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Perhaps their new shared cab is out for you......but their old traditionally designed cab (what I'd buy) remains available. A Peterbilt Model 367 makes for a beautiful low-boy tractor.

Bill McLauchlan, Automotive News / June 18, 2016 Cloaked in secrecy from the outset and with still little known about its technical intricacies, the new Ford GT supercar has another well-kept secret. It's being built in Canada. You might not know Multimatic Inc. of Markham, Ontario, which is remaining decidedly low key and tight-lipped about the GT, but Multimatic knows performance, engineering and carbon fiber. Larry Holt, the main man behind Multimatic Motorsports, the company's competition arm, has for years managed to fly below the media's radar. This, despite employing a past class winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans as his lead development driver, shaping suspension components and other parts for Formula One teams and fielding a succession of race-developed Ford cars in high-profile racing series around the globe. One year after the GT concept exploded onto the stage at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich., Ford in January showed a fully functioning, road-ready model -- upstairs and in the back -- just far enough away from the spotlight that visitors had to look around to find it. Holt was nowhere to be seen as he was in Daytona, Florida, with his team and a brand new Ford GT, preparing for the 24 Hours of Daytona (Fla.) endurance race. And that's just how Ford wanted it, apparently. Weeks of trying to line up Holt for an interview on the car's development led absolutely nowhere. Ford doesn't want the finer details of its new halo sports car getting out until much closer to the release date later this year, explained Ford of Canada president and CEO Dianne Craig. "We're now concentrating on (developing) the racing aspect of the GT," she said in an interview at the Detroit auto show in January. So who is this mysterious Holt, and what is Multimatic? The company designs, develops and produces everything from simple door hinges and latches to complex stamped and welded assemblies, suspension components and specialized dampers, and even complete vehicles. The GT, with its carbon tub and body, is one reason Multimatic is involved. Aston Martin's Vantage GT12 coupe, Vulcan supercar and Lagonda Taraf super sedan all showcase the company's composites capability. Interestingly, while carbon fiber can't compete with high-strength steels and aluminum on a cost basis for cars that are affordable to mere mortals, "it's getting close," claims Holt. While it sounds like a dream job, the beginnings were humble. Holt began his career at farm equipment manufacturer Massey-Ferguson in the 1980s, later joining Canada's largest auto parts supplier, Magna, where he quickly rose to become director of computer aided engineering. In 1988, he began building the independent Engineering Group of Multimatic Inc. Holt saw opportunities to offer comprehensive engineering services to third-party customers. An early example of this had Multimatic team up with Ford of Canada to produce a race-winning Taurus that took National Showroom Stock Championship titles in 1992 and '93. That not only began a long-standing association with Ford, but it also began an impressive winning streak in international competition. Holt has since taken the organization from a five-man team to more than 400 global employees engaged in all aspects of product development, from commonplace production bits and pieces to full cars, such as the Aston Martin One-77 and a series of race-ready Mustang customer cars for Ford. But Holt's dream role as team principal of Multimatic Motorsports is where his vision for the future plays out today. He sees it as a high-speed laboratory where innovative engineering (a competitive advantage for Multimatic on and off the track), creative thinking and rapid problem solving are imperative for success. Not least, it's an excellent showcase to promote proprietary in-house technologies, such as its Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve damping that's favored at the highest levels of motorsports, including Red Bulls's multiple F1 World Championship run, Indy Car, F3, sports cars and touring cars. Racing also allows Multimatic to demonstrate its obvious ability in the design, development, build, engineering and running of racecars. Keep that in mind as you wonder if the new Ford GT will be as good as it looks. With Multimatic's track record, there will be little doubt. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You race to win" "This car, in the scheme of our earnings, will not make much difference. But in the reputation of Ford Motor Company, which is something I care deeply about, this car will be huge" Bill Ford

