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Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 29, 2019 Allison announced the 3414 Regional Haul Series (RHS) transmission at the North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta on Oct. 29, an upgrade variant of Allison’s 3000 Series aimed at mixed-duty fleets that may have trucks doing delivery duty during the day, but longer regional haul runs at night. The company teamed up with Daimler Trucks North America, the first OE to offer the transmission. The 3414 RHS offers ratings from 370 to 410 hp and 1450 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3414 RHS will provide fleets with 25% faster acceleration 0-20 mph than competitive automated manual transmissions. By leveraging Allison’s xFE technology, which incorporates an internal gear scheme optimized for fuel efficiency, as well as Allison’s FuelSense 2.0 with DynActive shifting technology, the 3414 RHS will also deliver up to 8% fuel economy improvement. Allison’s 3414 RHS is a drop-in solution for any chassis with a current Allison 3000 Series option — with the same form, fit, function and connections. The 3414 RHS will be the lightest transmission in this segment, according to the company, which said it is 11% lighter than the next lightest competitive transmission in the segment. The 3414 RHS includes a five-year, 750,000-mile warranty, including towing, with no exclusions on individual components. Beginning in 2020, the Allison 3000 Highway Series will be the standard transmission in the Freightliner M2 112, while the new 3414 RHS will be an available option with the Detroit DD13 engine in the M2 112 and the Cascadia 116 in the second half of 2020. “We’ve had customers come to us looking for this, looking for slightly higher torque ratings using same packaging footprint they have today,” said Kary Schaefer, general manager, product planning and strategy, for Daimler Trucks North America. The transmission will be available with both diesel and natural gas engines, and for customers that require a PTO, it will offer an engine driven PTO. Customers can spec a retarder when and where required. When asked about whether other OEs would eventually offer the new transmission, Allison said it has been working with other North American and global OEMs and that there is “interest across all the OEMs” in North America.

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 28, 2019 Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) announced an extension to its Class 8 VNR regional-truck lineup at its Oct. 28 press conference at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show. The OEM said its new VNR 660 is aimed at truck operations seeking to increase payload capacity while remaining within certain federal or state length and weight restrictions. The new model also boasts a sleeper cab, which VTNA said is a unique feature for truck models designed for regional hauling. The truck features a shorter, 164-inch bumper-to back-of-cab length that Volvo said offers both weight savings from decreasing the overall size of the truck and the option to use more versatile tractor-trailer combinations for increased cargo capacity. It will be available for order in the first quarter of 2020. “The new VNR 660 truck model addresses the needs of regional-haul customers looking for ways to increase payloads by decreasing the weight of the vehicle and enabling the use of longer trailer sizes without sacrificing efficiency,” said Chris Stadler, product marketing manager. “This new model also offers the comfort and extra space of a high-roof sleeper, increasing driver comfort.” The truck’s high-roof configuration combined with its 61-inch sleeper will “comfortably accommodate an extra person for an overnight stop, making it ideal for local and regional routes that utilize team drivers”. There is ample room for a refrigerator, microwave and television with storage above the driver and passenger seats. The VNR 660 will be available with the Volvo Premier Trim package, which includes wood-grain trim for the dash and cabinetry. Other advantages of the new VNR 660 Volvo noted include the shorter hood design of the VNR product line, providing improved visibility for the driver and excellent maneuverability in urban areas and easy docking in tight spaces. The truck will come standard with the Volvo D11 engine, the Volvo I-Shift transmission, and Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) 2.0, the recently updated comprehensive collision-mitigation system. VTNA also announced it is introducing the FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit, which includes a system of wheel covers and fairings designed for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, as a factory-installed option starting in the second quarter of 2020. “The aerodynamics of our trucks have a significant impact on fuel efficiency and our customers’ bottom line,” said Allison Athey, product marketing manager. “The new FlowBelow package offers our customers an enhanced aerodynamic option, providing up to an additional 1% increase in fuel efficiency when combined with our most aerodynamic truck spec including the Xceed fuel efficiency package, and a dry van with trailer skirts, further reducing environmental footprints.” The FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit is a complete system designed to minimize turbulence and improve aerodynamics by surrounding the drive wheels to better manage the air that moves around the tractor while in motion. The system consists of wheel covers, a center fairing between the wheels and a rear fairing behind the wheels. Volvo noted that these pieces “work together to maintain control of the airflow from end to end, keeping the air running along the side of the truck and around the wheels. The air is then funneled out when it reaches the back of the truck, jumping the gap between truck and trailer.” The OEM pointed out that FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit also provides a variety of styling options with wheel covers available in black, white and chrome, and fairings available in black and white. The wheel covers and fairings are durable and flexible, enabling them to better withstand road conditions, debris and contaminants while also providing easy access for drivers and mechanics, according to VTNA. Volvo will begin offering factory-installed FlowBelow wheel covers and fairings separately, as well as the full FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit included with its Xceed fuel efficiency package as a customer option for truck orders in 4x2, 6x2, and 6x4 axle configurations by the end of 2019. The OEM will also offer factory installation of the FlowBelow system for all VNL and VNR models in Q2 2020. VTNA also advised that it has hit a milestone by now reaching over 200,000 connected vehicles in North America. That figure is part of the more than 560,000 connected Volvo trucks now operating globally in the Volvo Trucks family, as well as part of the greater total recently reached of one-million connected assets within Volvo Group operations worldwide. “Over the past few years, marked improvements in connectivity have driven change and formed real-world opportunities in the trucking industry for safer, smarter and more sustainable operations,” said Ash Makki, product marketing manager. “We are proud to reach this milestone and will continue to expand and grow our connected solutions for our customers while driving the industry towards a more connected future.” The OEM stated that in the last year alone, it has announced a number of new products and services further enhancing connectivity in its vehicles, including an expansion of its parameter update offerings, its new Dynamic Maintenance service, and most recently, the rollout of Geotab Drive. Geotab Drive is described as a streamlined FMCSA-compliant electronic logging device. It was developed in partnership with telematics leader provider Geotab. The integrated, cloud-based system provides customers with a seamless solution to monitor and record accurate logs, according to Volvo. “As we continue to demonstrate our leadership position in connectivity, we strive to offer our customers the most advanced technology as quickly as possible,” said Makki. “As amazing as cutting-edge advancements in connected technology can be, we know our customers will always be the most important factor in driving the industry forward, with the bigger picture in mind.” .

