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Speed limiter mandate stripped from Trump DOT agenda James Jaillet, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / July 24, 2017 The U.S. Department of Transportation, as expected under the Trump administration, has signaled it will not continue to pursue a rulemaking to mandate the use of speed limiters in the trucking industry, at least any time soon. However, the DOT still considers instituting sleep apnea screening protocol for truck operators and carrier employers as a near-term priority. In its latest biannual update to its regulatory calendar, the DOT has moved the speed limiter mandate, which was issued as a proposed rulemaking last September, to a long-term agenda item, away from the active rulemakings list. Given the erosion of industry support for a speed limiter rule over the past year and the Trump administration’s reluctance to implement new regulations, industry stakeholders assumed the Trump DOT would drop or stall the speed limiter rulemaking. Thursday’s update to the DOT calendar confirmed those expectations. The DOT retained the rulemaking regarding sleep apnea screening for truck operators as a current agenda item, however, despite shifting an equivalent rulemaking for train operators to a long-term agenda item. The sleep apnea screening rule is still in a pre-rule stage, according to the DOT’s regulatory update. The rule will, if it comes to fruition, institute criteria to determine which drivers would be required to be tested for sleep apnea, likely based on their BMI and other conditions, such as age, heart conditions and more. However, the DOT offered no timeline for when it would issue a proposed rule or other initiative regarding sleep apnea screening. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Medical Advisory Board last year issued recommendations to guide the agency in developing the rule. See its recommendations for which drivers could be required to be tested for sleep apnea at this link.

New US truck show all about business Today’s Trucking / July 24, 2017 The North American Commercial Vehicle Show (NACV Show) won’t look like other trucking events across the U.S. when the doors open from September 25-28. There will be no recruiting pavilion; no show and shine competition. Not even drivers walking the halls. But when the inaugural event opens in Atlanta, Georgia, it will feature an undeniable focus on the business of trucking. To borrow from the show’s tagline, this is “where fleets meet”. Exhibit space in the Georgia World Congress Center is already sold out, ensuring 367 companies will be on site -- including every major Original Equipment Manufacturer. As of July 24, another 25 hopeful exhibitors were on a waiting list for any last-minute space that might open. “I don’t think we’ve ever seen booth designs quite like this,” adds Joe Glionna, president of Newcom Business Media, which has partnered with Hannover Fairs USA in the venture. “The truck manufacturers are making an incredible investment to ensure their booths are designed in a way that’s conducive to conducting business … the ‘wow factor’ around the show is going to be crystal clear.” The sheer scale of the space will ensure exhibitors can display full product lines, from commercial trucks to buses. Notably, many of them will also incorporate dedicated meeting spaces, while others are preparing to book on-site rooms by the hour. “You’re going to see lots of meetings take place on and off the show floor,” Glionna says. The focus on business dealings, after all, is the reason the show emerged. Industry suppliers had been raising frustrations about the structure of established shows in the U.S. Niche-market events were serving groups like vocational or construction markets, but it was difficult to conduct business at broader industry events where qualified buyers had to share space with drivers and truck enthusiasts. Business-to-business shows in North American have not traditionally been home to on-site deals, like those which take place in Europe. “But that,” Glionna adds, “is starting to change.” Schedules presented another challenge. Deutsche Messe -– Hannover Fairs USA’s parent company -- runs Europe’s largest truck show every two years in Hannover, Germany. Opportunities in the U.S. had been established around annual shows. “They didn’t feel they had enough to talk about every year,” Glionna says, referring to manufacturers and their scheduled release of new products. And the idea of alternating years with a European show became particularly interesting to the major suppliers with a presence on both sides of the Atlantic. The show that emerged as an answer to these challenges involves its own trans-Atlantic partnership between Deutsche Messe and Newcom Business Media. Deutsche Messe is linked to shows in Germany, China, India and Turkey, while Newcom is behind Canada’s Truck World and Expocam trade shows. (Newcom also publishes Today’s Trucking, Truck and Trailer, Truck News, and Truck West, among other titles with shows of their own.) Glionna reached out to the company that had already made overtures to buy Truck World, and within weeks a meeting was set up in Toronto. If they partnered together on developing a U.S. show, Glionna argued, they would offer an enticing option for the U.S. market. Deutsche Messe purchased half of Truck World, and Newcom secured half of the new venture south of the border. The new event’s fleet focus will be somewhat dictated by its schedule. On opening Monday, only guests invited by the exhibitors can attend. The doors are open to other visitors from Tuesday to Thursday. “Owner-operators are on the road making money,” Glionna says of the weekday schedules. Atlanta itself was selected as the event’s home for several reasons. It’s one of about eight cities in the U.S. that can accommodate a show this large, he says. It was also neutral territory when compared to other major hubs found close to the head offices of one manufacturer or another. Meanwhile, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport could accommodate fleet executives attending from across the country, and there were enough nearby rooms to include a housing block that features 36 hotels. “It’s not dead center of the country, but it’s also not on a coast, and in terms of north and south it’s pretty central,” Glionna says. There are several major tourist attractions in Atlanta, too, including the College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, and Jimmy Carter Library and Museum. As important as the sold-out floor space will be, Glionna doesn’t plan to measure success by that alone. More important will be the quality of the buyers who attend. Organizers have also been quick to temper expectations about visitor volumes as well. It takes time to change habits. Don’t expect 30-40,000 fleet representatives and executives, he says. A draw of “thousands” is more likely. This year it’s about establishing a foundation for future shows, and demonstrating that things are heading in the right direction. “We see the show coming to fruition for 2019,” he says. But fleet managers and executives can be part of it this year. “If you’re looking for free registration, speak to your suppliers who are exhibiting and get a code,” Glionna says. After all, it’s where fleets meet.

