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MAN Truck & Bus Press Release / January 19, 2016 MAN showcases integrated solutions for the construction sector at BAUMA* 2016 MAN will use five exhibits in hall B4, stand 225, to showcase its expertise in the construction sector. The display on the stand will include a crane tipper from the TGL series, a two-axle MAN TGS with HydroDrive as a semitrailer tractor, a payload optimized truck mixer on a four-axle MAN TGS, a MAN TGS designed for 33 tonnes for the mining industry and a three-axle MAN TGX tipper with the new 560 hp D38 engine. Four other vehicles will also be located in an open space in front of hall B4 at the exit next to the stand. Here, MAN plans to exhibit a MAN TGX 41.640 heavy-duty semitrailer tractor with the D38 engine, a five-axle MAN TGS designed for a gross permitted weight of 50 tonnes, a MAN TGS with triple-axle arrangement provided as standard, and a MAN TGM in all-wheel drive version. The needs of the user provide the focus for the MAN product range - true to the trade fair motto, “You can count on MAN”. MAN's sector-specific focus is evident in many areas, for example in the choice of three possible all-wheel drive technology variants. The optional all-wheel drive is the premier choice for occasional driving on more challenging terrain. The permanent all-wheel drive is ideal for use where a high-level of traction is often required as well as under widely varying road holding conditions. The MAN HydroDrive, an optional hydrostatic drive in the front axle, is an ideal addition if the vehicle travels predominately on sealed road surfaces and only occasionally needs additional traction. A success story continues: MAN HydroDrive The launch of the MAN Hydrodrive in 2005 represented the introduction by MAN of a new drive technology variant on to the market. The technical solution of a hydrostatically driven front axle to increase traction when required and to deliver a strong braking effect on steep offroad slopes was welcomed in many sectors with great interest. HydroDrive is thus available on the market in a wide range of drive configurations for two-, three- and four-axle vehicles. MAN has continued to develop this system and improve its operation in practice for users. The routing of the hydraulic lines has been optimised and the clearance around the wheels increased making larger rim and tyre widths possible - even with tyre chains attached. MAN is to announce an extension to its range of drive configurations at bauma 2016. MAN HydroDrive in combination with an automated gearbox is likely to be available to order from IAA 2016 onwards. A plus for payload: new light hypoid tandem axle At bauma 2016, MAN is to launch a new light hypoid tandem axle unit for payload-sensitive transport tasks. In comparison to fitting a planetary axle, this weighs in at approximately 280 kilogrammes lighter. Compared to normal hypoid axles currently available with a 13-tonne load capacity, a weight advantage of 180 kilogrammes is achieved. In terms of truck mixers, this means for example that it is possible to transport 180 kilogrammes more concrete or water. The requirement for the use of thermo-insulated bodies when transporting asphalt adds additional weight. The operator is now able to compensate for this payload loss with a lighter axle unit. This tandem axle unit also has other advantages besides the payload argument: Slightly less diesel is used compared to vehicles fitted with planetary axles. In a direct comparison of hypoid axles, the new axle construction - designed for a payload of 11.5 tonnes - also offers additional ground clearance of approximately four centimetres. This means that, also with hypoid axles, MAN now meets the authorisation criteria for an offroad vehicle (N3G) of medium-high design height and with 315/80 R22.5 tyres. The new axle unit is available for vehicles up to 480 hp in normal height design for leaf-leaf and air-leaf suspension versions of the TGX 6x4, TGS 6x4 and 8x4. This also includes the TGM in 6x4 drive configuration. The TGX 6x4 and TGS 6x4 and 8x4 also benefit from this equipment alternative in the medium height version with leaf-leaf suspension. Construction flagship: the MAN TGX with D38 engine MAN is showcasing the powerful D38 engine in the TGX series for the first time at bauma. This combination represents the perfect vehicle for heavy-duty traction operation. With high engine power over 500 hp, you can transport heavy loads and also achieve high average speeds. Typical applications include tilting articulated trains or 6x4 tippers frequently used with trailers, as well as heavy-duty roll-off skip loaders. In construction traffic, for example, if low loader trailers with heavy-duty construction machines need to be pulled, then the TGX D38 with 520 and 560 hp can move up to a gross train weight of 120 tonnes with ease - depending on the driveline design. In line with sector requirement, MAN is adding the TGX D38 in normal as well as in medium design heights and with tough steel bumpers to the product range. The two-stage turbochargers characteristic of MAN engines means the 6-cylinder in-line engine with 15.256 ccm displacement reaches its nominal torque of 2700 Nm at 930 rpm. The full torque can also be used in a wide torque range of 930 to 1350 rpm. This means that in traction applications, this top-of-the-range model draws upon its great tractive power at low speeds, changes gear at an early stage and keeps the engine torque high in high gears. In summer 2015, MAN switched the TGX D38 series over to the new TipMatic TX gearbox generation. Its direct-drive version is designed for the high torque of 2500 to 2700 Nm produced by the D38 engines. This TX gearbox provides the customer with a number of convenience functions. The following functions from the catalogue are particularly suited for use in the construction industry. Gradient sensor: Thanks to the integrated gradient sensor, the TGX D38 takes the current topography into account when selecting a gear. The driveline always finds the right gear for moving off – whether driving uphill, with an empty vehicle or with full loads. Rocking free: On a snow-covered carriageway for example, or on lightly compressed ground on construction sites, this function on the TGX D38 makes it easier for trucks which are stuck to pull away. If the rocking free function is activated, the clutch opens very quickly, so long as the driver has lifted off the accelerator. If the accelerator is pressed again the clutch closes, allowing the driver to carefully rock the vehicle free. A suitable gear is selected automatically here in order to reduce the torque to the drive wheels and thus avoid wheel spin. Manoeuvring feature: The interaction between the accelerator position and clutch controls has been designed to function even more smoothly so that the driver can manoeuvre more accurately at the loading ramp or in confined construction sites.The aim of other functions available on the TipMatic TX gearbox is rather fuel saving. They therefore contribute positively in terms of the TCO of the MAN TGX D38. The new EfficientCruise GPS cruise control with EfficientRoll “sailing” function were brought into this series along with the TipMatic TX. The combination of both factors provides potential savings. The system utilizes the 3D map material of the terrain to anticipate the course taken by the road and adapts the speed accordingly. At the same time, EfficientCruise anticipates gear selection and shifts down into the appropriate gear before uphill sections. The aim is to manage the uphill section without tractive force interruption. For short inclines, the vehicle completely prevents downshifts if possible. With the knowledge of the topography of the course of the road ahead, the vehicle shifts up a gear at an early stage if this is likely to have a positive effect in fuel saving. This is where the speed shifting functions play their part. Thanks to the specific coordination of engine, clutch and gearbox control, it shifts even more quickly between the three highest gears – 10th, 11th and 12th. This means, for example, that the gearbox can shift down more quickly when going uphill and the torque for tractive force interruption is shortened. This in turn means that greater momentum is maintained, saving on the vehicle's fuel. The Idle Speed Driving function uses the high torque of the 15.2 litre engine at low speeds which provides greater comfort when driving slowly and saves fuel. This is particularly practical in stop-go traffic or when coasting up to a roundabout. In such situations, the vehicle will continue to move forward with the engine at idling speed and the clutch closed, as long as the driver does not brake. For the heavy load: MAN TGX heavy-duty transporter The MAN TGX with D38 engine provides top performance for heavy-duty transport. The four-axle MAN TGX 41.640 8x4/4 combines the most powerful version of the D38 engine and the MAN TipMatic TX with the standard converter-clutch unit. Thanks to the strong torque of 3000 Nm, even heavy-duty transport of 250 tonnes can be moved smoothly and powerfully. The converter-clutch unit allows for particularly precise shunting in tight spaces, on inclines and with heavy loads. The launch of the MAN TGX D38 was the reason to extend the range of models in the heavy-duty transport segment. As regards cabs, there is a choice between all widths XL, XLX and XXL, and now also right-hand drive ex-works. Important for heavy-duty transport operators: the wheelbases on the new Euro 6 version with the D38 engine are the same as the current Euro 5 design with the V8 engine. This means that the cornering characteristics of the towing vehicle and the connected trailer or semitrailer remain the same. The existing reports continue to be valid without alteration. In addition to the premium 640 hp class, MAN is adding further models to the product range for heavy-duty transport. Gross train weights of up to 180 tonnes are possible with the 560 HP and 2700 Nm D38 engine. Tailored to the sector in every respect: partially raised exhaust system MAN offers four-axle chassis from the TGS series with a two-part exhaust system. The diesel particulate filter is fitted between both front axles, and the SCR-cat is positioned on a frame behind the cab. The extension to the variant range is new for bauma 2016: This version is now also available with the 8x4 drive in combination with the longer L and LX cabs. It has so far only been offered with the M cab in drive configurations 8x4, 8x6, 8x8 and 8x6H. The advantages of this arrangement are the avoidance of dust turbulence by means of an exhaust tailpipe which discharges downwards, and the increased space provided in the frame between the second and third axles. This free space can be used for a larger fuel tank or for additions needed by the body. Alternatively, a vehicle with a shorter wheelbase may be chosen to increase manoeuvrability. This emission control system configuration is also available for the standard five-axle, created by attaching an 8x4 to a steered trailing axle. A tough operator in mining: MAN TGS WorldWide For mining and gravel extraction operations, MAN offers the tough and resilient MAN TGS chassis from its WorldWide product family in markets outside Europe. The vehicles are optimised to meet sector requirements: The tandem axle unit on the MAN TGS 33.480 6x6 BB - an exhibit at bauma - now has a longer wheelbase of 1500 millimetres. This means that large format 16 R 20 tyres can be fitted. If the ground conditions require them, 24 R 20.5 format tyres also fit on the tippers. The MAN TGS dumper truck, designed for a gross permitted weight of 33 tonnes, is therefore ideal as an alternative to the articulated dumper which is significantly more expensive to purchase. The MAN TGS WorldWide, designed by the Munich based commercial vehicle manufacturer, represents a truck to cope with challenging road situations as well as extreme climatic conditions such as icy temperatures, snow and extreme heat. The heat retention function, which remains active in neutral, has proven itself in Arctic climatic regions and in frosty winters. It ensures operational capability of the vehicle in temperatures of up to minus 40°C. The MAN TGS 40.540 6x6 BBS from the TGS WorldWide series is available for the toughest of transportation tasks. The combination of the three-axle towing vehicle with 540 hp engine, MAN TipMatic automated gearbox with converter-clutch unit (WSK), leaf-sprung planetary axle and additional radiators for engine, gearbox, WSK and transfer case is ideal for gross train weights of up to 250 tonnes at maximum traction. This vehicle is designed for worldwide operations. It is available as both a left and right-hand drive vehicle and also in emission categories Euro 4 and Euro 5. Air intake as well as exhaust tailpipe are raised for rough operating conditions; it has a steel bumper and tyre formats 325/95 R24 and 14.00 R20 may be selected. Heavy duty equipment ex-works is a tradition at MAN. Components such as two-stage trailer hydraulics, register coupling, heavy-duty trailer coupling at normal and low mounting positions, sliding device for fifth-wheel coupling and support plate for swan neck can of course also be supplied by MAN with this towing machine. The Euro 5 exhaust classification is increasingly gaining in importance in markets outside Europe. MAN is therefore introducing common rail engines to the TGS Worldwide series from the D20 and D26 series for the first time in this exhaust classification. These come from the D20 engine series with 320, 360, 400, and 440 hp. The D26 covers the 480 hp and 540 hp versions. All the engines are 6 cylinder in line engines. MAN image database - http://bildarchiv.man.de/index.php/main?level=0&catId=11651&mainCatId=530&catName=bauma+2016〈=en * Held every three years in Munich, Germany, BAUMA (International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines, Construction Vehicles and Construction Equipment) is the world's largest trade fair in the construction industry.

