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Rainier's Pilot Truck Plant Now Operational Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / December 6, 2018 After four months of renovation work, Rainier Truck & Chassis, LLC, of Yakima, Wash., has finally got its pilot production plant operational. Currently, the company is continuing to spec and secure components for production of its "low-cost/low-tech" common cab/chassis cabover engine platform. According to Gary Jones, president of Rainier, "The Pilot plant facility is 6,000 square feet located on 13 acres. The plant will be responsible for producing our first 200 trucks, which will be stall-built in six work stations. We will also have an assembly area for pre-assembly of axles/suspensions, engines and transmissions, fuel and air tanks, cooling and steering systems, etc." Additional expansion plans are in place for the future, according to the company. Rainier has added a 36,000-pound GVW Class “Baby” 8 COE truck model to its lineup called the RT 3600. The RT 3600 shares the same cab/chassis components with the rest of the Rainier lineup, except with higher gross axle weight ratings, and heavier-duty suspensions and steering components. In addition, the RT 3600 comes standard with the Cummins B6.7L 325hp with 750 ft.-lbs. of torque, which is mated to an Allison 3000RDS 6-speed automatic with push button shift selector. With the addition of the Baby 8 model, Rainier can now offer its dealers and customers a complete COE line up from Class 4 to 8. In the future, the company said it is looking to offer higher-horsepower engines and GVW’ ratings in the COE category. .

Aaron Marsh, Fleet Owner / December 6, 2018 New Volvo Trucks options packages for regional-, long-haul models give customers a base of features to build from for their applications, helping streamline the ordering process. Spec'ing a heavy truck is a bit like itemizing deductions and filing taxes—it's a different world than buying a passenger car. Heavy trucks have myriad choices for the build, including add-on options and equipment, but Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) is looking to help streamline things particularly as technology keeps changing and adding to the complexity. The OEM has launched options packages to help make sure buyers aren't missing potential advantages for trucks based on the particular fleet application. For instance, VTNA yesterday announced a new weight-saving options group called Payload Plus available for its VNR regional-haul and VNL long-haul trucks, following up on the Xceed fuel-efficiency package for VNL 760 and 860 trucks showcased in late October. With practically endless ways to spec a truck, fleets often may arrive at a formula over time for what works and stick with it—even if that formula is no longer optimal. "We're really trying to dissuade customers from just spec'ing based on tradition," noted VTNA spokesman Brandon Borgna. VTNA's new options packages "simplify the spec'ing process and bring all the best features together so that things aren't overlooked," he said. The Payload Plus packages, which can be ordered now, shave off up to 540 lbs. from Volvo VNR regional-haul models and more than 335 lbs. from Volvo VNL long-haul models. They help maximize payload and fuel efficiency in applications like tanker, bulk-haul, and some dry van and refrigerated trucks. Lightweight components with Payload Plus include aluminum wheels, special chassis components, and horizontal exhaust. Depending on the application, weight can be further reduced by specifying optimized wheelbases and frame rail thicknesses. The results can be dramatic: "We hear from some fleets, particularly in bulk applications, that every pound of additional payload can equate to an additional $10 or more per job, so the Payload Plus packages represent a tremendous business opportunity," said Chris Stadler, product marketing manager at VTNA. Bulk haul and tanker trucks typically hit max weight before their trailers are full, he noted, "so reducing weight from the trailer and tractor can translate into greater payload capacity." The Xceed package for VNL 760 and 860 trucks includes Payload Plus along with powertrain combinations, engine options, and a docket of aero features. Spec'ing Xceed can give a VNL 760/860 up to an 11% fuel economy boost, according to VTNA. Another factor here for fleets is if you're going from one manufacturer to another, truck spec'ing isn't apples to apples. "If you were to compare optimal trailer gap for fuel efficiency with a Volvo, it's going to be different than a comparable model from another OEM," Borgna pointed out. The additional, finer details are up to the particular fleet and its needs, and ultimately a grain hauler may want different truck specs than a fuel hauler, for instance. VTNA's Xceed and Payload Plus packages are meant to give buyers a base to work from. "Everything is really application-specific, but this gives people a good opportunity to start from something as opposed to just looking at an order sheet and going, 'Wow,'" Borgna said. .

Dodge Truck (Ram) dealers are begging for a 6500. And it would be such as easy step up (one recalls all the second generation "BR" 6500s sold in Mexico). . .

VW is keeping Scania as their premium brand. Recognizing Scania as the jewel in their portfolio, with the world's leading heavy truck technology, VW has given Scania wide operating autonomy.

