DE) Truck and Bus said on Monday they will launch an electric medium-duty truck in North America by late 2019, and develop common hardware and systems to connect trucks to the internet. Volkswagen Truck Chief Andreas Renschler and Navistar Chief Executive Troy Clarke told Reuters in an interview the companies will also collaborate on the next generation of “Big Bore” diesel powertrains. Volkswagen last year agreed to buy a 16.6 percent stake in Navistar, based in Lisle, Ill. The companies closed the transaction and began collaborating earlier this year. The companies are on track for projected cost savings of $500 million over the first five years of the alliance, Clarke said in a statement. Commercial truck makers are investing in electrification as regulators and policy makers have stepped up pressure to curtail or eliminate pollution from diesel engines in big cities. Navistar shares were trading about 1 percent higher in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The new electric truck for North America will be a Class 6 or 7 truck based on a Navistar vehicle, and aimed at urban delivery customers. Volkswagen will test nine electric trucks in Austria that will offer payloads of about 18 tons and ranges of about 180 kilometers between charges, Renschler said. Rival Daimler AG said last week delivered the first of a smaller range of electric delivery trucks to customers in New York. The challenge for vehicle makers is to produce electric trucks that deliver competitive payload capacity and range at a cost that matches or beats the cost of diesel-powered vehicles. “Ours is an industry where technology adoption is very deliberate,” Clarke said. However, if cities do ban diesel trucks, “we have an offer,” Renschler said. Renschler and Clarke said joint development of common hardware and software for connecting trucks to the internet, and of next-generation large diesel engines, could slash the companies’ costs. Volkswagen plans to launch a cloud-based connectivity platform by the end of the year that will not be tied to a specific vehicle brand, and that will be the basis for the shared system. The companies plan to ultimately connect 650,000 vehicles, and create a common marketplace for app developers, the companies said.

OnCommand Connection International Trucks Press Release / September 25, 2017 .

International Trucks Press Release / September 25, 2017 .

“Let’s Connect” live at North American Commercial Vehicle Show Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) Press Release / September 25, 2017 See how we’re driving the industry with an overview of our latest and greatest engineering innovations. .

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) Press Release / September 25, 2017 We brought the whole family to NACV. .

Cummins engine boss vows to offer customers “power of choice” James Menzies, Truck News / September 24, 2017 ATLANTA, Ga. – Cummins is uniquely positioned to offer customers their “power of choice” well into the future, according to president of the engine business, Srikanth Padmanabhan. Padmanabhan was speaking to truck press today at the inaugural North American Commercial Vehicle Show, where he said Cummins will be able to provide internal combustion engines, as well as full-electric and hybrid powertrains, and eventually even fuel cell electric powertrains. “We have shown time and again, when the industry changes, or when technology changes, that is when we deliver and when we deliver for our customers in a big way,” Padmanabhan said. “We will be there to provide that power of choice for our customers, regardless of what the powertrain is going to be.” He cited Cummins’ history of “technological leadership,” including its introduction of the diesel engine when trucks were predominantly powered by big gasoline engines. Cummins has been in the engine business for 100 years and will this year produce 1.3 million engines. It has a running population of 15 million engines. The next 15 years, said Padmanabhan, will see further disruption, in the form of connectivity, automation, and energy diversity. He said Cummins will play a role in these areas. In terms of connectivity, Padmanabhan said Cummins is finally putting the data collected by its electronic control modules to use, and providing meaningful data to fleets. “We have the ability to collect massive data and the ability to make better decisions because of analytics behind it. I think it’s going to revolutionize the industry,” Padmanabhan said of connectivity. When it comes to automation, Padmanabhan said Cummins has a role to play by developing a compatible powertrain and enabling automation through its ADEPT software. And as for energy diversity, Padmanabhan vowed Cummins will be ready to meet customer needs with whatever technology is the most viable for them. Padmanabhan also noted Cummins is working on a new heavy-duty engine platform, which will be rolled out in 2022. “They’ll be lighter, and the performance will be better,” he said. He also predicted more components will be electrically powered in the future. And there may even be hybrid trucks that can operate electrically in areas with bad air pollution, and by traditional fossil fuels some of the time.