Peterbilt 567 Heritage Evokes Company's Roots Heavy Duty Trucking / June 13, 2016 Peterbilt Motors has unveiled a Model 567 Heritage, which combines a rugged-looking vocational truck with special exterior and interior trim that harkens back to the company's West Coast origins and days of the "large car." “Peterbilt’s Model 567 Heritage elevates the classic styling of Peterbilt with a package of unique features that will command attention on highways and job sites,” said Darrin Siver, the builder's general manager and a Paccar VP. “The Model 567 Heritage appeals to owner-operators and premium carriers who want to reward their drivers and add distinction to their fleets." Peterbilt’s history began in the rugged Northwest logging industry, manufacturing trucks that took on the demanding work with high performance, reliability and durability, he said. The special 567 evokes that tough look in a thoroughly modern vehicle. Basic specifications include a 121-inch BBC and set-forward front axle to optimize payloads and weight distribution. It can be spec’d as a daycab or with a 72- or 80-inch sleeper box, and as a truck or tractor. Exterior features include: Bright bumper, grille bars, exhaust stacks, mirrors and sunvisor; Chromed air intake bezel and metal hood latches; Polished rocker panels, quarter-fender closeout panels, fender brace and brackets, battery boxes and fuel tanks; and Special Heritage badging, uniquely numbered and mounted to the grille and sleeper (when applicable) for the first 567 production trucks. Interior features include: Platinum-level Heritage Brown interior with a black dash top and wood-finish trim; Premium brown leather seats with accent stitching to complement the cab design and embroidered Heritage logo in the headrest; and Door pads with brown wood trim. For sleeper versions, wood trim accents continue on the cabinets and storage compartments. The two-tone sleeper back wall is embroidered with the Heritage logo. The Model 567 Heritage is available now for order through Peterbilt dealerships with production scheduled for September. .

Air assisted hydraulic (430mm) clutch is the global norm.......I've no problem with that. What a difference. The Scania gang restructured Volvo recently in the sense that they had Volvo adopt the superior and widely praised Scania management system.

Note the Ford D-Series at 4:35 (http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/30364-when-ford-roamed-the-world-the-d-and-n-series/). The US wants the roads to last, and yet doesn't allow 8-leggers with their superior weight distribution. Truly a mystery. The 4142D is a world class machine. Good footage of Ford Truck's Inonu plant.

It's my understanding that it's too late for the just-in Scania gang to change the cab, unless they spend money to change tooling, and money is not something Volvo currently has an abundance of. They dragged their feet for years, finally deciding to wait until 2017-2018, so as to use the incoming new Volvo global cab as a basis (the current Volvo cab will then have been around almost 20 years old......time for new, plus the need to adapt to upcoming new, longer European cab lengths.....a very slight "nose" in the front for better aerodynamics). The new CEO wants to keep the "brands" separate, not design. Volvo is going to stick to its strategy of global parts standardization.

http://www.olsonsgaskets.com/products/

Trucks Brasil / June 16, 2016 Ford Brazil today presented four new distribution and vocational trucks with new heavier gross vehicle weight ratings. For regional distribution, Ford introduced the new 14-ton C1419, 15-ton C1519 and 31-ton C3129. In the vocational segment, the truckmaker launched the all-new 31-ton C3129 dedicated mixer chassis. "These new products are true 'thoroughbreds' of the Ford Cargo line-up. They offer the high levels of durability and load capacity that Ford customers have come to expect, combined with competitive pricing and low maintenance," says John Pimentel, director of Ford Trucks. "They are purpose-designed for efficient and profitable operation," he adds. Like the rest of the Ford Cargo line-up, the new models with their ergonomic cab design and standard air suspension seating provide operators with a comfortable driving experience for optimized productivity. The new models The Ford Cargo 1419, with an average GVW of 14,500 kg, replaces the Cargo 1319 with an additional of 1500 kg. With 9500 kg load capacity, it can carry 1100 kg more than its best selling competitor. And its 190hp engine is the most powerful in its class. The Cargo 1519 offers the largest load capacity in its class, at least 1 ton more than its nearest competitor. It’s 15,400 kg GVW is the result of a stronger chassis, new front suspension and rear axle. The Cargo 3129 has a GVW rating of 30,500 kg and GCW rating of 42,000 kg. It is suitable for heavy duty operations including sugar cane, timber and mining. The Cargo 3129 “Mixer” is a purpose-designed chassis prepared for the needs of the ready-mix industry. It features a vertical exhaust outlet, reinforced frame and radiator protection. Both versions of the Cargo 3129 are powered by 6.7-liter electronicially-controlled 24-valve Cummins ISB engines paired with a fully-synchronized 10-speed Eaton FTS-16108LL transmission (with 3 reverse speeds) and Meritor MD50-168 tandem bogie. FordTrac, our factory-installed tracking and monitoring system, is available in all Cargo models. Ford Service offers flexible contract service plans that cover everything from preventive maintenance to major repairs. SOS Ford provides 24 hour emergency service to customers in need. . .