Volvo Trucks Press Release / January 19, 2016

Fleet Owner / January 19, 2016 Legislation would restore numerous House riders to 2016 budget Another try at permitting 33-ft. twin trailers on the federal highway system is included in new legislation that’s otherwise designed to respond to “executive branch overreach” and “recalibrate the Constitutional structure of the federal government.” “The Article I Consolidated Appropriations Amendments of 2016” (H.R. 4371) was introduced last week by Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) to restore a number of policy riders and “defunds” passed by the House but not included by House-Senate negotiators in the final omnibus spending package that funds the federal government for the current fiscal year. “By doing our work, House Republicans have laid out a counterbalance to President Obama’s wholesale assault on free markets and individual liberties,” Buck writes to congressional colleagues, asking for support of the legislation. "[H.R. 4371] consolidates some of this work in the hopes of providing each House Republican a solid platform from which to begin the process of reclaiming Congress’ rightful place in our Constitutional government.” Along with provisions to place a moratorium on any new rules or regulations proposed by the executive branch, defund President Obama’s “illegal executive action” on immigration, and prevent IRS use of funds to implement Obamacare, the bill amends U.S. code by striking language that sets the maximum combination trailer length at 28 feet and replaces that with 33 feet. Both the House and the Senate initially passed budget amendments allowing the longer “pup” trailers, but the Senate ordered its members on the omnibus conference committee not to approve any such language in the final package. A group of the nation’s largest LTL carriers and the American Trucking Assns. have lobbied for the twin 33s. Related reading: http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/42734-senate-votes-to-delay-twin-33s-approval-in-transportation-funding-bill/?hl=twin http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/42296-3-senators-set-news-conference-to-state-opposition-to-33-foot-trailers/?hl=twin http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/41731-house-bill-would-increase-interstate-weight-limit-to-91000-pounds/?hl=twin#entry303708