Daimler addresses platooning, electric trucks at NACV opening James Menzies, Truck News / September 25, 2017 ATLANTA, Ga. – Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is testing truck platooning on its Madras, Ore., test track as well as public highways. The company addressed its platooning trials during a discussion to kick off the North American Commercial Vehicle show. “DTNA is actively testing pairing systems on I-84 and at Madras,” said Roger Nielsen, president and chief executive officer of DTNA. “We are driving Freightliners in platoons every day.” He said commercial development depends on several factors, including government regulations and public acceptance, but Nielsen said customers are increasingly interested in the benefits. “When America is ready for platooning, DTNA will have a proven, viable solution ready for our customers,” he said. The company announced at NACV that it is preparing for a fleet trial early next year. Platooning allows trucks that are paired to reduce fuel consumption. Through vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communications, the lead truck controls the braking of the following vehicles. DTNA says brake reaction times have dropped to 0.2 or 0.3 seconds, much faster than humans can respond. “Platooning holds the potential to offer significant fuel economy advantages, while assisting drivers,” said Nielsen, who added he has personally driven the new Cascadia under platooning conditions using this technology. “To be sure, the platooning technology is not meant to replace drivers – it’s designed to help drivers.” The far-reaching discussion, held in front of hundreds of customers and dealers, also touched on electric-powered vehicles. Daimler brand Fuso recently launched an all-electric Class 4 eCanter. “This is more than a product launch for us, it’s a game changer, a revolution in the making,” said Jecka Glasman of Fuso. “It is a perfect pickup and delivery truck for urban areas.” Nielsen, when asked if a market for a Class 8 all-electric truck will materialize, said “If I brought out my crystal ball, I’d say sooner than you think.”

Freightliner reveals more options for new Cascadia James Menzies, Truck News / September 25, 2017 ATLANTA, Ga. – Freightliner has taken orders for 25,000 new Cascadia models in about a year, something that took three years to achieve with the truck’s predecessor, the classic Cascadia. Richard Howard, senior vice-president of sales and marketing with Daimler Trucks North America, said fleets have realized the promised 8% fuel economy improvement over the previous Cascadia, and some have bettered that. “They love the new Cascadia. They particularly like the fuel efficiency,” said Howard, during remarks at the North American Commercial Vehicle show. He also noted 95% of them are being ordered with the Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission. The company announced new options for the Cascadia at the show. These include a new mid-roof cab configuration for regional overnight haulers, and bulk and flatdeck transporters. Options include 48-, 60-, and 72-inch mid-roof sleepers in 116- and 126-inch BBC configurations. Orders are being taken now, with delivery available in January 2018. “The addition of the mid-roof configuration allows more customers in different applications to experience the benefits of the new Cascadia,” said Mike McHorse, manager, on-highway product marketing, Freightliner Trucks. “Since the new Cascadia debuted in September 2016, it has earned praise as the most productive, efficient and driver-friendly truck Freightliner has ever offered to the industry.” Freightliner also announced a new Hendrickson Optimaax 6×2 liftable forward tandem axle, available exclusively on the new Cascadia. It’ll be available in the second quarter of 2018, but Canadian buyers should check local regulations, as 6×2 axles are not widely permitted.

Volvo Trucks’ Nyberg gives business update at NACV Show Truck News / September 25, 2017 ATLANTA, Ga. — Volvo Trucks couldn’t have picked a better year to unveil its new VNL series. That’s the message it delivered at the inaugural North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) this week in Atlanta, Ga. The company, which just unveiled its new VNL series in July, said business this year has been great and it predicts that the long haul, regional, and construction industries will continue to improve in the future. Volvo Trucks’ president, Nyberg took the opportunity at the truck show to give trucking journalists a business update and explain what is in the pipeline for Volvo in the near future. “It couldn’t have been a better year to go to market with a totally new product range,” he said. “Looking at the business environment, we are bouncing back in the industry, we have a strong labor market and we can see the GDP is getting strong in all three North American countries. We can see GDP growth over 2%, which is a good sign the industry sector is going well.” Diesel prices, he noted, have stayed on a good level and predicts that prices will only see a slight uptick in the future. “NAFTA class 8 trucks market is estimated to be at 225,000 trucks this year, but I wouldn’t be surprised if those numbers come in slightly stronger,” he said. “We have had a couple of years now, where volumes of trucks have declined, going forward we believe we have a few years of a growing marketplace.” Nyberg addressed that from 2016-2017, it saw a 5% drop in the long-haul segment. “That of course has been a bit painful for Volvo Trucks but the forecast looks pretty good, and the highway business is coming back stronger,” he said. He also predicted that natural gas trucks truck sales will be stagnant. “We always talk about natural gas, but as you have seen with fuel prices, natural gas has gone sideways and I expect it to continue that way,” he said. Nyberg added that to date, Volvo Trucks has reached its all-time high take rate of iShift and Volvo Power – 95% and 90% respectively. “Globally, we are a company that trades in almost 200 countries and our goal is clear — to be the world’s most preferred truck brand in the industry,” he said. “In North America, we are on a good pace and we are really looking forward to harvest all the benefits and opportunities that come with our product range.” .

