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Hyundai Truck & Bus Press Release / January 9, 2018 .

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Trump threatens to tax European auto imports Reuters / March 4, 2018 WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump kept up pressure on trading partners, threatening European automakers with a tax on imports if the European Union retaliates against his plan to impose tariffs on aluminum and steel. Trump's tweet showed he is refusing to yield to U.S. business interests and foreign trading partners alarmed at the prospect of a trade war that rattled financial markets this week. "If the E.U. wants to further increase their already massive tariffs and barriers on U.S. companies doing business there, we will simply apply a Tax on their Cars which freely pour into the U.S.," Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday. "They make it impossible for our cars (and more) to sell there. Big trade imbalance!" The United States imposes a 2.5-percent tariff on cars assembled in Europe and a 25-percent tariff on European-built vans and pickup trucks. Europe imposes a 10-percent tariff on U.S.-built cars [China imposes a 25% import tax on most cars, and a 35% import tax on luxury cars as well as commercial trucks]. Trump criticized Europe in remarks at a fundraiser, according to video posted online Saturday, and suggested they would not increase tariffs. "The European Union: brutal. They've been brutal to us," Trump said at a Florida fundraiser. "They've banded together in order to beat the United States in trade." Trump did not respond to questions about tariffs or other topics upon returning to the White House Saturday. In a speech Friday night at Harvard University, European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager said the EU will respond to the tariffs "to defend European industry, and the world trading system," according to a copy of her remarks. She called the Trump action "one-sided protectionist measures, which hurt, not just jobs, but the whole system of rules that makes our global economy work." German automakers Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG and BMW AG build vehicles at plants in the United States. BMW employs more than 9,000 workers in South Carolina and is one of the state's largest employers. The United States accounts for about 15 percent of worldwide Mercedes-Benz and BMW brand sales, while it accounts for 5 percent of VW brand sales and 12 percent of Audi sales. The United States had a $22.3 billion automotive vehicle and parts trade deficit with Germany in 2017 and a $7 billion deficit with the United Kingdom, according to U.S. government data. Last year, Germany's automotive trade association said "the United States would be shooting itself in the foot by imposing tariffs or other trade barriers." Trump's threat comes amid mounting transatlantic tension on trade. On Thursday, Trump said the United States would apply duties of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum to protect domestic producers. Major automakers say the move will hike the cost of cars and trucks. The next day, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told German television that "We will put tariffs on Harley-Davidson (motorcycles), on bourbon and on blue jeans -- Levis." Canada also has said it will retaliate for any tariffs on steel and aluminum. Trump had tweeted on Friday that trade wars are good and "easy to win," roiling U.S. financial markets. In January 2017, Trump warned German car companies he would impose a border tax of 35 percent on vehicles imported to the U.S. market.

VW to pursue IPO plan for trucks division Reuters / March 4, 2018 BERLIN - Volkswagen intends to change the legal structure of its trucks business this month as a first step towards an initial public offering (IPO) of the division, German paper Handelsblatt reported. Changing Volkswagen Truck & Bus, with brands MAN and Scania, to a public limited company would be a first step to making the unit ready for capital markets, Handelsblatt reported, citing company sources. The next stage would be to engage investment banks. “Shares could be traded for the first time in the early part of the coming year,” the paper quoted an unnamed manager as saying. Handelsblatt said that VW intends to retain a majority stake in the division for now and that the IPO could bring the group proceeds of more than 10 billion euros ($12.3 billion). The paper added that no final decision has been taken and that the plans require approval from the supervisory and management boards. Staff councils would also have to be brought into the process, which could happen in the next few weeks, Handelsblatt reported.

