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Trade Trucks Australia / August 27, 2019 Hino is upgrading its 500 Series GT 4x4, adding power, torque, and an increased payload to the off-road model which is set for operation in the first quarter of 2020. Available in single or crew-cab configurations, the 500 Series GT 1528 will feature an upgraded 5.5-tonne front axle and a 10-tonne rear axle, increasing its gross vehicle mass (GVM) to 14.5 tonnes. "The current 500 Series GT 1322 has been a popular choice for off-road work among various Australian emergency services, the mining industry, and infrastructure support applications, and we are confident these changes will further increase its appeal," Hino Motor Sales Australia manager of product strategy Daniel Petrovski says. "When this GVM is combined with the relatively low tare weight of the GT 1528, it results in a nominal payload of approximately nine tonne, which will please operators of these large 4x4 models." The Hino J08 turbocharged six-cylinder engine increases the power from 215hp to 280hp (158kW to 209kW) and torque improves dramatically from the current 637Nm up to 824Nm. The engine complies with ADR80/03 using Euro 5 emission standards through the Hino Diesel Particulate active Reduction (DPR) system. Hino used the annual 2019 Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) exhibition to unveil the upgrades. "Given the current 500 Series GT model’s popularity with emergency services, the 2019 AFAC is the obvious place to announce these changes," Petrovski says "More power and torque enhances the on-road performance for emergency services vehicles attending incidents, while a larger payload increases operational flexibility and efficiency by allowing more water carrying capability. "The Allison 2500 Series automatic transmission makes the role of the emergency service driver easier by eliminating the need to shift gears." Other refinements to the new 500 Series GT 1528 include a new larger capacity dual-range transfer case to handle the increase in power and torque delivered from the upgraded engine. The new 500 Series GT 1528 will feature a reverse camera as standard equipment as part of the smart new multimedia system, which is being rolled out across the Hino range. The new Hino multimedia system is an Android-based 6.5-inch capacitive multi-touch digital screen features AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio, Wi-Fi connectivity, and the latest version of Bluetooth tethering, which enables enhanced call handling, and improved speech to text functionality. Safety and comfort features included as standard on the new 500 Series GT 1528 are anti-lock brake system (ABS), cruise control (single cab only), driver’s SRS airbag, heated and electrically operated external mirrors and an ISRI 6860/870 driver’s seat with integrated safety belt. Full specifications and pricing will be released in the first quarter of 2020. .