When I think of trucking and New Jersey, I think of the F-models of National Freight, and its smiling accountants in Vineland. .

ISIS massacres 300 Syrian civilians The Guardian / January 17, 2016 An attack by ISIS on the eastern Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor has left at least 85 civilians and 50 government troops dead, a monitoring group has said, with state media denouncing a “massacre”. Syria’s state news agency Sana, quoting residents, said up to 300 civilians were killed in the onslaught. It would be one of the highest tolls for a single day in Syria’s nearly five-year war. The bloodshed in Deir ez-Zor came as Syrian forces battled ISIS in the northern province of Aleppo, killing at least 16 jihadis, and as airstrikes hit the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said Isis had advanced into the northern tip of Deir ez-Zor and captured the northern suburb of Al-Baghaliyeh. Initially, it reported that 35 Syrian soldiers and allied militiamen had been killed in the multi-front attack, which included a suicide bombing. But as the day unfolded, the death toll rose. SOHR said “The [isis] terrorists carried out a massacre in Al-Baghaliyeh, claiming the lives of around 300 civilians, most of them women, children and elderly people.” It said most of the victims were killed “execution-style” in Al-Baghaliyeh. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russia kills 60 militants in Deir ez-Zor, where ISIS massacred hundreds of civilians RT / January 19, 2016 The Russian Air Force in Syria has eliminated 60 Islamic State militants in eastern Deir ez-Zor province, the Defense Ministry reported. Several days ago, mass execution of civilians were reported there. “The Russian Su-34 bombers have struck terrorist strongholds near the village of Bagilya in the Deir ez-Zor province where ISIS has recently executed 300 civilian from the local population for the sake of intimidation,” Defense Ministry spokesman Major-General Igor Konashenkov said. Over the weekend, Islamic State jihadists have reportedly slaughtered up to 300 people in the Deir ez-Zor province, killing “whole families” for alleged cooperation with the Syrian Army. READ MORE: ISIS massacres 280 civilians for ‘cooperation with the Syrian army’ – reports The airstrikes also destroyed three trucks with ammunition, two SUVs with mounted Zu-23 anti-aircraft cannons. Konashenkov said the Russian Air Force is continuing its operation “to deliver food and essential items to areas blocked by terrorists” in Syria. On Monday, over 40 tons of humanitarian aid from Russian Defense Ministry and Syrian government was parachuted to the encircled city of Deir ez-Zor and other areas. READ MORE: Russian army launches humanitarian op in Syria - General Staff "According to the reports received by the Syrian leadership from the settlements where the humanitarian aid was delivered, all the cargo has been received and is now being passed to the residents,” he said. Over the last four days, Russian warplanes have carried out 157 sorties and struck 579 terrorist targets in the Syrian provinces of Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Homs, Hama, Latakia and Raqqa, Konashenkov said. Around 20 jihadists and three SUVs with heavy machine guns were destroyed in an airstrike by Su-24 bombers on ISIS strongholds in Latakia. Russian Su-25s eliminated an ISIS field camp in Homs province, based on information received from the Syrian opposition. "A few days ago, one of the units of the [anti-terroist] opposition received information about the location of the ISIS field camp near the village of Kissin in the Homs province,” he said. The air strike against the target was carried out after the information was verified via surveillance drones and the anti-terrorist information center in Baghdad. "The command of the Russian Air Force continues its cooperation with the units of the [anti-terrorist] opposition in Syria, which are fighting Islamic State, Jabhat Al-Nusra and other terror groups,” Konashenkov said. Russia is also continuing to target the illegal oil trade, which is the main source of income for the terrorists, the Ministry of Defense said. Russian war planes have destroyed a large warehouse of combustive-lubricating materials and an oil pumping station in the province of Raqqa,” he said. READ MORE: ISIS fighters’ salaries halved, 'exceptional circumstances' to blame - reports In Aleppo province, air surveillance discovered a column of trucks carrying smuggled oil towards the Turkish border. Twenty-three oil tankers were destroyed in an airstrike by Russian Su-24 bombers, Konashenkov added. Russia has been bombing IS and other terror groups in Syria since September 30, 2015, at the official request of President Bashar Assad. Related video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4iCRnPBo18#t=49 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-82prBykh0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSIv4SeOgCA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnPyLvu1REE

