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MAN Truck & Bus Press Release / March 30, 2018 .

DAF Trucks - 90 Years of Innovative Transport Solutions DAF Trucks Press Release / March 22, 2018 1928 - 2018 On 1 April 1928, Dutch engineer Hub van Doorne started a small construction workshop in the city of Eindhoven, the Netherlands. From these humble beginnings, DAF has evolved into a leading global truck manufacturer focused on innovation, quality, and transport efficiency. The highly talented Hub van Doorne opened his small workshop in the corner of the local Coolen brewery in Eindhoven. Initial work included welding and forging for the city and local companies like lamp and radio manufacturer Philips. The Great Depression inspired Hub van Doorne – together with his brother Wim – to expand services. The workshop evolved into a trailer manufacturing business in 1932 and the company name was changed into Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagen Fabriek (Van Doorne’s semi-trailer factory), abbreviated to DAF. Thanks to their welded chassis, the trailers and semi-trailers that left the small factory, stood out from the competition because of their high payloads. The welding – used to make these trailers was a unique innovation in those days that significantly saved weight. Another unique invention was the DAF container trailer which debuted in 1936 and was designed to quickly load and unload containers from a railway carriage. This was a very early example of intermodal transportation and made DAF one of the world’s first suppliers of container trailers. A New Truck Company Was Born In 1949, the first DAF truck entered production and the company name became Van Doorne’s Automobiel Fabriek. A year later a dedicated truck factory was built and production started with three, five and six tonne truck chassis and the truck company we know today was on its way. Leading in engine development In the early days, DAF installed Hercules and Perkins petrol and diesel engines, but in 1957 the Eindhoven company designed and began manufacturing the first DAF-branded engines. Two years later, DAF improved the DD575 diesel engine by adding a turbo charger which was another ground-breaking achievement. DAF introduced turbo intercooling as an industry-first in 1973. The technology was initially developed to meet the demand for higher engine outputs and lower fuel consumption, but also proved to be indispensable in realizing cleaner exhaust emissions. In the 1980s DAF launched ATi, Advanced Turbo Intercooling which provided further power and efficiency gains through a further refinement of injection technology and an optimised shape of the combustion chamber. In 2005, DAF unveiled the PACCAR MX engine that is now installed in all of DAF’s heavy-duty trucks and over 40% of Kenworth and Peterbilt built trucks. The latest generation MX-13 and MX-11 engines feature extremely efficient down speeded engines, intelligent drive lines and efficient rear axles that result in high torque being available at impressively low engine speeds for unmatched fuel efficiency and the highest driver comfort. Together with advanced vehicle software algorithms, excellent aerodynamics and a new compact after-treatment system, these DAF innovations result in a fuel efficiency gain of an impressive 7%, the largest fuel efficiency gain in the history of the company. Cab sets new standards The first DAF trucks from the late 40’s, early 50’s left the plant as just a chassis with in front of the engine the characteristic grille with seven chrome bars and a temporary seat made of wood. The DAF chassis were driven to bodybuilders for the mounting of a custom and locally made cab. In 1951 DAF introduced its own cab, with round corners and a slanted front grill for better aerodynamics. Driver comfort was enhanced by the introduction of a suspended seat. In the 1960’s, DAF further enhanced driver comfort with the first cab designed for international transport. The DAF 2600 offered two beds and windows all around for a spacious feeling and an optimal view on the road. Power brakes and power steering eased the demanding job of the driver. The 2600 is now considered to be the first of all international transport trucks. In 1969, DAF was one of the earliest manufacturers to introduce a tilting mechanism for the cab-over engine model which greatly improved maintenance access. With the introduction of the Space Cab concept in 1988 DAF enhanced its leadership position as a truck manufacturer with its full focus on both operating costs and the driver. With the remarkable Space Cab concept, DAF again set new standards in cab size and comfort for international transport. Together with the even larger Super SpaceCab which was introduced in 1994 DAF cabs continue to be the benchmark when it comes to driver comfort and roominess. DAF, A PACCAR Company In 1996, DAF became a PACCAR company. Since then, DAF has continued its leadership position as a global technology leader with major developments in trucks, engines, and state-of-the-art facilities. Excellent Trucks in the Market DAF launched the new LF, CF and XF series in 2001 and 2002, the award-winning XF105 model in 2005, and the Euro 4 and 5 program in 2006. A full range of new, ultra-clean Euro 6 models entered production in 2013. And in 2017, the New CF and New XF were named ‘International Truck of the Year 2018’ for their class-leading transport efficiency and impressive fuel efficiency gain of 7%. Also in 2017, In the United Kingdom, the New LF was awarded ‘Commercial Fleet Truck of the Year’. DAF’s commitment to quality has earned the company five International Truck of the Year awards, the industry’s highest honor: 1988 - DAF 95 1998 – DAF 95XF 2002 – DAF LF 2007 – XF105 2018 – CF and XF Developing Technologies for the Future In 2015, DAF demonstrated truck platooning. The EcoTwin vehicle system enabled trailing vehicles to automatically follow the lead truck resulting in lower fuel consumption, reduced CO2-emissions and improved traffic flow. Due to EcoTwin’s success, DAF was selected to exclusively participate in English platooning trials in 2017. DAF is engaged with leading European technology development projects to gain comprehensive experience with alternative electric and hybrid power trains. Global Excellence DAF is driving business globally in the 21st century. Its class-leading trucks are manufactured in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Brazil, and DAF products are sold by 1,100 independent dealers on five continents. DAF trucks are backed by industry leading services provided by PACCAR Parts and PACCAR Financial. Fleets are supported by Europe’s best roadside assistance, International Truck Service (ITS) and DAF Connect, DAF’s advanced fleet-management system. “DAF provides a complete range of excellent trucks that offer the industry’s lowest operating costs, best transport efficiency and highest driver comfort,” said Preston Feight, DAF president. “Thanks to the wonderful team of over 10,000 dedicated people who design build, sell and support its quality trucks, engines, parts and services DAF is well positioned to continue growing successfully around the world.” Photo gallery - http://www.daf.com/en/news-and-media/articles/global/2018/q1/22-03-2018-daf-trucks-90-years-of-innovative-transport-solutions .