Owner-Driver / September 13, 2019 Surplus military trucks carried Australia through a period of prosperity after World War II. Tamara Whitsed travels to Adelong, NSW to see Kevin Purcell’s private collection Kevin Purcell’s passion for military vehicles dates back to World War II. The former farmer and spraying and earthmoving contractor was born in 1941 and says he clearly remembers waving at convoys of army trucks during his early childhood. "The soldiers used to wave madly," he says. In 1953 his father bought a WWII Blitz Chev for the family farm at Yaven Creek, which is 28km south-west of Adelong, New South Wales. The Blitz carted cattle to the Adelong saleyards and took logs to the Purcell’s sawmill. And in the summer Kevin’s father put a water tank on the back to help the local bushfire brigade during fires. Kevin drove the Blitz around the farm long before he was old enough to have a licence. The steering was heavy. Comparing it to a horse, he says the Blitz was "hard in the mouth". The military sold thousands of surplus vehicles after WWII, and they became a common sight on roads and farms throughout Australia. Most of Kevin’s farming neighbours also bought trucks from the military surplus sales. "In Yaven Creek there would have been only one farm without a Blitz." In the 1960s Kevin bought an ex-army jeep. "I was always mad on jeeps. They’re good fun to drive." He used it on the farm. "Just a runabout. Odd jobs. Carting fencing material." And he enjoyed the mechanical challenge of keeping it in working order. Five years ago – after over 70 years on the Yaven Creek farm – Kevin made the decision to move to Adelong. There was a big clearing sale. He said goodbye to tractors and other machinery he had used for farming and contracting, and he doesn’t miss them. But he kept that original Blitz. He’d added a few more military vehicles to his collection by then, and he kept them too. Now that he’s living in Adelong, semi-retired, Kevin has more time to indulge his passion for his hobby, and his collection has grown. Owner//Driver was impressed with the 1980 Mack 6x6 cargo truck with a Hiab crane, which Kevin drove on Sylvia’s Gap Convoy in June. And when we visited him at Adelong last month we ran out of fingers and toes counting all his military vehicles. In addition to the Blitz and Mack there are a couple of jeeps now (a 1943 Willys and a 1942 Ford); five Dodge trucks (a 6x6 troop and cargo carrier; two weapons carriers and two command cars); two GMC 6x6s; four Studebakers; a Bren Gun Carrier; a FWD truck; four Land Rovers; two Kaiser trucks (one wrecker and one instrument repair van); and a couple of ex-Australian Army Internationals. Kevin took us for a drive in his 1970 Ford Military Utility Tactical Truck (MUTT). His loyal dog Oscar, was also a passenger. Part of the fun is stripping vehicles back to the chassis and rebuilding them. Kevin showed us the 1942 Diamond T ex-Australian Army wrecker, which he has been restoring for the past couple of years with help from a local mechanic. It’s still two or three years away from completion. Kevin owns a 10-year-old Mitsubishi tilt-tray truck, which he uses to cart his vehicles. He took it to Newcastle to collect the Diamond T when he bought it. "I initially bought [the tilt-try truck] to cart my own stuff about, but I get people wanting jobs done here and there." Many of the parts he needs for the restoration have come from a second Diamond T, which he purchased. He is confident anything else he needs can be sourced from Europe and America. "There’s not much Diamond T stuff in Australia because there wasn’t very many of them." It’s not a cheap hobby. His 1943 3/4 tonne Dodge Command Car is a good example of how a restoration project can be a ‘bottomless pit’ of expenses. Of all the vehicles he has purchased, it was in the worst condition. "It had an aluminium cab on it and it was a pretty big wreck when I got it. I had to spend a lot of time and money getting it up to scratch." But, as he points out, just because he spent about $100,000 on the Dodge doesn’t mean it’s worth $100,000. "When you restore a vehicle, you never get the money back." After WWII this command car was used during construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme. Later it worked on a dairy farm on the South Coast of NSW. Kevin aims for authenticity with his restorations, including appropriate markings and the obligatory axe and shovel. Larger vehicles also have a mattock (pickaxe). His collection includes trucks from WWII and the Vietnam War era, but he’s not sure whether any accompanied our military overseas. He also owns many peace-time vehicles, and he has a few left-hand-drive American trucks. Kevin suggests anyone keen on becoming involved in the military vehicle hobby should start with a jeep. "Parts aren’t a problem nowadays. They manufacture nearly every bit of a jeep in the Philippines." He reckons you could find a ‘real good one’ for between $28,000 and $30,000. Buying a cheaper jeep as a restoration project is likely to end up costing more, he says. One of the best things about his hobby is forming friendships with other collectors. Kevin is a founding member of the Australian Military Equipment Collectors, which now has about 30 members. He enjoys attending rallies, including the Corowa Swim-In and Military Vehicle Gathering. You’ll also find him and his vehicles at local agricultural shows and Australian Road Transport Heritage Centre (ARTHC) events. He even travels to Military Jeep Club of Queensland rallies. Each ANZAC Day Kevin takes several of his vehicles to the Adelong march. "I had seven there this year." It wasn’t hard to find six friends to drive them. We ask Kevin whether the WWII veterans appreciate seeing his vehicles at the march. "Well there’s not many left nowadays," Kevin replies. "It’s pretty sad, isn’t it?"

Diesel News Australia / September 2019 The announcement that Ford are building a 100 per cent electric van using Australian electric technology in the US at the company’s Detroit Chassis Plant, is a major step forward for, Australian electric power specialists, SEA Electric. “This is an exciting step forward for SEA Electric’s global footprint and a positive result for our USA operations who are currently working towards fulfilling several orders in the pipeline,” said Tony Fairweather, SEA Electric CEO. The Melbourne-based operation has marked a turning point in its history with the first Ford F-59 100 per cent electric van going into production at Ford’s Detroit Chassis Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA. The F-59 EV is being built on a Morgan Olson Walk-in Van body and will be deployed later in 2019 for delivery routes in the greater Detroit area with a leading package delivery company. The vans emerging from the production facility in the US will be powered by a SEA Drive 120b power-system, which develops 150kW of continuous power and 250kW maximum power, as well as 2500 Nm maximum torque. With a range of up to 220 miles (350km), zero emissions, fewer moving parts and lower running costs, the 100 per cent electric van is designed specifically for short stop-start delivery runs. Charge time for the batteries is four to six hours using a 19.2kW single phase 240V on board charger. “We’re confident the fleet customer will love the overall performance of this SEA-Drive powered delivery van,” said David Brosky, SEA Electric’s Regional Director North America. “We anticipate a very successful trial which will lead to substantial follow-on orders from fleet customers within the next 6 to12 months.” SEA Electric is involved with developing and assembling 100 per cent electric-powered vans, commuter buses, and light/medium duty rigid truck models using its proprietary SEA-Drive power-systems. In Australia, the company is working with Isuzu and some other truck brands to engineer and assemble SEA Electric power-systems into their models.The company says it has plans underway for an assembly facility in the Latrobe Valley in regional Victoria. .