"tested and validated in partnership with Allison Transmission" So deep that boots are required Bob.

Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) / December 5, 2018 Every element that goes into a Volvo truck is designed to keep a truck that needs to be serviced in the shop for as little time as possible. From the new LED forward headlamps that last up to 10,000 hours to the removable three-piece bumper that allows for greater engine accessibility, Volvo trucks are built to maximize uptime. .

Parker Perry, Springfield News-Sun / December 5, 2018 Navistar and the local labor union are continuing to negotiate a contract even though a deadline set for this week has passed. A statement on Navistar’s website dedicated to providing information on labor contracts said the company offered a six-year contract to the UAW but it was voted down. “The ratification vote took place on December 2, 2018, and the membership voted to reject the terms of the proposed agreement,” the statement says. “We are disappointed in this decision and do not believe it is in the best interest for any of the involved parties. By its terms, the company’s proposal expires if it is not ratified and accepted by the union membership by December 10, 2018. Navistar continues to be committed to working with the UAW on solutions, and to reaching an agreement that helps all employees work as a team to competitively build our vehicles, run our plants and win in the market.” According to UAW Local 402’s website, the union voted down the contract with 98 percent of the vote. Chris Blizard, president of the UAW Local 402, said the union is continuing to work hard to make sure the best deal can be reached. “The UAW international unions along with input from the UAW policy counsel leadership are actively working on the outstanding issues with Navistar leadership,” Blizard said. “We are committed to obtaining a fair and equitable labor contract for our membership.” Blizard declined further comment. A letter dated Monday and posted on the Local 402 website by Secretary-Treasurer and Director UAW Heavy Truck Department Ray Curry provided a Tuesday deadline. “This is to inform you that we are still on a contract extension,” the letter says. “Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to reach an agreement. The recent vote on the Company’s final offer has been rejected by the collective Master Agreement locations. The Extension Agreement will expire on December 4, 2018 at 12:00 noon central time.” The company is a significant employer locally, with about 1,800 workers in the facility. Thousands of the company’s retirees also live in the area. The News-Sun reported earlier this year the industry is seeing near-record demand for heavy trucks, boosting revenue both for manufacturers like Navistar and their suppliers. Rising freight rates mean trucking firms are likely seeing solid profits, boosting confidence and encouraging fleets to replace their aging trucks. Last month, Navistar has launched a new medium-duty truck built in Springfield that is designed to be used in a variety of industries. The new Class 4, 5 and 6 chassis cab trucks are aimed at fleet and commercial customers, according to information from the company. .

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You're right. Though always in the shadow of the world's best truck, Scania, Volvo tries very hard to follow in the leader's footsteps and make a good, durable, well-engineered trucks. Volvo will never reach Scania's level of course, but everyone should respect them for trying.

Cummins Press Release / December 5, 2018

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Takes Delivery of First All-Electric Trucks Transport Topics / December 5, 2018 J.B. Hunt Transport Services has made its first purchase of electric-powered trucks, acquiring five medium-duty eCanter box trucks from Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. for use in making deliveries in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., and in the greater Houston area in Texas. The purchase was announced in an ceremony at J.B. Hunt headquarters in Lowell, Ark., on Dec. 5. “These trucks may be silent, but they speak loudly of our dedication to creating a more sustainable transportation system,” J.B. Hunt CEO John Roberts said in a statement. “Our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and improve efficiency stretch across the supply chain, from intermodal load conversion to enhancing the aerodynamics and safety of our fleet. This latest addition brings that effort to the last mile and directly to the consumer’s doorstep.” J.B. Hunt is the second national carrier to introduce the eCanter trucks in the United States since the vehicle was launched in New York City in October 2017, according to Mitsubishi Fuso officials. Justin Palmer, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, which is based in Logan Township, N.J., said the sale to J.B. Hunt represents an industry milestone. “The eCanter demonstrates that the future of electric trucks is very possible and is no longer a prototype, but a real truck delivering real goods daily,” he stated. The first fleets to take delivery of the eCanter were Japanese grocery retailer 7-Eleven and Yamato Transport. U.S. customers include parcel carrier UPS Inc., the University of California and the New York Botanical Garden. The trucks, which are produced at plants in Kawasaki, Japan, and Tramagal, Portugal, are powered by six high-voltage lithium-ion batteries with a driving range of 80 miles on a full charge and a maximum payload of about 9,380 pounds. The electric trucks will be added to the Final Mile Services division of J.B. Hunt Dedicated Contract Services unit. J.B. Hunt DCS ranks No. 1 on the Transport Topics list of largest dedicated contract carriers in North America with 8,727 power units. Overall, J.B. Hunt operates a fleet of more than 15,600 tractors and 734 straight trucks, according to registration data on file with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