Transport Engineer / February 27, 2018 Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK has announced that 100 of its Actros1 tractors will be released to the UK market in March. Described as “the ultimate in premium exclusivity”, the Actros1 has been designed for owner-drivers, although the manufacturer says the truck’s name means it could be the flagship in other fleets. Based on the 6x2 chassis with top-spec GigaSpace cab, Actros1 comes in either a black or silver/black colour scheme. Mercedes-Benz expects most of the 100 to be the 2563LS variant with 616bhp OM473 15.6-litre, six-cylinder engine, but points out that the 2553LS model with second-generation 12.8-litre OM471 with 523bhp output is also available as a fuel-efficient alternative. As well as a Safety Pack with Active Brake Assist 4 and Proximity Control Assist systems, and a driver’s airbag, it comes with a high-performance engine brake and tyre pressure monitor. Fuel performace is boosted with Predictive Powertrain Control and Fleetboard telematics hardware. The vehicle also comes with Uptime maintenance technology, which uses sensors to advise the allocated dealer of vehicle condition so parts can be ordered in advance. Inside, the luxurious Style Line design is complemented by a leather-trimmed steering wheel and Comfort leather massage seats for driver and co-driver, an uprated multimedia entertainment system and a Premium Comfort mattress. Other features include automatic climate control, an electric sunroof and sunblind, a microwave and pull-out refrigerator, and rear overhead lockers. Externally, the Actros1 has painted sideguards and catwalks, Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels (wider than standard at the front) with painted hubs, and roof-mounted air horns. Bi-xenon headlamps, LED tail lights and an illuminated grille-mounted star complete the look. “Actros1 brings together the very best Mercedes-Benz has to offer in terms of performance, comfort, safety, economy and maximised use, in a stunningly designed package which will make it the envy of every other driver on the road,” predicts Ben Grayson, marketing communications manager for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. He adds: “Actros1 has been crafted from start to finish with the driver in mind and, with a maximum of 100 being built, demand is sure to be strong from discerning customers who desire the ultimate in premium exclusivity.” .

“He’s now president for life, president for life. And he’s great,” Trump said about China's President Xi Jinping at a fundraiser in Florida on Saturday. “And look, he was able to do that [Yes, dictators can do that]. I think it’s great. Maybe we’ll have to give that a shot someday,” said Trump. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dictators for life running the United States. Shocking to hear a U.S. president say "we’ll have to give that a shot someday”. But then again, if they're "great" and all............

Freightliner Trucks Press Release / February 22, 2018 Freightliner & Alliance Truck Parts combine forces to give car #14 a strong yellow and black look for 2018. .

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Owner-Driver / February 26, 2018 All brands of truck are welcome at the Kyabram Mack Muster on March 17 and 18. Are Mack lovers the most passionate truck enthusiasts in Australia? Mangoplah mechanic Dave Willis thinks so. He’s anticipating a mammoth turnout for the 2018 Kyabram Mack Muster on March 17 and 18, 2018. Dave is organising the event with Tim Daws and John Laffan, in conjunction with the Kyabram Vintage Engine & Machinery Restoration Group’s annual rally. The muster takes place at the Kyabram Showgrounds, Kyabram, in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria – about 40km from Shepparton. The showground gates will open on Friday, March 16, for those determined not to miss any of the weekend action. And a barbecue will be held at the showgrounds on Friday night. Dave is still deciding which of his many Macks he will polish up for the muster – probably a Flintstone, Super-Liner and a couple of F models. The oldest Mack at the muster will possibly be David Daws’ 1923 AC. But Dave Willis says the event is not just for old Macks. "It’s open to all ages and conditions of Macks. And in fact it’s open to all makes of truck as well – not just Macks." Kyabram local, Jim Ristovichis, plans to take his Super-Liner, ‘Fruit Express’. Jim bought Fruit Express in the late 1980s and the Super-Liner won about 17 truck show trophies when it was new. It has had five other owners since then. Jim bought it back recently and is determined to have a major restoration completed in time for the muster. Bookings are essential for the official dinner on Saturday night which will feature guest speakers with a wealth of knowledge about Mack trucks. Dave warns the dinner will possibly be booked out before the weekend. For more information about the Mack Muster, phone Dave Willis (0428 692 753), John Laffan (0427 484 247) or Tim Daws (0458 868 988); or visit the Kyabram Mack Muster Facebook page.

Kenworth rolls out new 610 sleeper cab Owner-Driver / February 28, 2018 Following last year's release of the T610 and T610SAR, Kenworth has announced a 760mm mid roof sleeper cab option, complementing the existing day and 860mm sleeper cab. The new sleeper cab option is aimed a range of customers, including those using the T610 for 19m tippers, tankers, and 19m B-double applications. Kenworth spent ten years designing the new cab with a focus on the needs of the driver, offering better walthrough access, more storage, better ergonomics and more. "The core of the T610 project was about building a bigger cab to create the ultimate driver environment, which leads to better all-round driving performance, safety, efficiency and productivity" said PACCAR Australia’s Director of Sales and Marketing Brad May. "This 760mm sleeper cab option allows even greater flexibility for our customers whose applications demand it. The mid roof allows access under gantries and suits many height restricted truck and trailer combinations and provides an additional 90mm of head room than the day cab." The T610 interior is designed to offer the driver a more open and relaxed cabin that's easier to move around in and rest during breaks. The new mid-roof sleeper offers an inner spring mattress with hinged pan for under bunk storage, optional under bunk fridge and open shelving as standard. Kenworth also focused on optimising the shape and surfaces over the sleeper cab roof to improve the aerodynamics and clearance.