Sanders is the only non-politician on the Presidential Elections’ circuit (unlike a politician, he’s honest) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sanders upends foreign-policy critique by Clinton experts: 'I was right' on Iraq The Guardian / January 19, 2016 After former US officials express ‘concern’ over Bernie Sanders’ ‘out-of-step’ policies on Isis and Iran, surging senator says his war vote sill matters Bernie Sanders pushed back against global-affairs experts backing Hillary Clinton who questioned the Vermont senator’s grasp of foreign policy, touting his judgement over her experience as he surges in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. “On the crucial foreign policy issue of our time, it turns out that Secretary Clinton – with all of her experience – was wrong and I was right,” says Sanders, freshly condemning his then-senate colleague’s 2002 vote to approve the US invasion of Iraq. While conceding that he has fewer foreign-policy credentials than the former secretary of state, Sanders said he maintains better judgement. “It is fair to say, in terms of experience, Hillary Clinton was secretary of state for four years and has a lot of experience, no debate about that,” Sanders said. “But there is a difference between experience and judgement. Not only did I vote against the war in Iraq, I helped lead the opposition to that war.” Earlier on Tuesday, a group of 10* former senior US diplomats and national security officials who are supporting former secretary of state Hillary Clinton released a letter calling Sanders’s foreign policy agenda “troubling” and “puzzling”. The letter-writers characterized Sanders’s strategy to defeat Isis as improbable and his plan to normalize relations with Iran as “out of step” with the current administration. “The stakes are high,” the diplomats warn in the letter. “And we are concerned that Senator Sanders has not thought through these crucial national security issues that can have profound consequences for our security.” Sanders told the Guardian that he believed it was “absolutely imperative that we crush ISIS”. “I believe we have got to learn the lesson from the war in Iraq,” Sanders said. “And that lesson is: we cannot do it alone. We need to do it in coalition. I agree with King Abdullah of Jordan that it must be Muslim troops on the ground, supported by the major powers. US, UK, Germany, France, Russia. The letter criticized Sanders’ for remarks he made during Sunday’s Democratic debate, when he suggested the US move “aggressively” to normalize relations with Iran following recent developments in the nuclear deal. The letter-writers also criticized an earlier remark by the senator that Iran should forge a military coalition with Saudi Arabia – “two intense adversaries” – and send more troops to Syria. During the debate on Sunday, Sanders was asked whether he would support the reopening of an embassy in Tehran and the restoring of normal diplomatic relations between the countries, which severed ties in 1979. “I think what we have got to do is move as aggressively as we can to normalize relations with Iran, understanding that Iran’s behavior in so many ways in something that we disagree with,” Sanders replied. Sanders said he didn’t foresee opening an embassy in Tehran anytime soon, but compared the situation with Cuba, which has in the past year normalized relations with the US. “I think the goal has got to be, as we have done with Cuba, to move in warm relations with a very powerful and important country in this world,” Sanders said at the debate. In an earlier statement on Tuesday, Sanders spokesman Michael Briggs called Sander’s foreign policy judgement “far superior” and sharpened its criticism of Clinton’s Iraq war vote. “Secretary Clinton voted for that [iraq] war – one of the worst foreign policy blunders in the modern history of our country and a war which resulted in the kind of chaos and instability which allowed for the rise of ISIS,” said Briggs. “Senator Sanders not only voted against the war but helped lead the opposition to the war. Many of the concerns he raised in 2002 turned out, unfortunately, to be true.” Multiple reports this week have cited increasing frustration inside the Clinton campaign, as Sanders maintains strong polling support in New Hampshire and Iowa, which will be the first state to vote in the Democratic presidential contest in less than two weeks. The remarks were in response to a letter published on Tuesday by 10 former senior US diplomats and national security officials who are supporting the former secretary of state that questioned Sanders’s grasp on foreign policy, citing his recent comments on normalizing relations with Iran. * The statement [letter] was signed by: Jeremy B. Bash, former chief of staff to the director of the CIA and former chief of staff to the secretary of defense; Rand Beers, former senior US government official in the Obama administration; Daniel Benjamin, former coordinator for counterterrorism at the State Department; Ambassador Nicholas Burns, former under secretary of state for political affairs during the George W. Bush administration; Derek Chollet, former assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs; Kathleen H. Hicks, former principal deputy under secretary of defense for policy; Lt. General Donald Kerrick (Ret.), former deputy national security advisor; James N. Miller, former under secretary of defense for policy; Julianne Smith, former deputy national security adviser to the Vice President Joe Biden; and Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman, former under secretary of state for political affairs and one of the key negotiators in the nuclear deal with Iran. Most of the signees have worked in the administrations of President Bill Clinton, or under Hillary Clinton during her tenure as secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. The statement came with just two weeks before the Iowa caucuses, the first contest of the primary election season, and as Sanders has been narrowing Clinton’s lead in the polls. According to a recent Monmouth University poll, Clinton has 52 percent support with Democratic primary voters nationwide and Sanders with 37 percent. Since the same poll was taken in mid-December, Sanders has climbed by 11 percentage points.

The 6 German Tornado jets deployed to Syria for reconnaissance missions can't fly at night, Germany’s Bild newspaper reported Tuesday. (A whole 6 aircraft. And, Merkel refused to perform in a combat role out of fear of reprisal by the ocean of Muslims refugees now taking over Germany) Germany’s G36 assault rifle, which is being phased out, is the butt of jokes because it can't fire straight at high temperatures. Der Spiegel magazine reported last year that only four of the military's 39 NH90 helicopters were currently useable. Most recently, the German air force admitted the external fuel tank of one of its Eurofighters fell off as it was preparing for takeoff.

I can believe that. All politicians are spin doctors when their necks are on the line. One of my favorite quotes: "Listen, I'm a politician which means I'm a cheat and a liar, and when I'm not kissing babies I'm stealing their lollipops. But it also means I keep my options open"

Don’t enforce the law and people (rightfully) complain. Enforce the law.......and people complain. How can the deportation of an illegal immigrants be cruel? Their woes are self-inflicted.....they became criminals the moment they illegally entered the United States. Immigration rights advocates and Latino leaders feel betrayed? About what? $750 million in taxpayer money for bribes [i.e. developmental aid] to Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras if they supposedly prevent their people from heading to the US. Good luck with that investment. I don’t recall voting for that expenditure. It all comes back to the same discussion........Why would any U.S. politician promise illegal immigrants amnesty after them having committed the crime of entering the U.S. illegally? When did rewarding criminals become an American standard? “Illegal” immigrants are inherently criminals. That they would intentionally enter the United States illegally speaks volumes about their character. The 11.3 million illegal immigrants (aliens) in the United States should be deported, and black-listed from applying to legally immigrate to the U.S. in the future. The U.S. citizenship of all children born to illegal immigrants in the United States should be revoked. They should be deported with their illegal immigrant parents. The U.S. citizenship of all birth tourism babies over the last 10 years should be revoked. The founding fathers did not intend for foreigners to fly into the U.S. (and territories, e.g. Saipan) to give birth, so that the child's family could use this unscrupulous means (loophole) to immigrate later. At any point in time, there are millions of people around the world who are waiting in line to “legally” immigrate to the United States. This is the process, the immigration law, of our country. Should any respectable individuals wish to immigrate to the U.S., they can apply through the normal process at the U.S. embassy in their home country.......and get in line.