That is a classic truck to my liking.....LNT 1000.

Is it my imagination, or has this Easter been boosted to the level of Christmas with commercial promotion and gift giving? It almost seems as though business is discretely trying to create a second Christmas-like spending season to boost sales.

Ford awards CEO Hackett $16.7 million as he tries tricky turnaround Bloomberg / March 29, 2018 DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. awarded $16.7 million in compensation to CEO Jim Hackett in his first year in the role as the former office furniture executive attempts a tricky turnaround aimed at reversing a stock slide, reviving profits and preparing the nearly 115-year-old company for the autonomous age. Hackett, who took the top job in a management shakeup last May, received $1.3 million in salary, $1 million in bonus and $14.4 million in stock and other compensation, Ford said Thursday in a regulatory filing. His total for 2016, when he was running Ford’s nascent mobility business, was not revealed because he was not among the company’s top paid executives at that time. Hackett, 62, is working to overhaul Ford’s lagging lineup while also spending billions to develop self-driving cars and electric vehicles to prepare for the profound changes expected to upend the auto business in the coming decade. The former Steelcase Inc. CEO is shifting spending away from slow-selling cars to develop new crossovers and SUVs so Ford can reverse market share losses in that hot segment. To pay for those new models and bets on future technology, Hackett has warned that Ford’s profit will fall this year. Investors have traded shares down about 11 percent this year. Compensation balance “Given where the stock price is, investors don’t want to see an excessive compensation package,” David Whiston, an analyst for Morningstar Inc. in Chicago. “But you have to balance that with the need to retain talent.” Earlier this month, rival Tesla Inc.’s shareholders approved the largest compensation deal in history for its CEO, Elon Musk. If successful, the award could end up being worth more than $50 billion. For the first time, Ford provided the ratio of the CEO’s compensation to the average worker, as required by a new federal mandate. Hackett’s annualized pay was 285 times the $87,783 earned by the company’s median worker. Ford’s board ousted Hackett’s predecessor, Mark Fields, after shares fell about 35 percent and the company lost nearly $25 billion in market value during his nearly three-year tenure as CEO. Fields received $21 million in compensation for his partial year of work in 2017, excluding a stock incentive grant that was canceled when he left. That compares with compensation valued at $22.1 million in 2016, his last full year as CEO. Earnings struggles Top executives reached an overall average of 100 percent of the 2017 targets set for them by Ford’s board, according to the proxy. That included 133 percent for automotive revenue, 55 percent for automotive operating margin, 106 percent for automotive operating cash flow, 146 percent for Ford Credit pretax profit and 107 percent for quality. Ford’s pretax earnings fell by $1.9 billion last year amid higher prices for commodities such as steel and increasing costs for warranty repairs. The carmaker was hit harder by rising commodity prices than its rivals and has said its costs are too high, which is why Hackett has set a goal of slicing $14 billion in expenses. Analysts say the bulk of Ford’s profits continue to come from the F-series pickup, which saw U.S. sales rise 9.3 percent last year. Executive Chairman Bill Ford received total compensation of $15.6 million for 2017, compared to $13.9 million in 2016. Excluding pension values and other compensation, pay for the 60-year-old great-grandson of Henry Ford rose 16 percent to $12.9 million, from $11.1 million in 2016. The company scheduled its annual meeting for May 10 and it will be conducted online for the second year in a row. Shareholders for the 14th consecutive year will consider a proposal to strip the Ford family of its 40 percent voting control of the automaker and move to one vote per share. The measure is opposed by Ford’s board, which includes two family members, Bill Ford and his cousin Edsel Ford II.