Prime Mover Magazine / September 12, 2019 Commercial vehicle manufacturer, Western Star has announced registrations are now open for the 2019 Show n Shine event set to be held at the Museum of Fire in Penrith, NSW Sunday 3 November. The family event will feature Fabian Coulthard and Scott McLaughlin of Supercars team DJR Team Penske in addition to live music and food and beverage vendors. Western Star owners are encouraged to contact their local Western Star dealer if they are keen to showcase their truck at the annual event. The competition categories include Best Western Star under five years, Best Western Star fleet, Best heritage truck and Best Western Star rigid or tipper. Last year Show n Shine was held in Ipswich. “We anticipate that this year’s event will yet again feature a spectacular array of shining Stars along with a host of free, fun activities for the whole family,” said Dale Christensen, Western Star Trucks, Penske Commercial Vehicles, National sales manager. “After hosting the last two events in Queensland, we held discussions with our wider dealer network to gauge feedback on the event," he said. “And after much consideration, and in partnership with our local Sydney dealers Penske Power Systems and Clancy’s Truck and Trailer, we decided to move the event south for 2019," he said. “Each year the Show n Shine has joined with a charity partner raising much-needed funds for various organisations. “By partnering with the Museum of Fire this year, attendees will have the opportunity to support the museum in its efforts to promote the Australian firefighting community.” .

Ford Trucks signs deal with TIP Trailer Services for aftersales services in Western Europe AMSTERDAM, 20 August 2019 - Following on the success of its new F-MAX tractor, winner of the International Truck of the Year award, Ford Trucks raised its growth target and signed an agreement with TIP Trailer Services to expand its aftersales network in Western Europe. After establishing its presence in the Middle East, Africa, Russia and the Turkic Republics, Ford Trucks continues to grow with new dealers in the European market while accelerating efforts to increase the number of countries to 51 by 2020. Following on the international success of its new F-MAX tractor, which had its world premiere at the IAA Hannover Commercial Vehicles Show and won the International Truck of the Year award, Ford Trucks has reached an agreement to rapidly increase the number of its service locations in Western Europe. Under the agreement signed between Ford Trucks and TIP Trailer Services, the leading aftersales service provider in Western Europe, TIP will provide warranty services as well as proactive services to Ford Trucks vehicles in the region. Commenting on the partnership, Ford Trucks Vice President Serhan Turfan said: “In the global arena, Ford Trucks is rapidly growing as a company that combines nearly 60 years of truck production experience with the ability to develop products specific to different export markets. The worldwide appreciation and acclaim for the F-MAX, which we developed from scratch, has been an important driving force that has increased our international growth target. In parallel with our growth target in Western European markets, the cooperation with TIP Trailer Services will contribute significantly to our goal of continuous customer support. We believe that this cooperation will bring very fruitful results for both parties.” TIP Trailer Services Chief Operating Officer Paul Beadle said: “We are very pleased to enter this cooperation and look forward to supporting Ford Trucks on their strategic growth journey in Western Europe. We believe that this is a tremendous partnership for both sides and will provide many benefits.” About TIP Trailer Services TIP Trailer Services is one of Europe and Canada’s leading equipment service providers. We specialize in trailer leasing, rental, maintenance and repair, as well as other value-added services, and provide these to transportation and logistics customers across Europe and Canada. Headquartered in Amsterdam, we service our customers from 102 locations spread over 17 countries in Europe and Canada. Read more on www.tipeurope.com About Ford Trucks Ford Trucks is one of the largest international heavy truck manufacturers in the world. We produce a range of vehicles including tractors, construction trucks and distribution trucks weighing over 16 tonnes. Ford commercial vehicles’ proven track record of quality, durability and efficiency underpins Ford Trucks’ international product strategy. At Ford Trucks, we combine more than half a century of design and production experience with expertise in market-specific product development to engineer the main components of our vehicles, including the all-new engines. We currently operate across Eastern and Central Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia and the CIS and continue to grow our international network across three continents. Hundreds of thousands of truck drivers all around the world set out each and every day with the confidence that Ford provides.For more information about Ford Trucks and its products worldwide, please visit www.fordtrucks.com.tr

Very strange they chose the vocational HV over the RH on-highway. Of course we did later sell them MR tractors, but we had no choice after MC production ended. The lighter MC tractors sold to the USPS originally were all they needed. https://www.internationaltrucks.com/trucks/hv-series https://www.internationaltrucks.com/trucks/rh-series

Bob, I believe the PR776 (larger than the PR766) is the only "high drive" Liebherr product. It was launched in 2016. I read CAT's high drive patent expired (https://patents.google.com/patent/US3828873).

Volvo Trucks Press Release / August 26, 2019 Step inside Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley plant, where more than 500,000 trucks have been built since the 1970s. Here, you’re guided through the assembly of a brand new VNL truck step by step. For each truck, 6,000 individual parts need pass through hundreds of work stations over a 12-hour process. Watch as the chassis and cab are assembled, a truck gets its air suspension and engine, and finally the new VNL truck is painted and test-driven ahead of delivery. .