2020 Silverado HD Equipped with Allison Transmission Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / December 5, 2018 Chevrolet will offer a 10-speed, fully automatic Allison transmission in its 2020 Silverado 2500/3500 HD trucks. The 2020 Silverado HD will debut in February. “We built the new 2020 Silverado HD with more differentiation than ever before, to meet the needs and priorities of our customers,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, chief engineer, Silverado HD. “By offering the new Allison 10-speed, tested and validated in partnership with Allison Transmission, each transmission will deliver the legendary quality and durability that customers have come to expect. The Allison-branded automatic transmission, manufactured by General Motors, combines enhanced performance and fuel economy, greater operational flexibility, and improved driver comfort and control, with an industry-leading reputation for uptime and reliability, according to the companies. The Allison 10-speed transmission will be coupled with Chevrolet's Duramax diesel engine. "We are pleased that General Motors continues to expand the range of Allison products available for their customers with the 2020 Silverado HD," said Randy Kirk, senior vice president of product engineering and program management for Allison Transmission. "Allison Transmission and GM have a long history of collaboration and innovation." Recently, Allison began producing the 6-speed fully automatic transmission for Chevrolet’s Silverado 4500 HD, 5500 HD, and 6500 HD medium-duty trucks.

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / December 4, 2018 Reyco Granning has announced the launch of the Reyco Granning Electric Vehicle Solutions business unit, aimed at serving the burgeoning electric vehicle market. The unit aims to solidify the company’s commitment to the future of heavy duty vehicle propulsion and emphasize current solutions for today’s electric vehicle market. “We want the industry to know that we already have solutions that are compatible with e-axles and available today for the heavy EV space,” said John Stuart, Reyco Granning president. “We’re not just peddling CAD renderings and concepts.” The company recently launched a new air suspension supply and control module called AirMaster. The product utilizes an electronic air compressor and proprietary programming to dramatically reduce parasitic power consumption suitable for the EV market or for any vehicle without an engine-mounted compressor. “We don’t have an automotive division to distract us; we don’t sell bumpers or fifth-wheel couplings. We are a pure suspension technology company.” said Scott Ames, business development. Reyco Granning’s IFS product range includes applications for GAWR's from 9,000 to 24,000 pounds and in mid-2019 the company will launch the ComfortMaster IFS with a Nitrogen-strut architecture.

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / December 4, 2018 Launching in 2017, the second North American Commercial Vehicle Show promises to include all major Class 8 truck manufacturers for the 2019 show, including Peterbilt and Kenworth for the first time. Freightliner, Western Star, Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, Navistar, and Hino all will return, again displaying and launching new products on the NACV show floor. The second NACV show is set for Oct. 28-31, 2019 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. The upcoming show is growing and will cover 530,000 square feet of exhibition space, up from 370,000 square feet, and is expanding into a second building. Organizers expect to host more than 500 exhibitors, up from 439 in 2017. Over 15,000 fleet management attendees are expected to visit the show in 2019, more than double the number of attendees at the inaugural event. In addition to truck makers, NACV will also host leading trailer manufacturers and top tier suppliers, including Bendix, BorgWarner, Bosch, ConMet, Continental, Cooper Tire, Cummins Inc., Dana, Dorsey Trailer, Great Dane, Hendrickson, Holland, Hyundai Translead, Meritor, SAF Holland, Tenneco, Thermo King, Utility Trailer Manufacturing, Wabash, and Wabco. The show will offer exclusive looks at the latest model power units and trailers, advanced driver assistance systems, fuel efficiency equipment, safety technologies and electronic logging devices. For 2019, it will also include a broader array of maintenance services, high-quality truck accessories, and driver retention and recruiting services. “Since its 2017 launch in Atlanta, the NACV Show continues to impress the industry with its cutting-edge demonstrations of commercial vehicle innovations and technologies,” said Larry Turner, president and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA, NACV’s co-organizer with partner Newcom Media. “We are excited to expand the event’s footprint and offerings next year, and to continue to focus on the needs of a larger audience of fleet owners, fleet managers, fleet maintenance managers and other key decision makers from across North America.” .

