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After 91 Years, Ford's Australian Car Production Line Ends The Associated Press / October 7, 2016 Ford Motor Co. ended 91 years of car manufacturing in Australia on Friday, with the last two Australian car makers due to close their doors next year. Ford Australia said it built the world's last six-cylinder, rear-wheel drive Falcon XR6 at its Broadmeadows plant in Melbourne and 600 employees lost their jobs, the company said. About 3.5 million Falcons, once Australians' most popular, have been built since 1960, although few have been exported. Perhaps the most famous was a black 1973 XB GT Ford Falcon Coupe that became the Interceptor driven by Mel Gibson's character in the 1981 movie "The Road Warrior." The last Falcon will be exhibited in the Ford Australia museum, the Australian subsidiary's chief executive officer Graeme Whickman told reporters outside the plant. "Today is an emotional day for the entire team of Ford Australia,"Whickman said. "We are saying goodbye to some wonderful manufacturing colleagues who have done a great deal for Ford in Australia," he said. Ford, General Motors Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. announced in 2013 that they were quitting Australia and shedding 6,600 jobs because of high production costs, distance from potential export markets and increasing competition. Ford will continue to sell and service imported cars in Australia and Australia-based engineers will help develop designs of vehicles that will be manufactured overseas, the company said. Because of that continuing presence, Whickman said Ford will become the largest employer in the Australian automotive industry when Toyota and General Motors subsidiary, GM Holden, end production in 2017. The V8 Holden Commodore is sold in the United States as the Chevrolet SS. Ford will employ 2,000 staff at Broadmeadows and the Victoria state towns of Lara and Geelong. Ford opened its first Australian production line at Geelong in 1925.

VW Truck & Bus / October 7, 2016 Volkswagen has launched an innovative new business solution to meet the unique needs of the beverage industry. The new member of Volkswagen’s legendary “Worker” series, designated 17.230, is a 6x2 rigid (straight truck) with a twin-steer configuration. The new truck, based on the 17-tonne 4x2 model, is fitted with a second steer axle. Developed in partnership with Volkswagen’s BMB modifications center and body builder Randon, the new model is the lightest in its class. Extensive use of aluminum results in an extremely lightweight body for greater payload. The 6x2 configuration allows for two additional street level high-capacity beverage bays for greater productivity. .

Ford Australia Press Release / October 6, 2016 .

CAT Trucks Australia / Navistar Auspac Press Release / October 5, 2016 .

Trade Trucks AU / October 7, 2016 Volvo Group Australia (VGA) has recalled 295 trucks across the Titan, Granite, Super-Liner and Trident ranges over driveshaft issues. According to an Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) notice, under some circumstances the fitted driveshaft "could fail and separate at the center bearing, disabling the vehicle." "In the event of a driveshaft failure, there is potential for parts to fall onto the road, which may cause an accident hazard to other road users," the notice says. The affected vehicles were sold nationally between January 27, 2012 and September 29, 2015. In a media statement, VGA says the move is a "precautionary measure… due a potential incorrectly specified driveshaft." "After receiving reports from the field, an investigation was launched through Mack Trucks Australia’s internal safety and quality processes and identified that in specific circumstances, a particular driveshaft may prematurely fail at the center bearing, disabling the vehicle." "This recall does not apply to all Mack Granite, Trident, Super-Liner and Titan trucks manufactured during this time, only the limited number fitted with the driveshaft in question. VGA says has already begun to write to all affected customers, asking the owners to contact their closest authorized repairing dealership to organize an inspection and repairs. "Mack Trucks Australia has already started contacting all impacted customers in writing, in accordance with its commitment to customer service and its legal obligations," it says. "Work to rectify the impacted vehicles has already commenced, and replacement parts have been dispatched to dealerships."