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 28, 2019 With a wrapped vehicle teasingly on display, Navistar drew a standing-room-only crowd for its Oct. 28 press conference at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show Attendees heard first about several other major developments before the big reveal: The first showing of a prototype for a battery-electric drive version of its International MV medium-duty truck, dubbed the eMV, which the OEM is planning to bring to full production by early 2021. The eMV prototype is not only distinguished by its all-electric drive system, but by a highly swooped-down aerodynamic hood— allowed for by the removal of the MV diesel engine-- that the OEM said also boosts safety by increasing forward visibility. Based on the current production version of the MV Series, the eMV is powered by an electric motor with peak power of over 474 kW— or 645 HP— “allowing it to be able to pull any load required,” according to Navistar. The prototype’s continuous power is 300 kW, or more than 400 HP, which is available at all times. The system, exclusive to Navistar, enables peak efficiency across the entire operating range, said the OEM. The vehicle was designed to accommodate multiple battery capacity options that range from 107 to 321 kWh. The OEM stated that “customers operating a truck with a 321 kWh battery in typical pickup and delivery cycles should expect to be able to travel up to 250 miles on a single charge.” A company spokesperson told HDT that the eMV was developed in part by tapping technology developed by Navistar’s strategic partner, Germany-based Traton Group, the parent of Volkswagen Trucks, MAN Trucks, and Scania Trucks. Traton’s Brazilian-based business unit, Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, already produces an electric medium-duty truck, a 268-hp cabover model called the VW e-Delivery 11, which is slated to go on sale in Mexico in 2021. The eMV was not the only electric news Navistar had. Reflecting the growing attention being paid electric trucks across the marketplace, the OEM announced the rollout of a new business unit, NEXT eMobility Solutions. This Detroit-based operation will “deliver customized electrification solutions: to truck and bus customers. "Companies interested in operating electric trucks have more questions than answers; they are looking for a partner who also brings clarity," said Persio Lisboa, Navistar executive vice president and COO. "NEXT combines the technical expertise required to develop leading electric vehicles with the industry experience to deliver custom solutions that go beyond the vehicle." Vehicles developed by NEXT will be offered under the International Truck and IC Bus nameplates and will be sold and supported by International Truck and IC Bus dealers, respectively. Navistar plans to have IC Bus electric school buses available at the end of 2020 and, as aforementioned, International medium-duty electric trucks will be introduced in early 2021. Lisboa said NEXT will use a omprehensive "four Cs" approach to developing eMobility solutions: Consulting, “using experts in commercial truck engineering, charging infrastructure, telematics and more to craft a custom implementation plan for each customer's business, while optimizing each product for its usage and duty cycle.” Constructing the vehicle, “taking advantage of Navistar's world-class commercial vehicle manufacturing capability.” Charging, with solutions “designed and delivered to each customer through new partnerships.” Connecting, using advanced solutions including Navistar's OnCommand Connection telematics and remote diagnostics platform, to monitor vehicle performance and provide support through the International and IC Bus service networks. The NEXT team will be headed by Gary Horvat, Navistar's vice president for eMobility. He brings extensive electric vehicle experience from both the automotive and technology startup space. Horvat led technology development for the electric bus product line of Proterra, Inc., where his team set a world record for the longest range of any electric vehicle. He was also responsible for the development and application of powertrain and electrical components at Denso International, and before that, led improvements to Fisker Automotive's extended-range electric vehicle. Turning to telematics, Navistar announced the launch of a unified fleet management and service communications platform, called International 360. Friedrich Baumann, Navistar’s president, Aftersales, said International 360 is the only OEM service communications tool that integrates service communications and remote diagnostics into one comprehensive solution. It is integrated with over 24 telematics service providers through OnCommand Connection, Navistar's advanced remote diagnostics platform. The 360 platform also has full integration capability with customers' existing fleet maintenance software providers, fleet management companies and other providers, so that customers can receive International 360 data through their existing systems. “And, it is the only OEM service communications tool that supports all-makes fleets within one solution, with no per-VIN surcharges,” Baumann noted. lso prominently on display in a bright safety-zone orange, was a cabover Scania XT “tipper” truck. It wasn’t there just to represent Traton, Navistar’s strategic partner, but to draw attention to a memorandum of understanding that Navistar has signed with Sweden-based Scania, one of Traton’s subsidiaries,”to explore opportunities for Navistar to support mining customers in the Canadian market.” Persio Lisboa said that Navistar studied the needs of a select group of companies in the Canadian mining industry and then identified a number of service and support requirements that can be addressed using a combination of International Truck and Scania products and services. The Scania mining products would be distributed through Navistar and supported by a limited number of International Truck dealers in Canada. "Demand from the mining market is changing," said Lisboa. “Companies are exploring more sustainable solutions that improve worksite flexibility, increase uptime and reduce total operating costs. Working with Scania as a partner will help us rapidly achieve scale in addressing this unique market segment with comprehensive and powerful solutions." .