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / December 3, 2018 As Class 8 truck production is booming in 2018, the numbers show a trend toward smaller-displacement engines and more straight trucks. Medium-duty has seen a similar trend. Overall Class 8 truck production is expected to continue its growth trend into 2019, but changes in demand for straight trucks and tractors will affect the type of diesel engines being ordered. This trend is so strong that Class 8 trucks with 12.0L to 14.0L engines are expected to surpass the 14.0L category for the first time ever in 2019. While tractors still represent 73% of all Class 8 production in 2018, the straight truck segment is expected to grow to a 32% share in the future. There is a similar movement in the medium-duty Class 5 through Class 7 truck market, where gasoline engines are gaining adoption. In the Class 5 segment, V-8 and V-10 gasoline engines are increasing in popularity. In the larger Class 6 through Class 7 markets, six-cylinder diesel engines remain the preferred configuration. The report also predicts increased adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles, driven by tighter emissions regulations. “Diesel power is under attack long-term for use in on-highway commercial vehicles. Alternative power is being developed, tested, and refined, while diesel engines are also undergoing transition to become more fuel-efficient and clean,” said one analyst. “It is vital for industry participants to stay up-to-date on developments like the recent EPA update to the NOx emission standards for heavy-duty engines and funding awarded under the Diesel Emission Reduction Act.”

Ford CEO discounts job-cut report, promises more news this week Keith Naughton, Bloomberg / December 5, 2018 DETROIT — Ford Motor Co.'s CEO downplayed a report that the automaker may cut 25,000 jobs and said he'll have more news to share later this week. CEO Jim Hackett told reporters Tuesday that Ford didn't provide numbers to Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas, who estimated the significant employee reduction in a report a day earlier. Ford said in July it would spend three to five years on an $11 billion restructuring. Ford will make an interim announcement about plans for its workforce later this week, Hackett told reporters in Michigan. General Motors announced last week it will cut more than 14,000 employees and close seven factories worldwide by the end of next year.

Mack “C Series” fire apparatus, simply the most attractive of all time.

The one negative about the Class 6 Silverado/CV is it looks like a “baby Class 6” when parked next to a DuraStar or Freightliner M2 106. It really only competes with the F-650. Like the F-650, lacking a Cummins ISB option, many fleets will pass and continue to buy DuraStars (MV) or M2s.

I hear you. But surprisingly GM has some legitimate truck people. Navistar head Troy Clarke is GM alumni.....I know him personally.....he’s sharp as a tack. The GM-Navistar cooperation will proceed blossom, and expand. It’s a great win-win that eliminates duplication of effort, resulting in great savings. Does Ford really do it all in-house? The PowerStroke was not designed by Ford. Ford outsourced it to AVL in Austria.

If Volvo has good sense Paul, they’d make you head of Mack brand sales marketing. You have the gift.

The Vauxhall Movano and Vivaro could have been brought over before Transit and Promaster. https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47523-vw-considers-crafter-commercial-van-for-us/?tab=comments#comment-350895

