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The last Autocars were built in Ogden, Utah.

Heavy Duty Trucking / December 28, 2015 Idaho will be allowed to increase its truck weight limit on interstate highways to as a result of a provision attached to the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill passed earlier this month, according to a report in Capital Press. The omnibus legislation determines the yearly budget for the federal government and is prone to riders being attached to its more than 2,000 pages to ensure that they will be passed. A provision in the bill allows Idaho to increase its truck weight limit to 129,000 pounds (58.5 metric tons) on Interstate highways. Truck weights had been limited to 105,500 pounds (47.85 metric tons) in Idaho since 1991, and the move is seen as a way to gain parity with surrounding states that have higher weight limits. Aspects of transportation like shipping costs and agricultural commodities are expected to be positively impacted by raising the weight limit. The rider was attached to the bill by Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson and Sen. Mike Crapo, according to Capital Press. "By ensuring that Idaho’s vehicle laws match those of its neighboring states, Idaho can more efficiently play a larger role in transferring goods without impacting road safety," Simpson said in a statement. "A higher weight limit means trucks will have more axles than traditional trucks," he noted, "distributing the weight in such a way that there is less weight on each axle than a standard truck. It also will reduce the number of trucks on the road." This is not the first time amendments to truck size and weight limits have been addressed by Congress. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives voted down a provision to the recently passed highway bill that would have allowed states to increase the federal vehicle weight limit to 91,000 pounds for tractor-trailers equipped with a sixth axle. In earlier versions of omnibus bill, there were attempts to add a provision allowing for 33-foot-long double trailers on highways, regardless of state laws. However, the provision was stripped from the bill by the time it reached Congress.

Autoblog / December 28, 2015 This is what happens when you have a serious shortage of truckers. A truck driver attempted to cross a historic bridge in Indiana on Christmas Day only to find a 136-year-old bridge that was no match for her 21.5-ton truck. Mary Lambright, who gained her CDL in May of this year, missed her exit while hauling a load of water bottles last week. After several attempts to get back on the freeway, Lambright found herself at an old iron bridge that spanned across Lick Creek in Paoli, Indiana. This bridge was not an unknown element to Lambright. After all, it was built in 1880. She told police that she had crossed the bridge while driving her personal vehicle many times, WHAS11 reported. She was also aware of the six-ton weight limit thanks to a sign posted near the entrance to the bridge. The sign even said 'no semis'. Still, she attempted to cross it in a tractor trailer with 43,000 pounds of water bottles in tow. Perhaps she was expecting a Christmas miracle. It's more likely, however, that she didn't do the math. If she had, she'd have known that 43,000 pounds equals a whopping 21.5 tons. She told police she wasn't aware of the weight of the cargo she was hauling, which seems like truck-driving 101 stuff to us. First, she lost the top of the truck thanks to the bridge's low rafters. Undeterred, she continued until the bridge then did what bridges do when they're overloaded to the extreme - it collapsed. Lambright and her 17-year-old cousin who was riding with her in the cab escaped with no injuries. She was cited for reckless operation of a tractor trailer and disregarding traffic signs. These tickets probably won't break her bank account, and Lambright will most likely be allowed by the state to keep her CDL. Her job with Louisville Logistics on the other hand, might collapse as quickly as an overladen bridge

FCA Press Release / December 28, 2015 75 years ago, December 29, 1940, President Franklin Roosevelt began mobilizing America’s automakers to help build and supply wartime equipment to our allies fighting in Europe. The Arsensal of Democracy speech, as it came to be called, put automakers on a new learning curve as they undertook designing and manufacturing military tanks, trucks, guns and munitions for the allies and, eventually, for the U.S. entry into World War II. Chrysler historian Brandt Rosenbusch looks back at Chrysler Corporation's participation in the war effort.

Trucking News / December 1, 2015 Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo VNL, VNM, and VNX trucks manufactured May 11, 2015 to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a two-piece steering shaft whose connecting bolt may be insufficiently tightened. As a result, the bolt may loosen and result in the two steering shafts separating causing a complete loss of steering and thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the steering shaft connecting bolt, free of charge. The recall began this week. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at (877) 800-4945. Volvo’s number for the recall is RVXX1512. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236, or go to www.safercar.gov. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM491990/RCAK-15V786-1519.pdf

The E7 is a great engine. But keep in mind that Volvo has no desire to support trucks (and engines) older than 15 years.