Diesel News AU / June 16, 2016 The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has unveiled details of its customer portal for access permits, in advance of a full national roll-out in the coming months. The new web portal, to be known as AccessCONNECT, is currently undergoing live trials with around 300 heavy vehicle operators. “We now have over 300 customers online submitting permit requests and already the system is handling almost 15 per cent of the total NHVR applications,” said David Carlisle, AccessConnect Executive Director. “More than 1,000 businesses have asked to be involved in the early release, so we are looking to bring additional customers on board next month, ahead of a full roll-out later this year.” The aim of the new portal is to introduce consistency in permit applications as well as reduced time and effort for trucking operators. There will also be more transparency about the process and operators will be able to see at a glance where their applications are up to in the process. “It supports our business capabilities by enabling an automated and streamlined lodgement approach,” said Julie Russell,from Russell Transport, who is currently using the system. “It also provides a track and trace system for the permit application process as well as a ready-reckoner for historical permits or permit renewals.” Permit applications being processed by the NHVR have grown to nearly 20,000 in the past twelve months. There are still many permit application being handled by state authorities, but as the use of the portal expands, more and more of these will be brought in-house though the NHVR system. Feedback from those already using the system is helping technicians at the NHVR further develop the portal to make it both user-friendly and as effective as possible. “We’re reviewing the feedback daily and making adjustments to ensure the portal works well,” said Carlisle. “This has been the outcome of several months of effort and we are excited to see the first part of the improved online permit solution being used and rolled out to the industry.” NHVR website - https://www.nhvr.gov.au/ .

Truckies as Baddies Diesel News AU / June 16, 2016 This election ad doesn’t help anyone. All we are doing here is reinforcing the impression the trucking industry is highly dangerous and truckies are going around killing children. Yes, make an ad to tell people not to vote Liberal, that’s fair enough, but don’t do it at the expense of denigrating your own industry. An industry which already suffers from a very negative public perception. At a time when the image of trucking needs all the help it can get, simply reinforcing false stereotypes is just exacerbating the problem. No-one wants their kids to work in an industry like the one presented in this attack ad. Tony Sheldon and the Transport Workers Union have the right to go hard and to drive home their issues. They do so here in a video made in the lead up to the abolition of the RSRT. Yes, strong emotion, heartfelt discussion and an all out attack on the Prime Minister. This is good old robust Australian politics, but it’s not denigrating everyone who works in our industry. .

TWU announces convoys & protests in all major cities this Sunday Big Rigs / June 17, 2016 Truck drivers, their families and the families of those killed in truck crashes will join co-ordinated convoys and protests around the country on Sunday to highlight the high death toll in trucking. Convoys will cross the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, with a go-slow planned for the South- Eastern Freeway in Adelaide. Rallies will also be held in Perth, Brisbane and Darwin. The convoys and protests will include owner drivers, employee drivers and other road transport workers. "The trucking community is coming together to say enough is enough. With the highest fatality rate of any industry, drivers want to be safe at work and they don't want to risk the lives of others. The pressure on the industry by wealthy retailers, manufacturers, oil companies and banks has got to stop. These clients use transport services but don't want to pay for their goods to be delivered safely," said TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon. "Drivers are being pushed to speed, drive long hours, skip mandatory rest breaks and skip maintenance on their vehicles. This is so wealthy clients at the top can make massive profits by cutting transport costs. The community is sick and tired of paying with their lives for corporate revenues and chief executive paychecks," he added. The Federal Government has opposed a system of Safe Rates which would ensure drivers are not pushed to break safety rules. The Government's own reports published in April show the link between road safety and the pay rates of drivers and that the safe rates system would reduce truck crashes by 28%. Sue Posnakidis, whose brother John died in a truck crash in 2010,　will attend the rally in Adelaide. "My brother's death was not an accident. The driver who crashed into him was inexperienced, fatigued and driving a truck which had faulty brakes. I want to make sure no other family goes through what mine is still going through," she said.

