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Volvo Group Press Release / February 8, 2019 Volvo Penta has signed its first agreement to design and deliver an electric driveline for an industrial OEM. This strategic partnership follows the recent announcement that Volvo Penta is providing the propulsion system to Gothenburg’s first all-electric ferry, and demonstrates an important step in the company’s journey to offer electrified power solutions to both the industrial and marine segments by 2021. Volvo Penta’s partner in this latest endeavour is Rosenbauer, one of the world’s top manufacturers of fire-service vehicles and with whom Volvo Penta has already provided Stage IV/Tier 4 Final and Euro VI emissions-compliant diesel engines. Volvo Penta will develop the electric driveline in Rosenbauer’s first electric fire truck, the Concept Fire Truck (CFT), taking a system delivery approach. Fire truck uses proven Volvo technology For Volvo Penta, the project represents an exciting opportunity to demonstrate and further develop its electromobility platform in a prestigious and demanding application. Rosenbauer, meanwhile, benefits from a proven Volvo Group technological solution that is tailored to its needs; it is a win-win situation for both companies. The launch of the Concept Fire Truck is scheduled for 2021. “Emission-free driving is a key feature of our innovative Concept Fire Truck,” says Dieter Siegel, CEO at Rosenbauer International. “For this reason, I am very glad that the heart of the CFT – the electric driveline – will be provided by Volvo Penta. Thus, we are going to be the lead user of proven electromobility technology, today used in Volvo buses and trucks. We have been cooperating with Volvo Penta for many years, which, as a pioneer, has started looking after pollutant reduction early and is putting a strong focus on electromobility.” Volvo Penta is leveraging the benefits of proven technology and competence in the field of electromobility, combined with a deep understanding of customer needs to develop electric power solutions that future proofs their customers’ businesses. “This partnership with Rosenbauer is the first of many as Volvo Penta expands its competence in the field, and builds an innovative electromobility platform for the future,” says Björn Ingemanson, President of Volvo Penta. “Every day, Volvo Penta is taking steps forward in meeting the demands for cleaner, quieter and more efficient power solutions, both on land and at sea. We are excited to contribute to the Rosenbauer journey, bringing fire fighting trucks of the future to the market.” .

MAN Truck & Bus Press Release / February 8, 2019 Significantly more than an evolution. The truck with that certain "Something": Cutting edge design with exclusivity and comfort. .

Ford Trucks International / February 8, 2019 The New Big: The Ford Trucks F-MAX is now in the Czech Republic for a special product launch! Ford Trucks - Ready when you are! .

Correct, the ISL (even though Volvo Group has their own UD-designed 7.7-litre 280-350hp D8K engine that would be ideal for the MHD application).

Scania Group Press Release / February 6, 2019 A groundbreaking customised Scania P 410 truck designed for wind turbine oil changes has been conceived and developed by Maser Engineering, a French company. The new truck reduces maintenance time by 400 percent. Guillaume Allaire, Business Manager at Maser Engineering explains: “I wanted to develop equipment that was capable of carrying out oil changes quickly and easily.” Unique customised Scania P 410 The four-axle Scania P 410 with its three steered axles is unique not only in France, but even in Europe. Two years of research and design were needed to bring about this ‘Swiss Army knife’: a Scania weighing 19 tonnes at no load, including a 12,000-litre tank separated into three compartments (for used and new oils), a mechanical compartment equipped with a 600-litre heating tank, a power generator and a 120-metre double hose reel. “With this truck, an oil change can be done four times faster. Products have absolutely no contact with air. In short, operations are made safe and the risk of pollution is limited,” Allaire says. Scania – an attentive partner Maser Engineering hopes to gain a foothold in the French market with the new truck which is assembled according to the short-circuit principle. “All participants, from Scania to the coachbuilder, are based in Pays de la Loire, in western France. We are involved in renewables and green energy, so sustainable construction makes sense to us,” says Guillaume Allaire. Scania’s quick and positive response with this chassis, which is sized to meet the needs of the activity made all the difference to Maser Engineering. “When we approached them, we felt that the project elicited their interest because of the technical sophistication of the truck, and the environmental focus of our work,” he recalls. Read more about Scania P-series here .

"It's all about performance."

Commercial Motor / February 4, 2019 Why does MA Ponsonby run a V8? It's all about performance. .

Commercial Motor / February 1, 2019 Manners Transport talk about their new Scania V8 truck. .