GAZ Group Press Release / December 23, 2015

Transport Engineer / December 24, 2015 Transport and distribution business Moran Logistics has taken delivery of 50 new MAN TGX tractors and says it will be adding a further 80 to its fleet in 2016. The Lutterworth-based company’s additions are all TGX 26.440 tractors with XLX cabs and 12.4-litre six-cylinder engines, delivering 440bhp at 1,800 rpm. Owner Harry Moran was taken to the Munich factory by MAN to see one of his new vehicles rolling off the line. The company has 220 trucks and 330 trailers, and is a long-term MAN customer. A spokesman said: “We have tried different models in the past and we are impressed with what MAN has to offer. The whole package is attractive and there is a strong dealer network, too. “We have purchased 50 TGX 26.440 tractor units this year and we are gradually putting them in to service at our operating depots in Reading, Oswestry, Lockerbie, Manchester, Leeds, Lutterworth and Rugby. “We will be looking to add another 80 vehicles in 2016 to complement the current fleet. “MAN met the benchmark and that is why it won the tender. It has proved itself and delivered against expectations.” All the vehicles are supplied with a two-year repair and maintenance contract. .

Famous truck industry author Patrick Dyer's eighth book in the 'at work' series takes the reader on a journey with ERF, England's last independent truck manufacturer, between the years 1975 and 1993 with the B, C, CP and E-series trucks that the Sandbach-based company produced in the face of overwhelming competition from foreign truckmakers. Apart from the renowned economy, reliability and longevity of the products, the B, C, CP and E-series truck ranges were all linked by the remarkable SP cab, which combined a steel cage with bolt-on SMC (composite) panels. The system was so revolutionary that ERF patented it. The low cost of design and manufacture allowed it to update and improve its cabs with each series. ERF B, C, CP & E-series at Work draws on over 200 high quality photographs from the manufacturer and trucking enthusiasts, which combine with the informative text to tell the remarkable story of these ERF products through some of the most turbulent years of the company's existence. http://www.amazon.ca/Erf-E-Series-Work-Patrick-Dyer/dp/1910456101 http://www.nynehead-books.co.uk/description.php?II=2346

Scania Group Press Release / December 22, 2015 Download the Legend app and find out all there is to know about the V8's evolution. App Store: bit.ly/1g2AJkb Google Play: bit.ly/1m5clhN

Peterbilt’s Denton plant celebrates 35th anniversary Truck News / December 22, 2015 In 1980, ‘Old No. 1’ rolled off Peterbilt’s assembly line in Denton, Texas, and the company, which has produced nearly 500,000 trucks since, is now celebrating 35 years of ‘quality, safety, efficiency and innovation.’ “The value Peterbilt’s Denton plant has brought through the years to the company, our employees, customers, dealers and the community is immeasurable,” said Darrin Siver, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice-president. “The Denton plant is a premier manufacturing facility across any industry and we continue to invest in the tools, processes and people that keep it state-of-the-art.” Starting with 81 employees working to manufacture two-and-a-half trucks each week, maximum capacity for the plant at the time was expected to be 16 trucks per day, but now, 35 years later, that capacity has increased 10 times and the workforce is 2,000 strong at the 455,000 square-foot facility. Over the years, many changes have come to the Denton plant; changes to increase efficiency, capacity and productivity, including recent improvements to the robotic cab assembly for the Models 579 and 567, as well as a non-contact axle alignment system. “To ensure our industry-leading quality and technological leadership, Peterbilt is constantly innovating throughout all areas of our operations,” said Leon Handt, Peterbilt assistant general manager of operations. “We laid the foundation 35 years ago in Denton to establish advanced manufacturing technologies, and we’ve been building on it ever since, taking it to levels of efficiency, quality and productivity far beyond when the facility was first designed.” The plant is currently undergoing a three-phase expansion project, which is expected to be complete by mid-2016. “The Peterbilt Denton plant is one of the strongest selling tools we have,” said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt assistant general manager of sales and marketing. “Thousands tour the plant every year, and it’s a great way to showcase our product quality, customization and technology. The Peterbilt Experience is a great addition to the facility and gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience Peterbilt’s products and the company’s history.” Milestones of Peterbilt’s Denton plant include: 1978 – Facility groundbreaking 1980 – Plant opens 1985 – 10,000th truck produced 1986 – First Model 379 produced 1988 – Facility expansion of receiving docks, warehousing and test area 1990 – Training center added 1993 – Engineering lab construction completed 1996 – 100,000th truck produced 1996 – Styling studio opens 1997 – Robotic integrated cab and sleeper assembly (Models 387 and 587) 1999 – First Model 387 produced 2001 – Clear coat paint robotics installed 2002 – Base coat robotics installed 2004 – Robotic fuel tank welding added 2006 – Training center auditorium added 2007 – Robotic chassis paint installed 2010 – First PACCAR MX-13 engine installed 2012 – Robotic cab assembly (Models 579 and 567) 2012 – First Model 579 produced 2013 – Non-contact axle alignment complete 2014 – The Peterbilt Experience opens 2015 – Loading dock expansion “Peterbilt has a highly skilled, very passionate workforce,” said Ron Augustyn, Denton plant manager. “It’s a great place to work. Everyone takes tremendous pride in what they do and it really shows.”