Obama struggling with immigration rules and cruelties of deportation The Washington Post / January 18, 2016 The Obama White House is working frantically to quell the political outrage among immigration rights advocates and Latino leaders who say they feel betrayed by a recent series of deportation raids launched by the administration, [allegedly] mostly against women and children from Central America. While the raids continue with administration support, White House aides announced an expanded State Department partnership with the United Nations to resettle Central American refugees in the United States and elsewhere, and Vice President Biden traveled to the region last week to meet with the presidents of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. “The goal of this effort is to provide a safe and legal alternative to the dangerous journey many are currently taking in the hands of human smugglers,” said White House spokesman Peter Boogaard. “Expanding resettlement opportunities is a key part of our broader response to the situation” in the three nations, he said. The administration’s decision to launch the raids has reopened old wounds between the White House and many Latino communities, and it has compromised the president’s efforts to create an election-year contrast with Republicans on immigration. U.S. officials said the operations are aimed at sending a strong message of deterrence to Central American families and avoiding a repeat of the 2014 border crisis when an influx of tens of thousands of migrants from the region overwhelmed patrol stations on the Mexican border. But growing blowback from congressional Democrats and advocacy groups has put the White House on the defensive just 14 months after President Obama sought to repair strained relations with Latino voters by taking unilateral steps to ease the deportation threat for those with deep ties to the United States. The centerpiece of that program — which would allow up to 5 million illegal immigrants to gain work permits without fear of being deported — has been suspended by a federal judge who is reviewing a lawsuit over its constitutionality. The White House has publicly supported the raids by the Department of Homeland Security, which this month apprehended 121 Central Americans with outstanding deportation orders in several states. In private meetings last week, DHS officials told immigrant rights advocates that they are considering expanding the raids to include minors who entered the country on their own, a move to further boost deterrence efforts, according to several people involved in the talks. Also reportedly under consideration for removal are Central Americans who failed to show up for their court hearings and have been ordered out of the country in absentia, those sources said. DHS officials declined to comment on the private meetings. Disappointed immigration reform advocates compared the current tactics to those employed by the George W. Bush administration, which ramped up raids on homes and workplaces in Bush’s final years in office. They expressed bewilderment at the move in light of Obama’s staunch defense of Muslim refu­gees fleeing civil war in Syria. The president harshly criticized the idea, advanced by some GOP presidential candidates, that the United States should temporarily ban Muslim refugees from entering the United States over fears of terrorism. Though relatively small in scale — 77 people have been deported — the DHS raids have gained resonance for their focus on women and children who have fled nations with soaring rates of gang violence, drug cartels and domestic abuse. “When President Obama stood up for the [syrian] refu­gee program and stood up against the blanket racism directed at anyone who appeared to be Middle Eastern or Muslim, I think people were happy,” said Paromita Shah, associate director off the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild. “But they can’t square it with what he is doing now. We’re asking ourselves, ‘Why are we here at this point? Why did he have to do this?’ ” A group of 140 House Democrats sent a letter to Obama demanding that he halt the [deportation] operations, and the three major candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination, including Hillary Clinton, have denounced the raids. At a demonstration outside the White House last week, Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (D-Ill.) joined protesters, including one who held up a news photograph from 2000 of a federal agent pointing a rifle at Elian Gonzalez, a 6-year-old from Cuba who was living in Miami. Obama aides scrambled to tamp down the criticism from their traditional allies. A top White House lawyer met on the afternoon of Obama’s State of the Union address last Tuesday with half a dozen House Democrats, including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Biden’s meeting with the presidents of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras focused on $750 million in newly allocated developmental aid from the United States that had been promised after the 2014 border crisis. In an interview, a senior administration official blamed the public outcry on sensationalized news coverage and a climate of fear fostered by GOP campaign rhetoric. Leading Republican presidential candidates, including real estate magnate Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.), have pledged to deport all of the nation’s 11 million illegal immigrants and build a wall to keep them out. “It’s the combination of hysteria before anything happened and a moment when there’s a lot of talk about deportation coming from folks in the political sphere,” said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because was not authorized to speak on the record. “It’s an atmosphere of high emotion, and that emotion has been reflected in ways that are understandable. . . . But there’s just a gulf between that conversation and the reality of the enforcement that has taken place.” Immigrant rights groups have been skeptical of the Obama administration since deportations reached a record high of more than 400,000 per year by the end of his first term. Under pressure from Democrats to scale back deportations, Obama moved to reshape immigration policies through executive action after Congress failed to pass a comprehensive border-control bill in 2014. Days after the midterm elections, the president announced a new program to defer the deportations of up to 5 million illegal immigrants — most of them parents of U.S. citizens who have lived in the United States at least five years. At the same time, DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said his agency would focus its enforcement operations on the highest priorities: convicted felons, people with terrorist ties and recent border crossers who do not qualify for asylum protections. White House officials pointed to the 231,000 deportations in 2015, the lowest level of Obama’s tenure, as evidence that the administration is pursuing more humane policies. Each of the Central Americans apprehended this month had been ruled ineligible for asylum by an immigration judge and ordered deported, officials said. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employed female agents [white glove treatment afforded to criminals] to make arrests of female immigrants and limited the amount of tactical gear agents wore in order to minimize the anxiety in the community, the officials said. Advocates applauded the beefed-up refu­gee resettlement program announced by Secretary of State John F. Kerry last week. But they said its creation served to highlight the disconnect between the nature of the immigration flow from Central America and the raids aimed at helping staunch it. Unlike previous generations of illegal immigrants, who came across the Southwest border seeking economic opportunity, the newer migrants are fleeing violence and physical abuse. Furthermore, advocates contend that the administration’s focus on deportations as a deterrence strategy has lost potency. The number of Central American families crossing the Southwest border tripled in the final three months of 2015 compared with a year earlier, and the number of unaccompanied minors doubled, according to federal statistics. “It seems that the fear in the community and the problems the raids have triggered far outweigh any perceived gains of deterrence,” said Royce Murray, policy director at the National Immigrant Justice Center. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), while praising Kerry’s refugee plan, called on the administration to “immediately halt domestic immigration raids that fast-track the deportations of the very same families we are hoping to aid.” For the immigrant communities, the raids have added to their frustration that Obama’s deferred action program has been blocked for nearly a year by a federal court judge who is considering a lawsuit from Texas and 25 other states over its constitutionality. [The illegal immigrants are frustrated.......this is a problem?] The administration has petitioned the Supreme Court to hear its appeal, and officials fear that a failure to enforce the deportation orders against the Central American families would undermine the case. The high court is expected to announce this week whether it will hear that case this spring. “Immigration enforcement is a fact of life,” said the administration official who was not authorized to speak on the record [Why not?]. “This administration was the first to establish a set of priorities and the first to act on those priorities. Some of the very people who saluted the priorities when they were issued are now saying DHS should not execute on them.”