Western Star trucks get new options Truck News / September 25, 2017 ATLANTA, Ga. – The Western Star brand turns 50 this year, and for its birthday, it’s receiving several new options. “We’re continually adding new options that contribute to the truck’s performance and our customers’ bottom lines,” said Samantha Parlier, vice-president, marketing and product strategy, Western Star Trucks. “Western Star trucks are tough enough to take on any job whether it’s a long haul on the road or tackling a construction site. Our new offerings reinforce our commitment to helping our customers find the best solution for their specific need.” At the North American Commercial Vehicle show, Western Star announced new options including: Michelin X Multi D tires, available on the Western Star 4700, 4800, 4900 and 5700XE; new forward lighting options for the 4700, featuring H4 halogen headlight bulbs; an in-cab battery box available on 5700XE day cabs; and new LED forward lighting options for the 4800 and 4900 models. .

James Menzies, Truck News / September 25, 2017 ATLANTA, Ga. – Navistar has turned the corner, and is now a more financially stable, leaner, and more nimble business. Persio Lisboa, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Navistar touted the progress the company has made during its turnaround, while addressing press at the North American Commercial Vehicle show. “The progress of the past several years has been remarkable,” he said. “What is most exciting is, we have already begun to write the next chapter of our story.” Lisboa noted Navistar has been aggressively updating its line of International trucks, and now also offers a new A-26 12.4-liter engine he said will set a new standard for uptime. Lisboa also noted it’s the lightest weight engine in its class, and is the quietest available in an International. A new LT series truck with A-26 engine is up to 9% more fuel efficient than its predecessors, Lisboa said. “Today, our product quality is the best it has ever been in our history,” he added. “The company has embraced the mission of uptime in every part of our business. It’s more than marketing speak, it’s a rally cry for our employees and our dealers. I’m confidently saying today, we are back, but our work is nowhere near complete. Our goals are much greater. We aren’t just here to play, we are here to win.” The company also announced several new products, including an expansion of OnCommand Connection to provide predictive breakdown prognostics. OnCommand Connection Live Action Plans will notify fleets when a part is likely to fail, before it actually does, Lisboa said. “These are prognostic models developed using our field service intelligence and algorithms developed through big data analytics,” he explained. By being alerted to potential parts failures before they occur, customers will be able to make repairs in their shop, reducing roadside breakdowns. “We can tell customers we will proactively identify problems before they ever happen,” Lisboa explained. “We will recommend a fix, and pay for it (if covered under warranty) before anything fails on the truck and the customer experiences any downtime.” Live Action Plans will be piloted in the coming weeks and widely available in 2018. OnCommand Connection will also be expanded to include automated driver inspection reporting, eliminating much of the paperwork required of drivers conducting vehicle inspections. Troy Clarke, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Navistar, gave an update on the company’s strategic alliance with Volkswagen Truck & Bus, which is already yielding results. He announced at the show the two companies will combine their connectivity platforms – Navistar’s OnCommand Connection and Volkswagen’s Rio. This will connect some 650,000 vehicles around the world. The two platforms will share the same hardware and bolster the data available to both manufacturers. The two companies will also work together in developing electric vehicle technologies. Clarke said Navistar is designing a Class 6/7 electric truck that will be on the market by late 2019 or early 2020. He said the urban medium-duty segment is ideal for electrification, because it offers ample packaging space and the trucks typically run short distances and are available for charging overnight. Clarke also reiterated Navistar and Volkswagen will have a proprietary powertrain available for International trucks as soon as 2021.