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 27, 2019 Although heavy-duty trucks sales have slowed to more normal levels, Kenworth says it’s looking forward to 2020 being another good year, even as it continues to develop new products and technology at an unprecedented rate. “The level of investment required today, whether it’s greenhouse gas reduction or emerging powertrain technology or the march toward autonomous, the rate of product development is the fastest I’ve ever seen I grew up as an engineer in Paccar,” said Kevin Baney, who recently took on the general manager job at Kenworth after a 25-year career with Paccar, talking to reporters at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta on Oct. 27. He said he has never seen the amount of investment that’s being poured into the industry today to meet current customer demands and develop future technology such as advanced driver assistance systems and alternative powertrains. Baney noted that many economic indicators, including consumer confidence, truck tonnage, and construction spending, continue to remain at high levels, reflecting an overall strong economy. The one indicator that bears watching, however, is the PMI, which for the first time since 2016 has contradicted for two months in a row. Looking at the truck sales market, Baney said Kenworth expects Class 8 sales for combined U.S. and Canada to come in between 310,000 and 320,000 for the year, the second highest in history. However, the company expects 2020 Class 8 sales to drop down to a more average level of 230,000 to 260,000 Class 8 trucks. In preparation for this, the company lowered its build rates and has dropped its workforce by about 100 people, much of that handled through natural attrition rather than sudden layoffs. While the last few months of Class 8 orders have been lower than normal, Baney said that after meeting with some 40 fleets during th American Trucking Associations’ annual Management Conference and Exhibition earlier this month, “I think they are starting to make their decisions for next year. The last few weeks we’ve seen more activity, so I think we’ll see order intakes swing up.” One bright spot is that vocational sales are still strong he said, with housing markets still strong in many areas of the country and anticipation of an infrastructure spending bill. On the medium-duty side, Class 6-7 for U.S. and Canada is projected to end the year at 105,000 and be about 90,000 to 110,000 for 2020. “Medium-duty is a very strong market; we anticipate that to continue next year as well.” When asked what other economic indicators bore watching, Baney said the used truck market. Zero-emission powertrains are a key part of what Kenworth and sister Paccar company Paccar are exhibiting in Atlanta, with Kenworth showing off one of the hydrogen fuel cell electric day cabs it’s been working with Toyota on. Kenworth and Toyota are collaborating to develop 10 zero-emission Kenworth T680s powered by Toyota hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains. The effort is part of a $41 million Zero and Near-Zero Emissions Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) grant awarded by the California Air Resources Board, with the Port of Los Angeles as the prime applicant. So far, the Kenworth assembly plant in Renton, Washington, has produced four hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) – with a fifth truck now in production. Kenworth provides the T680 chassis and cab, motors, transmission, and cooling systems, and delivers overall FCEV integration. Toyota provides fuel cell stacks, hydrogen tanks, load balancing batteries, and other components necessary to deliver the high voltage to the motors, in addition to the controls for that power. The program’s first FCEV to enter real-world service will go to Toyota Logistics Services by year-end for operation at the Los Angeles ports. The full contingent of 10 FCEVs is expected to enter operation in the ports and Los Angeles basin 2020, and will be placed into service by UPS, Toyota Logistics, TTSI and Southern Counties Express. Baney explained that the fuel-cell trucks built so far are in high demand, making appearances at trucking industry events such as the NACV Show and as part of Toyota promotional efforts, but at the same time they are working to put testing miles on them. Already, he said, as later iterations of the 10 are being built, engineers are already tweaking th design. “We’re already getting to second and third generation technology, whether it’s motors or hydrogen tanks, they’re being developed as it goes,” Baney said. “The intent is to develop and prove the technology and develop the business case.” Asked how the hydrogen fuel cell project positions Kenworth to meet California Air Resources Board proposed regulations that would require a certain percentage of a manufacturer’s trucks to be zero emissions, Baney said, those proposals “continue to change.” However, noting the high cost of battery technology, “Our position is there will still have to be subsidies in order for customers to run battery-powered trucks.” On the hydrogen fuel cell side, he noted, fueling infrastructure is a challenge, just as it was for natural gas trucks. Baney also said Kenworth continues to offer natural gas powertrains. “Our philosophy is we will build what our customers need until they don’t ned it. We still see customer demand; UPS is an example, they are still buying high volumes of natural gas trucks.” .

Jeff Crissey, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / October 29, 2019 On the heels of its Class 7 and 8 XL Series launch in 2018, Hino Trucks has announced new cabover and conventional models for its Class 4 through 7 product offerings for the 2021 model year. The new Hino M Series Class 4 and 5 replace the Hino 155, 195 and 195h models. The three-truck M Series now includes the M4, M5 and M5h. But the changes don’t stop with new nameplates. Exterior updates include a bolder chrome grille and new headlight design with LED daytime running lights, low- and high-beam headlights. The M Series also sport an available OEM-integrated lane departure warning system to enhance driver safety. On the interior, the steering wheel features standard controls for cruise control and hands-free calling, as well as controls for a 4.2-inch LCD multi-information display. All models also include a driver seatbelt status monitoring sensor. Under the hood, the M Series trucks feature a new HD 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission with gear hold functionality when operating on inclines. The current Hino 258, 268 and 338 models are replaced with the L Series conventional trucks, which includes the Class 6 L6 and Class 7 L7 models. Both trucks receive a new fascia and grille, optional LED headlights and an aerodynamic spoiler under the bumper. The L Series also benefit from many features from the XL Series, including availability of active safety systems with electronic stability control, collision mitigation, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. New wheelbase options for the L Series expand from the previous-generation models from 271 inches to 301 inches. On the interior, the L Series feature an all-new interior that matches the XL Series automotive stylings with carbon-fiber accents and premium textile seating. The driver can control many functions through a new 7-inch LCD monitor. The gear selector has been positioned for better ergonomics and more legroom, and the HVAC system can deliver twice the airflow compared to previous models. Both the L Series and XL Series will be available for order next spring with five-seat extended cab (+30 inches) and six-seat crew cab (+44.8 inches) configurations. “Having extended and crew cab choices will help us better serve our customers’ operational needs and open up new markets for our trucks,” said Glenn Ellis, Hino Trucks’ senior vice president of customer experience. By midyear 2020, the XL7 and XL8 will be available with a snowplow package that includes a heavier 18,000-lb. front axle and front frame extension and heated windshield. .