Related reading - https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36419-those-brazilian-fnm-alfa-romeo-coes/?tab=comments#comment-253513

Magazinulasim / February 5, 2019

After months of speculation surrounding Sears’ fate, a federal judge has given the iconic U.S. retailer a fresh start. Judge Robert Drain approved the company’s sale to the hedge fund of its chairman — Eddie Lampert — for $5.2 billion. Sears filed for bankruptcy protection in October and appeared to be on the brink of liquidation before Lampert’s ESL Investments made an offer. The sale will result in 425 Sears stores staying open, as well as 45,000 people keeping their jobs.

I'm assuming these Class 8 M-B engines were in Class 8 M-B trucks sold in Mexico, even though Daimler said they didn't report Mexican sales. https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/33495-daimler-brings-actros-coe-to-north-america/?tab=comments#comment-216623

Roger Gilroy, Transport Topics / February 7, 2019 Independent engine maker Cummins Inc. supplied the most Class 8 diesel engines overall in 2018, and set a record for its heavier-displacement units used in one of the strongest years on record for new truck demand, WardsAuto.com reported. There were 309,701 diesel engines used in Class 8 trucks in 2018. Cummins supplied 118,857, or 38.3%, and had every truck maker as a customer, according to Wards. A year earlier, Cummins earned a 37.7% share with 94,053 of the 249,284 total. “It’s long been said that Cummins competes against all of its customers. We know they can make diesel engines,” Brett Merritt, vice president of on-highway engine business, told Transport Topics. “Our job is to scale them better, to provide a broad product breadth that they may not have, to give the end customer a choice and to help our OEM customers continue to sell trucks. Our goal at the end of the day is sell trucks,” he said. The figures come from a Wards report on North American factory sales of heavy-duty trucks, including their engines, released Feb. 1. The report breaks Class 8 engines into two segments, with 10 liters as the dividing line. Cummins reclaimed the top spot in the heavier segment for the 12-month period. In that segment, it had a 33.9% share of the total 283,210 used, or 96,105 — its all-time record for the segment in terms of volume, Merritt said. More of its X15 engines were used, Merritt said. “It has been showing fantastic fuel economy and has been known for a long time for durability.” He added, “The ISX12 had a pretty strong year for its history.” Cummins unseated Detroit Diesel Corp., which slipped to a 32% share in 2018 with 90,827 engines. It posted a 35% share in the heavier segment in 2017. Daimler Trucks North America has two Class 8 engine brands, Detroit Diesel and Mercedes-Benz. MB had 11 engines used in the heavier segment, down from 818 a year earlier. For the full year, DDC had 92,272 engines used, good for the second-highest share at 29.7%. MB had 271 used. The scope of the report that Wards publishes is North America, including sales to Mexico, a spokesperson for Daimler pointed out. “Our numbers that we submit to Wards exclude Mexico volumes, hence they are incomplete for North America. This has been in effect since November 2017.” Meanwhile, Kenworth Truck Co. and International were Cummins’ two largest customers in the heavier segment — accounting for 35,590 and 30,880, respectively. Kenworth is a brand of Paccar Inc., and International is a brand of Navistar Inc. Paccar CEO Ron Armstrong said in a recent earnings call the company was increasing investments in machining in 2019 “to support the success of the Paccar MX engine and just to continue to increase the efficiency of all of our factories around the world.” Paccar had 34,729 engines used in the heavier segment and 1,742 in the lighter one for a total of 36,471. Ultimately, having more engines used leads to more parts for service and repair, “which typically have a little bit higher-than-average margin,” Armstrong said. At the same time, International and Volvo Trucks North America posted the largest percentage increases in the heavier segment in 2018. International had 9,172 heavier engines used — up 77.5% compared with 5,167 a year earlier — and 9,464 overall. Its A26 engine, available first in on-highway applications, now is available for vocational trucks, said Steve Gilligan, Navistar’s vice president of product marketing. “We’ve actually doubled the number of engines sold in the on-highway market and are just starting to see growth in the vocational,” Gilligan said. VTNA, a unit of Volvo Group, had 29,468 in all, rising 59% from 18,481 in the 2017 period. Volvo is seeing “strong demand and improved vehicle deliveries [up 35%]” in North America, Jan Ytterberg, Volvo Group’s chief financial officer, said in a recent earnings call. Mack Trucks, also a brand of Volvo Group, saw engines used increase 22% to 22,898 compared with 18,766 a year earlier. At the same time, the number of installed Class 8 engines under 10 liters dipped to 26,491 from 28,479 in 2017. Cummins continued to dominate there with 22,752, or an 85.8% market share. “I think it will still be a fairly large part of the industry; 26,000 engines is still pretty large and a good focus for us,” Merritt said. Freightliner, also a DTNA brand, was its largest customer, with 14,345 engines. Detroit Diesel saw the number of its engines used in this lighter category soar to 1,445 compared with 49 a year earlier. MB engines plummeted to 260 compared with 3,714 a year earlier as it faced emissions-related issues. .