I always liked the styling of the U.S. market Ford N-Series. Sears and Roebuck operated hundreds of them. The Chevrolet E80 and W80, and GMC B-Series, reminded me a lot of the U.S. market Ford N-Series. You also are forced to think, if a GM engineer had been instructed to create a civilian version of the M135, they would be the result. .

Well done my friend. Well done.

What was the part number of the R-700 and F-model grille in chrome.......6MF519P2 ?

The Mid-Liner combination turn signal switch is no longer available from Mack? What did Watts Mack say when you called them? I believe the Mack part number is 4103-5000361541. Under the former (and superb) Mack part-numbering system, 4103 was the vendor code for Renault. These switches are readily available in Europe.

Hillary blushes and becomes speechless when asked about her relationship with Putin (an embarrassing moment for Vladimir).

All the admired qualities of the former Mack Trucks are present at Scania. Scania's company culture, the immediately noticeable passion for being the best in trucks, is virtually identical to that of the former American Mack Trucks led by Zenon C.R. Hansen.

Oil price wallows below $29 The Financial Times / January 18, 2016 Resumption of crude slide follows lifting of sanctions on Iran Oil prices sank further below $28 early on Monday on fears the lifting of sanctions against Iran will push more supply on to a global market already grappling with overcapacity. The renewed fall in prices, which sank below $30 a barrel on Friday and hit US stocks, dovetails with Implementation Day when the economic benefits of life unyoked by many international sanctions start to flow to Iran. Those include the ending of embargoes by western powers on oil imports. The slide in oil prices pulled Asian equities lower, sending the Japanese stock market briefly into bear territory. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, shed as much as 4.3 per cent in Asian trading to $27.70 a barrel, the lowest since November 2003. That followed a 6.7% slump on Friday in New York and a decline of 13.7% for the whole of last week. In the run-up to the start of European equities trading, Brent crude had recovered slightly but was still down 2% at $28.36, with Nymex WTI 1.9% softer at $28.86. It had fallen to $28.36, the lowest level since October 30, 2003. Concern about additional Iranian barrels come as prices are already depressed by a supply glut due to the development of shale oil in the US and Opec’s refusal to curtail production. Brent crude has now fallen 77.4% since closing at a record high $126.65 a barrel in April 2011. The drop was most precipitous in the second half of 2014 when prices went from above $100 to below $50 by January last year. On Monday, Barclays made what it called a “significant” reduction to its price forecasts the year. The bank now expects Brent and WTI to average $37 in 2016, down from $60 and $56 respectively. Kevin Norrish, an analyst, said: “The miserable start to the year for commodities markets has been exacerbated by heavy speculative selling on the basis of too much supply.” “New year woes are now being compounded by preliminary data suggesting demand is weakening sharply as well.” Barclays went on to warn that the “deflationary pressure” sparked by weakening oil prices could mean that the European Central Bank would take “further action” to loosen monetary policy, while a Bank of England move to tighten interest rates could be delayed into the fourth quarter of the year. Analysts at HSBC expressed scepticism that benefits typically associated with lower oil prices, particularly for oil-importing nations around Asia, will flow through this time. “Lower commodity prices, including oil, partly reflect weakening demand itself. In addition, the downturn in mining capex and the declining income of commodity producers is weighing on exports from Asia. So don’t expect the plunge in crude to lead to a swift bounce in Asian demand,” they said.

Both of the Team’s Trucks Finish at Rosario. Team Wins Seventh Straight Championship in the Under 10-litre Class Hino Trucks Press Release / January 17, 2016 Car 2 finishes at 13th overall, showcasing the HINO500 Series truck’s outstanding capabilities. On January 16, the final stage of Dakar Rally 2016, teams competed on a 180km special between Villa Carlos Paz and Rosario and then traveled on a liaison before reaching the finish line in Rosario. The goal ceremony was carried out beside one of the city’s historic sites “Monumento a la Bandera.” HINO TEAM SUGAWARA, the only team that entered in the Trucks category from Japan, fielded two HINO500 Series trucks in the rally. The team’s Car 2 crewed by Teruhito Sugawara and Hiroyuki Sugiura finished at an accumulated ranking of 13th place in the overall Trucks category, and top in the Under 10-litre Class. Car 1 crewed by Yoshimasa Sugawara and Mitsugu Takahashi finished at 31st in the same, and 2nd in its class, crowning the team’s seventh straight championship in the class with a one-two finish. With Car 2 finishing at 13th overall in its category, the team has been able to prove once again the outstanding potential of the HINO 500 Series trucks. This day, contestants traveled on a 131km liaison from the Villa Carlos Paz near Cordoba which took them to the start line of an 180km SS in an intermountain area. The stage was primarily set on mountain roads and featured many twisty sections that were hardly accommodating of trucks. HINO TEAM SUGAWARA’s Car 2 was able to finish at 16th place and 1st in its class, but Car 1 was not so fortunate as it suffered lost time at the 110km point where a number of vehicles ahead of it became unable to move forward in a deeply rutted section of the road. Car 1 eventually finished the special at 40th overall and 3rd in its class before arriving at Rosario at the end of a 387km liaison. The goal podium was set up by the Monumento a la Bandera facing the Paraná River, the starting point of Dakar Rally 2014. Although the trucks arrived late in the afternoon, the crowd exploded into cheers as the HINO500 Series trucks and mechanics riding atop their roofs arrived by the podium. Crews firmly shook hands with Hino Motors chairman, Masakazu Ichikawa, who flew in from Japan, concluding the 13 stages of racing over 15 days in this year’s Dakar. Masakazu Ichikawa, Chairman, Hino Motors: I’d like to acknowledge the team for delivering a solid performance this year again. I get the feeling that Mr. Teruhito can climb even higher, but in any case, I’m very grateful to the entire team and for all the support that we’ve received. Twenty-five years of racing in the Dakar is quite a long history when you think about it, and I’m amazed at how Mr. Sugawara and his team have come together to achieve these results. Yoshimasa Sugawara: I’m happy to have finished in what ended up being a very challenging rally this year, and I’m also very happy to see so many people cheering us on at the goal. One of the memorable things for me this year was that, for the first time in a long while, we got bogged down and stuck. I’ll continue to race on. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us. Mitsugu Takahashi: The road was deeply rutted at the 110km point in today’s SS, keeping us from getting through. There was a line of vehicles that couldn’t move forward and we lost about an hour and 20 minutes. Fortunately, we managed to finish the special thanks to locals who guided us to an alternate route. This was the first Dakar for me and the fact that it’s all over hasn’t sunk in yet. I feel like we’re going to be racing again tomorrow. Teruhito Sugawara: This was the 25th anniversary of Hino Motors’ first entry in the Dakar Rally, so I took that to heart as we raced. The truck upgrades that we made have had a definite impact and I feel that we’ve got our rivals by their tails now. We know what we need to do next, so I think this was a great race also in terms of development going forward. Hiroyuki Sugiura: The course today was made up of twisty piste in the mountains, with almost no high-speed segments. There were areas that were slippery from the rain, and we did have one spin out. We wanted to finish in the top ten this year but regrettably we were a few positions short. That said, we’ve proven that we’re capable of fighting close battles with the top contenders so we have a lot to look forward to. Seiichi Suzuki: Our times in the specials are generally getting better, and this was confirmation of the trucks’ improved performance. Repairs for some minor weld cracks were about the only repairs that we needed to do on our suspensions and supporting members, so I’m happy about that. Masaki Tagoku: Time just flew by and I had a lot of fun. It was tough when things got so hectic that we didn’t even have time to sleep, but I’m very happy that I was able to work with this group of people. I’m very grateful that we were able to bring both HINO500 Series trucks to the finish line. Masato Kondo: What I learned is that anything can happen in Dakar. It was critical for us to deal with them one by one as they arose. In the past, I had been servicing trucks for myself. In the Dakar Rally, I experienced servicing the vehicle for the driver, and I think that has helped me grow in many ways. Nozomi Tonoike: A lot of things are going through my mind as I see the goal podium today and realize that it is all over. It was tough but it was well worth it. I really wanted to experience the Dakar Rally first-hand, so I’m very grateful for having been given this opportunity. Hideyuki Sakaguchi: It was a long two weeks, but it also feels like it just went by in a blink of an eye. Things got really tough at times, but we worked together as a team to overcome any problems. Seeing the goal podium today, I’m just left speechless. Photo gallery - http://www.hino-global.com/dakar/latest_news/PD16-25.html