Fleet Owner / October 29, 2019 ATLANTA – Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) introduced what it called the industry’s first telematics-based, pay-as-you-drive leasing program. Also during its press event at the North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show, DTNA unveiled the next generation, heavy-duty Detroit DD15 Gen 5 engine and a new e-commerce platform called Excelerator. These announcements tied together DTNA’s massive exhibit booth, which showcased the manufacturer’s entire product lineup. That included multiple electric truck models to be offered early in the next decade, and the updated 2020 Freightliner Cascadia, offering the first Level 2 safety systems available with the Detroit Assurance 5.0 safety system and up to a 5% fuel efficiency gain over the previous model. The new item that received the most attention was not a physical product, but instead the new telematics-based offering for vehicle financing from Daimler Trucks Financial. The service will become operational during the first quarter of 2020 and will align billable miles to lease payments. The lease “allows customers to personalize their truck financing based on their utilization,” said Roger Nielson, DTNA’s president and CEO. “The Dynamic Lease offers our customers an incredible amount of flexibility to manage their business and is a great complement to our other products,” said Tobias Waldeck, head of Daimler Truck Financial. Waldeck said the leases will generally run 48-60 months, and there will be a minimum monthly payment rolled together with variable pricing, based on billable miles. Initially, it will only be offered with the Cascadia spec’d with Detroit engines, but is expected to be expanded to other models in the future. Also at the press event, Daimler showed the DD15 Gen 5 engine for the first time. It will be available starting in January 2021, and Nielson said it will offer more efficient combustion, further increasing fuel economy and reducing carbon emissions. In the aftermarket space, DTNA said Excelerator, the company’s new e-commerce platform, will link dealer management systems to streamline the parts ordering process and improve fulfillment times. Stefan Kurschner, senior vice president of aftermarket, said about 20% of parts are being ordered electronically, and that figure is certain to grow. If a desired part is available at a dealership, it could be picked up in as little as two hours. Regardless of how well trucks are built, it is “inevitable at some point they will need service,” said Kurschner. As part of the push to get customers back on the road within 24 hours, the company is rolling out Guided Diagnostics for the DTNA Techlane app, a streamlined pre-authorization process and a Voice App for technicians. These steps could help turn what may otherwise be an overnight service event into only a four-hour downtime event, said Kurschner. In addition, a new One Stop program launching in November is aimed at eliminating variations in claim processing requirements and procedures for customers and dealers when filing for supplier extended coverage programs for parts. Among the company’s other announcements: Advancements with the Detroit Connect platform include a smart alert system that identifies and classifies various fault events by the level of fleet and driver response required. Over-the-air remote updates, available since early 2018 for the new Cascadia, will be complemented in 2020 with firmware over the air, giving fleets and drivers independence when and where they handle the updates. .

Fleet Owner / October 29, 2019 FlowBelow Aero Inc. announced a new custom drive wheel fairing system for the 2020 International LT Series MPG Package. The announcement was made at the North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show. Navistar and FlowBelow jointly developed the system, which will be available in standard and enhanced aero configurations. Both configurations are available with the MPG Package, but can also be ordered as a stand-alone factory option on the International LT and RH series starting in March. The enhanced configuration includes larger fairings capable of even greater fuel savings. “The drive wheel fairings were designed by FlowBelow to work optimally with the International LT,” said Gordon Virginski, vice president of OEM & dealer programs at FlowBelow Aero. “The new custom drive wheel fairing system will complement the other components in the MPG Package in order to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize total cost of ownership.” Previously, International announced the FlowBelow wheel covers and Tractor AeroKit were included in the International MPG Package for the LT Series, which also includes chassis skirts, roof fairing, cab extenders and an optional bumper valance. .