Harley-Davidson Should Build Pickup Trucks, Not Electric Motorcycles Daren Fonda, Barrons / February 7, 2019 Harley-Davidson’s troubles run so deep that it should start making pickup trucks or SUVs. Either that or Harley could make a good addition to an auto maker like Ford. Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas floated the idea of Harley getting into SUV and pickup truck business in a note out Wednesday. The heavy-duty motorcycle segment is in secular decline, he notes, and Harley—the strongest brand in the space—is taking the brunt of the hit with sales that have been falling for years. Harley plans to launch an electric bike later this year, aiming to capture more eco-friendly and younger customers. Barron’s has been skeptical of that initiative. And Jonas doesn’t view it positively, either. “Are we the only ones who really struggle with the concept of all-electric...silent Harley-Davidson motorcycles?” he asks. Yet Harley has tremendous brand equity that extends to everything from leather jackets to women’s jewelry. Harley could start manufacturing its own SUVs and pickup trucks—admittedly a huge capital-intensive undertaking. Alternatively, it could put itself up for sale to an auto maker like Ford. The auto maker already sells “Harley-Davidson” trim packages on its F-150 and super-duty pickups, Jonas notes. And Harley would make a powerful addition for Ford, which is reviving its retro Bronco brand. Sales of full-size pickups are one of the few bright spots for U.S. auto makers—accounting for as much as half of the industry’s U.S. profits, Jonas estimates. Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, and RAM dominate the market with a 93% share. Harley would make for a powerful fifth brand, he notes, and it would likely be more successful than foreign brands, which lack the “brand authenticity” so crucial to the segment. Jonas doesn’t specifically argue that Ford should buy Harley, and he notes that Harley management hasn’t commented on any of this. He adds, “we have no such knowledge of any potential expansion into such markets.” Harley declined to comment. Ford hadn’t responded with a comment at press time. Harley has other options, of course. The firm could plow headlong into electric vehicles, building smaller, lighter, quieter, and more eco-friendly bikes, Jonas writes. Alternatively, it could innovate on the margins while staying “true to its core,” returning all excess cash to investors. Harley does have some leeway to be more generous with shareholders. The firm reported $992 million in free cash flow in 2018 and spent $634 million on share buybacks and dividends. Its dividend payout ratio is at 46%, leaving room for dividend increases. As for Ford, it could probably use Harley’s brand, but at what cost? Harley has an enterprise value of $12.6 billion, compared with $160 billion for Ford. Presumably, Ford could issue equity to buy Harley. But the price would be higher than today’s value. And a leveraged buyout probably wouldn’t sit well with investors. Ford has $120 billion in net debt and a negative ratings outlook from S&P and Moody’s. Both ratings firms downgraded Ford’s debt last summer to one notch above junk. Merger fantasies aside, Jonas rates Harley a buy with a $50 price target. He bases that valuation on a hypothetical buyout of the firm, based on a multiple of nine times enterprise value/Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). That would peg Harley’s common-stock takeout value at $19.5 billion. Sure, a Harley-branded pickup truck sounds great. But if Ford wants Harley badly enough, it would have to live high on the hog, something it may not be able to afford.