Car 2 Climbs to 13th in Accumulated Rankings Overall Hino Trucks Press Release / January 16, 2016 Both trucks return safely to their last bivouac in Villa Carlos Paz. With only two more days to go in Dakar Rally 2016, the trucks raced on a 267km SS en route from San Juan to their last bivouac in Villa Carlos Paz. The SS was set in the intermountain areas on the outskirts of Cordoba and consisted primarily of twisty mountain roads. Many parts of the course were narrow, and whereas the SS for motorbikes and cars was 481km long, the course for trucks branched off midway making for a shorter course that finished at 267km. Nonetheless, the liaison leading to the start of the SS was 414km long, and adds to that the 185km liaison that came after the SS, the total distance of 866km was the longest traveled by the trucks in a single day in this year's rally. During the second half of the rally, Car 2 has consistently delivered outstanding performance in the specials clocking at 9th, 14th, and 13th overall, proving that it was a force to reckon with even among its rivals with larger engine displacements. Leveraging its speed in what was a very challenging stage this day, the Teruhito Sugawara and Hiroyuki Sugiura crew pushed HINO TEAM SUGAWARA's Car 2 aggressively, finishing the SS at 20th in the overall trucks category and top in the Under 10-litre Class. This brings Car 2 to 13th place in accumulated rankings overall and top in its class. Meanwhile, veteran driver Yoshimasa Sugawara and the younger Mitsugu Takahashi who piloted Car 1 delivered another solid day of racing, finishing at 35th overall and 3rd in the class. This brings Car 1's accumulated rankings to 30th place overall and 2nd in its class. The bivouac at Villa Carlos Paz was set on the same camping grounds where the teams camped on January 3. Tomorrow, contestants will be racing on a 180km SS―the last special of this year's the rally―before they reach the finish line in Rosario. Fully aware that nothing can be taken for granted in the Dakar, Hino team mechanics paid extra attention in servicing their trucks for the last time in this rally. Yoshimasa Sugawara: We were prepared for a long day, but our trip to Villa Carlos Paz went smoother than we had thought. Actually, the hardest parts for us were the intense traffic jams in the urban areas of the last liaison. We will drive carefully again tomorrow to make sure that we finish. Mitsugu Takahashi: As we were down to two more days, I was extra careful to avoid any accidents or problems with the truck that might flush the results we have racked up so far down the drain. I know I will be nervous tomorrow as we head for the finish line, so I will give it my best. Teruhito Sugawara: The dust just wouldn't settle on the mountain roads and that affected our visibility. The roads were narrow and, contrary to expectations, it was not a high-speed course. Nonetheless, we feel good because we were able to race neck and neck with our larger rivals. Hiroyuki Sugiura: Navigation was not so difficult per se, but there were many areas that had speed restrictions as we passed through small towns, so I had to be extra vigilant. One concern for tomorrow's SS is that organizers have made a lot of course modifications because of the rain. Photo gallery - http://www.hino-global.com/dakar/latest_news/PD16-24.html