Trailer/Body Builder / December 23, 2015 In 1980, the first truck produced at Peterbilt’s Denton, Texas manufacturing plant—a Model 359 known as “Old No. 1”—came off the assembly line. Thirty-five years later, the facility has produced nearly 500,000 trucks. “The value Peterbilt’s Denton plant has brought through the years to the company, our employees, customers, dealers and the community is immeasurable,” said Darrin Siver, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. “The Denton plant is a premier manufacturing facility across any industry and we continue to invest in the tools, processes and people that keep it state-of-the-art.” When the plant first opened, there were 81 employees working to manufacture 2½ trucks per week. Maximum capacity was expected to be 16 trucks daily. Through continuous improvement and ongoing investment, the plant’s current production capacity is ten times that and the workforce is 2,000 strong. Since opening, the 455,000 square-foot plant has undergone numerous changes to increase efficiency, capacity and productivity. The introduction of new models has brought on new tooling and processes, and technology has been introduced to enhance operations. “To ensure our industry-leading quality and technological leadership, Peterbilt is constantly innovating throughout all areas of our operations,” said Leon Handt, Peterbilt Assistant General Manager of Operations. “We laid the foundation 35 years ago in Denton to establish advanced manufacturing technologies, and we’ve been building on it ever since, taking it to levels of efficiency, quality and productivity far beyond when the facility was first designed.” Recent improvements to the plant include robotic cab assembly for the Models 579 and 567 and a Non-Contact Axle Alignment System. The plant is also undergoing a three-phase expansion project. The first phase created additional east side dock doors and receiving capacity. Phase two will add 17,000 square feet of additional material receiving area on the west side of the facility. Phase three, scheduled for completion in mid-2016, will create an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) on the second level of the building to index painted hoods, cabs and sleepers.

There are several ways to look at this. Many view the 304 cu.in. V-8-powered CJ-5 as the ultimate version. But then you have to decide body tub styles, early 1970s (basically the M38A1 tub) versus the later revised (simplified) CJ-7 style tub. A 4-speed transmission was an available option, making the V-8/4-speed (T18) arguably the ultimate CJ-5. And again, it all depends on what you feel like. A second generation V-8 powered Jeep Commando (C104) was/is quite a truck. If comfort is important, the longer wheelbase CJ-7 might be worth consideration. It inherently won't rock as much front to back, so you won't necessarily be looking for a bathroom as often as with a CJ-5. Fast forwarding to the present, it doesn't get any better than AEV's JK Wrangler and Brute pickup. http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/jk-wrangler http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/brute-double-cab AEV is an OEM supplier to Toledo (FCA), and their factory-like modified Jeep products enjoy a full Jeep factory warranty.

Furor over Arabic assignment leads Virginia school district to close Friday The Washington Post / December 17, 2015 A Virginia school system has decided to close schools Friday after a high school geography assignment on world religions led to allegations of Islamic indoctrination and a slew of angry emails and phone calls. Augusta County School District officials said that there had been no specific threat of harm to students. But in a statement posted on the school district’s website, officials said they were concerned about the “tone and content of these communications.” “We regret having to take this action, but we are doing so based on the recommendations of law enforcement and the Augusta County School Board out of an abundance of caution,” the statement says. Superintendent Eric Bond refused to respond to questions about why he canceled school given the lack of a specific threat, or about whether he considered the original assignment improper. Members of the school board also refused to comment. The school district serves about 10,000 students in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley west of Charlottesville, Va., about 150 miles from Washington, D.C. A geography teacher at the district’s Riverheads High in Staunton, Va., gave an assignment asking students to try their hand at [alleged] calligraphy by copying a statement in Arabic, according to the Staunton News Leader. The “calligraphy” was the Muslim statement of faith, according to the newspaper: “There is no god but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” The assignment was [allegedly] meant to give students a sense for the art of calligraphy, and the teacher did not have the students translate the statement into English, require students to recite the statement, or say they believed in it. But some parents were outraged at what they saw as an attempt to promote Islam in a public school. One parent accused the school of religious indoctrination, drawing the attention of national media, triggering a community meeting and an avalanche of messages to the school system. “These children were deceived when they were told it was calligraphy,” the parent, Kimberly Herndon, told NBC29 television. “This is not calligraphy, this is a language.” Students were also invited to try on a hijab, or head scarf. In the statement posted on the school district website, officials said that “no lesson was designed to promote a religious viewpoint or change any student’s religious belief.” Students will continue learning about world religions as required by state academic standards, school officials said. But in the future, students will practice calligraphy using a different sample that has nothing to do with Islam.