International reveals new vocational truck James Menzies, Truck News / September 25, 2017 ATLANTA, Ga. – International took the wraps off a new HV vocational truck at the North American Commercial Vehicle show here today. The truck will come with the International A-26 engine, and was designed with uptime in mind, according to Denny Mooney, senior vice-president of global product development. It was also designed to be more body-builder friendly, with the Diamond Logic electrical system that allows for multiplexing and easier integration of truck bodies. The hood and grille weren’t updated, but the interior was completely redesigned. “This vehicle was designed from the inside out,” said Mooney. “You have to get inside to appreciate what we’ve done.” Mark Stasell, vice-president of vocational trucks with Navistar, said the door has been redesigned with more stiffness to provide better sealing. This has reduced air leaks and wind noise. More than 100 customers were consulted during the redesign. The window belt line was lowered for improved visibility and the vent window post was also eliminated. Side mirrors were pushed forward, so less head turning is required when checking them – 15% less to the left, and 5% to the right. The premium gauge cluster was borrowed from the LT highway model. There’s a customizable display in the center, where drivers can view items such as fuel economy, virtual air gauges, or axle loads. A new stalk shifter was designed for the steering column, and a center vent was added to provide better cooling in three-man operations. The truck also gets an improved HVAC system, with a max defrost feature that quickly clears the windows. The HV is the latest in a series of new model introductions from International. It also announced new options for its HX series vocational truck. The HX 520 and HX 620 will soon be available with 51-inch short sleeper, for customers who want more interior space or are away overnight on occasion. Those will be available for order in October. And the HX 515 and 615 will be available with the International A-26 engine as of May 2018. Mooney also mentioned a redesigned LoneStar is now available. It has adopted the LT series interior. .

New options and features available for Freightliner, Western Star trucks Jason Cannon, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / September 25, 2017 Freightliner is adding a mid-roof cab configuration for its Cascadia the company announced Monday at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta, including 48-, 60- and 72-inch mid-roof XT sleeper cabs in both 116- and 126-inch BBC platforms. All three configurations offer a choice of Aero or AeroX aerodynamic packages. Customers can place orders now for delivery in January. Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) Richard Howard notes to-date, the company has received 25,000 orders for the new Cascadia. “It took us 3 years [to reach 25,000 orders] when we launched the classic Cascadia,” he adds. Allan Haggai, DTNA marketing communications manager, says new features on the 116- and 126-inch platforms include a service-friendly electronic vault (eVault) that offers convenience and weather protection that increase uptime. “It’s housing all the electrical modules and making them easier to access,” says Howard. An all LED-lit interior and exterior lights is also available, as is an ergonomic dashboard and display screen. Detroit Connect and Detroit Assurance 4.0 have been integrated and the new truck design improves fuel economy compared to previous models. A Driver Loft option is available in the 72-inch mid-roof XT configuration with a two-seat dinette/work table and opposing seating. The seats fold flat to allow a full Murphy-style bed to swing down. Freightliner Trucks has also partnered with Hendrickson to offer the OPTIMAAX 6×2 liftable forward tandem axle on the Cascadia. Offering a weight reduction of up to 400 pounds versus a comparable 6×4, the OPTIMAAX features automated controls that sense load capacity, either lifting or lowering the axle as-needed without driver input. A raised axle enhances traction and helps fleets that focus on weight reduction and want to optimize fuel efficiency. The OPTIMAAX 6×2 axle design is compatible with drum and air disc brakes, and the axle is fully welded, not bolted, offering additional strength and durability. Detroit Connect Remote Updates will be available to Cascadia owners with Detroit engines next month. Kary Schaefer, DTNA general manager of marketing and strategy, says the over-the-air functionality, which includes parameter programming capability, gives fleets the flexibility to build their own profiles using the Detroit Connect portal, which they can use to update one truck, a set of trucks or their entire fleet. Utilizing the Detroit Connect platform’s cellular connection, fleet managers can change maximum road speed, maximum cruise speed, idle shutdown time, and idle shutdown minimum/maximum ambient air temperature parameters. Remote Updates is included with the base Detroit Connect package, which is available standard for five years with the new Cascadia, and will be retroactively available on all Detroit-powered new Cascadias. Freightliner’s severe duty lineup is also getting updated with six new product options: the Allison 4700 Rugged Duty Series (RDS) automatic transmission for the 114SD and 122SD; LifeGuard RollTek seats; improved routing and clipping; LED headlights for the M2 106 and M2 112; Bendix Tire Pressure Monitoring; and a low-profile 122SD auto hauler package that lowers the laden roof height to approximately 100-inches. Also Monday, DTNA announced new options for its Western Star trucks. Available for 4700, 4800, 4900 and 5700XE models, Michelin’s X Multi D tire is a factory-installed option targeting regional applications like dry van LTL, food and beverage, pick up and delivery, tankers, energy and construction. Western Star 4700 Models can now be spec’d with factory-direct H4 halogen headlight bulbs, which provide a brighter light than regular incandescent bulbs for better visibility. Alternatively, 4800 and 4900 Models can get LED headlights factory-installed. Western Star has also expanded the capacity of its in-cab battery box to hold up to four batteries. Available for 5700XE day cabs, the batteries are under the passenger seat instead of the side of the chassis. This option can help extend the life of the batteries by protecting them from extreme weather conditions, road spray and harsh chassis vibrations. The new options also allows customers to spec a tractor with a shorter wheelbase. .