Under Intense Heat, Car 2 Finishes a Rough Stage at 13th Place Hino Trucks Press Release / January 15, 2016 Car 1 finishes at 33rd. Team maintains its one-two lead in the class. Dakar Rally 2016 is now in its final stages, with three more days to go until the last day of competition on January 16. On January 14, contestants raced on a 431km SS between La Rioja and San Juan, Argentina, and battled under intense heat in a stage mixed with dried riverbeds, sandy terrain, fesh-fesh, as well as barren terrain whose surface was as hard as it was uneven. The average speed for the entire course was on the low end, and a number of vehicles were seen overheated or stuck in fesh-fesh along the way. After letting the world take notice of HINO500 Series truck’s intrinsic potential by climbing as high as 4th in time in the overall Trucks category at one point in the Fiambala stage the previous day―the highlight of this year’s Dakar Rally―the Teruhito Sugawara and Hiroyuki Sugiura crew piloting HINO TEAM SUGAWARA’s Car 2 remained aggressive in today’s stage as well. Although the temperature soared to above 40ºC, they had no problems with their coolant temperature. Neither did they have any flats or get bogged down, finishing the SS at 13th place and top in the Under 10-litre Class. In a solid display of their tenacious driving, the Yoshimasa Sugawara and Mitsugu Takahashi crew of Car 1 finished the special at 33rd overall and 2nd in the class. Based on these results, Car 2 finds itself in 14th place, and Car 1 in 31st in the overall Trucks category. The two trucks continue to maintain their dominance in the Under 10-litre Class, with a one-two lead in the class. The bivouac at San Juan, situated in central Argentina at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, was set up on a racing circuit (Autódromo El Zonda) located in a rocky mountain area in the outskirts of the town. The intense sunlight coupled with heat radiating from the ground and rock surfaces heated the daytime air to over 43ºC, making this the most tortuous bivouac in this rally. Even after sundown, the temperature refused to decline, what with all the heat held in the asphalt. Nonetheless, this intense heat was no deterrent to Hino team mechanics who went about their inspections and servicing tasks. The itinerary for tomorrow, January 15, includes a 481km SS en route to Villa Carlos Paz, which will essentially be the last timed segment for this year’s rally. Yoshimasa Sugawara: Today, we had long stretches of fesh-fesh and rough roads. Although the truck was subjected to intense vertical motions, this truck is much more comfortable to drive than our previous ones. Two more days to go. We will stay focused and give it our best. Mitsugu Takahashi: The roads were just brutal today. I was wondering when it would start to ease up all the way to the finish line. Navigation was quite tricky towards the end, so I’m glad that we were able to make it home before sundown. Teruhito Sugawara: I pushed quite hard today to gauge how we would compare against our larger rivals. It was a tough day in that the course required a lot of attention, but we were able to make it without falling back noticeably from the larger trucks ahead of us. That’s another confirmation that we are on the right track in terms of truck development. Hiroyuki Sugiura: There were many large gaps along the way where you could see signs of recent water flows. At the very the end, the course had us cross the same river three or four times. I think navigation was the most difficult towards the end because of the gravel covering that obscured the road surface. Photo gallery - http://www.hino-global.com/dakar/latest_news/PD16-23.html

Car 2 Climbs to 14th Overall for the SS, Despite Being Stuck in the Latter Half of the Stage Hino Trucks Press Release / January 14, 2016 Both HINO 500 Series trucks do well in Fiambala, the most challenging stage of the rally. January 13: The day’s itinerary took teams from Belén to La Rioja, Argentina, with a special in the Fiambala Desert, which is considered by many to be the most challenging segment of this year’s rally. Fiambala is a basin at the foothills of the Andes, and is known for its heat, as well as its soft, white dunes, and fesh-fesh. This is area, considered to be one of the most challenging stages of the rally, has been featured in numerous Dakar Rallies since it relocated to South America. Due to the cancelation of the start and major route changes made to the first half of the rally this year, this day’s stage was to be the only full-fledge desert stage, and fittingly attracted a great deal of attention. The start time was delayed due to heavy thundershowers that beset the area early in the morning. This forced organizers to cancel the group start that was planned for all vehicles in top standings in their respective categories, and also to shorten the SS from the original 278km to 244.7km, with the finish line set at CP (checkpoint) 5. Car 2 crewed by Teruhito Sugawara and Hiroyuki Sugiura, which made it into the top 10 in the previous day’s SS, put in a solid performance this day. Starting 9th out of the start line, they advanced their position to 6th by the time they reached the neutral zone, and up to 4th place at CP 4. However, the truck got stuck towards the end of the dunes and lost about an hour of time. They finished 14th overall and top in the Under 10-litre Class. Meanwhile, Car 1 crewed by Yoshimasa Sugawara and Mitsugu Takahashi was 31st out of the gate, and steadily improved its position thanks to the solid driving delivered by its veteran driver. Car 1 finished 25th overall and 2nd in the class. Based on these results, Car 2 now climbs to 14th place, and Car 1 to 28th place in the overall Trucks category. The two trucks continue to maintain their one-two lead in the Under 10-litre Class. The bivouac at La Rioja was set up on a racing circuit (Autodromo La Rioja) that was also used in a number of previous Dakar Rally events. In their bivouac that was set up in the circuit’s run-off area, Hino team mechanics were seen performing inspection and servicing work on the two HINO500 Series trucks until early in the morning. Tomorrow, January 14, teams will travel southward from La Rioja to San Juan where they will race on a 431km SS set up on rough intermountain roads. Yoshimasa Sugawara: It was a tough day as the sand was soft. We got stuck for about 30 minutes early in the stage, but other than that, we had no problems. Our left-front tire sprang a slow-leaking puncture towards the end, but we compensated for that using the air pressure adjuster to reach the finish line. It was a long day. Mitsugu Takahashi: This was the first full-fledge dune stage for me, so I was even more tense than yesterday. I was amazed at some of the places that this truck could climb, and it was a tough day for me as navigation was also quite busy. Teruhito Sugawara: The sand was deep in many areas, making this a very difficult stage. Our right-front tire sprang a slow-leaking puncture in the first half of the race so we had to compensate for that using the air pressure adjuster to keep going. We were able to replace the tire on the 15-minute neutral zone between the specials so we didn’t lose any time. When we got stuck towards the end, we were able to get out thanks to a Tatra that pulled us out. The SS was such that experience more than truck performance became the deciding factor of how high you could go. I sensed the course designers’ intent in that. Hiroyuki Sugiura: It was a tough course. We saw top contenders in the Trucks category stopped along the way, so it was exciting to get a real sense that we were in a competition. This was the first time we made the fourth fastest time in a segment, so that was a confidence booster for me. Masaki Tagoku: I haven’t slept much, but I’m feeling pretty well physically. Besides, time flies when I’m working on the trucks. I feel a great sense of purpose because Car 1 has been performing without any incidents. I feel really relieved when it comes back to the bivouac. Masato Kondo: I’m starting to feel some tiredness building up, but I perk up when I hear how well the HINO500 Series trucks are doing. I think everyone else is tired too so I intend to stay alert and make no mistakes until we reach the finish line. Nozomi Tonoike: It’s sad to think that I’ve only got three more days of working with this group of people. We’ve focused on performing safe and error-free work, and on maintaining verbal contact with each other during tough times, including when we had to stay up the whole night for days in a row. I’m grateful for being given this experience of working together to achieve one shared goal. Hideyuki Sakaguchi: We’ve been working hard to ensure that the HINO500 Series trucks are able to return to the bivouac everyday, and we’ve come to a point where there’s only a couple of more days to the finish line. It all just went by in a blink of an eye. The toughest time for me was working under the torrential rain in Jujuy on the fourth day of the rally. Nothing has come close to perturbing me after that. Photo gallery - http://www.hino-global.com/dakar/latest_news/PD16-22.html