The Wall Street Journal / December 17, 2015 Truck maker Navistar International Corp. hopes to pay the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to settle a probe into past disclosures about the departure of a chief executive and an exhaust-treatment technology. Navistar said the agency’s staff recommended acceptance of its settlement offer, but it released no details, noting that the offer hasn’t been formally approved by the SEC. The company’s offer wouldn’t require it to admit or deny any wrongdoing, it said in a regulatory filing, and the company has set aside an undisclosed amount to cover a civil penalty. “We have reached an agreement with the staff of the SEC that will end their investigation,” said Steven Covey, Navistar’s general counsel. “Beyond that, we’re, not making any announcement right now.” The company still faces lawsuits from customers and regulators.

Liebherr Press Release / November 23, 2015 The Liebherr T 282 C, the company’s newest off-highway hauler, has a 237 ton net empty weight, a 363 tons maximum payload and this a 600 ton GVM. A 90-liter (5,500 cu.in.) 3,650 horsepower V-20 engine propels the truck at speeds up to 64 km/h (40 mph) fully-loaded. The truck’s components arrive in Australia from Europe and North America in KD form (knocked down) and are reassembled. The dump body is produced in Australia. The video follows the journey from the Port of Brisbane to the build-site in North Queensland, showing all of the pieces being put together, and culminates in footage of some of the fleet in action.

AB Volvo Press Release / December 17, 2015 In November 2015, deliveries from Volvo Group’s truck operations amounted to 18,333 vehicles. In November 2015, truck deliveries rose by 40% in Europe. On the other hand, truck deliveries decreased by 63% in South America, by 9% in Asia and by 2% in North America. In total, Volvo Group’s wholly-owned operations* delivered 18,333 trucks, which was on the same level as in November 2014. Volvo brand global sales reached 9,655 units, including 2,912 deliveries in North America, down 10 percent globally but up 2 percent in North America compared to November 2014. Mack brand global sales reached 2,171 units, including 2,021 deliveries in North America, down 11 percent globally and down 6 percent in North America compared to November 2014. Renault brand global sales reached 4,859 units, jumping 54 percent globally and 70 percent in Europe compared to November 2014. UD (Nissan Diesel) brand global sales reached 1,638 units, including 1,351 deliveries in Asia, down 15 percent globally and down 11 percent in Asia compared to November 2014. * Excluding Dongfeng, Dongvo (UD China) and VE Commercial Vehicles (Eicher) .

Scania Group Press Release / December 17, 2015

Losses Fall, Company Optimism Rises as Navistar Reports 4Q and 2015 Results Transport Topics / December 17, 2015 Navistar International Corp. reported lower net losses for its fourth quarter and 2015 fiscal year ended Oct. 31, and forecast it would improve on those trends and turn cash-flow positive and profitable in 2016. For the quarter, Navistar lost $50 million or a diluted loss per share of 61 cents compared with a loss of $72 million or 88 cents a year earlier. Revenue in the quarter fell to $2.5 billion, down from $3 billion a year earlier. The company also said it has offered to pay a fine to settle a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into the company’s disclosures about the departure of CEO Dan Ustian in 2012 and its strategy for reducing engine emissions. The company did not disclose details about the proposed settlement. CEO Troy Clarke said during a conference call that the company with its Class 8 vehicles “was seeing a higher share of the wallet,” meaning customers “who may have bought 25 trucks now are buying 300.” He said Class 8 orders were strong in December without giving an exact figure. The company said it expects to launch a new HX Series, the PayStar replacement, in early 2016 for the construction and vocational markets. Also, over the next three years, Navistar will continue to update its product line, including the introduction of its ProStar replacement, the new LT series. Sales of its used trucks slowed, in part, as export markets weakened, the company said. Also, the earnings report said the company “recognized adjustments to pre-existing warranties [for its engines introduced to meet 2010 emissions standards and since recalled] of $1 million in 2015 compared to adjustments of $55 million in 2014 and $404 million in 2013.” For the year, Navistar lost $184 million or $2.25 per share compared with a loss of $619 million or $7.60 in the 2014 period. Revenue for the year slipped to $10.1 billion from $10.8 billion a year earlier.