Fiat Chrysler paid $77 million in U.S. fuel economy penalties in 2018 David Shepardson, Reuters / February 7, 2019 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV told Reuters on Thursday it paid $77 million in U.S. civil penalties late last year for failing to meet 2016 model year fuel economy requirements, the first significant sign the industry is facing hurdles meeting rising emissions rules. The Italian-American automaker has been lobbying the Trump administration to revise fuel economy requirements and last year regulators proposed freezing requirements at 2020 model-year levels through 2026. Shane Karr, head of external affairs for Fiat Chrysler in North America, said in a statement the fuel economy program should be reformed rather than “requiring companies to make large compliance payments because assumptions made in 2011 turned out to be wrong.” Karr added that the automaker is “committed to improving the fuel efficiency of our fleet and expanding our U.S. manufacturing footprint.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a report dated Dec. 21 that the industry faced $77 million in fines in 2016 and that one unnamed manufacturer “is expected to pay significant civil penalties.” The agency did not immediately comment on Thursday. The civil penalty payment is much higher than in prior model years. The industry paid $2.3 million in civil penalties in 2014 and $40 million in 2011. Under federal rules, automakers can accrue credits for overcomplying in some years. In 2012, the Obama administration finalized rules requiring automakers to nearly double the fleet-wide fuel efficiency of vehicles to more than 50 miles per gallon by 2025, but the Trump administration has proposed rolling back those requirements starting in the 2021 model year. NHTSA also noted that the number of automakers’ fleets with credit shortfalls had risen to 26 in 2016, up from 18 in 2011, and the number of surpluses fell from 26 in 2011 to 15. Steve Bartoli, a Fiat Chrysler vice president who oversees fuel economy issues, said in September at a public hearing on the fuel rules that starting in 2016 the auto industry had been unable to meet current requirements without using credits earned from prior model years. Bartoli called the gap “a wake-up call that assumptions made seven years ago about the U.S. auto market need to be revisited.” The NHTSA report also said automakers collectively face projected shortfalls of about $1.2 billion for both the 2017 and 2018 model years, but it was unclear how much in credits can be used to offset the deficits. Fiat Chrysler said the payment was anticipated and the costs were included in the company’s fourth-quarter financial results released on Thursday. The company has previously purchased emissions credits from Tesla, Toyota and Honda. Fiat Chrysler paid penalties for its domestically produced car fleet that did not meet efficiency requirements. It noted rules governing domestically produced cars restrict the use of credits. The company explained the shortfall in part by noting that starting in the 2011 model year some front-wheel-drive utility vehicles previously classified as trucks were moved to the car fleet, which have much tougher fuel-efficiency requirements. Fiat Chrysler noted those vehicles are taller and require more energy than sedans. In 2016, the company produced four such vehicles: the two-row Dodge Journey, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. By contrast, Fiat Chrysler said its average light-truck fuel economy in 2016 was higher than Toyota, Ford and General Motors, while its car numbers were significantly lower. The Trump administration said last year the fuel economy freeze would save the automakers more than $300 billion in regulatory costs. Trump’s proposed freeze would result in 500,000 barrels per day more oil consumption by the year 2030. California says the proposal “would worsen air quality for the most vulnerable (and) waste billions of gallons of gasoline.”