U.S. heavy truck orders post worst September in seven years: FTR Reuters / October 4, 2016 U.S. heavy-duty truck orders fell 27 percent last month versus the same period a year ago, marking the worst September since 2009 amid ongoing uncertainty over the economy among truck firms, according to preliminary data from industry forecaster FTR. "Fleets are cautious due to an uncertain economy and slow freight growth," Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles at FTR, said in a statement. "Class 8 (truck) inventories also remain high and this also restrains new orders." FTR said orders for large trucks hit 13,800 units in September, a number not reached for that month since the height of the Great Recession. Class 8 trucks are the workhorse of America's economy, hauling around 70 percent of the country's freight. Sales have been weak this year amid lackluster retail sales and industrial output. Industry officials and analysts predict sales will start to rebound in 2017 as long as the U.S. economy grows at a more stable rate. "Large fleets are expected to begin ordering replacement units for 2017," Ake said. "If the economy does improve and the trucking outlook brightens, then medium-sized fleets and others should feel confident enough to order also in coming months."

Things are getting ugly in the US trucking industry Business Insider / October 6, 2016 Orders for Class 8 trucks – the rigs crisscrossing the US highway system that keep the nation supplied – plunged 27% in September to 13,791, according to FTR Transportation Intelligence. It was the worst September since 2009. The year 2014 had been great. Nearly 300,000 Class 8 trucks were built. 2015 started out even stronger, and the industry anticipated – in what has become a series of false hopes inspired by QE-nurtured optimism about capital expenditures – that 327,000 heavy trucks would be ordered, which would have been a record. But then the trucking industry began to sputter as the goods producing economy was swooning, and soon trucking companies, beset by overcapacity, began to curtail their purchases from heavy-truck dealers, and dealers with inventories piling up, began to cut orders to manufacturers. As 2015 wore on, orders continued to fall. Despite the strong beginning, orders ended the year down 5.3% from 2014, to 284,000 trucks. This year has turned out to be outright ugly. So far, manufacturers have received only 130,305 orders, according to FTR, a 39% collapse from the same period in 2015. This chart shows orders for Class 8 trucks in 2015 and 2016 through September: “Fleets are cautious due to an uncertain economy and slow freight growth,”explained Don Ake, vice president of commercial vehicles at FTR. “Class 8 inventories also remain high and this also restrains new orders.” But as in 2014 and in 2015, hopes rule the day. “Large fleets are expected to begin ordering replacement units for 2017,” Ake said. “If the economy does improve and the trucking outlook brightens, then medium-sized fleets and others should feel confident enough to order also in coming months.” Struggling with plunging orders and under pressure to cut costs, truck manufacturers have been laying off people all year. Volvo Trucks North America has gone through two rounds of layoffs this year, 500 folks in February and another 300 in July. “[W]e operate in a cyclical market, and we have to adapt to market demand,” Volvo/Mack spokesman John Mies wrote in an email in July to The Roanoke Times, Roanoke, VA, not far from Pulaski County, where the Volvo plant is located. Layoffs always hit surrounding communities the hardest. Freightliner, a unit of Daimler Trucks North America, announced nearly 1,000 layoffs in January and another 1,250 layoffs in February, blaming “a sustained reduction in orders.” Then in June, it added another round of layoffs, this time 800 workers. Navistar cut 10% of its workforce, or 1,400 people, in late 2015. Paccar, which produces Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks, also announced layoffs at some of its plants, along with suppliers of truck manufacturers, including diesel engine maker Cummins. Heavy trucks play a crucial role in the US economy. In 2015, they transported 64.3% by value of total freight, with the other modes being rail, pipeline, air, and vessel. The trucking business, even more so than railroads, is an important thermometer for the goods producing economy. And that’s where part of the problem lies. “Overall shipment volumes (and pricing) are persistently weak, with increased levels of volatility as all levels of the supply chain (manufacturing, wholesale, retail) continue to try and work down inventory levels,” explained Donald Broughton, Chief Market Strategist at Avondale Partners.