Related reading: New International HV Series webpage - https://www.internationaltrucks.com/trucks/hv-series

Jason Cannon, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / September 25, 2017 Over past two years, International has introduced a new or refreshed product every 4 to 6 months, giving the Lisle, Ill.-based truck-maker the distinction of featuring the industry’s newest truck lineup. Monday, at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta, Navistar continued its tractor reinvention with the debut the driver-centric HV Series severe service truck. “Imagine [an interior] space that works for drivers operating these kinds of trucks,” Denny Mooney, Navistar senior vice president of product development, says of the truck’s driver-centric design. “All the design features in this cab were driven by feedback from more than a 100 [vocational customers],” adds Mark Stasel, Navistar vice president of vocational trucks. The truck, Mooney says, was designed “from the inside out” for increased driver comfort, but in the “inside out” design, the inside got more attention than the outside of the reworked WorkStar. “One of the things we didn’t change was the hood and the grille,” he adds. As with International’s RH and LT trucks, newly redesigned doors remove the vent window and improve seals, minimizing air leaks and wind noise. Pedestal mirrors have been moved forward, improving visibility and allowing drivers to turn their head to a lesser degree. A new premium instrument cluster sits center of the driver, complete with driver information display, and is the same unit that featured in the LT, RH and LoneStar. The transmission selector has been moved to a stalk on the steering column and integrated with the engine brake. The wing panel has been redesigned to increase knee room and an AC vent has been added in the center panel for riders. The fuse panel has been integrated in the top of the dash, another nod to the LT and RH. The HV Series also features International’s Diamond Logic electrical system for the automation of tasks and interlocks to help protect both equipment and crew, and the truck was designed to ease the process of body upfitting. “Our Diamond Logic electrical system is best known for its ability to provide control and communication between work trucks and body equipment,” Stasel says. The Diamond Logic electrical system offers nearly 200 factory available body integration and driver efficiency features, plus the ability to customize more vehicle functions. Cross member anchored tow loops prevent frame twisting. The Super Single half-inch thick fame rail is rated up to 3.35M RBM and an integral – not bolt on – 20- and 27-inch frame extension adds rigidity. A 20,000 lb. off-set bowl front drive axle allows for a lower ride height than a traditional center bowl. Configurations range from 4×2 to 8×6 and BBCs of either 107- or 113-inch and set-forward or set-back front axles are available. A clean Cab-to-Axle (CA) configuration is also available. The HV comes standard with International’s in-house engineered A26 engine with Cummins B6.7 and L9 engines available as options. With an inside wheel cut of up to 50 degrees, the HV Series can navigate tight city streets. The HV Series – available for order today – is available in a variety of specifications: Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab. Also on the vocational front, Navistar says its models HX 520 and HX 620 will get a 51-inch short sleeper option next month, while the HX 515 and HX 615 will feature the A26 engine in May. Navistar also made public its intentions to upgrade features on its OnCommand Connection platform, including a prognostic platform that can diagnose faults before they occur. “We can tell customers we will proactively identify problems before they ever happen … before anything fails on the truck and the customer experiences downtime,” Persio Lisboa, Navistar Chief Operating Officer, says of the company’s Live Action Plans platform. Automated Driver Vehicle Inspection Reporting, another integrated function of OnCommand Connection, Lisoba says, will relieve drivers of much of the paperwork associated with the vehicle inspection process, but ensures a fleet’s inspection protocols are followed. .