FCA says Q4 net surged 61% on N.A. growth, margins Vince Bond Jr., Automotive News / February 7, 2019 UAW profit-sharing checks rise $500 to average $6,000 payouts Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, boosted by robust gains in North America, on Thursday posted a 61 percent surge in fourth-quarter net income to $1.47 billion along with revenue growth of 6 percent to $34.7 billion. For the full year, FCA's net income rose 3 percent to $4.1 billion. Revenue for the year ramped up 4 percent to $131 billion. FCA said its 44,000 UAW-represented workers in the U.S. will receive average profit-sharing payments of $6,000 -- a $500 increase from the year before -- on March 8. The 2018 profit-sharing payment is based on the company's adjusted earnings performance in North America. FCA said its UAW hourly employees have received more than $29,000 in profit sharing, on average, since 2009. The company said it invested more than $10 billion and created nearly 30,000 jobs in the U.S. in the last decade. Quarterly results FCA's quarterly gain was driven by its North American business, which boosted adjusted earnings almost 25 percent to $1.9 billion. FCA's net pricing and margins rose because of the regional unit's focus on trucks and SUVs. Adjusted margins increased to 8.7 percent from 8.0 percent a year ago. North American revenue surged 15 percent to $22.0 billion. Vehicle sales in the region rose 10 percent to 613,000 units, FCA said, while U.S. retail market share rose to 11.6 percent from 11.1 percent. The quarter topped a full-year of breakthrough gains for FCA in North America, finishing the year with adjusted earnings rising 19 percent to $7.1 billion. Total revenue in the region improved 9.5 percent to $82.2 billion. During a tumultuous year punctuated by the death of longtime CEO Sergio Marchionne, FCA's finances improved in 2018 by most measurements, such as: A $4.9 billion improvement in industrial cash, to $2.2 billion, because of growth in net income and free cash flow. The company's liquidity increased by about $850 million to $24 billion. Because of ongoing debt reduction, financial expenses fell by $330 million. Total tax expenses, mostly due to U.S. tax cuts, fell by $793 million. Europe and Asia remained among FCA's chief concerns during the year, with European unit sales sliding 3.4 percent to 1.32 million vehicles. Adjusted earnings in the region plunged 45 percent to $461 million. Total revenue in Europe showed a 0.5 percent gain to $26 billion. In China and Asia, deliveries dropped 28 percent to 209,000 units. Adjusted earnings plunged to a loss of $336 million from a gain of $195 million. Revenue plunged 17 percent to $3.1 billion. Manley comments FCA CEO Mike Manley, who took over the company helm last summer, said the automaker entered 2019 with “strong product momentum” thanks to the redesigned Ram 1500 pickup that launched last year and Wrangler, along with the upcoming Ram Heavy Duty line that’s slated to launch this quarter and the 2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup that arrives in the second quarter. Manley, speaking on a conference call, said Wrangler production will dip in the second quarter as the Toledo North Assembly Plant in Ohio goes down to prepare for the launch of the Wrangler plug-in hybrid in early 2020. The Ram Heavy Duty, he said, will see reduced output as the company ramps up production of the new model. Manley said the brand learned from its shaky launch of the Ram 1500 in 2018, and is applying those lessons to the Ram Heavy Duty and the Gladiator. “We were not pleased with its launch. We were slow getting up to full production rate. There were a variety reasons for that and we’ve corrected them,” Manley said. “The lessons we learned already helped to ensure that our all-new Ram Heavy duty truck is hitting its production targets early in the launch curve, and the Jeep Gladiator is also on track to start production on schedule.” Wrangler to Gladiator Manley said the automaker expects to see some consumer movement from the Wrangler to the Gladiator. “We looked and tried to do as much work as possible to see if we felt that there would be large percentages of substitution between the two vehicles. In our plans, we’re expecting somewhere in the order of 10 to 15 percent,” Manley said. He added: “As I think about combined volume going forward, that really gives some illustration of some people moving from Wrangler to Gladiator. In terms of where volumes can go, I have no doubt that, given the reception we’ve seen on Gladiator, that the production we have this year will be quickly taken up by our dealers, and hopefully, we’ll see the take it up equally fast when it arrives.” During the call, an analyst asked Manley if FCA will revive the Dakota midsize pickup. Manley responded by saying the Gladiator will go straight into that segment -- noting it's more of a lifestyle pickup. As for a midsize pickup designed for work-related purposes, Manley said: "Where we sit today, the only vehicle missing in our portfolio is a metric-ton pickup, which is a midsize pickup in the U.S. I am working hard with the team to solve that. I haven’t solved that yet. But if that gets solved, it will give us the opportunity to bring a midsize truck in the marketplace." Meanwhile, Manley predicted a tough six months for FCA’s slumping Maserati brand. "Maserati will be down year-over-year in the first half as we apply the same discipline to destock our global dealer network and work to improve the sales performance, which frankly is unacceptable," he said. FCA is counting on Harald Wester to turn Maserati around. He was named the marque’s chief in October. Shares down Meanwhile, FCA shares closed down about 12.2 percent to $15.23 in New York because the company issued weaker-than-expected guidance for profits and industrial free cash flow for 2019, raising doubts about the automaker's longer-term financial targets. The world's seventh-largest carmaker said in the report that it expected 2019 adjusted earnings before interest and taxes -- excluding the Magneti Marelli parts unit it has agreed to sell -- of more than $7.6 billion, below analysts' average forecast of about $8.3 billion. FCA also said it expects industrial free cash flow in 2019 of more than $1.7 billion, which is lower than the $5 billion reached at the end of last year, due to higher capital expenditures along with cash payments for fines and other costs related to its U.S. settlement for diesel emissions infringements.

Ford Trucks International / February 7, 2019 The all-new Ford F-MAX, winner of the "2019 International Truck of the Year" award, arrives in Bulgaria. .

14RC1131 is indeed the part number for the rebuild kit, but did you mean to say $226.....or $26? It used to sell under $30.