Why it’s harder to keep on trucking — maybe even for Paccar The Seattle Times / October 7, 2016 A stunning fall in big-rig orders puts the spotlight on Bellevue's Paccar. But it has many ways to avoid today's slowdown. What about tomorrow? This week’s bombshell: Heavy truck orders slid 27 percent to 13,791 in September compared with a year earlier, according to FTR Transportation Intelligence. It’s the worst showing since the recession-ending year of 2009. The worldwide trade slump is a big immediate problem, and in addition to affecting container lines such as Hanjin Shipping, which sought bankruptcy protection in August, it’s hitting railroads and trucking. With Paccar headquartered in Bellevue, attention must be paid. The trucking industry is also a victim of misplaced bets and overcapacity. In 2014, nearly 300,000 of the heavy rigs (or Class 8 trucks) were built. Despite initial optimism for even better performance in 2015, orders ended at 284,000 as the shipping slump took hold. Cheaper fuel has been offset by the deep slowdown in the Oil Patch and its effect on demand for freight hauling. According to financial blogger Wolf Richter, “This year has turned out to be outright ugly. So far, manufacturers have received only 130,305 orders … a 39 percent collapse from the same period in 2015.” As I write, the news has had little effect on Paccar shares, which are down only slightly around $59.74. And no wonder: Paccar is very well run — 77 years of consecutive net profits and dividends every year since 1941. It sells exceptional products (Kenworth and Peterbilt among them), especially prized by owner-operators, as well as having a global footprint. Last year, with 1.6 million units built worldwide, Paccar was the No. 4 large-truck manufacturer behind Daimler, Volvo and Volkswagen. According to Bloomberg, it had the second-largest market share in North America, behind Daimler. The harshest analysis I’ve come across on Paccar is an article on Seeking Alpha. It likens the company to a red giant star likely to burn out because of self-driving trucks. Maybe. But autonomous trucks will take years to incorporate into an atomized transportation system. Earlier this year, Steve Gordon, who recently retired as chief operating officer of Pacific-based Gordon Trucking, said the next step is likely manned automated trucking, with humans to mind the rig. In any event, the disruption will affect every truck-maker and Paccar is famously innovative. Is September’s number an early warning of recession? One retired executive told me, yes. It’s true that adding enough sectoral slowdowns can eventually bring down an elderly expansion (although historically the Federal Reserve is more likely to do so). But trucking has enough sector-specific headwinds that this may be a manageable slowdown. Also, September is always one of the slowest months for big-truck orders.

Commercial Motor TV - sponsored by DAF Trucks / October 7, 2016 .