Mack Deliveries Decline in November Transport Topics / December 17, 2015 Production slowed in November for Mack Trucks, with the heavy-duty truck manufacturer reporting its first delivery decline of the year. Mack delivered 2,171 rigs worldwide in November, an 11% decrease from the 2,451 it sent out one year earlier, according to a report released Dec. 17 by the Sweden-based Volvo Group, Mack's parent company. Of that, 2,021 — or about 93% of the worldwide total — were delivered in North America, down 6% compared with a year ago. Mack also saw a decline in South America, delivering 75 trucks there in November, falling short of the 209 sent there in November 2014. While it's the first reported delivery decline for Mack this year, the figures are not entirely unexpected. Mack said Dec. 15 it will lay off about 400 workers in the Lehigh Valley by late January, allowing the manufacturer to adjust to an expected 10% decline in the heavy-duty truck market next year. Mack employs 1,850 in the Lehigh Valley and its 1 million-square-foot Lower Macungie Township plant is where all Mack trucks built for the North American market and export are assembled. The heavy-duty truck market is expected to peak this year and, at least at one point this year, Mack's Lower Macungie plant had been pumping out 116 trucks a day. Through November, Mack delivered 25,198 trucks, up 8% from the 23,349 from the same 11-month stretch last year. In its third-quarter report, Volvo said it expects the total North American retail market for heavy-duty trucks to approach 310,000 trucks in 2015. In 2016, the company expects solid — but lower — demand of about 280,000 trucks. Other firms, such as Stifel Financial Corp., have lower projections. In a Dec. 7 report, Stifel decreased its 2016 North American heavy-duty truck production estimate from 280,000 units to 250,000 after order data underwhelmed for the second consecutive month in November. Mack was not the only manufacturer to see a decrease in deliveries in November. According to the report, Volvo delivered 9,360 of its heavy-duty trucks in November, also down 11% from one year earlier when it sent out 10,574 vehicles.

The Morning Call / December 17, 2015 Production slowed in November for Mack Trucks, with the heavy-duty truck manufacturer reporting its first delivery decline of the year. Mack delivered 2,171 rigs worldwide in November, an 11 percent decrease from the 2,451 it sent out one year earlier, according to a report released Thursday by the Sweden-based Volvo Group, Mack's parent company. Volvo also reported an 11 percent decline in deliveries of its heavy-duty trucks. Of Mack's worldwide total, 2,021 — about 93 percent — were delivered in North America, down 6 percent compared with a year ago. Mack also saw a decline in South America, delivering 75 trucks there in November, falling short of the 209 sent there in November 2014. While it's the first reported delivery decline for Mack this year, the figures are not entirely unexpected. Wade Watson, vice president and general manager of Mack Trucks Lehigh Valley Operations, said the decline in production was partly caused by holidays in November, calling last month's figures "basically an impact of the season." However, Watson said, Mack still has a "fair amount of backlog" it is getting through, causing employees to work some extra days earlier this month. "December looks like it's going to be a pretty strong month for us on deliveries," Watson said. Mack also is adjusting its workforce amid an anticipated 10 percent decline in the heavy-duty truck market next year. The company said Tuesday it will lay off about 400 workers in the Lehigh Valley by late January. Mack currently employs 1,850 at its Lehigh Valley Operations and its 1-million-square-foot Lower Macungie Township plant is where all Mack trucks built for the North American market and export are assembled. The heavy-duty truck market is expected to peak this year and, at least at one point this year, Mack's Lower Macungie plant had been pumping out 116 trucks a day. Through November, Mack delivered 25,198 trucks, up 8 percent from the 23,349 from the same 11-month stretch last year. In its third-quarter report, Volvo said it expects the total North American retail market for heavy-duty trucks to approach 310,000 trucks in 2015. In 2016, the company expects solid — but lower — demand of about 280,000 trucks. Other firms, such as Stifel Financial Corp., have lower projections. In a Dec. 7 report, Stifel decreased its 2016 North American heavy-duty truck production estimate from 280,000 units to 250,000 after order data underwhelmed for the second consecutive month in November. Watson said he sees next year's expected decline as a market correction, after heavy-duty truck makers received an influx of orders at the end of 2014 and built at high levels this year. He also said the workers who will be affected by the upcoming layoff — they have recall rights with the exception of probationary employees — could eventually be brought back. "I expect to see the market come back," Watson said. "It's a cyclical business. We see ebb and flow over usually a three-year period." .