Renault Trucks Press Release / September 11, 2019 Renault Trucks is participating in the 2019 European Heritage Days, opening its doors to the public to show off the biggest truck in the world, the pride of French industry: the Berliet T100. Renault Trucks will be welcoming visitors to its site in Saint Priest near Lyon on Saturday, September 21 from 10 am to 5:50 pm. They will have the opportunity to admire one of only four models of this legendary truck manufactured in 1957. The Berliet T100 nicknamed the Desert Giant is coming home for the first time for the 2019 European Heritage Days to the delight of automobile fanatics. The T100 No.2 is a massive 50-tonne vehicle standing over 5 metres high. It will be on view at the former Berliet site - now home to Renault Trucks - in Lyon Saint Priest on Saturday, September 21 from 10 am to 5:50 pm. The T100 No.2 rolled off the assembly lines of Berliet’s Lyon-Monplaisir factory in 1958. It was destined for oil companies operating in southern Algeria. Its ability to plough tirelessly through the sand dunes meant that it played a role in putting out a huge fire at the oil well in Gassi-Touil in 1961-62 by keeping the fire brigade supplied with thousands of tonnes of baryte. Since 1981, this symbol of French industrial heritage has been in the hands of the Fondation Berliet which was set up to conserve and showcase the brand’s heritage vehicles. Their modern descendants - the Renault Trucks T, C, K and D Wide trucks - will be on show side by side with the famous old timer. Berliet T100 No.2, technical specifications - Unladen weight: 50 t/payload: 50 t; total weight: 100 t - Dimensions: - Length: 15 m; Width: 5 m; Height: 4.45 m; tyre height: 2.2 m - “Cummins” V12 700-hp diesel engine - Clark 4-speed hydraulic coupling gearbox - Messier multiple “aeronautical waterproof” disc brakes, four on each of the six wheels. Follow the special convoy Moving the T100 is quite an expedition; the vehicle has only left its home twice since 1981. Truck fans will be able to follow the progress of the Desert Giant from the Berliet Conservatory in the Ain department to the Renault Trucks site. It will be hauled by a Renault Trucks C 520 belonging to Transports Lavoye, customer of Berliet and then Renault Trucks since 1944. The T100 will set off on September 18, 2019 at 8 am and will take the following route:Le Montellier – Les Augers / D61 / D4 / Pérouges / Meximieux D22A / D1084D65B / D124 / Blyes / D20 / LOYETTES / D18d / D55 / D517 via CrémieuD75 / Saint-Quentin-Fallavier / D76 / D318 Vénissieux Practical information Open from 10 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday, 21 September only. Admission is on a first-come first-served basis, there is no need to book in advance. Address: Renault Trucks - 99 route de Lyon, 69800 Saint-Priest Free car parking .

Ford Trucks Russia Press Release / September 9, 2019

Ford Trucks Russia Press Release / August 29, 2019 The new Ford Trucks F-MAX tractor is the result of 5 years of development by Ford Trucks engineers. Prior to the start of sales, the Russian Ford Trucks distributor "Turbotrucks" sent a team of experienced drivers on the trip to confirm that the all-new F-MAX was suitable to Russia's challenging winter conditions. Driving over 35,000 kilometers on Russian roads, from Moscow to the shores of Lake Baikal, through the Ural Mountains and the dangerous Kultuk Pass, in blizzard and ice conditions. The new flagship in Russia. Ford Trucks F-MAX. .

It's September, so it was a perfect 89 degrees and sunny in El Paso, Texas today. But summer temps can hit 110 and above, so the City of El Paso specs their Autocar ACX trucks with extra air-con to keep their drivers safe and comfortable. Learn more here: www.autocartruck.com/acx #AutocarACX #AlwaysUp Always Up - Autocar Trucks .

DAF Trucks Press Release / August 30, 2019 DAF Trucks in Eindhoven has today seen the completion of the 100,000th new generation CF and XF truck to roll-off the production line. Never before in the company’s history has a 100,000 series-run been reached so quickly. The 100,000th vehicle, a DAF XF 450 4x2 FT Super Space Cab, was delivered in celebratory fashion to Groep Gheys in Mol, Belgium. .

DAF Trucks Press Release / August 26, 2019 DAF was the first truck manufacturer to offer main vehicle lighting with LEDs for CF and XF models. LED technology offers substantial advantages in terms of operating costs, energy consumption as well as safety and comfort for the driver. Watch the video to see the difference in lighting intensity in a direct comparison with halogen. .

DAF Trucks Press Release / August 26, 2019 Camera systems provide drivers with increased visibility and more confidence. Van Velsen is using Orlaco camera systems on all his trucks. Can you have blind faith in camera systems? Watch the video and see what happened! .