Ford investing $1 billion, adding 500 jobs in Chicago David Shepardson, Reuters / February 7, 2019 Ford said on Thursday it is investing more than $1 billion in its Chicago operations and adding 500 jobs as it prepares to launch three new SUVs this year and end production of the Taurus. Ford said it is building a new body shop and paint shop at its Chicago Assembly plant, and making major modifications to the final assembly area. At Chicago Stamping, Ford is adding stamping lines, the company added. The investment comes as Americans continue to shift away from cars in favor of SUVs, pickup trucks and other larger vehicles. Last year, U.S. industry car sales fell 13 percent, while light trucks rose 8 percent to 10.9 million, accounting for about 63 percent of vehicle sales. Ford announced last year it was largely exiting the sedan market in the United States with the exception of the Ford Mustang. The company’s U.S. car sales fell 18 percent last year, while SUV sales rose 0.5 percent. The Chicago assembly plant will stop building the Ford Taurus at this end of this month as it boosts SUV production. Ford said last year it was ending North American production of cars like the Focus, Fusion, Fiesta and C-Max. The full-size Taurus, when introduced in 1985, was credited with reviving profits at Ford. It redefined U.S. car design with its jelly bean shape and was the top-selling model in the United States five times between 1992 and 1997. U.S. Taurus sales, which peaked at 409,000 in 1992, fell to 28,706 last year. Ford is eager to highlight that it is building more vehicles than its rivals do in the United States. Ford built nearly 2.4 million vehicles in the United States in 2018. “We are furthering our commitment to America with this billion-dollar manufacturing investment in Chicago and 500 more good-paying jobs,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of global operations. By contrast, General Motors announced in November it would halt production at five plants in North America, including four in Michigan, Ohio and Maryland, as it cuts about 15,000 jobs. GM announced this week it will add 1,000 workers to build new heavy-duty pickup trucks in Flint, Michigan. GM is also ending North American production of six car models. Ford said last month it will slash “thousands” of jobs in Europe as part of an overhaul that could result in plant closures and the discontinuation of some models.

Not many people seem to recall the Italian enduros. . .

Ram Chassis Cab goes high-tech Jake Lingeman, Autoweek / February 7, 2019 The Chicago Auto Show is always a little truck-heavy, and for 2019, it’s the retooled Ram Chassis Cab that’s one of the first off the block. The 3500, 4500, 5500 grades will come with a segment-leading towing capacity of 35,220 pounds and a payload of 12,510 pounds, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles says. An updated Cummins diesel I-6 now produces 800 pound-feet of torque; that’s also the most in Class 4 and 5 trucks. With 97 percent high-strength steel frames, the new Chassis Cab pickups are up to 120 pounds lighter than outgoing models. The 6.7-liter diesel isn’t the only engine option. The standard powertrain in the 2019 Chassis Cabs is a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, with cylinder deactivation, that produces 410 hp and 429 pound-feet. It is paired with either a standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission or an optional Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with Power Take-Off. The six-speed uses a new transmission controller, according to Ram, for faster, more precise shifts under all conditions. The four-wheel disc brakes also get an upgrade for better pedal feel and shorter stopping distances. The Ram Chassis Cabs come in four industry-standard lengths and feature a flat mounting surface in the back for upfit and accessory installations. It also features new powertrain mounts and C-pillar body hydromounts to help reduce noise and vibration and improve ride quality. Active safety systems include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and AEB with trailer brakes -- available on all trim levels. The trucks also are equipped with parking sensors, a 270-degree camera, trailer reverse guidelines and a cargo-view camera. The trim lines available mainly follow the regular Ram pickups. It starts with Tradesman, SLT, Laramie and Limited. There’s also a new instrument panel and FCA’s new 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen with specific functions for the big trucks. It offers a choice of four audio systems, including a top-of-the-line, 750-watt Harman Kardon system. A new bank of buttons and switches control accessories while the new HVAC system features 30 percent more airflow at lower noise levels, according to Ram. Other creature comforts include wireless charging for cellphones, more cabin storage space, five USB ports and two available 115-volt outlets. The 2019 Ram Chassis Cab goes on sale in the second quarter of this year. Pricing will be announced later, but the current 3500 Tradesman starts at about $35,000 and 5500 grades begin at $40,000. Photo gallery – https://www.autonews.com/gallery/chicago-photo-gallery/2019-ram-chassis-cabs