Well roared, lion! MAN Truck & Bus / October 4, 2016 The 66th IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 for MAN The 10,000 square metre exhibition space at the world’s largest commercial vehicles trade show, the 66th IAA in Hanover, was the stage for an impressive presentation from MAN. The topics chosen by the manufacturer consistently attracted the attention of the visitors. The world première of their new van, the MAN TGE, completed MAN’s product portfolio at the smaller end of their vehicle range, making MAN a full service provider for all transport requirements. The TG model series offers engines with new power levels, finely tuned transmissions and a number of new interior and exterior design features. The newly introduced NEOPLAN Tourliner completes MAN’s bus portfolio with a new entry model in the field of premium coaches. As the initiator of the new digital brand RIO, MAN is responsible for the development of the brand within Volkswagen Truck & Bus. RIO is an open platform that bundles digital solutions for the transport & logistics ecosystem, including also competitor’s vehicles. All information about the IAA can be found on the MAN microsite. World debut of the new MAN TGE van The new MAN TGE was exceptionally well-received by visitors during its world première in Hanover. In future, the vehicle will be offered in a number of body variants, with a choice of two wheelbases, three vehicle lengths and heights, as well as an engine output between 75 kW/102 HP and 130 kW/177 HP. The three exhibition vehicles, fitted with different body types for possible application in construction, distribution transport and as a mobile workshop, were taken under close scrutiny by the audience and often inspired constructive and practical discussions with the team members at the stand. Positive feedback came first and foremost from the ranks of long-standing customers who can now count on the same level of service for these 3.0 to 5.5 tonne vehicles as they are used to from MAN’s heavy trucks. MAN Service is renowned for their helpful approach to every customer – even walk-ins – and for their fast availability in case of emergencies, even at weekends or at night, as well as for their long opening hours. Their range of workshop services naturally includes flexible repair and maintenance contracts as well as full vehicle services – as shown at the trade show. During the course of the trade show, several hundred intentions to buy were already recorded for the MAN TGE. MAN heavy trucks with more power and a new design When it comes to design, MAN put forward numerous innovations for the TGL, TGM, TGS and TGX model ranges at the IAA. Optically, greater emphasis has been placed on the MAN lion as the emotional marker of the brand. Appearing in a bold new design against a high-gloss black background, the lion on the chrome clasp above the grille is now even more prominent. The interior also devotes more attention to the Büssing lion, while the newly developed bright colours and fabrics for all textile surfaces create a completely new sense of space The new D26 and D38 MAN engines will from now offer more torque and greater performance with lower consumption. The new version of the established D26 engine records an increase of 20 HP and 200 Nm respectively and offers a peak performance of 500 HP. The 640 HP top-of-the-range engine, which was up to now reserved exclusively for heavy-duty versions, is now available in almost all variants of the MAN TGX D38. The other power levels of the new D38 have each been raised by 20 HP to 540 HP and 580 HP. With altogether more than 5,500 trucks sold, MAN has far exceeded its own expectations. Added to this are numerous concluded financing agreements and rental packages through MAN Financial Services and the successes in the After Sales department with regard to concluded service contracts. The NEOPLAN Tourliner – a new member of the MAN Bus family Another world première was celebrated with the launch of the new NEOPLAN Tourliner, which offers bus companies a new entry model in the field of premium coaches. The flexible applications – from long-distance to tourist travel – the numerous assistance systems and its excellent aerodynamics all make the new NEOPLAN Tourliner a real all-rounder. As with all buses, it also benefits from improved engine and transmission functions, which now offer more torque and more power with lower consumption thanks to an optimised driveline. The newly redesigned headlights with LED daytime driving lights in 'angel eye' optic will in future adorn all NEOPLAN buses. Sales expectations for the IAA were also exceeded in the bus sector. A total of more than 350 vehicles are on the company’s order list. Reifers Reisen from Warburg, for instance, snapped up the first NEOPLAN Tourliner. Amongst other things, MAN also had the chance to symbolically hand over the 7,500th MAN Lion’s Coach at the IAA. The NEOPLAN Skyliner was also a cause for celebration: it was presented with the IBC Award at the trade show. In a preceding extensive comparison test, it had particularly asserted itself amongst other double-deckers in terms of its chassis and of passenger comfort. Digital solutions and electromobility MAN presented these two topics with particular professionalism at the IAA 2016 in Hanover, designating a special platform for RIO – the new Volkswagen Truck & Bus brand for digital solutions. RIO is an open, cross-manufacturer business and technology platform that provides individual and uniquely intuitive digital services for the entire transportation and logistics ecosystem. The transport chain is made up of both data providers and data users. As the initiator of RIO, MAN is responsible for its development within the Volkswagen Truck & Bus Group. With regard to eMobility, MAN Truck & Bus introduced the fully electric MAN Lion’s City articulated bus with different charging infrastructure concepts as well as an MAN TGS semitrailer tractor with electric drive for use in applications relating to inner-city night-time supply. As part of its eMobility roadmap, MAN will be sending a pre-series bus version of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) for field trials in 2018. Series production of a 100% electrically-driven city bus will commence before 2020. The technological expertise from the eMobility modular system in the bus sector will in future also be available for electric truck applications. In addition, MAN’s membership in the Volkswagen Group means that it can utilise synergies within the Group and draw value from the dynamics of the passenger car sector. Successful trade show presence for MAN Joachim Drees, Chief Executive Officer of MAN Truck & Bus and a member of the board at Volkswagen Truck & Bus summarises: “In the last few months, we worked with great passion across all departments to ensure that we could bring as many innovations as possible to the IAA in Hanover. We ignited a veritable explosion of innovations – and gave an exceptional performance.” “All in all, the trade show was a huge success, also with regard to the number of vehicles sold,” followed up Heinz-Jürgen Löw, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the IAA 2016. “My particular thanks goes to the entire team, who committed themselves fully to attaining our highly-ambitious goals.” By the time the traditional chorus of horns had faded away around 6 pm on 29th September, a total of over 200,000 people had visited the MAN stand at the trade show. On individual days, the count exceeded 30,000 people – an increase of up to 60 per cent compared with 2014. MAN gave numerous informative interviews on the stage at the trade show stand each day. 13,000 footballs were handed out to those visiting the stand during the course of the 66th IAA Commercial Vehicles as a memento of their visit to the trade show. All information regarding the IAA will still be on the MAN microsite right up into November. MAN image database - http://bildarchiv.man.de/index.php/main?level=0&catId=12142&mainCatId=530&catName=Nachlese&lang=en