Fleet Owner / October 29, 2019 ATLANTA – Kenworth Truck Co. introduced its TruckTech+ over-the-air program, allowing for easy updates of PACCAR MX engine and aftertreatment software. The company made the announcement during a press conference at the North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show. The program will begin in December for select customers, with a full roll out scheduled for early 2020. The updates are for Kenworth Class 8 trucks equipped with 2017 or later model year PACCAR MX-13 and MX-11 engines. “It is important to quickly provide customers with the latest engine updates and calibrations that promote enhanced fuel economy and performance,” said Kevin Baney, general manager of Kenworth. When a truck is parked, a member of the fleet’s maintenance team or driver holds down the cruise control set switch for five seconds, and the download begins through a secure cloud server. The updates generally take less than 30 minutes, and can be accomplished when the truck is parked. Baney, a long time Kenworth veteran who took over as general manager this summer, estimated North American truck sales would finish between 310,000 and 320,000 units for 2019. He projected sales to dip next year to between 230,000 and 260,000 as fleets return to a “normal replacement” cycle. In recent months there have been a small cutback in build rates at the plant in Chillicothe, OH., as the overheated market has started to normalize. During the NACV press conference, Baney outlined a slew of product updates, including that new features of Bendix Wingman Fusion advanced driver assistance system will be standard for the T680, and optional for the T880 and T270 and T370 models. The updated features include includes highway departure braking (HDB) and multi-lane emergency braking (AEB). Kenworth is planning a new customer program that includes personalized care, and a web portal with connectivity to their support team, instant access to product information, truck performance data, service history and maintenance information. “We’re aiming to set a new industry standard for customer care and support,” said Baney. He also said more than 26,000 fleet trucks are now participating in Kenworth TruckTech+ Service Management. Through PACCAR Parts, fleets with 100 trucks or more receive a line of credit as well as preferred and consistent parts pricing. It also provides real-time visibility on repair status. In addition, Kenworth said the PACCAR 12-speed automated transmission will incorporate new MX engine-optimized shift calibrations, beginning in January. Designed for applications up to 110,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight, the expanded transmission availability is intended for Kenworth T880s that travel mainly on paved roads and occasionally operate off-highway on maintained dirt or gravel roads. The T880 also now comes standard with the PACCAR 20K front axle, which enhances steering efficiency and load carrying capacity. It is available with ratings of 20,000 or 22,000 lbs. For the W990, additional chrome options are available through PACCAR Parts. Customers can customize the W990 from a selection of more than 80 chrome and lighting options, as well as 430 bumper options. At its booth in the NACV exhibit hall, Kenworth displayed off one of the its hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. Toyota is providing fuel cell stacks, hydrogen tanks and other components on the Kenworth T680. Five of the planned 10 vehicles have been built. The first one to enter real-world service is going to Toyota Logistics Services by the end of the year and will operate at the Port of Los Angeles. Others are being placed into service by UPS Inc., Toyota Logistics, TTSI and Southern Counties Express.

We've been very successful with those trucks around the world. The spec doesn't work everywhere, but I hope we create a North American market.

Ford recalls Transits for second driveshaft fix Automotive News / October 29, 2019 DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. issued three safety recalls Tuesday in North America, including 319,000 Ford Transit vans to replace crack-prone driveshaft couplings that were the subject of a 2017 recall. Ford said it's not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem but that flexible couplings installed under the June 2017 recall can crack, creating vibrations that can cause the driveshaft to separate with continued driving. That can result in a loss of power or unintended vehicle movement while in park, as well as damage to adjacent brake and fuel lines, Ford said. The automaker said it plans to swap the flexible couplings for mechanical U-joints, but until the necessary repair parts are available it's telling dealers to install a new coupling every 40,000 miles. The recall covers 293,558 Transits in the U.S., 22,960 in Canada and 2,744 in Mexico from the 2015-17 model years. Ford also announced two smaller recalls Tuesday: 431 2019 Edges for incorrectly crimped seat-belt pretensioner anchors and 18 2019 Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators due to a rear toe link fastener that was not properly tightened during assembly.

Of course, Mack-branded Volvo trucks have already rolled off the line in New River Valley, Virginia. When Volvo closed the Mack plant in Winnsboro, South Carolina in 2002, Mack brand on-highway production was relocated to New River Valley, Virginia until 2008 (the former White Motor plant). Today, South Carolina and Alabama are hot manufacturing locations.

I vaguely recall that they tried, however briefly, selling a version of the Metro-Liner in the US. But due to the ISL powerplant and an abysmal marketing plan, it immediately crashed. I doubt they’re bringing over the Metro-Liner. I’m more thinking a Renault or Nissan, shipped over as a KD (knocked-down) kit and assembled in Roanoke (Virginia). They may be eyeballing Paccar’s success with the LF in the US.

They are Volvo employees, not Mack brand employees. https://www.volvogroup.com/en-en/about-us/organization/our-global-presence/hagerstown.html