Australasian Transport News / June 17, 2016 The union is planning protests across all major cities this Sunday The Transport Workers Union (TWU) is planning to hold rallies across Australia on Sunday to protest against the abolition of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) and its ‘safe rates’ order. It says road transport workers and families of those killed in truck crashes will join the union to highlight the high death toll in the trucking industry with rallies in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Brisbane. Convoys are planned to cross the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, and a ‘go-slow’ movement along the South Eastern Freeway in Adelaide. "With the highest fatality rate of any industry, drivers want to be safe at work and they don’t want to risk the lives of others," TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon says. "The pressure on the industry by wealthy retailers, manufacturers, oil companies and banks has got to stop. "These clients use transport services but don’t want to pay for their goods to be delivered safely. "Drivers are being pushed to speed, drive long hours, skip mandatory rest breaks and skip maintenance on their vehicles. "This is so wealthy clients at the top can make massive profits by cutting transport costs. "The community is sick and tired of paying with their lives for corporate revenues and chief executive paychecks." The rallies will follow other protests against the termination of the Contractor Driver Minimum Payments Road Safety Remuneration Order 2016 (RSRO). Earlier this week, the TWU faced industry backlash for a recent advertisement that links the removal of RSRT with the death of children on local roads. Nearly two months after the ‘safe rates’ RSRO was abolished, the industry continues to remain divided on this subject. Industry bodies such as the Australian Transport Association (ATA) have made repeated calls to political parties to not reinstate the tribunal and the minimum rates order after the July elections. The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) had suggested setting up of a mandatory telematics system to improve road safety in place of the reestablishment of the RSRT. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) office is currently holding industry consultations to determine the impact of the order on the small business sector.

Australasian Transport News / June 17, 2016 Commercial vehicles to help drive innovation as electric propulsion, not divestment, the group’s focus in the mid-term Fevered speculation in the general business and car industry press that Volkswagen Group could shed its Scania and MAN truck-building arms came to nothing overnight. In a major strategic response to the so-called Dieselgate emissions scandal, VW says it will focus on "battery technology, digitalisation and autonomous driving", its Together – Strategy 2025 document reveals. Ironically, this focuses on some of the very expertise its truck arms are developing and the group emphasised the centrality of its commercial vehicles to it future. "For its commercial vehicles business, which currently comprises the Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brands, the Group is reaffirming its strategic goal of creating a global champion," VW says. "The plan is for Volkswagen Truck & Bus, as a multi-brand provider across the cycle, to become the most profitable company in the sector, with a significant presence in all key regions of the globe. "These targets are to be achieved firstly through much closer cooperation between the commercial vehicles brands and, secondly, by enhancing the group's overall performance as well as expanding its global footprint. "New business models will also play a decisive role in this. "In the medium term, the business unit will increasingly evolve from a purely commercial vehicles manufacturer into a provider of intelligent transportation solutions." More strategy details for each of it brands are promised in the coming months. "Specifically, our plan for Volkswagen Truck & Bus, as a multi-brand provider across the cycle, is to make it the most profitable company in the sector, " VW CEO Matthias Müller says in a speech announcing the new strategy. "This will be achieved above all by faster integration in the brand alliance. "We will significantly improve the group's overall performance and expand our global footprint – especially in the regions where we are still punching below our weight. In the medium term, the business unit will increasingly evolve from a pure-play commercial vehicles manufacturer to a leading provider of intelligent transport solutions. " Also a strengthening suit in the commercial vehicles space is finance and this service is to be strengthened. Under the strategic realignment, the Financial Services Division "will also be a significant source of earnings for the Group and a mainstay of its brands' success". "Developing, building and selling vehicles, including the related financial services, will remain essential for the Volkswagen Group going forward," Müller adds. "However, the transformation we have initiated today will permanently change the face of our core business, ensuring that we remain a leading player over both the medium and the long term." While much of the strategy is devoted to passenger vehicles, there is a cross-over to vans. "With regard to vehicles, and drivetrains, special emphasis will be place on e-mobility," it says. "The Group is planning a broad-based initiative in this area: it intends to launch more than 30 purely battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) over the next 10 years. "The Company estimates that such vehicles could then account for around a quarter of the global passenger car market. "The Volkswagen Group forecasts that its own BEV sales will be between two and three million units in 2025, equivalent to some 20 to 25 per cent of the total unit sales expected at that time." Meanwhile, Müller offered a significant acceptance of management weaknesses at the top echelon of the group. "Volkswagen has always enriched the lives of millions of people all over the world with its brands and products. Our aspiration is to continue that success story and play a leading role in shaping auto-mobility for future generations, too, " he says. "This will require us – following the serious setback as a result of the diesel issue – to learn from mistakes made, rectify shortcomings and establish a corporate culture that is open, value-driven and rooted in integrity." However, in a speech announcing the new strategy, he underlined the group’s successes beyond the scandal over the past decade. Emphasising the positive, he says Dieselgate shook the up what was "a fairly traditional company".