Eaton Cummins debuts new 12-speed automatic Jason Cannon, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / September 24, 2017 Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies on Sunday at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta debuted its new Endurant 12-speed automated transmission. With ratings up to 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque, Endurant –the first product to launch under the Eaton-Cummins joint powertrain venture – will be matched with the Cummins X15 Efficiency Series engines rated up to 510 hp beginning next month for Peterbilt 579 and Kenworth T680. Peterbilt and Kenworth also offer a variant of the Endurant for their MX engine line. “This is a purpose built automated transmission,” says Scott Davis, general manager, Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies, “designed and built for the North American commercial vehicle space. It is the lightest, the most efficient product on the market.” Endurant, the lightest heavy duty automatic on the market by 105 pounds, features an internal electrical system routing that minimizes exposure and corrosion to wires and connectors for improved reliability. “There’s really very little hanging on the outside of the transmission,” says Gerard DeVito, vice president, Technology, Eaton Vehicle Group. “You can change the clutch actuator without taking the transmission out of the vehicle. That saves you about $5,000 on your repair bill.” A new prognostics feature provides clutch replacement notification to better plan maintenance scheduling. An industry-exclusive transmission fluid pressure sensor notifies drivers of low oil levels to provide burn-up warranty coverage. Smooth and intuitive shift strategies that enhance the operator’s driving experience. Predictive shifting using look-ahead technology to execute shift decisions that improve fuel efficiency and provide additional driver comfort and a standard, eight-bolt PTO opening for resale value improvement. Endurant also employs a pneumatic clutch actuator. “As long as you keep it clean, you get a lot of force at very little cost,” DeVito says. Eaton Cummins relied on more than 400 hours of collaborative efforts from customer councils, driver councils and services councils to aid the package’s design. The groups helped identify the most important features. DeVito says Endurant offers the lowest cruise RPM among competitive automated transmissions and deeper overall ratios to support downspeeding to help save fuel. “Among line haul transmissions, Endurant has the deepest reverse ratio in the industry for slow speed maneuvering,” he says. Field tested over more than 2 million equivalent miles, Endurant features a 750,000-mile lube change intervals for linehaul applications – the industry’s longest and 250,000 to 450,000 miles longer than competitive models.” “Nobody wants to change oil. Oil is a challenge to get rid of,” DeVito says. A maintenance-free 430mm self-adjust clutch that requires no grease and Endurant requires only 16 pints of oil, about half the amount of competitive models. A replaceable input shaft sleeve allows for affordable and quick repair, while competitive transmissions require a costly and time-consuming full teardown. Endurant is available with IntelliConnect, a telematics capable system that enables near real-time monitoring of vehicle fault codes, critical event prioritization and provides a comprehensive action plans by technical experts at Eaton. The standard Endurant transmission warranty is 5-year/750,000 miles for line haul commercial vehicles, and 3-year/350,000 miles for the clutch. One-year and two-year extended protection plans are also available. Endurant’s maximum operating weight (GCVW) is 110,000 lbs.; maximum horsepower is 510 HP, and oil capacity is 16 pints. .