UAW turns to Ford after GM workers ratify new contract Michael Martinez, Automotive News / October 25, 2019 DETROIT — The UAW will focus negotiations on Ford Motor Co. after hourly members at General Motors ratified a four-year labor pact that includes significant wage gains and bonuses, ending a 40-day national strike that has idled plants in three countries. "As America’s No. 1 producer of vehicles and largest employer of UAW-represented autoworkers, we look forward to reaching a fair agreement that helps Ford enhance its competitiveness and preserve and protect good-paying manufacturing jobs," Ford said in a statement. A union spokesman said negotiations with Ford will begin immediately. UAW negotiators have reported some progress in talks with both Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, though they had to wait until GM was finished before discussing most major economic issues because the union aims to use the first deal it reaches as the framework for the other two. The UAW's final numbers show that 56 percent of GM production workers and 66 percent of skilled-trades employees voted in favor of the deal. “General Motors members have spoken,” Terry Dittes, vice president of the union’s UAW-GM Department, said in a statement. “We are all so incredibly proud of UAW-GM members who captured the hearts and minds of a nation. Their sacrifice and courageous stand addressed the two-tier wages structure and permanent temporary worker classification that has plagued working class Americans." A simple majority of workers within each group was required to secure ratification. “We delivered a contract that recognizes our employees for the important contributions they make to the overall success of the company, with a strong wage and benefit package and additional investment and job growth in our U.S. operations,” GM CEO Mary Barra said in a statement. “GM is proud to provide good-paying jobs to tens of thousands of employees in America and to grow our substantial investment in the U.S. As one team, we can move forward and stay focused on our priorities of safety and building high-quality cars, trucks and crossovers for our customers.” The union's council of local leaders from GM plants and warehouses across the country agreed last week to continue the strike until the tentative deal was ratified. The union said employees will begin to return to work as instructed by GM. Members of UAW Local 598, representing Flint Assembly in Michigan, had been told to prepare to work Saturday. In the deal, GM committed to investing $7.7 billion in its U.S. plants to create or retain about 9,000 jobs. The total amount of investment through 2023 could reach $9 billion, including $1.3 billion to start battery-cell production near Lordstown, Ohio, through a joint venture. The automaker won the ability to close three plants, including Lordstown Assembly, but has pledged to give Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, which was slated for closure in January, new life building electric trucks and vans though a $3 billion investment. The pact also calls for shuttering a training center jointly run by the UAW and GM. The UAW's GM and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles training centers have been at the center of an ongoing federal corruption probe that has resulted in guilty pleas by 10 former union and automaker officials. A current UAW regional director also has been charged and is on leave from his job as a result. The deal includes a pathway for temporary workers to become full-time employees and will bring all current full-time workers to a top wage rate of $32.32 by the end of the four years. Full-time workers receive a $11,000 ratification bonus, while temporary workers get $4,500. The first of two 4 percent lump-sum bonuses in the deal also is scheduled to be paid next month. It took roughly five weeks of intense bargaining after the start of the strike for the two sides to come to an agreement. Talks were at times heated, with both sides exchanging public statements accusing the other of playing games and stalling the process. GM CEO Mary Barra stepped in at one point to help break the impasse. The ratification vote, held over the past week, exposed a divide among members. Many who voted no were upset the union wasn't able to save the closed plants in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland and that the deal did not include promises to return any production from Mexico. Videos of informational meetings at local union halls posted to social media showed workers voicing displeasure over the deal. A small group of employees with a parts subsidiary, General Motors Components Holdings, voted heavily against the deal, angered it didn't offer more job security or bring them to even wages with their GM counterparts.

Truckmakers Face Nearly $1 Billion in Claims in Cartel Suit Bloomberg / October 24, 2019 Daimler AG, Volvo AB and other truckmakers should be ordered to pay 867 million euro ($965 million) over a price-fixing cartel, according to lawyers in Germany for companies that were overcharged. The case was brought by Financialright GmbH on behalf of more than 3,200 companies that say they paid too much for their trucks because prices were fixed. Lawyers for the truckmakers argued that the suit should be dismissed because of the way Financialright acquired the claims. After two hours of arguments, the Munich court scheduled a ruling for Jan. 24. Financialright’s case also targets Volkswagen AG’s MAN unit, Paccar Inc.’s DAF and CNH Industrial NV’S Iveco. The suit was structured to make up for the lack of U.S.-style class actions in Germany. Financialright is cooperating with BGL, a German association of logistics companies, and Burford Capital, which is financing the litigation. The plaintiff is relying on findings by the European Union, which targeted the truckmakers in an antitrust probe. The EU investigation revealed they fixed prices of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles over 14 years and led to large fines in 2016 and 2017. Since then, a number of big customers have sued the manufacturers for compensation in various EU countries. Volvo, Daimler, VW’s MAN and Scania divisions, Paccar’s DAF and CNH Industrial’s Iveco are facing price-fixing claims across Europe that could amount to as much as $25 billion, according to Bloomberg Intelligence litigation analyst Aitor Ortiz. Daimler, already facing a “considerable” number of damage claims, expects to see more and will take necessary steps to defend itself, the company said in an upbeat quarterly earnings report Thursday. Decisions are expected next year in Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, while the U.K.’s Competition Appeal Tribunal -- which is holding hearings in December on whether to establish two class-action cases for about $7 billion in claims each -- could issue its first ruling in the first half of 2021, Ortiz said in a note. The Munich suit, covering 85,000 trucks and seeking 603 million euros in damages plus 264 million euros in interest, isn’t the only one Financialright has put together. A second one, covering 3,817 companies and seeking 417 million euros plus 124 million euros in interest, has already been filed, according to Martin Bulheller, a spokesman for BGL. By now, companies from 26 countries have joined and a third lawsuit is being prepared, he said.