Trade Trucks AU / June 17, 2016 Axle issues have forced Mack to recall models sold between 2011 and 2014 Volvo Group Australia has recalled a number of Mack Granite and Trident models over axle issues. According to an Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) notice, the affected vehicles, which were manufactured between September 2011 and April 2014, are equipped with Mack proprietary axles. The notice says "the cap nut that retains the inter-axle driveshaft yoke to the rear axle input shaft may be subject to premature loosening." "There is potential risk that if the nut comes off, the yoke can separate from the axle input shaft and cause the driveshaft to disconnect, posing an accident hazard to the driver and other road users." Volvo says owners of the affected vehicles should take them to an authorised repairing dealer. Note: This is the same issue as US market recall SC0399......... http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/44531-mack-to-recall-over-25000-trucks/

In this video by an amateur Dutch truck reporter, take note of the chassis build quality. Observe the high quality frame painting, and highly refined design of the chassis components. Then think about the low quality chassis painting of US market trucks. These truck’s quality of design, quality of assembly, and component quality is noticeably higher than that of a N.A. truck. Iveco was the last of the European brands to reach “A” grade. MAN and M-B got their first, followed later by Scania and Volvo, and finally Iveco. .

Iveco Trucks Press Release / June 16, 2016 The New Stralis NP is the first natural gas truck specifically designed for long-haul operations. It is the only truck that can run on Compressed or Liquid Natural Gas, or a blend of the two, to deliver the power rating, comfort, transmission technology and fuel autonomy to suit long-distance haulage missions. The New Stralis NP features a new engine that delivers 400 hp and 1,700 Nm torque, equal to its diesel equivalent and 17% more than its best competitor. The 12-speed automated gearbox dramatically increases durability, reduces costs and improves driving comfort. The Hi-Way cab provides a functional environment with all the comforts needed for a long-haul mission. With a range autonomy of up to a maximum 1,500 kilometres, the New Stralis NP breaks new ground, making natural gas a viable solution for all missions all the way up to international long haulage. The clean fuel it runs on means it can access urban centres with increasingly stringent restrictions on noise and emissions. Iveco launches the New Stralis NP, which runs on Compressed and Liquid Natural Gas, and is the most sustainable international transport truck ever. It is a true breakthrough product with several industry firsts. It features the new Iveco Cursor 9 Natural Power Euro VI engine, the first of its kind to deliver the same power and torque output as its diesel equivalent. It is the first natural gas truck with a 12-speed automated gearbox: the Eurotronic transmission guarantees lower fuel consumption and greater driving comfort. In the LNG-only version the New Stralis NP has a record range autonomy of 1,500 km. It also features the Hi-Way cab, which was introduced on the “International Truck of the Year 2013” Stralis Hi-Way, and is greatly appreciated by customers for the functionality and comfort it offers on long-distance missions. Pierre Lahutte, Iveco Brand President, commented: “Iveco was the first manufacturer in the world of commercial transport to understand, in 1991, the potential of natural gas. We have introduced in the market natural gas versions of trucks, vans and buses. As a result, today we have a running parc of more than 15,000 gas vehicles in Europe. The New Stralis NP builds on Iveco’s extensive expertise to take a step into the future: it is the first true long-haul gas truck in the market that offers an alternative to diesel vehicles and the most sustainable long-distance transport truck ever”. The improvements introduced in the New Stralis NP contribute to a 3% reduction in Total Cost of Ownership compared to the previous model, which already had fuel pump costs up to 40% lower than its diesel equivalent. Best-in-class performance The new 8.7-litre Iveco Cursor 9 Natural Gas engine leverages on the stoichiometric solution Iveco developed 25 years ago, which has come to be the most proven and reliable technology in the market. The performance has been further improved with important engineering upgrades: re-profiled intake ports increase fuel economy, injectors and rail have been modified to allow a higher fuel injection pressure for a best-in-class performance, and a new high-flow 3-way catalyst minimises noise and consumption. The engine delivers the same output of 400 hp and 1,700 Nm torque as its diesel equivalent, resulting in best-in-class weight-to-power ratio, power density, service intervals, and quiet operation. It generates 17% more power and 6% more torque than its best competitor. The 12-speed automated gearbox lowers the New Stralis NP’s fuel consumption and adds to its driving comfort. The bigger capacity of the fuel tanks lengthens the range autonomy of the LNG-only version to the record level of 1,500 km. The New Stralis NP delivers this exceptional performance with the same payload as its diesel equivalent. Best-in-class TCO reduction The simple after-treatment system with no AdBlue, no particulate filter and no active