New Cab From Kenworth Diesel News AU / March 2018 In an extension of the range options, a new cab from Kenworth will increase the options for customers looking at the T610 and T610SAR. Kenworth have announced the release of a 760mm mid roof sleeper cab, adding to the existing options of a day and 860mm sleeper cab. According to Kenworth, the new sleeper cab option will be suitable for many different applications including 19m tippers, tankers, and 19m B-double applications. The new cab, as released last year and now with added options, can be seen as a game changer for Kenworth. In the past each model in the range had a different cabin design. Now, with the T610 variations a common platform can be rolled out across a larger part of the range with common characteristics. The design incorporates more foot space and storage, a wider walkthrough access between the seats and more door and windscreen glass. The improvements provide space, visibility and ergonomics which were not there in Australian Kenworth trucks in the past. “The core of the T610 project was about building a bigger cab to create the ultimate driver environment, which leads to better all-round driving performance, safety, efficiency and productivity” said Brad May, Paccar Australia’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “This 760mm sleeper cab option allows even greater flexibility for our customers whose applications demand it. The mid roof allows access under gantries and suits many height restricted truck and trailer combinations and provides an additional 90mm of head room than the day cab.” Significantly wider and with increased walkthrough space between seats and greater room head-to-toe for the driver, the T610 interior delivers the driver a more open and relaxed cabin that is far easier to move around in and rest during breaks. The new mid roof sleeper offers an inner spring mattress with hinged pan for under bunk storage, optional under bunk fridge and open shelving as standard. Back at the original T610 launch, the time had come for the conventional truck in Australia to bring itself up to date. Modern electronics and assembly technology have introduced many new possibilities. The modern truck owner is also looking for a lot more from each truck in terms of productivity, information as well as driver safety and comfort. The Paccar group, as a whole, is moving towards a unified cabin design and Kenworth in Australia have come up with their unique adaptation as the T610. However, we must not forget, this is Kenworth, a very careful and conservative brand, with conservative customers, who are willing to embrace change, but not too much in one go. The T 610 seems to have hit just the right balance of old and new to keep most people happy. To begin with, the chassis remains unchanged. This is a tough and reliable set up, undergoing constant customisation, which the industry has come to rely on. The driveline is also little changed, in the actual metal, but the integration between the truck’s electronics, the Cummins Engine and Eaton transmission will further enhance its reputation. The cabin itself is changed and is a combination of three basic sections. The driver compartment is the Paccar group design used in Kenworth and Peterbilt product in the US, but adapted and beefed up for our conditions. The sleeper is a traditional design built in the same way as all of the current Kenworth cabs. These two come together under a newly-designed roof, to pull the whole design together.

Prime Mover Magazine / March 1, 2018 Commercial vehicle manufacturer, Iveco, has commented on the local assembly of the Stralis ATi model, following a manufacturing boost at its facility in Dandenong, Melbourne. According to Iveco, selected components including mirrors, wheel angles, trailer connections, batteries, wheels and liquids are now all sourced locally. The addition of the Stralis AT to the local production mix has also seen the Dandenong facility undergo investment in tooling and software to calibrate the AT’s adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems, and in doing so introduced new technology to the site that could also be used for other models in the future. “Australian buyers will enjoy several benefits from the local production of AT models including greatly reduced lead times from vehicle order to delivery, and the ability to customise to order by adding factory-fitted special options and local accessories,” Iveco said in a statement. Iveco’s local engineers are also working on the installation of new Euro 6-rated Cursor engines for both the AT and AS-L variants. The Australian engineering team is continuing its real market testing on a selection of these engines. Iveco Australia Marketing Manager, Darren Swenson, said the increase in local production and development highlighted the company’s commitment to Australian manufacturing. “Iveco is one of few truck brands that continue to manufacture here – this latest expansion in Australian-based production demonstrates the company’s commitment to having a strong local manufacturing presence,” said Swenson. “The addition of Stralis AT variants to the local production mix along with the validation of new power plants and other initiatives is great news for the local workforce and our third-party parts suppliers but also for Australian truck buyers who can further reap the benefits that locally-manufactured vehicles provide. “The expansion of local production not only reflects a strong belief from Iveco Australia that local manufacturing is sustainable, but the initiative is also strongly supported by Iveco’s parent company, CNH Industrial,” he said. The Stralis AT and AS-L ranges join several other of Iveco’s locally-manufactured models including the ACCO – which has been built in Dandenong for over 40 years – and Delta and Metro bus chassis. .