Volvo eyes growth in the U.S., the company’s ‘second home market’ Jason Cannon, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / September 12, 2019 Volvo Trucks is setting its sights on market share growth in the U.S., a market company President Roger Alm calls Volvo’s “second home market.” Through its 2,100 dealers and service points in more than 130 counties, Volvo Trucks delivered more than 127,000 units last year globally, and has more than 1.2 million trucks on the road sold within the last decade. “That is driving a good service business for us and our dealers,” Alm says. Volvo market share climbed 2% in North America from 2017 to 2018. As of July, Volvo had 10% market share in North America and 10.9% in the U.S. through August. The U.S. is Volvo’s largest market with 26,477 trucks delivered last year, more than twice the number delivered in its second largest market – Brazil. TEC Equipment’s Fontana, Calif., dealership is the largest Volvo dealership in the world and features 98 service bays. “We are making major investments in serving our customers the best way,” Alm said. “If we are investing, it should have an impact on our customer.” Since Volvo Introduced its VNR and refreshed VNL in 2017, truck sales have soared industrywide. A forecast of 325,000 trucks are set to be sold this year in North America, up from 311,000 the year before. Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said strong style enhancements to Volvo’s two flagship on-highway trucks, coupled with driver comfort offerings, has brought new opportunities for growth. “Transporters are using Volvos to attract drivers,” Voorhoeve said, noting he sees more fleets using Volvo trucks in driver recruitment marketing. In the last 10 years, Volvo has invested $619 million in its 435 U.S. dealership network. Service bay capacity is up 64% and its master technician population has soared nearly 300%. “I think we have a leading and competitive dealer network,” Voorhoeve said. Volvo is also investing $400 million in its manufacturing facility in Virginia over the next 6 years – the site that manufactures all the Volvo trucks sold in North America. The upgrades include expansion of the industrial footprint and installation of a variety of state-of-the-art equipment that will improve plant efficiency and deliver even higher product quality for customers. Pulaski County, Va., will support the project by granting Volvo 222 acres of adjacent property to expand the campus, and provide $500,000 toward site improvements. In addition to its financial investment, Volvo announced plans to create 777 new jobs at the facility over the next six years. Major components of the investment include a new 350,000-square-foot building that will ultimately house truck cab welding operations; an expansion of the existing plant to allow for further improvements to the facility’s paint operations and overall material/production flow; and a variety of equipment upgrades, including installation of several state-of-the-art dynamometers for vehicle testing. .

Jack Roberts, Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / September 12, 2019 Dublin, Virginia — At the Technology Summit at the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia, Volvo Trucks unveiled a host of new and upgraded safety systems as well as a brand-new Class 8 electric VNR tractor. In his opening remarks to journalists attending the Volvo Trucks North America Technology Summit, Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks said, “Other truck companies change with the times. Volvo is committed to changing the times.” And looking at the wide array of diverse new products, systems, technologies and upgrades the Swedish truck OEM unveiled during the course of the day it would be hard to argue with him. New Volvo product offerings detailed included a second-generation turbo-compound diesel engine, a new steering assistance system, and upgrades to Volvo’s advanced active safety systems as well as a first-look at an all-new, Class 8 VNR battery-electric tractor. The day began, however, with business news and the announcement of a major investment in Volvo’s North American manufacturing facilities and processes. “We are moving into new technology today. We will start serial production of electric trucks next year,” Alm said. “But the internal combustion engine will be the dominate power source in trucking for many years to come. But we are investing in our product portfolio and bringing new technology to market all the time.” Before a team of Volvo engineers and designers began briefing on the new products being unveiled, however, Alm and Peter Voorhoeve briefed reporters on the state of the North American truck market as seen by Volvo analysts, as well as significant investments in both dealerships and manufacturing facilities. Alm said that if current build rates hold up, he expects to see a total of 311,000 new Class 8 trucks roll onto North American highways this year. That number is a bit lower than the company’s initial estimate of 325,000 units — which Alm said was a natural consequence of the economy slowing down somewhat. Still, Voorhoeve noted that 2019 was shaping up to be a “very good year,” and added that while the economy did indeed seem to be cooling off somewhat, this was to be expected given the red-hot production numbers the industry has seen over the past couple of years. Volvo currently has North American market share of 9.6% — a figure lower than the 10% market share the company posted in 2018. Voorhoeve said this was due to delivery issues that hobbled the company in early 2019 — but that he expected to make up lost ground and finish the year at 10% once again. “In some ways, Volvo is still a new brand in North America,” Voorheve noted, “We’ve been here since 1982.” The success of any truck brand in North America — which remains Volvo’s largest market globally, depends on having a solid dealer network, which Voorheve said Volvo has made a priority from its earliest days in the United States and Canada. To date, he noted, Volvo has invested $619 million in its dealership network, which has grown to 435 locations since 2010, along with a whopping 296% increase in Volvo Master Technicians and a 64% increase in service bays. Building on those successes, Voorhoeve announced that Volvo will invest another $400 million in its New River Valley truck plant in Dublin, where all Volvo trucks sold in North America are built. “The outstanding product line currently produced at NRV has strongly positioned Volvo Trucks for the future,” Voorhoeve said. “This investment is another sign of our confidence in that future, and will help us prepare for even more exciting products – powered by both diesel and electric drivetrains – in the coming years.” Virginia Governor Ralph Northam joined company and local officials to announce the expansion, which will be eligible for a Virginia Major Employment and Investment grant of up to $16.5 million and other incentives. Virginia’s Pulaski County will support the project by granting Volvo 222 acres of adjacent property to expand the campus, and providing $500,000 toward site improvements. In addition to its financial investment, Volvo announced plans to create 777 new jobs at the facility over the next six years. Major components of the investment include a new 350,000-square-foot building that will ultimately house truck cab welding operations; an expansion of the existing plant to allow for further improvements to the facility’s paint operations and overall material/production flow; and a variety of equipment upgrades, including installation of several state-of-the-art dynamometers for vehicle testing. “This investment will give our employees the tools they need to continue providing our customers the highest quality products,” said Franky Marchand, Vice President and General Manager of the NRV plant. “We’re very grateful to the Commonwealth of Virginia, Pulaski County, and the citizens in this community for their continued support of our business and our people. Creating more value-added processes through these investments is good for our employees, our plant and our region.”