Ford's Farley: Dealerships have to 'evolve in a meaningful way' Michael Martinez, Automotive News / March 27, 2018 NEW YORK -- Jim Farley, Ford's president of global markets, envisions a future with smaller showrooms, less conquesting and a more personal relationship between dealers and customers. Speaking at the 2018 NADA/J.D. Power Automotive Forum here, Farley called on dealers to embrace new opportunities such as digital retailing, autonomous cars and electrified powertrains. Dealers saved Ford from filing for bankrutptcy, he said, and they'll continue to play a vital role in the future, despite changes coming to the industry. "The franchise system is going to have to evolve in a meaningful way, but it's doable," Farley said. "What makes you guys special is your creativity. If we just apply that creativity to a few other new areas, we can be just as successful as a team as we have in the past." Part of that success hinges, Farley said, on building more valuable relationships with customers. He suggested doing away with the goal of conquesting and focusing instead on "nurturing those existing customers and exploring new revenue opportunities." That includes focusing more on used-car businesses as well as fixed operations. New services will pop up once cars drive themselves, Farley said, and dealers need to jump on such money-making opportunities. "All these connected cars will offer services," he said. "It should not be strange at all for someone should be able to get on their phone, hit the FordPass app and get a car wash while they're at work. I can think of hundreds of services like that customers would love." Farley said the bond between dealers and customers can grow stronger through how vehicles are sold. He suggested the old system of companywide incentives on vehicles needs to give way to individual, one-on-one deals for specific customers targeted to their needs. The physical footprint of dealerships needs to change, too. Farley said one of his biggest regrets coming out of the economic downturn is asking dealers to build large, flashy showrooms. "I think we're going to need really nice facilities forever," he said. "I'm just not sure that they have to be as big as they have been." Ford's Lincoln luxury brand has been testing out what it calls "experience centers" that serve as mini-showrooms to introduce the brand to new customers in smaller, intimate spaces, usually in outdoor shopping malls. There are steps the factory can take to help dealers, too. "Ford has to become one of the simplest companies to do business with, and it starts with our product complexity," Farley said. Ford is working to change that by dramatically reducing the orderable amount of parts on vehicles and speeding up the time it takes to go from designer sketch to dealer showroom. "The auto business is clearly ripe for picking for new companies to come into our space, or traditional companies to make new kinds of bets," Farley said. "Dealers have a bight future in our industry provided they are ready to evolve with us."

Insufficient information, apples and oranges comparison.

You have to do some digging. For example, massive food distributor B. Green & Company in Baltimore ran an all U-model fleet. And their trucks were cleaner (less rust) than units at, say, Spector and St. Johnsbury. Brandywine used to have some.......they have a clean R-model and CL. https://www.brandywine-eqp.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=4760529&p=1&make=mack&s=Year&d=D&year=1987&filter=trucks--DayCab&fr=xAllInventory https://www.brandywine-eqp.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=4745033&p=1&make=mack&s=Year&d=D&year=1993&filter=trucks--DayCab&fr=xAllInventory

The Mack part number for B-model cab interior metallic green in gallons is 312SX19P2 . The part number for spray cans is 312SX19P6. The Kirker Chemical (Mack's supplier) number is 812.

The only companies buying F-650s and F-750s are the ones looking for the absolute cheapest Class 6 or Class 7 on the market......and they enter the purchase knowing it's a throw-away truck. Companies seeking longevity look elsewhere. No serious truck operator thinks Ford's beefed up Class 2-3 Powerstroke and automatic transmission will perform and live in Class 6-7, none believe it is on par with the Cummins ISB and Allison. Frankly if I could, I'd spec F-450 and F-550 with four cylinder engines (Isuzu 4HK1-TC or Daimler DD5) paired with Allisons for the US market.