VW says it might use Ford manufacturing capacity in U.S. Automotive News & Bloomberg / December 4, 2018 WASHINGTON -- Volkswagen's CEO said on Tuesday after a meeting at the White House that the German automaker was building an alliance with Ford and that they might use the U.S. automaker's plants to build cars. VW CEO Herbert Diess said the company was also "considering building a second car plant," adding, "We are in quite advanced negotiations and dialog with Ford to really build up a global automotive alliance, which also would strengthen the American automotive industry." Ford and VW said on June 19 they would explore a strategic alliance and they agreed to a memorandum of understanding at the time. Talks further intensified this fall, the automakers said in October. Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford, on Tuesday said: “We haven’t gotten that granular in our talks yet, but clearly we are talking with them.” He said the talks were going “really well” and that “the culture fit is good.” The automakers have said previously they are talking about potential collaborations across a number of areas. VW has an assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. Of the need for a new plant, Diess said the company is in "quite advanced negotiations in Tennessee but there might be other options as well." Diess said VW would not take an equity stake in Ford as part of its alliance. "We are building an alliance with Ford which will strengthen Ford's position in Europe because we will share platforms," he said. "We might use Ford capacity here in the U.S. to build cars for us." Diess said VW planned to talk more about the Ford alliance in January. “We need additional capacity here in the United States, we need an additional car plant for VW and Audi combined,” Diess told reporters in Washington after meeting with President Donald Trump and trade officials. Ford and VW have been in talks for more than a year about the German automaker investing in Argo AI, the American automaker’s self-driving technology partner, to jointly develop autonomous cars, according to people familiar with the discussions. The two automakers also are considering tie-ups to produce electric vehicles and share manufacturing in regions around the world, the people have said. “We’re having a very broad set of discussions about how we can help each other around the world,” Bob Shanks, Ford’s CFO, said in an October interview. “Collaboration isn’t being limited in any way whatsoever.” Diess also said VW is in advanced negotiations in Tennessee, where the company already has a plant, about boosting its U.S. capacity, but that there could be other options. A decision could be made in early 2019, he said. Any agreement for VW to use Ford plants for production would presumably require negotiations with the UAW, which has been trying unsuccessfully to organize VW's plant in Chattanooga. UAW Ford Vice President Rory Gamble, through a spokesman, told Automotive News he would reserve comment on this issue "until he has formal discussions with Ford." Diess was joined at the meeting by his counterpart at Daimler AG, Dieter Zetsche, and BMW Chief Financial Officer Nicolas Peter. The carmakers have found themselves in harm’s way as Trump wields higher tariffs as a cudgel to rebalance trade with both China and the European Union. BMW and Daimler are the biggest car exporters from the U.S. to China, while VW’s two most profitable brands, Porsche and Audi, would get hammered if Trump follows through with a potential 25 percent levy on imports from the EU. “That’s basically why we are here, to avoid the additional tariffs and I think we’re in a good way,” Diess said. The three carmakers have no official role in the overall trade talks between U.S. and EU trade officials, and stressed that at the end of their meetings. The companies are trying to avoid becoming entangled in the talks but they accepted the invitation extended by a Trump administration eager to jump-start progress on its highest priorities. “We weren’t here as a trade delegation,” Zetsche said. “We said in general terms that our planned additional investments here that are not commercially sensible per se of course would have to be part of a larger understanding and for that the conditions under which we operate cannot change. That was very well understood,” Zetsche said. Trade deficit The White House is looking to whittle down a $30 billion automotive trade deficit with Germany with increased production in the U.S., Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said ahead of a meeting with automakers in Washington Tuesday. It remains the biggest single chunk of an overall $65 billion trade deficit with the EU. All three carmakers met separately with Trump’s key lieutenants on trade, including Ross, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and economic adviser Larry Kudlow, before a joint meeting that followed. They then met with Trump in the Oval Office. “The president shared his vision of all automakers producing in the United States and creating a more friendly business environment,” Lindsay Walters, a White House spokeswoman, said. Daimler, the maker of Mercedes-Benz luxury cars produces vehicles in Tuscaloosa, Ala., shipping many of its SUVs made there to China. Daimler employs some 3,700 workers at the U.S. site, which can churn out more than 280,000 vehicles per year, including GLE and GLS SUVs for global markets and C-class sedans for North America.

2020 Chevy Silverado HD diverges from smaller sibling Michael Wayland, Automotive News / December 4, 2018 General Motors is further differentiating the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD from its smaller sibling. The redesigned HD pickup's grille features a flow-through "CHEVROLET" similar to some models of the Silverado 1500, but the HD's grille is much larger than the Silverado 1500's and is flanked by headlight stacks with a chrome bar separating a top light from two lower lights. It also has a large air intake above the grille and is noticeably larger than the Silverado 1500. The only exterior piece the Silverado HD shares with its smaller sibling is the roof, according to GM. Company officials said the greater differentiation resulted from feedback from owners, who said they wanted their HD models to stand out from the Silverado 1500 models. "We set out to make a statement with the 2020 Silverado HD and wanted to visually capture the power and capability of the truck," said Brian Izard, Silverado HD lead exterior designer, in a statement. "The result is a truck that looks like a piece of heavy machinery with modern, chiseled finishes and customer-focused details." The automaker released photos and some information about the Silverado HD Tuesday before its official debut in February. The redesigned Silverado HD will be offered with a new gasoline engine with direct injection mated to a six-speed transmission, or the Duramax turbodiesel V-8, rated at 910 pound-feet of torque, with a new Allison 10-speed transmission. The company said the Silverado HD will have "all-new customer-focused trailering technology" and "significant increases in towing and payload capabilities," but it did not release performance metrics. The 2020 Silverado HD -- produced in Flint, Mich. -- is expected to go on sale in mid-2019. It will be the third new or redesigned Silverado in the last 18 months, following the redesigned 1500 and new medium-duty. .