Back in 1910, Autocar was racing to keep up with demand for its trucks - but still built fancy cars, too. This Autocar Type XX ("Type 20") cost the equivalent of $126,000, but it did have over 25 HP. 😮 In 1911 Autocar built its final car and focused exclusively on trucks. #ThrowbackThursday #TBT Always Up - Autocar Trucks .

For every diesel truck we replace with natural gas, we reduce our diesel fuel by an average of 8,000 gallons per year, along with a reduction of 14 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year! #ThinkWM Always Up - Autocar Trucks .

Scania Group Press Release / August 26, 2019 Renewable fuels as standard, heavier loads with even more power, advanced driver assistance software and a truck with fewer pieces and lighter materials: the V8 has a fascinating future in store. Since its creation in 1969, the V8’s reputation for power and reliability, plus its iconic emblem and the distinctive rumble of the engine have earned it the title ‘King of the Road’. And yet, the transport industry is being affected by some profound technological and societal changes, such as digitalisation and climate change. Will the king keep his crown in ten or even 20 years’ time? What sort of future does the V8 have? “In the last 20 years we have gone from Euro 3 to Euro 6 and increased the horsepower and the fuel economy, but it still looks like a V8.” “I think there’s definitely a future for the V8,” says Anders Gau, Chief Engineer for V8 Engines at Scania, confidently. “If you look in the rearview mirror and see what it was like ten or 20 years ago, it had eight cylinders, eight pistons, and it looked the same as now. Of course, we have improved it a lot; in the last 20 years, we have gone from Euro 3 to Euro 6 emissions standards, we have increased the horsepower from 580 to 730 and the fuel economy has improved a lot, but it still looks like a V8.” Heavier loads need the V8’s power In particular, now as well as in the future, Gau says that the V8 comes into its own when there are heavy transport needs. “It’s a robust, high-power engine that’s really good for fuel economy and carrying heavy loads, such as in the timber and mining industries,” he explains. “Twenty years is a long time away from now, but we will still see the need for heavy trucks to transport heavy loads, which are core requirements for those industries. You need a strong V8 engine with which to operate.” You might think that these power needs automatically mean that the engines have become bigger and more complicated, as well as even more fuel-thirsty. But in fact, the V8 has gone in the opposite direction. With the latest iteration introduced in 2017, the biggest differences have been the engine’s startling fuel efficiency progression (an average of five percent fuel savings), and its increased robustness. It’s 80 kilogrammes lighter than its predecessor, due mainly to a simplified layout with fewer parts overall. Connectivity: more than electrification in v8’s near future Gau believes that connectivity will have a great bearing on the V8’s future, pointing out that it is already compatible with all the connected services and coaching modules Scania provides. He sees further developments in intelligent drivetrains, making it even easier for the driver to minimise fuel consumption. “With the intelligent powertrain helping you choose the right gears, and knowing what’s going to happen in three kilometres, the driver can then allow the truck’s kinetic energy to propel it. Then you can let go the gas pedal just before reaching the top and roll down the hill, using the kinetic energy to help get it up the next hill. The V8 allows you to use your most efficient gear for a longer time rather than downshifting – you have the power to do that. That’s actually the most energy-efficient approach,” he says. The efficiency of heavier loads In the face of climate change and air pollution, how will the growing need for fossil-free transport solutions affect the V8? Perhaps a big diesel-powered machine like this will have no place in such a future? Jonas Nordh, Director of Sustainable Solutions, begs to differ. “I support the development of the V8 from a sustainability point of view,” he says. “If we won’t have electrification widely available until 2030, we need to have something else meantime, and that’s energy efficiency. Some 25 percent of the reduction of co2 needs to come from energy-efficient solutions.” He explains that the V8’s ability to take on bigger, heavier loads means fewer trucks are needed for specific jobs and consumption levels stay the same, especially using the kinetic energy that Chief V8 Engineer Anders Gau mentions. Indeed, Nordh adds, “This is why the V8 can be a leader in sustainable transport. If you look into what we are doing with the new generation, we are increasing energy efficiency. Our new diesel platform for the V8 already lowers energy consumption, and whether you’re moving one tonne or 76 tonnes, it needs to be done as efficiently as possible. Renewable fuels bring new possibilities Nordh adds, “We need to prioritise the limited amounts of biofuels for the work areas that really need them. We don’t need them for the cities; there, electrification and biogas can work. But for hilly topographies, in mines, and where heavy haulage applications of around 70 to 80 tonnes are required, we need the V8’s power. By running the V8 730 on Bio-fame or HVO, we can also address the co2 issues.” Another gateway to fossil freedom is blending standard and biofuels. At Scania there is a dedicated team that is working on this process. A lighter but stronger vehicle Possible influences on future development also include the advent of stronger but lighter materials such as kevlar and carbon fibres, but Kristofer Hansén, previous Head of Styling, Industrial Design at Scania, sounds a note of caution, saying that these materials have been around for a while and their costliness has slowed their advance. Aluminium is another material that could well figure more in future designs, and Scania is, like others, looking at this and other solutions. “A truck has a lot of pieces right now,” says Hansén. “but perhaps in the future, there will be fewer pieces to make up the chassis, but less weight.” .