It's a crime for that truck to be sitting outside.

FedEx Orders 20 Tesla Semis Transport Topics / March 27, 2018 FedEx Corp has ordered 20 of the Tesla Semi electric trucks for its FedEx Freight less-than-truckload unit. “Our investment in these trucks is part of our commitment to improving road safety while also reducing our environmental impact,” FedEx Freight CEO Mike Ducker said. Tesla launched the Semi in November with a $150,000 base price for a tractor with a 300-mile range and an $180,000 base price for a version with a 500-mile range. Production is scheduled for 2019, and $20,000 is required to reserve a truck. That suggests FedEx put down $400,000 for its 20-truck order. Tesla has said its truck will deliver a better experience for drivers, increase safety and provide $200,000 or more in fuel savings and a payback period of two years. The Semi features surround cameras and onboard sensors, automatic emergency braking, automatic lane keeping and lane departure warning. Fleet operators including J.B. Hunt Transport Services, NFI Industries and Bison Transport Inc,. and retailers Meijer and Loblaw Cos. confirmed that they have pre-ordered the truck or plan to do so. Logistics firm also have been interested. DHL Supply Chain ordered 10 trucks to test at customer facilities in major U.S. cities, and XPO Logistics reportedly was involved with testing the vehicle last year.

Transport Engineer / March 22, 2018 Isuzu Truck’s new 3.5-tonne Grafter Green rigid is now available in the UK, in both single and twin rear wheel configurations. The vehicle features a new Isuzu RZ4E 1898cc four-cylinder Euro VI diesel engine, which requires no AdBlue thanks to its Lean NOx Trap technology – making it suitable for operation in London’s ULEZ. It also features a new six-speed MCV6W manual gearbox – according to Isuzu, this delivers “a more car-like drive” thanks to lighter gear shifting and improved clutch pedal application. As well as offering quieter operation thanks to a rear engine cover, the Grafter Green has a new front suspension and steering system. Chassis cab weight has been reduced: at 1,710kg, the Grafter Green single rear wheel SWB chassis cab is 152kg lighter than its predecessor, while the twin rear wheel LWB Grafter Green is 150kg lighter. “The new Isuzu Grafter Green is not only a Grafter by name. The changes and improvements will provide operators with a truck that is both hardworking and versatile, and that can take any type of job in its stride,” says Pete Murphy, managing director of Isuzu Truck UK. His views are echoed by the first customers to take delivery of the new vehicle. “For comfort and drivability, it is absolutely first class and I would liken it to driving a modern car, it’s that good,” says Steve Collard of Associated Building Contractors. Matt Gildersleve, transport manager at Southgate Timber, says the Grafter Green is “a much better vehicle than the previous 3.5-tonne Isuzus that we have had, in every way”. He adds: “We have found that the new gearbox is significantly better and the uprated suspension is a vast improvement.” Town and Country Roofing’s Ian Lowe also praises the new suspension, saying it delivers “a far smoother ride, and makes the overall feel when driving more comfortable than its predecessor. I am already finding it to be more economical in operation, too.” Both single rear wheel and twin rear wheel Grafter Greens have been added to Isuzu’s Driveaway pre-bodied truck programme, offering both tipper and dropside models. .

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Green Car Congress / March 25, 2018 IC Bus, a subsidiary of Navistar, is taking its electric school bus, chargE (earlier post), on the road for the first time. The 2018 national tour begins with its first stop at the California Association of School Transportation (CASTO) State Board of Directors 50th Annual Meeting in San Diego, California. The chargE concept electric school bus incorporates a common group electric drivetrain from Volkswagen Truck & Bus that is quiet, does not produce any emissions, and can be built to address any school bus customer’s specific requirements. The range of the chargE can exceed 120 miles (193 km), while the powertrain can deliver up to 260 kW (about 349 peak horsepower). As an early example of Navistar’s alliance with Volkswagen Truck and Bus, which will also include a previously announced electric medium-duty truck for the North American market, the chargE brings together multiple concepts and technologies that will shape the school bus of the future. It also includes camera technology, connected systems and remote diagnostics that support vehicle safety, uptime, and more efficient vehicle inspections. The company originally unveiled the chargE at the 2017 National Association for Pupil Transportation Annual Conference and Trade Show; the bus will be launched as early as late 2019 or early 2020. The chargE was designed to give customers a zero-emissions school bus option while lowering the total cost of ownership and offering user-friendly options. On the first leg of the tour, chargE will visit more than 10 locations throughout the West Coast to provide an opportunity for bus industry stakeholders to experience the electric IC Bus CE Series concept school bus developed with Navistar’s alliance partner, Volkswagen Truck & Bus. The national tour will include scheduled stops at trade shows, school visits, and local government events throughout the country, including locations in and around Sacramento, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles, to provide customers with high-touch learning events with chargE. . .