Prime Mover Magazine / March 1, 2018 Commercial vehicle manufacturer, Kenworth, has released a 760mm mid roof sleeper cab, following the introduction of the T610 and T610SAR last year According to Kenworth, the new sleeper cab is suitable for many different applications including 19m tippers, tankers, and 19m B-double applications. “The core of the T610 project was about building a bigger cab to create the ultimate driver environment, which leads to better all-round driving performance, safety, efficiency and productivity” said PACCAR Australia Director of Sales and Marketing, Brad May. “This 760mm sleeper cab option allows even greater flexibility for our customers whose applications demand it. “The mid roof allows access under gantries and suits many height-restricted truck and trailer combinations and provides an additional 90mm of head room than the day cab,” he said. Significantly wider and with increased walkthrough space between seats and greater room head-to-toe for the driver, the T610 reportedly provides vehicle operators a more open and relaxed cabin that is far easier to move around in and rest during breaks. The new mid roof sleeper offers an inner spring mattress with hinged pan for under bunk storage, optional under bunk fridge and open shelving as standard. .

You purchased an extended warranty for $5,000, but received no paperwork (certificate) on it? Nextran is a good outfit. Owner Jon Pritchett is good people. At any rate, if Nextran can't resolve your concern, I suggest you contact Mack brand customersatisfaction at +1 (866) 298-6586 for further assistance.

Western Star Press Release / March 2, 2018 .

Western Star Press Release / February 16, 2018 .

Kenworth Truck Co. Press Release / March 1, 2018 Kenworth Truck Company will offer the latest information on its industry leading vocational truck lineup during The Work Truck Show March 6-9 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event is sponsored by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA). “Kenworth is coming to The Work Truck Show with a wide range of products that highlight the excellent performance, durability and reliability, and low operating cost Kenworth delivers across the vocational market,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. The Kenworth truck lineup (booth #1401) is led by the set-forward front axle Kenworth T880S Jerr-Dan 25-ton wrecker with PACCAR MX-13 engine, and a Kenworth T880 Vactor Guzzler®. In addition, there are four medium duty Kenworth T370s – a TPL (Taylor Pump & Lift) lube truck, Valew water tanker, and Summit service body, all specified with a PACCAR PX-9 engine; and an Altec Aerial vehicle with the PACCAR PX-7 engine. Kenworth will offer a “Kenworth Chassis Update” from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in the Wabash 2 room Wednesday, March 7. The informative product session will offer insights into Kenworth’s vocation-specific options to help optimize body and equipment installation and designs. .

Bloomberg / March 3, 2018 Volkswagen AG officials are discussing options to prepare the truck division for access to the capital markets, potentially paving the way for an initial public offering of shares or a bond sale by the unit, according to people familiar with the matter. Deliberations at a meeting last week included changing the division’s legal structure to a private limited company under German rules or the European equivalent Societas Europaea, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the talks are confidential. A decision could be made in the next few weeks, but the discussions are complex and might drag on, according to the people. “Currently we are focusing on implementing our strategy and on driving the transition from a ‘start-up company’ into a mature corporation," VW’s truck unit said in an emailed statement on Saturday, adding that “we keep all options open.” Global automakers have embarked on sweeping organizational changes as the industry faces a seismic shift toward electric vehicles, autonomous cars and new digital services such as ride hailing. Granting the VW truck operation more independence within the world’s largest automaker would help to build confidence among investors that VW is considering deeper organizational changes to become more efficient in the wake of the diesel-emission scandal that erupted in September 2015. Less Centralized The German company embarked on a push to become less centralized as part of a new strategy, but an asset review announced almost two years ago to identify non-core operations hasn’t led to a tangible results so far. The push to make the 630,000-employee, 120-factory group more focused on its main automotive operations appeared mired in internal politics last year when the sale of the Ducati motorcycle brand collapsed. German rival Daimler AG last year firmed up plans to give individual units more independence to make them agile. The move sparked speculation that the manufacturer could spin off its truck division, which is the world’s largest maker of commercial vehicles. Daimler officials have denied that a full sale of a division is in the works, but left the door open for a possible initial public offering of a minority stake. VW’s truck division has struggled to generate cost synergies after the carmaker bought Munich-based MAN SE and Sweden’s Scania AB. After VW hired Andreas Renschler from Daimler, he pushed deeper cooperation within the division, which also sells VW-brand heavy trucks in Brazil. The company aims to create a rival to global commercial vehicle leaders Daimler and Volvo AB. Scania and MAN combined generate about 25 billion euros ($29 billion) in annual revenue and produce vehicles ranging from the Swedish brand’s long-haul R-Series featuring V8 engines to MAN’s mid-duty trucks and TGE vans. Renschler has set his sights on further expansion. He spearheaded the acquisition of a 17 percent stake in Navistar International Corp. to gain a foothold in the U.S. He’s also considering strengthening ties with China’s Sinotruk Hong Kong Ltd. and is in cooperation talks with GAZ PJSC in Russia.