regeneration significantly reduces maintenance requirements and costs. In addition to the TCO-reducing features of the diesel models, the New Stralis NP offers outstanding driving comfort & safety with the integrated hydraulic retarder, hill holder function and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) as standard. With the new Stralis NP, Iveco is taking the gas trucks out of the niche market dimension into that of a volume market. Iveco’s new generation services are offered as standard on the New Stralis NP: the exclusive Uptime Guarantee, which gets the vehicle back on the road within 24 hours in case of breakdown, carrying out repairs at the nearest Iveco Truck Station, and Iveco’s Fuel Consultancy Services that include TCO ₂ Reporting and Advising. Best-in-class comfort: the Hi-Way cabin The New Stralis NP features the long-distance Hi-Way cabin, which was introduced in the “International Truck of the Year 2013” Stralis series and has since become a favourite of haulage drivers. This high-roof cab is designed around the driver to provide a perfect working environment conducive to maximum productivity in the most demanding long-haul missions. With an internal height of about 2 metres and a volume of over 10 cubic metres, it is the biggest and most comfortable cab in the gas truck category. The Hi-Way cab offers the best-in-class in all the elements that make up liveability: quiet internal environment, climate control, storage compartments, infotainment, driving ergonomics and night accommodation, with a choice of one or two beds. It can be specified with all the most important infotainment and comfort features. The ergonomic and functional dashboard is laid out so that all the controls are within easy reach without moving away from the seat’s backrest for maximum safety and comfort. Iveco Iveco is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V., a World leader in Capital Goods listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CNHI) and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario of the Borsa Italiana (MI: CNHI). Iveco designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, off-road trucks, and vehicles for applications such as off-road missions. The brand’s wide range of products include the Daily, a vehicle that covers the 3 – 7 ton vehicle weight segment, the Eurocargo from 6 – 19 tons, the Trakker (dedicated to off-road missions) and the Stralis, both over 16 tons. In addition, the Iveco Astra brand builds off-road trucks, rigid and articulated dumpers as well as special vehicles. Iveco employs close to 21,000 individuals globally. It manages production sites in 7 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and Latin America where it produces vehicles featuring the latest advanced technologies. 4,200 sales and service outlets in over 160 countries guarantee technical support wherever an Iveco vehicle is at work. .

Terex Trucks announces 65 more job cuts at Motherwell plant Belfast Telegraph / June 16, 2016 Dump truck manufacturer Terex Trucks has announced 65 further redundancies at its Scottish base. The job cuts revealed on Thursday are the latest to hit the workforce at the plant in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, which has more than halved since a peak of 630 employees in 2009/10. Volvo acquired Terex Trucks two years ago. Management at Terex Trucks blamed market conditions and a downturn in global demand for their articulated and rigid dump trucks which serve industries such as construction and mining. In the latest round of cuts, subject to a statutory consultation period, 55 jobs on the shop floor will go along with 10 administrative positions, leaving a staff of 300. The firm started producing trucks in Motherwell in 1950 and was acquired by Volvo in 2014. GMB Scotland organiser Alan Ritchie said: "These latest cuts mean more manufacturing misery for Lanarkshire and the Scottish economy, coming less than twenty-four hours after grim growth forecasts and the threat of a Scottish recession. "Generations of Terex workers have delivered decades of world-class manufacturing here in Motherwell but, as we've seen at the likes of Tannoy in Coatbridge, a proud history counts for absolutely nothing. "Let's be clear that Scottish manufacturing is in total freefall and our slide towards a low-skill, low-wage economy gathers apace without any meaningful intervention from the Scottish or UK governments." Scotland's Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "I am disappointed to hear that Terex Equipment Ltd has entered into a consultation period with employees at its Motherwell site with a view to making 65 of the 335 staff at the site redundant. "This will be a very difficult time for those affected, their families and the local area and we understand this reflects on-going market conditions being faced by a company that has a good track record in its sector. "Scottish Enterprise has arranged a meeting with the company to discuss this announcement and to explore all possible options there may be to support the business through this challenging period and to protect employment in Motherwell. "Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE), the Scottish Government's initiative for responding to redundancy situations, has contacted the company to offer support in the unfortunate event that redundancies proceed and is in discussion with management at Terex to agree how best to support affected employees."