Fiat Chrysler, Bosch agree to pay $66 million in diesel legal fees David Shepardson, Reuters / February 6, 2019 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and Robert Bosch have agreed to pay lawyers representing owners of U.S. diesel vehicles $66 million in fees and costs. In a court filing late on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, lawyer Elizabeth Cabraser said after negotiations overseen by court-appointed settlement master Ken Feinberg, the companies agreed not to oppose an award of $59 million in attorneys’ fees and $7 million in costs. The lawyers had originally sought up to $106.5 million in fees and costs. Under a settlement announced last month, Fiat Chrysler and Bosch, which provided emissions control software for the Fiat Chrysler vehicles, will give 104,000 diesel owners up to $307.5 million or about $2,800 per vehicle for diesel software updates. The legal fees are on top of those costs. Fiat Chrysler is paying up to $280 million, or 90 percent of the settlement costs, and Bosch is paying $27.5 million, or 10 percent. The companies are expected to divide the attorney costs under the same formula, meaning Fiat Chrysler will pay $60 million and Bosch $6 million. U.S. District Judge Edward Chen must still approve the legal fees. He has set a May 3 hearing on a motion to grant final approval. The Italian-American automaker on Jan. 10 announced it settled with the U.S. Justice Department, California and diesel owners over civil claims that it used illegal software that produced false results on diesel-emissions tests. Fiat Chrysler previously estimated the value of the settlements at about $800 million. Fiat Chrysler is also paying $311 million in total civil penalties and issuing extended warranties worth $105 million, among other costs. The settlement covers 104,000 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee diesels from the model years 2014 to 2016. In addition, Fiat Chrysler will pay $72.5 million for state civil penalties and $33.5 million to California to offset excess emissions and consumer claims. The hefty penalty was the latest fallout from the U.S. government’s stepped-up enforcement of vehicle emissions rules after Volkswagen AG admitted in September 2015 to intentionally evading emissions rules. The Justice Department has a pending criminal investigation against Fiat Chrysler.

Trailer-Body Builders / February 6, 2019 Stevens Transport, a national multi-modal truckload carrier whose companies include the Stevens Tanker Division, recently purchased $165 million in new equipment for 2019. A total of 1,600 new trucks and trailers will be delivered throughout the year, the company said, demonstrating its commitment to having “the safest, most cutting-edge equipment on the road to continually better serve its customers and enhance the lives of its drivers.” “We set the highest standards for maintaining the newest fleet on the road as we transport meat, produce and other refrigerated commodities to our customers,” said Clay Aaron, president of Stevens Transport. “Having the newest, state-of-the-art equipment increases our already impeccable reputation for reliability and on-time delivery as it reduces the incidence of breakdowns, as well as optimizes fuel efficiency.” The new equipment purchase of 950 automatic trucks includes 500 Kenworth T680s, 250 Peterbilt 579s and 200 Freightliner Cascadias. The 650 new trailers include 450 Utility Trailer 3000Rs and 200 Pneumatic Trailers for Stevens Tanker. In addition, 500 Thermo King units and 750 auxiliary power units have been ordered. The equipment will be delivered and distributed throughout 2019, and will cycle out and replace approximately 25% of the current fleet. “Stevens is a 100% Utility fleet, and the Aaron family and the Bennett family have a long-standing, valued relationship,” said Dave Wallace, director of sales for Utility Trailer. “The market today is extremely hot for trailer demand. We plan our production schedule each year based on Stevens Transport’s purchase to ensure we have the proper production planning for what they require. “We are honored to have 100% of their business for many years.” Stevens Transport said its mission is to hire and retain top-quality drivers and provide them with the safest, best equipment on the market with cutting-edge technology. “Our drivers are our most valuable asset and are integral to our success with our customers,” Aaron said. “We take great pride in providing them with brand new equipment and appreciate their dedication to our company.” Bob Bowden, vice president of regional sales in Texas for MHC Kenworth, said they supply about 62% of Stevens’ truck fleet. “Stevens schedules replacement of vehicles at a certain point of wear and tear, averaging about 3.5-4 years, and they are religious about cycling out older equipment,” Bowden said. “We … have been working with them for the past 33 years. Stevens wants only the best—the best in safety features like collision mitigation, anti-rollover, anti-jack knife and lane departure warnings. They know the best premium trucks attract the best drivers and get the best fuel economy.” .