2019 Chevy Silverado HD 6500 or International Prototypes: Cold Weather Testing in Canada .

The mid-size Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom. . . . . . . . .

Volvo Group Press Release / March 26, 2018 Volvo Group has entered into an agreement to divest a Chinese subsidiary, which is holding 25.2% of the shares in the Chinese company Inner Mongolia North Hauler Joint Stock Co., Ltd (NHL / 内蒙古北方重型汽车股份有限公司 - http://www.chinanhl.com/) for approximately SEK 0.9 billion. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and could be terminated by either party if regulatory procedures or changes in regulatory rules or laws preclude the parties from completing the transaction. The divestment is expected to generate a capital gain of approximately SEK 0.7 billion, which will affect the Volvo Group’s operating income when the transaction is closed. Closing of the transaction is expected within six months. The divestment will impact the Group’s cash flow and net financial position positively with an amount of approximately SEK 0.9 billion at closing. NHL, which is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, produces and sells among other things rigid haulers to the mining industry. Volvo Construction Equipment will continue to sell components for rigid hauler production to NHL also after the divestment.

Scania Group Press Release / March 20, 2018 Scania’s net sales rose to a record high SEK 119.7 billion, an increase of 15 percent compared to the previous year. Truck deliveries reached an all-time-high and demand for our new truck range was good. Higher vehicle and service volume impacted earnings positively, offsetting higher production costs for running double product ranges, constraints in the supply chain and an unfavourable market mix. Summary of the full year 2017 Operating income, excluding items affecting comparability, amounted to SEK 12,434 m. (10,124) Operating income, amounted to SEK 12,434 m. (6,324) Net sales increased by 15 percent to SEK 119,713 m. (103,927) Cash flow amounted to SEK 5,701 m. (3,427) in Vehicles and Services Comments by Henrik Henriksson, President and CEO “Scania’s net sales rose to a record high SEK 119.7 billion, an increase of 15 percent compared to the previous year. Truck deliveries reached an all-time-high and demand for our new truck range was good. Higher vehicle and service volume impacted earnings positively, offsetting higher production costs for running double product ranges, constraints in the supply chain and an unfavourable market mix. Operating income in 2017 amounted to SEK 12.4 billion, which gave an operating margin of 10.4 percent. In 2017, vehicle orders surpassed the level of 100,000 for the first time due to the new truck generation and our global reach. Order bookings for trucks rose by 30 percent compared to the previous year. The strong demand for trucks continued in large parts of Europe. In Eurasia, Russia’s strong recovery is continuing. The trend in Latin America is positive with continued good demand in Argentina and a slight improvement in Brazil. In Asia, demand mainly increased in Iran and China. Order bookings in Buses and Coaches increased by 11 percent, mainly related to Russia and Iran. In the business area Engines, order bookings were strong in all segments. Growth in service volume continued and revenue amounted to a record high SEK 23.7 billion, an increase of 10 percent (8 percent in local currencies). With more than 300,000 connected vehicles in the fleet, Scania is able to continually improve its customer offering with increasingly efficient services for improved profitability. Financial Services reported its highest ever operating income of SEK 1.3 billion and credit losses remain at low levels. The introduction of the new truck generation is continuing. With the launch of trucks for long-haulage, construction and most recently trucks for urban traffic, Scania has unveiled all the products in the new truck family. The new fuel-efficient vehicles offer enhanced drivability, improved safety, ergonomics, comfort and even better overall economy. In 2017, more than 13,000 trucks were delivered from Scania’s new truck range. With an average reduction in fuel consumption of over five percent per vehicle, this will provide total estimated savings of more than 30,000 tonnes in global carbon emissions. During the fourth quarter, Scania also introduced a six-cylinder 13-litre gas engine specifically designed for long-haulage and unveiled its new Scania Citywide Low Floor bus, which is fully electrically-powered.” .

Daimler Trucks Press Release / March 22, 2018 Daimler Trucks. In all we do, our focus is on our customers. In order to offer them our best products and solutions, we work continuously on innovations. Our focus is on trucks that are efficient and electric,safe, automated and connected. .