The RL/RS originally didn't have a name. It was later decided to create one, alike the Cruise-Liner and Super-Liner (speaking of Mack Western). Until the Ultra-Liner (which was intended as a nationwide truck), the only "east coast" Mack with a name was the F model......"Interstater". But the name "Interstater" never caught on with anyone. Refuse company mechanics adopted names for the MB, but BMT is no place for colorful metaphors.

BBC / June 16, 2016 Off-highway mining truck manufacturer Terex Trucks has announced a further 65 redundancies at its North Lanarkshire base. Terex Trucks is a subsidiary of Volvo Group. Volvo Construction Equipment (VCE) purchased Terex’s off-highway rigid-frame and articulated trucks unit in 2014. The job cuts are the latest to hit the workforce in Motherwell, which has more than halved since a peak of 630 employees in October 2009. Management at Terex Trucks blamed market conditions and a downturn in global demand. The company produces articulated and rigid trucks which serve industries such as construction and mining. In the latest round of cuts, subject to a statutory consultation period, 55 jobs on the shop floor will go, along with 10 administrative positions, leaving a staff of 300. The firm started producing trucks in Motherwell in 1950 and was acquired by Volvo in 2014. GMB Scotland organiser Alan Ritchie said: "These latest cuts mean more manufacturing misery for Lanarkshire and the Scottish economy, coming less than 24 hours after grim growth forecasts and the threat of a Scottish recession. "Generations of Terex workers have delivered decades of world-class manufacturing here in Motherwell but, as we've seen at the likes of Tannoy in Coatbridge, a proud history counts for absolutely nothing. "Let's be clear that Scottish manufacturing is in total freefall and our slide towards a low-skill, low-wage economy gathers apace without any meaningful intervention from the Scottish or UK governments." .

The Toyota Tacoma, introduced in 1995, was created solely for the US market. Prior to that, the US offered the Hilux, and from 1995 Toyota continued to sell the Hilux in the global market. Until the arrival of the new Hilux, the two trucks had different platforms. The new Hilux and US market Tacoma now use a similar platform. The Hilux version has a more rigid and stronger frame. The Tacoma variant's frame has less reinforcement so that it can flex more to meet U.S. tastes (per Toyota).

Commercial Motor TV - sponsored by DAF Trucks / June 16, 2016 .