International Trucks Press Release / February 27, 2018 ERL Trucking testimonial of the A26 Engine and LT Series from International Trucks. .

Here are all six things the 2019 GMS Sierra’s Wild MultiPro tailgate can do Tony Markovich, Car & Driver / March 2, 2018 The major news from GMC’s unveiling of the new 2019 Sierra pickup truck included the announcement of a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six and a bed that incorporates carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic paneling. But the flashiest, coolest, and most fun part of the new Sierra is the MultiPro tailgate, which smartly incorporates various built-in hinges to help with ingress and egress, load stopping, second-tier loading, and access to the bed. Allow us to explain how it all works. GMC touts the MultiPro’s six different functions, but that includes the normal up-and-down movement of the whole tailgate, so, um, okay. It’s damped for slow opening, which can be done by hand or by two clicks on the remote. Within the full tailgate is a secondary cutout that extends to within a few inches of either side and stops at the space just below the large GMC logo. On the inside of this cutout is another flap that can hinge up and out toward the rear of the truck. With the tailgate folded down, that inside flap can be deployed in various ways, including as a stopper for an extended load. Technically, there is no physical tailgate handle. The operations are controlled by two buttons that are stacked in between two camera lenses, where you would expect a conventional release. Press only the top button, and the main tailgate remains closed, while the small cutout (which GMC calls the inner gate) hinges down via two swing arms and stops parallel to the ground to make a tablelike standing workspace. In this configuration, the back flap can be unfolded to act as a load stopper for extended second-tier loading above the wheel wells. As an example, GMC cited large sheets of plywood above other cargo. The inner gate serves other functions as well. Press the bottom button to let the tailgate down, then press the top button to let the cutout down. This allows people to step into the space where the tailgate normally is, and it gives users easier access to the bed for loading or unloading cargo. Taking it one step further, the aforementioned flap can be unfolded while both the tailgate and the cutout are let down, creating a stairway into the bed (it can take up to 375 pounds of human weight). In this position, the main part of the tailgate can be used as a place to sit with a footrest, and the sides of the main gate even have “cupholder” indents. The final piece of this do-everything package is not part of the tailgate itself. GMC attached a black handle bar to the driver’s side of the inner bed, which stows in a vertical position. Unlock the bar from the bottom, and it hinges at the top, eventually locking in a diagonal position (not pictured). This provides a convenient handhold to aid those stepping up into the bed of the truck. The whole thing is pretty cool, seems extremely well thought out, and should be quite useful. The MultiPro tailgate is standard on both SLT and Denali models, the only trim levels GMC has revealed so far. We’re guessing it could be offered as an option on less pricey models, but the company won’t talk about those yet. Those who are still skeptical can try it out in person when the 2019 GMC Sierra hits dealerships in the fall. .

Ford to retool Michigan Assembly in May-October for Ranger, Bronco Michael Martinez, Automotive News / March 2, 2018 DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. will idle its Michigan Assembly Plant in suburban Detroit for more than five months starting in May, temporarily laying off 2,000 hourly workers while it retools the plants to build the 2019 Ranger pickup. The Wayne, Mich., plant will reopen Oct. 22 for Ranger production, according to a filing with the state of Michigan. Ford will end production of the Focus sedan and C-Max Hybrid crossover May 7, the automaker said in a notice in compliance with the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. All affected employees will either return to the plant in October or transfer to another plant. During the downtime, the workers, represented by the UAW, will receive roughly 75 percent of their normal pay if they have at least one year of seniority. In a statement, Ford stressed that the move was a "temporary measure." The Detroit News reported the WARN notice filing Friday afternoon. Ford had not previously revealed specific details about the timing of the changeover, saying only it would end car production at Michigan Assembly in mid-2018. Ford ended production of the C-Max Energi, a plug-in hybrid, late last year. Ford unveiled the 2019 Ranger at the Detroit auto show in January. It has not released details about the Bronco SUV, which will be assembled alongside the Ranger and go on sale in 2020.