FYI - “Volvo Active Driver Assist” is the North American market name for the global market “Volvo Collision Warning with Emergency Brake”, a feature which was introduced in October 2012.

Volvo Trucks USA / October 3, 2016

Peterbilt Motors Company / October 6, 2016 .

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Detroit Press Release / October 7, 2016 .

Detroit Press Release / October 7, 2016 .

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Redesigned Duramax 6.6L Diesel Offered on 2017 Silverado HD Trailer/Body Builders / October 4, 2016 Chevrolet announced the redesigned Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel offered on the 2017 Silverado HD. This next-generation redesign offers more horsepower and torque than ever — an SAE-certified 445 horsepower (332 kW) and 910 lb.-ft. (1,234 Nm) — to enable easier, more confident hauling and trailering. Along with a 19 percent increase in max torque over the current Duramax 6.6L, the redesigned turbo-diesel’s performance is quieter and smoother, for greater refinement. In fact, engine noise at idle is reduced 38 percent. “With nearly 2 million sold over the past 15 years, customers have forged a bond with the Duramax diesel based on trust and capability,” said Dan Nicholson, vice president, Global Propulsion Systems. “The new Duramax takes those traits to higher levels.” The new Duramax 6.6L shares essentially only the bore and stroke dimensions of the current engine and incorporates a new, GM-developed control system. The Duramax’s signature low-rpm torque production hasn’t changed and still offers 90 percent of peak torque at a low 1,550 rpm and sustains it through 2,850 rpm. “Nearly everything about the Duramax is new, designed to produce more torque at lower rpm and more confidence when trailering or hauling,” said Gary Arvan, chief engineer. “You’ll also notice the refinement improvements the moment you start the engine, and appreciate them as you cruise quietly down the highway — with or without a trailer.” Additional highlights include: New, stronger cylinder block and cylinder heads New, stronger rotating and reciprocating assembly Increased oil- and coolant-flow capacity New EGR system with single cooler and integrated bypass New electrically actuated/electronically controlled turbocharging system All-new advanced solenoid fuel system All-new electronic controls New full-length damped steel oil pan that contributes to quietness New rocker cover/fuel system acoustical treatments B20 bio-diesel compatibility SAE-certified 445 net horsepower (332 kW) at 2,800 rpm SAE-certified 910 net lb.-ft. of torque (1,234 Nm) at 1,600 rpm A new, patent-pending vehicle air intake system — distinguished on the Silverado HD by a bold hood scoop — drives cool, dry air into the engine for sustained performance and cooler engine temperatures during difficult conditions, such as trailering on steep grades. Cooler air helps the engine run better under load, especially in conditions where engine and transmission temperatures can rise quickly. That allows the Duramax to maintain more power and vehicle speed when trailering in the toughest conditions. The intake design is another example of the advanced integration included in the 2017 Silverado HD that makes it over-the-road capable. As with previous versions, the new Duramax block features a strong cast-iron foundation known for its durability, with induction-hardened cylinder walls and five nodular iron main bearings. It retains the same 4.05-inch (103mm) and 3.89-inch (99mm) bore and stroke dimensions as the current engine, retaining the Duramax’s familiar 6.6L (403 cu.-in./6,599 cc) displacement. A deep-skirt design and four-bolt, cross-bolted main caps help ensure the block’s strength and enable more accurate location of the rotating assembly. A die-cast aluminum lower crankcase also strengthens the engine block and serves as the lower engine cover, while reducing its overall weight. The new engine block incorporates larger-diameter crankshaft connecting rod journals than the current engine, enabling the placement of a stronger crankshaft and increased bearing area to handle higher cylinder loads. An enhanced oiling circuit, with higher flow capacity and a dedicated feed for the turbocharger, provides increased pressure at the turbo and faster oil delivery. Larger piston-cooling oil jets at the bottom of the cylinder bores spray up to twice the amount of engine oil into oil galleries under the crown of the pistons, contributing to lower engine temperature and greater durability. A new, two-piece oil pan contributes to the new Duramax’s quieter operation. It consists of a laminated steel oil pan with an upper aluminum section. The aluminum section provides strength-enhancing rigidity for the engine, but a pan made entirely of aluminum would radiate more noise, so the laminated steel lower section is added to dampen noise and vibration. There’s also an integrated oil cooler with 50 percent greater capacity than the current engine’s, ensuring more consistent temperatures at higher engine loads.