Matt Cole, Overdrive / September 25, 2017 A potential problem with certain Dana steer axles that could cause the tie rod to loosen has prompted a recall of more than 1,000 trucks manufactured by Volvo, Mack and Autocar. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, the castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen. If the tie rod loosens, it can disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering in the trucks. The recall affects trucks equipped with certain Dana D-Series and E-Series steer axles. NHTSA documents state that drivers of affected trucks would notice an audible noise and looseness in steering before the tie rod fully disconnects. Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 477 model year 2016 Pinnacle CHU and CXU trucks manufactured between March 9, 2015, and June 26, 2015. Mack will begin notifying owners on Oct. 16. Mack dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening if necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle can’t be torqued correctly, Mack will replace the knuckle and tie rod end for free. Owners can contact Mack customer service at 800-866-1177 with recall number SC0408. NHTSA’s recall number is 17V-535. Volvo Trucks is recalling approximately 497 model year VNL and VNM trucks manufactured between March 20, 2015, and June 30, 2015. Volvo will begin notifying owners on Oct. 16 and will follow the same procedure as Mack to fix the issue. Owners can contact Volvo customer service at 800-528-6586 with recall number RVXX1702. NHTSA’s recall number is 17V-536. Two separate recalls from Autocar affect approximately 85 model year 2017 Xpeditor severe duty trucks, and approximately 30 model year 2016 Xpert medium- and heavy-duty trucks and Xspotter terminal tractors. The Xpeditor recall affects trucks manufactured between March 2, 2015, and Aug. 24, 2015. Autocar began notifying owners on Sept. 20, and will inspect the torque of the affected parts and tighten as necessary. Owners can contact Autocar customer service at 888-218-3611 with recall number ACX-1703. NHTSA’s recall number is 17V-533. The Xpert and Xspotter recall affects Xpert trucks manufactured between March 23, 2015, and July 22, 2015, and Xspotter trucks manufactured between April 27, 2015, and May 26, 2015. As with the Xpeditor trucks, Autocar began notifying owners on Sept. 20. Owners can contact Autocar customer service at 877-777-5360 with recall number MDTT-1701. NHTSA’s recall number is 17V-534.

Volvo eyes trucking’s future with 2017 product updates James Jaillet, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / September 25, 2017 In a year that’s seen the company roll out two updated tractors and a futuristic concept tractor-trailer, Volvo Trucks North America said Monday it’s readying itself for the future of freight transportation. In a press update held at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show, Volvo recapped its busy year of updates, offering a bird’s eye perspective of what the new technology means for the trucking industry and its future. The company unveiled this year a refreshed VNL tractor for the long-haul market and a new tractor, the VNR, targeting the regional-haul segment. In March, the company debuted its SuperTruck tractor-trailer, a $40 million venture built via a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. The Volvo SuperTruck achieved a 12 mpg average, and Volvo brought features developed as part of the SuperTruck’s research and development to its current product line. Its 2017 D13 engine brings 7.5 percent better fuel efficiency than its 2014 predecessor, said Volvo’s Magnus Koeck, VP of Marketing. The engine leans on features like turbo compounding, a form of waste heat recovery, and wave pistons to achieve its fuel economy gains. The long-haul tractor powered by the D13, Volvo’s new VNL, also “takes another step” in fuel efficiency, says Koeck. “This isn’t a 6 mpg truck anymore,” Koeck says of the sculpted aerodynamic unit. The VNL also features new exterior stylings, like an updated grille, and a refreshed and driver-focused interior. The company will be showing off the new VNL in a truck stop tour taking place between Oct. 3 and Oct. 14 in select truck stops across North America. Take rates on the company’s powertrain package, which combines the D13 and the I-Shift automated-manual transmission, are close to 95 percent, says Koeck. Take rates on the I-Shift alone are upwards of 90 percent. “Those are strong numbers,” he said. “They’re hard to beat.” Volvo also said it’s pressing to connect more Volvo trucks to its Remote Programming platform, which allows over-the-air software updates and engine repogramming. The system aims to cut downtime and make it easier for Volvo trucks and engines to maintain up-to-date software. Currently, about 135,000 trucks are connected to the system, says Volvo. The company made its remote diagnostics system standard in 2012. It launched the remote programming element earlier this year. Eyeing the future of transportation, Volvo’s Keith Brandis said the company is investing in three key technology areas — connectivity, electrification and automation — as well as the convergence of the three, which will create a “dramatical future,” says Brandis. Such technologies are still in a fledgling state, says Brandis, and much work needs to be done in the public and private sector before these systems come to market. But technologies like electrification, automation and connectivity can solve some of transportation’s most pressing issues, such as congestion and gridlock, as well as safety. “The future is coming and it’s coming fast,” says Volvo Trucks’ President Goran Nyberg. “We’re excited to find new ways to improve efficiency, safety and, above all, the productivity of the industry.” .