Navistar Trims Losses, Expects Profitable 2016 Today’s Trucking / December 17, 2015 LISLE, IL – The truck and engine manufacturer Navistar International managed to cut back on its losses in its most recent fiscal quarter while they were down significantly for the 2015 fiscal year, both ending on Oct 31. Its fourth quarter 2015 net loss of US$50 million, or US$0.61 per diluted share, compared to a fourth quarter 2014 net loss of US$72 million, or US$0.88 per diluted share. Revenues in the quarter were US$2.5 billion compared to US$3 billion a year earlier. Fourth quarter 2015 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was US$86 million versus EBITDA of US$66 million in the same period a year ago. This quarter included $69 million in restructuring-related and impairment charge and $40 million in pre-existing warranty adjustments "We delivered on our adjusted EBITDA end-of year run rate target of eight percent or better, thanks to a favorable mix of truck sales and record parts profitability in our core North America market in the fourth quarter," said Troy A. Clarke, Navistar president and chief executive officer. "We also benefited from our continued focus on cost management across our operations, marked by a US$74 million improvement in structural costs in the quarter." As for full-year fiscal 2015 results, Navistar reported a net loss of US$184 million, or US$2.25 per diluted share, down significantly from a net loss of US$619 million, or US$7.60 per diluted share, for fiscal 2014. Revenue for fiscal 2015 was US$10.1 billion, down from US$10.8 billion a year earlier. Fiscal year 2015 adjusted EBITDA was US$494 million versus US$306 million for fiscal 2014. Chargeouts in the company's core North America market increased by 3,500 units, or six percent, in 2015, reflecting an 18 percent increase in Class 6/7 medium duty trucks, a 10 percent increase in school buses, and a seven percent increase in Class 8 severe service, partially offset by a four percent decline in Class 8 heavy trucks. Total market share for Class 6-8 and bus for the year was 16 percent. Operationally, the company reduced its total costs by more than US$300 million in 2015, including US$114 million in structural cost reductions, with the remainder coming from reduced material and logistics spending and lower manufacturing costs, according to Navistar. "For the third consecutive year, we generated around US$200 million in adjusted EBITDA improvement, and we expect this improvement trend to continue in 2016," Clarke said. "We are building the best products we've ever built, and we are winning back customers. We have identified and begun implementing actions to further lower our material spend and structural costs, while driving greater efficiencies in our manufacturing operations. As a result, we expect to build on our 2015 progress, and our goal is to achieve profitability and be free cash flow positive in 2016." In Navistar’s truck segment business during the 2015 fiscal fourth quarter it recorded a loss of US$36 million, compared with a year-ago loss of US$40 million. For the fiscal year 2015, the truck segment recorded a loss of US$141 million, compared with a fiscal year 2014 loss of US$380 million. For the fiscal fourth quarter of 2015, the parts segment recorded record profits of US$163 million, compared to a year-ago fourth quarter profit of US$150 million. For the fiscal year 2015, the parts segment recorded record profits of US$592 million, compared to a fiscal year 2014 profit of US$528 million. The global operations segment for the fourth quarter 2015 recorded a loss of US$27 million, compared to a year-ago fourth quarter loss of US$56 million. For the 2015 fiscal year, the global operations segment recorded a loss of US$67 million compared to a year-ago fiscal year loss of US$274 million. The financial services segment during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2015 recorded a profit of US$26 million, the same from a year earlier, while fiscal 2015 profit was US$98 million, up slightly from US$97 million a year earlier. Navistar also released the following guidance for its 2016 fiscal year that started on Nov. 1. - Forecasts retail deliveries of Class 6-8 trucks and buses in the U.S. and Canada will be in the range of 350,000 to 380,000 units industry-wide. - Full-year 2016 revenues of US$9.5 - US$10 billion. - Full-year 2016 adjusted EBITDA of US$600 - US$700 million.