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Trailer-Body Builders / October 25, 2019 Link Mfg, a manufacturer of specialty-engineered suspensions, recently introduced the new 52K Air Link Gen 3 Tandem Drive Suspension. The company says the suspension was reconfigured to meet the needs of states, municipalities and road maintenance contractors using tire chains on heavy vocational equipment with 315 tires. The new suspension features maintenance advantages, is 50 pounds lighter and carries an extended three-year warranty. Many entities with responsibilities for large-scale snow and ice management operate heavy equipment, with dump trucks and refuse vehicles often pressed into service during winter months. But for fleets running 315 tires, using tire chains can cause damage to a vehicle’s suspension and undercarriage due to inadequate clearance. “Link’s new 52K Gen 3 has been reengineered specifically to improve clearance for 315 tires and chains while maintaining the exceptional ride quality long associated with our Air Link heavy vocational suspension line,” said Neil Mardell, manager of defense programs and heavy vocational products for Link. “Hanger brackets have been lengthened, heavy-duty dampers have been moved forward, center bushings have been raised, and the vertical distance between the trailing arm and walking beam pivots has been optimized.” The suspension also features larger, high-volume, low-frequency air springs that deliver a smoother ride, whether the vehicle is under load or empty, Link maintained. Dual height-control valves maintain proper ride height, leveling the vehicle independent of load and maximizing its roll stability. Weighing in close to 875 pounds, the 52K Gen 3 is now 50 pounds lighter than its predecessors. The Gen 3 also was designed to enable easier service and demand less maintenance, Link claimed. The suspension’s anti-corrosive polyurethane bushings require no lubrication, and trailing arm bushings are easily replaced with hanging brackets while still in position. The suspension features fewer moving parts, extra-large bearing surfaces, more brawny main components and a higher level of load-bearing redundancy. Once wheel alignment is set on the Air Link, no future adjustments are required. The suspension offers advantages compared to spring leaf or rubber block walking beam, two-spring “six-rod” and trailing arm suspensions, including ride quality, Link said. The Air Link Gen 3 delivers a smooth comfortable ride, resulting in less driver fatigue and equipment damage. High roll stability, coupled with equal weight distribution to both axles means safer operation on-highway, off-highway and in all weather conditions. “The Air Link suspension was originally developed to operate in extreme environments, such as Canada’s oil fields and remote northern logging areas and has also been proven in harsh military applications in the US, Canada and the Middle East,” Mardell said. “The 52K Gen 3 is the latest iteration of the air-over-walking-beam suspension design Link patented more than 26 years ago and is a sound and mature technology.” All Air Link suspensions are treated with Link’s exclusive Link-KOAT migratory self-healing metal treatment. Link-KOAT provides corrosion resistance and rust protection, even when surfaces are exposed to excessive abrasion, harsh chemicals and other severe-duty environmental factors, Link asserted. “Until now, fleets managing snow and ice with heavy vocational vehicles were forced to choose between the benefits of air springs and the ability to use 315 tires,” Mardell said. “Link’s new 52K Gen 3 Tandem Drive Suspension makes their choice a lot easier moving forward.”

Trailer-Body Builders / October 23, 2019 Meritor recently launched ProTec series 3000 front and rear all-wheel drive beam axles, which the company says are Meritor Defense’s first purpose-built solutions for Class 5 vehicle applications, such as tactical, fire, rescue and utility vehicles. “The new ProTec series 3000 will offer the same level of confidence, performance and reliability our nation’s warfighters have grown to appreciate while in-theatre to those utilizing a commercial chassis in vocational vehicles,” said Dave Damian, director of Defense for Meritor. “This solution addresses market demand for increased payload capacity, mobility and stability among Class 5 applications and expands Meritor’s reach within these segments.” The ProTec Series 3000 front-drive steer axle features a gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of up to 12,000 pounds—a 4,500-pound increase over factory OEM-provided equipment—and is pre-drilled and plumbed to accommodate a central tire inflation system. Both front and rear axles are equipped with Meritor’s bevel gear hub wheel-ends, currently in operation on the US military’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program vehicles, and feature standard driver-controlled differential lock (DCDL) carriers to enhance mobility. “We’re proud of our 110-year heritage of delivering proven solutions for the Defense industry and look forward to extending the ProTec solutions to commercial applications in new markets,” Damian said. All Meritor Defense axles are backed by DriveForce, Meritor’s award-winning global service and support network. .

"With Strike Set to End, Mack Workers Will Return to Softening Market" Geez, it's only been a couple of weeks and they have no significant sales anyway. They make it out as though it's been months.

With Strike Set to End, Mack Workers Will Return to Softening Market Jon Harris, The Morning Call / October 25, 2019 With the Mack Trucks strike slated to end, a recent report from Swedish parent company Volvo Group provides a look at the heavy-duty truck market that 3,500 workers will return to next week. First, where the market has been: The company delivered almost 50,500 trucks in North America through the first nine months of the year, up 27% from a year earlier as its Mack and Volvo Trucks brands worked through a hefty order backlog. Next, where it’s going: Volvo took in just shy of 18,000 orders in North America during the same time period, a 73% drop from the year-ago period as the cyclical market started to slow and dealer inventory remained high. “We see the anticipated correction coming in our main markets,” Volvo Group CEO Martin Lundstedt told analysts Oct. 18, six days before Mack and the United Auto Workers announced they had reached a tentative agreement. So the Mack strike, which started at 11:59 p.m. Oct. 12 and involved more than 3,500 employees across Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida, came at a time when truck manufacturers already were adjusting production to meet reduced demand in the market. For example, even before the strike, Mack was planning to put its Lower Macungie Township assembly plant, which employs about 2,400, on temporary layoff for two weeks during the fourth quarter. Not long after, Daimler Trucks North America disclosed it was cutting about 900 workers across two U.S. plants as the market softened. In its third-quarter report, released Oct. 18, Volvo mentioned possible negative financial consequences if the Mack strike continue for “an extended period of time.” As it is, the strike this week temporarily idled Volvo Trucks’ massive assembly plant in Virginia, which has 3,000 workers, because the facility is not receiving engines and transmissions from Mack’s Hagerstown, Md., powertrain plant. Still, the strike over the past couple of weeks likely hurt Volvo much less than if it had occurred six months ago when the market was on fire and manufacturers were trying to keep up with demand, noted Steve Tam, vice president of ACT Research. UAW’s previous three-year contract with Mack expired Oct. 1, after which the two sides continued negotiating until an extension agreement expired Oct. 12. “With respect to the timing of the strike, it’s considerably less painful now given the state of the industry and manufacturers needing to reduce production,” he said. How much that affected UAW’s leverage in negotiations is unclear. Mack and UAW declined to disclose details of the tentative agreement until union members were fully briefed. Comments from Lundstedt on Oct. 18 indicated Volvo was ready to hold its ground in a dispute that centered on what the union called job security. UAW Local 677 leaders were looking for Mack to commit to keeping all heavy-duty truck assembly for the North American market in the Lehigh Valley — as is the case today — while Volvo was working toward a sustainable agreement that could guarantee the business’ future as it grapples with competitors that build trucks in Mexico. UAW Local 677 expects a staggered ramp up starting Oct. 28, followed by getting the full system up and running by the middle to end of next week. With the softening market, which came after about two years of strong demand, Mack spokesman Christopher Heffner would not say whether additional production adjustments would be needed, noting that Mack preferred not to discuss production plans. For 2019, Volvo is forecasting retail sales in North America of 340,000 heavy-duty trucks, which it expects to drop in 2020 to a more normal level of 240,000 vehicles. ACT Research, Tam said, sees the market reaching 332,000 in sales this year, followed by a 23% drop next year to 255,500. “Even without the strike, the industry was looking at reduced production rates in the fourth quarter,” he said.