Cascadia gets mid-roof cab Today’s Trucking / September 25, 2017 ATLANTA, GA – Freightliner has expanded the lineup for its New Cascadia, with a mid-roof cab that targets overnight regional haulers as well as bulk haulers and flatbed operations. Cascadia configurations now include 48-, 60- and 72-inch mid-roof XT sleeper cabs in 116- and 126-inch BBC platforms. All three offer Aero or AeroX aerodynamic packages as well. Order books for the new mid-roof models are now open, for delivery in January 2018. But there have already been plenty of orders for the New Cascadia as a whole. The company has officially reached a milestone of 25,000 units, even though the truck was only unveiled last September. It took three years to reach that number when the classic Cascadia was launched, says Richard Howard, senior vice president – sales and marketing at Daimler Trucks North America. The promise of a potential 8% boost in fuel economy is also being fulfilled, and “some are even getting more,” he added. About 95% of Cascadias are also being ordered with a DT12 Automated Manual Transmission.

Today’s Trucking / September 25, 2017 ATLANTA, GA – Daimler Trucks North America unveiled an array of truck options, apps and upgrades during the inaugural North American Commercial Vehicle Show (NACV) in Atlanta, Georgia. Service apps Completing a work order or tracking repairs? Daimler Trucks North America has some apps for that in the form of the new Express WriteUp and updates to Uptime Pro. The Express WriteUp app gives service advisors a tool to wirelessly complete repair orders. Once a truck arrives, vehicle data is collected by scanning the VIN or QR code found on the door pillar. That taps into warranty coverage, repair history, and Virtual Technician details. “A scanned vehicle number eliminates human entry errors and further speeds the overall repair process,” said Marty Kubiak, manager - central service systems, Daimler Trucks North America. “An incorrect VIN can create many problems downstream of the repair process. The intake process for a truck repair is the first and most critical step.” Once the vehicle is received, Uptime Pro connects dealers and customers throughout the repair process, connecting to the dealer management system, and enabling email and text messages. Email responses from customers are also automatically logged to the repair order. Western Star options Michelin X Multi D tires are now available for Western Star 4700, 4800, 4900 and 5700XE trucks as a factory-installed option. They’re best suited for dry van LTL, food and beverage, pickup and delivery, tankers, energy, and construction applications, the company says. New options for Western Stars don’t end there, though. Western Star 4700 models can now be spec’d with factory-direct H4 halogen headlight bulbs, said to offer a brighter light than regular incandescent bulbs. And the 4800 and 4900 models include factory-installed LED headlights. In-cab battery boxes for the 5700XE day cabs, meanwhile, have also expanded to hold up to four batteries under the passenger seat, rather than requiring them to be mounted on the chassis. That can help to protect batteries from weather conditions and road spray, as well as limiting chassis-related vibrations. Hendrickson forward tandem Freightliner and Hendrickson are partnering together to offer the Hendrickson Optimaax 6x2 liftable forward tandem axle exclusively on the New Cascadia. The liftable axle comes into play when carriers like bulk haulers or delivery vehicles have diminishing loads. The load capacity is sensed automatically, lifting or lowering the axle as required. Benefits are not limited to better fuel economy. There’s improved traction when backing under trailers in soft soil or other low-traction conditions. And maneuverability is improved when the axle is raised. The design is compatible with drum and air disc brakes, while the axle itself is fully welded rather than bolted on. It’s about 300 to 400 pounds lighter when compared to a 6x4, the companies add. It’s available in the second quarter of 2018. Severe-duty enhancements Freightliner has unveiled six new product options for its severe-duty trucks. Now available on the Freightliner 114SD, the Allison 4700 RDS provides heavy vocational operators with improved startability, two reverse gears, enhanced PTO options and the durability required for severe applications. It’s also available with the Freightliner 122SD. Optional LifeGuard RollTek seats can offer added protection in the event of a rollover. They have side-impact airbags that deploy as the seatbelt tightens and the seats compress to the lowest possible position. Routing and clipping have improved throughout Freightliner’s vocational truck lineup as well, thanks in part to new standoff brackets and simplified body and equipment mounting. And the Bendix Tire Pressure Monitoring System is also an available option. On Freightliner M2 106 and 112 trucks, modular LED headlights have been introduced. And for auto haulers, the new 122SD Auto Hauler Package is offered in a collaboration with Fontaine Modification. It lowers the laden roof height to 100 inches, supporting those who require a sleeper berth.