Kenworth Offers 52-Inch Mid-Roof Sleeper on T680 Advantage Heavy Duty Trucking / October 6, 2016 Kenworth has introduced the fuel-efficient T680 Advantage Package with 52-inch mid-roof sleeper for regional haul and less-than-truckload operations. The new T680 Advantage configuration features an optimized powertrain with the 2016 Paccar MX-13 engine or Paccar MX-11 engine and Eaton Fuller Advantage series 10-speed automated transmission. This powertrain is combined with more fuel-efficient Meritor MT40-14X drive axles, rated at 40,000 pounds. The 52-inch sleeper features aerodynamic elements to help redirect airflow around the chassis and sleeper to improve fuel economy. They include a front air dam to redirect around versus under the tractor, mini-kickout fairings to force air around the trailer and drive tires, and lower fairing extenders. Other fuel-efficient features include Kenworth’s Predictive Cruise Control, Neutral Coast, Driver Performance Assistant and FlowBelow wheel covers. “Our expanded Kenworth T680 Advantage lineup now provides three excellent Advantage choices – day cab, 52-inch mid-roof sleeper and 76-inch sleeper – to those regional haul, LTL fleets and truck operators in constant pursuit of achieving greater fuel economy and lower operating costs,” said Jason Skoog, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. The 52-inch mid-roof sleeper is especially suited to regional hauling applications – including tank, bulk, flatbed, heavy haul and lowboy – where drivers may spend just two or three nights on the road during a typical week. The sleeper features a liftable lower bunk and upper storage units on the back wall with enough space for drivers to hang their clothes and jackets, plus an optional upper bunk for driving teams. The optional passenger swivel seat expands the living space into the cab to provide more comfort for the drivers when parked. The design also provides sufficient head room for a driver or passenger up to 6-foot-4 to easily stand up between the seats. It features a 2.1-meter wide cab, with reduced interior noise levels, adjustable advanced suspension seats with climate control, air-assisted hydraulic clutch, ergonomic dash, the Driver Performance Center, and LED interior lighting. .

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