new cab

Iveco Trucks Press Release / June 16, 2016 The New Stralis XP is the most reliable and fuel efficient truck available on the market and provides the most comprehensive solution for long-haul transport in a package that integrates product and services designed to reduce TCO and CO2. The perfect long haulage vehicle at the leading edge of technology, the New Stralis XP bristles with fuel-efficiency boosting features and services that ensure the highest levels of reliability and profitability for transport businesses. With fuel savings of up to 11% and an impressive TCO reduction of up to 5.6% in long-distance transport operations, it is the long haulage TCO2 Champion. Iveco launches the New Stralis XP, the most reliable and fuel efficient truck available on the market, was developed specifically to meet the requirements of the international long-distance transport business and provide the best solution in efficiency, sustainability and Total Cost of Ownership. The New Stralis XP builds on the solid foundation of the Stralis Hi-Way, launched in 2012 and crowned “International Truck of the Year 2013”. It carries over the best of its predecessor, and in particular the Hi-Way cab, which is very well appreciated by customers, Iveco’s unique HI-SCR Euro VI solution that requires no regeneration and preserves the long-term value of engine and vehicle, and the excellent quality and reliability of the previous range. The completely renewed driveline, the new electric and electronic systems, new best-in-class transmission, rear axle and a rear suspension, the re-engineered engine, the proven HI-SCR technology, and the latest-generation GPS predictive functions, are perfectly integrated with a host of new and innovative fuel saving features and a unique range of services designed by Iveco to maximise reliability and reduce CO2 and TCO. All the improvements and new features generate fuel savings of up to 11%, while the new services add further savings of up to 3%. Altogether, product features and services on the Stralis XP work together to reduce TCO in long-haul missions by an impressive 5.6%. Pierre Lahutte, Iveco Brand President, commented: “The New Stralis XP is a truck at the leading edge of technology that delivers an extraordinary TCO and CO2 performance. It is the perfect truck for long haulage operators: from their vehicles they want no stoppages, no troubles, no downtime and low TCO. With our unique approach that integrates perfectly product and services, we developed a vehicle of outstanding reliability and fuel economy that comes with our uptime guarantee and a whole range of new services to help them manage their fleets efficiently. The New Stralis XP is a true TCO2 Champion born to run on all European motorways.” TCO-Reducing features and Service: the most comprehensive Business Solution The New Stralis XP bristles with fuel-efficiency features offered as standard. They include Smart Auxiliaries that automatically disconnect or go into energy-saving mode when they are not needed. Iveco’s predictive GPS-based Hi-Cruise system controls driving assistance functions such as eco-roll, gearshifting and cruise control. Together with the new 12-speed HI-TRONIX automated transmission, the EcoSwitch speed and torque limiter, the optimised rear-axle ratio and low-rolling resistance eco-tyres developed by Michelin, all these features deliver the best combination of efficiency and safety. Additional fuel savings derive from the adoption of the longer rear axle 2.47 that allows downspeeding and translates into a 7% reduction in engine rev speed. The New Stralis 480XP and 570XP, designed for extra-long haul missions, feature the innovative Smart EGR, which works in combination with Iveco’s patented HI-SCR after-treatment system to optmise combustion, resulting in significant fuel savings on long distances. This solution harnesses a small amount of exhaust re-circulation – just 8% - to allow an earlier start of injection. The result is greater fuel economy while maintaining the high 97% tailpipe NOx converion delivered by the HI-SCR system and all the benefits of this technology: regeneration free, no impact on radiator size, no extra maintenance, and the longest service intervals bringing a further fuel and TCO reduction to the customer. With this solution, Iveco and its engine development partner FPT Industrial once again prove their long-established leadership in fuel efficiency tecnhology. Iveco’s new generation services, which are included in the TCO2 LIVE modular program, are offered as standard on the New Stralis XP. They include TCO2 Smart Report, a detailed report on the fuel consumption of each vehicle of the fleet that is automatically e-mailed to the Customer every week, and TCO2 Advising Fuel efficiency advice based on the wealth of knowledge we have collected with our real-life truck analysis. Both can be integrated with the TCO2 Driving courses provided by specialized Iveco trainers. These new service can generate further savings of up to 3%. In addition, the New Stralis XP come with the exclusive Uptime Guarantee, an all-new formula that protects the customer against technical inconveniences and gets the vehicle back on the road in the shortest possible time – no more than 24 hours – in case of breakdown, carrying out repairs at the nearest Iveco Truck Station. In preparation for the launch of the New Stralis XP, Iveco has been deploying its Truck Stations along all the main European transport corridors to deliver its Uptime Guarantee commitment. Press Release - http://www.iveco.com/en-us/press-room/release/Documents/2016/New_Stralis_XP_Iveco.pdf Photo gallery - http://www.iveco.com/en-us/press-room/photo/pages/press-gallery.aspx?CollectionId=155&Title=New Stralis# . .

Ford Trucks Press Release / June 16, 2016 The Ford Trucks “From 0 to 100” news program on NTV allows customers to feel the pulse of the truck world. In this edition, we visit Ford Otosan's heavy truck plant in Inonu where General Manager and Senior Engineer Haydar Yenigun introduces the new Ecotorq engine range, and Marketing Manager Armagan Caspian speaks on the strengths of the new 2016 Ford Cargo range. .