Transport Topics / October 25, 2019 The trucking industry’s premier players are set to land in Atlanta for the biennial North American Commercial Vehicle Show. The Georgia World Congress Center will showcase exhibitors from all corners of the industry Oct. 28-31 for a conference set to feature electric vehicles, telematics platforms, driver assistance technologies, advanced vehicle data analysis and service communications, in addition to developments to improve trucks’ fuel efficiency. The 2019 edition covers more exhibition space than the inaugural 2017 show and features new interactive features, expert workshops, education sessions and a slate of speakers, organizers said. Among truck manufacturers, Daimler Trucks North America, Navistar International, Kenworth Truck Co., Mack Trucks, Peterbilt Motors Co., Volvo Trucks and Hino Trucks will all showcase their latest models on the show floor. Also on display will be trailers from manufacturers that include Great Dane, Hyundai Translead, Dorsey Trailer, Wabash National Corp. and Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. In all, organizers estimate that about 500 exhibitors will fill up 530,000 square feet of show space. Additionally, the event will feature a “connectivity zone” of peripheral device companies to allow attendees the chance to handle, analyze and compare electronic logging devices and internet of things peripheral products. Organizers also have scheduled a lineup of high-level workshops, informative sessions and keynote addresses from leaders in compliance, regulation and efficiency. Speakers will include John Seidl, vice president of risk services for Reliance Partners; Mike Saxton, chief commercial officer of Orange EV; and Mike Roeth, executive director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency. On Oct. 30, the new “Ask the Expert” workshops will provide attendees guidance and opportunities to brainstorm about pressing issues confronting the trucking industry. A recruitment area for military veterans also will be among the show’s features. American Trucking Associations will display a Mack Anthem model as a way to introduce military veterans to the industry. “Though camo is designed to blend in with its surroundings, the camo tractor stands out and generates tremendous interest in trucking from veterans and other job seekers,” said Elisabeth Barna, executive vice president of industry affairs and senior adviser to the president of ATA. “ATA is proud to display its ‘Hero Truck’ at NACV and tour the country to promote the many great careers in trucking.” To facilitate the navigation of the show’s schedule, attendees may rely on a smartphone application under the moniker “NACV Show 2019.”

Mack Trucks Reaches Tentative Agreement with Union Workers Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 24, 2019 Volvo Group subsidiary Mack Trucks announced that it and the United Auto Workers union have reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a new four-year agreement that would cover approximately 3,500 employees at six facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida. In conjunction with the tentative agreement, the UAW has ended its strike against the affected facilities, effective 9 a.m. on October 25. Volvo will bring its UAW-represented employees back to work as soon as possible, and expects to have its industrial system ramped up to full production in several days. Further comment on the proposed agreement is being withheld pending ratification by the various UAW Locals involved in the negotiations. Ratification meetings are being scheduled by the UAW.

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 24, 2019 International LT and RH Series on-highway vehicles will get a host of aerodynamic and engine enhancements for the 2020 model year. Both Class 8 truck models will receive new features benefiting from advances in aerodynamics, powertrain and software systems that will enhance fuel efficiency throughout the 2020 product lineup. Fuel efficiency improvement for the LT Series will be up to 8.2%, when comparing a fully equipped 2020 model to a unit built just one year earlier. According to International new 2020 aerodynamic enhancements include: Enhanced roof fairings Day cab extenders that are 12" longer, closing the tractor-trailer gap Sleeper cab extenders are 3" longer, reducing the tractor-trailer gap Steering wheel closeouts around the front tire Longer chassis skirt Vidon strips, which enhance aerodynamics and are damage resistant New cab-to-skirt closeouts to further reduce wind drag 1" lower bumper valence Flow Below 2.0 design, optimized for the International LT Series "Keeping the airflow 'attached' to the vehicle can result in smoother airflow around the vehicle, reducing turbulence that can increase drag and decrease fuel efficiency," noted Chet Ciesielski, vice president, On-Highway Business, Navistar. "That's why International has introduced a range of aerodynamic features to help improve customers' profitability." Both trucks will receive additional new engine options also designed to boost fuel efficiency as well. Chief among these are improvements to the Cummins X15 engine in the LT Series, which International says will give 2020 models 2.8% better fuel efficiency over earlier versions of the Cummins X15. Predictive cruise control will now be standard on 2020 LT Series, RH Series and the International LoneStar trucks. International said the predictive cruise control system allows drivers to set an average cruise speed, and the customer to define an allowable range above and below that average. The vehicle will then use topographical map data with the onboard GPS to adjust vehicle speed for maximum fuel efficiency and reduced foundation brake wear. With Predictive Cruise Control, and using the International A26 engine, which is also available for 2020 International Class 8 models, International said drivers can anticipate an average of 2% savings in fuel efficiency, based on a 50/50 mix of flat and hilly terrain.