Deborah Lockridge, Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / September 11, 2019 California’s governor is expected to sign into law a bill that critics say would make it difficult, if not impossible, for trucking companies in the state to use independent contractor owner-operator truck drivers. If signed into law, Assembly Bill 5 “will put tens of thousands of owner-operator truckers, who service agriculture, retail and other industry sectors, out of business," said the California Trucking Association in a press release. AB 5 originally passed the California State Assembly back in May, and was passed late in the evening Sept. 10 by the state Senate. It codifies last year’s Dynamex California Supreme Court decision into law, establishing an ABC test to determine status of an independent contractor that would all but eliminate the owner-operator model in the state. According to published reports, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has signaled support for the measure, which would take effect on Jan. 1. It started with Dynamex The state supreme court last year ruled in a case involving Dynamex, a courier company, that certain workers should be presumed employees instead of independent contractors when evaluating wage and hour classification in class action cases. The ruling required companies to use a newly adopted ABC test to determine who is an independent contractor, which consists of certifying: A That the worker is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of the work and in fact; B That the worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and C That the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as the work performed. “Most legal analysis of the ruling agrees the ABC test sets an impossible standard for most of our members to meet,” the Western States Trucking Association told its members last May, with the sticking point being the “B” provision. Joel M. Van Parys, an attorney with Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger, explained in an analysis for Truckinginfo.com before AB5’s passage that “in order to pass 'prong B' of the Dynamex test, a company must show that a worker is performing work outside of the usual course of the company’s business. If a company’s business is trucking, transportation or logistics, then it will be very difficult for truck drivers to pass this part of the test. In addition, the drivers would have to have independently established businesses or provide trucking services to other companies.” The Los Angeles Times, which called AB5 a “sweeping bill rewriting California employment law,” explained that while the Dynamex decision applied only to rules governing minimum wages, overtime and meal and rest breaks, AB 5 goes further. The legislation would entitle those classified as employees under the ABC test to benefits such as workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance, paid sick days and family leave. The legal firm Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, in an email alert, noted that other than some owner-operators providing services in the construction industry, trucking and gig-economy companies did not receive stand-alone exemptions, “making it likely that such businesses will be subject to the ABC test unless they can satisfy the difficult business-to-business exception.” Construction exception One amendment in the bill allows drivers working within the construction industry to continue operating as independent truckers for a two-year grace period, according to CTA. Joe Rajkovacz, director of governmental affairs for the Western States Trucking Association, told HDT in an interview that some of its members, many of whom are in the construction industry, might have a path forward thanks to a deal cut by United Contractors with organized labor. “The only way for an owner-operator in construction trucking to exist – we’re talking someone with their own authority – is they have to contract directly with a contractor licensed by the state of California. That as you can imagine has all of our broker members fit to be tied.” ‘The sins of the few’ The bill was pushed by labor unions, who have long wanted to organize drivers at the state ports, but cannot because federal law prohibits independent contractors from joining unions. And there is little doubt that there are some trucking companies in the state who have abused the independent contractor model, as highlighted in what the industry criticized as a lopsided USA Today report in late 2007. However, AB5 took a broad-brush approach in banning the use of independent contractors rather than addressing the abuses. “The sins of the few have been extrapolated to the many, and that’s unfair,” Rajcovacz told HDT. The state’s trucking industry had sought to work with legislators to carve out an exception for legitimate independent contractors. Many workers were exempted, among them doctors, dentists, lawyers, engineers, accountants, architects, Realtors, travel agents, graphic designers, and investment advisors – but not trucking, nor “gig” workers such as those for Uber and Lyft. “AB 5 could have been amended to address worker misclassification issues, as well as protect the 70,000 predominantly minority-owned truckers currently operating as independent contractors,” said Shawn Yadon, CEO of the California Trucking Association, in a press release issued by the association. “There is no reason why protecting workers does not include defending the right of tens of thousands of drivers who have built their businesses around the independent owner-operator model, invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in their trucks and have operated their own businesses for decades.” CTA had advocated for changes to AB 5 that would still allow legitimate trucking owner-operators, including requirements for operating authority, ownership of vehicles, exclusivity and transparency about pay. “These changes would have set a clear criterion and established independence in a way that protected employees from misclassification without hurting entire sectors of the business community,” CTA’s release said. In an interview, Yadon told HDT that the bill does not distinguish between a driver who's acting as an independent contractor under a truck lease-purchase program and one who owns his or her own truck outright, independent of a deal with the motor carrier they drive for. “It virtually destroys the independent contractor model for trucking," he said. When asked if he thought legislators truly understood what they were doing to the trucking industry, Yadon told HDT, “The predominant voice of the truckers in Sacramento have been from the owner-operators.... I believe that awareness was made clear [to legislators], not only by the CTA, but also by those dozens and dozens of owner-operators who showed up at committee hearings and testified, gave their own story of how they were building their businesses. So I believe it was pretty clearly stated from a variety of sources, and most importantly from the independent drivers themselves. I would not say there was a lack of understanding.” In California, more than 136,950 trucking companies remain primarily small, locally owned business with small fleets and independent drivers, according to CTA. What will owner-operators and motor carriers do? Meanwhile, motor carriers and owner-operators are left trying to figure out a strategy for what to do next. “AB 5 will have implications that will go beyond employment classification,” said Yadon in the release. “Like the rest of the nation, California is experiencing a shortage of truck drivers, this measure will aggravate the problem by removing thousands of drivers from rosters as many have indicated they will move to other states or seek a different line of work all together.” In fact, Rajkovacz told HDT, he heard from owner-operators earlier this year that Swift Transportation was already terminating owner-operator leases in the state. Bill Aboudi, owner of AB Trucking, a small drayage company based in Oakland, California, and a member of the HDT Editorial Advisory Board, told HDT via email that his company owns its trucks and uses employee drivers, but it uses owner-operators for peak volume or bidding on accounts that its trucks can’t handle. “It will have an impact on us accepting more work,” he said. But the majority of drayage companies in the state use the independent contractor model, he said. “Most of the companies are pure owner-operator companies [that] will be destroyed, and the owner-operators will have no place to go – a complete disaster.” So far, he said, most of the owner-operators at the Oakland port (some 90% of the 9,000 trucks operating out of the port) are not aware of the bill and what it means, “or don’t think it applies to them, because the media is leading with headlines like ‘gig economy’ or Uber/Lyft.” What’s next? “It’s not over,” Rajkovacz told HDT. There are still efforts to fight this, including via litigation, legislation, and a push to put it on the ballot for a public vote. Litigation: WSTA and CTA had both filed lawsuits challenging the state Supreme Court’s Dynamex Decision. Last week, WSTA announced it was dropping its challenge, believing that the CTA suit and others would have a better chance. The CTA suit in fact had been put on hold by a judge while the WSTA suit was moving forward. Yadon confirmed that CTA’s suit was expected to move forward in the near future. Legislation: Rajkovacz said there is discussion of some sort of amending bill in the works, but that is about newspaper delivery people. “Certainly some people hope it’s trucking’s last attempt to get some sort of carve-out,” he told HDT, but he felt those chances were slim. The legislation’s sponsor, Assemblymember Gonzalez, has suggested she remains open to business-favorable changes or clarifications in next year’s legislative session. Ballot issue: According to USA Today, “even before the measure passed, Uber, Lyft, and food delivery company DoorDash invested a collective $90 million to bring the issue to voters as a proposition on the next ballot. Their plan preserves independent contractor status of their workers while offering basic protections and benefits, including a minimum earnings floor, access to health care plans not tied to their employment, and representation in the companies to better address issues.” “Labor has a lot of money, but they don’t have the money Silicon Valley has," Rajkovacz told HDT. “If they run a ballot measure just to protect their industries, I think they’d lose. But if it’s a broad-based appeal to essentially overturn AB5, this could get real interesting.”