Kenworth: Vocational Truck Market to Stay Strong Through End of 2017 Jim Park, Heavy Duty Trucking / July 24, 2017 The first half of 2017 has been good to the trucking industry, and to the vocational market in particular, and the going into the second half of the year, the underlying economic fundamentals look equally promising. That's the view from Renton, Wash., where Paccar vice president and Kenworth general manager Mike Dozier addressed reporters at a press event on July 21. "Whether you're talking vocational or just the market in general in North America, the underlying fundamentals all remain very positive," Dozier said. "There's a very strong alignment between what we're seeing in terms of sentiment within the industry and factors like growth in GDP and the associated rise in consumer confidence. We expect that to continue throughout the year." Dozier noted that certain key indicators, namely total construction spending and housing starts, trend closely to actual growth in retail orders for the company's T880 vocational chassis. Earlier this year, Kenworth had forecast retail sales of 190,000 to 220,000 units. At the time, Dozier among others was a bit worried that the situation might change as the post-election hangover wore off, but it hasn't. In fact, Dozier said consumer confidence remains strong-- and the market remains buoyant. "Earlier in the year, I would have said we were in the lower range of the estimate band," he said. "But today, with half the year still ahead of us, we are in the upper range of that band. That bodes well for the remainder of the year." Internally, Dozier said the Paccar MX engine now accounts for just over 45% of engine orders across all Class 8 lines — on-highway and vocational. "We are happy with the growth we've seen so far, and we expect to end 2017 with 160,000 MX engines in service," he said. The Kenworth dealer network continues to grow. There were 382 North American dealers at the end of 2016 with more than 4,700 service bays. Plans call for over 400 dealers by the end of 2017. "The vocational market has been a terrific positive throughout the course of the year," Dozier said in summary, "and we're looking for that to continue for the rest of the year. We're hearing and we're seeing it in orders. Customers are telling us they are very pleased with how their years are progressing so far." .

Ford juices up 2018 Mustang with optional 'drag strip' mode Automotive News / July 24, 2017 Ford Motor Co. says the freshened 2018 Mustang will be its fastest pony car ever, going from 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds with its new optional "drag strip" mode. The vehicle, which goes on sale this fall, will also gain horsepower and torque over the outgoing model, thanks in part to the automaker's new 10-speed transmission. Horsepower for the 5.0-liter V-8 engine jumps to 460 from 435, and torque increases to 420 pounds-feet from 400. The four-cylinder, 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine gets 310 hp -- same as the 2017 model -- but the torque increases 30 pounds-feet to 350. The 0 to 60 time for the V-8 engine bests that of the $94,000 Porsche 911 Carrera, Ford says. It's achievable with the automaker's new "drag strip" mode, which comes as part of an optional performance package. "Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time," said Carl Widmann, Mustang's chief engineer. "In Drag Strip mode, the engine torque doesn't drop when you're shifting. You get peak engine torque and horsepower straight through thanks to our new Ford-built 10-speed transmission." The four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in "drag strip" mode goes from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds. Ford unveiled the 2018 Mustang during the Detroit auto show. It gains a more aggressive look that includes new hood vents and an optional spoiler. It also gets an optional 12-inch digital cluster, new-generation LED headlights and taillights available across all trim lines, and a number of new tech features. Ford is dropping the Mustang's 3.7-liter V-6 engine, which executives have said account for 15 percent of sales. Ford has not commented on pricing or fuel economy. .

Kenworth forges ahead in vocational market with the T880 and T880S Truck News / July 21, 2017 KIRKLAND, Wash. – Kenworth Trucks is hyping its vocational T880 series, believing the U.S. and Canadian economies are poised to continue an upward trajectory. “Whether you’re talking vocational or just the market in general in North America,” said Mike Dozier, general manager of Kenworth Trucks and vice-president of Paccar, “the underlying fundamentals all remain very positive and I think we’re certainly seeing that in vocational segments.” Inviting members of the media to its head office just outside Seattle, Kenworth offered up three dump models and two mixers for a test drive on the track at DirtFish rally school. Two dump models were the T880 day cab with Eaton Ultrashift transmissions; one fitted with the 2017 MX-11 engine with 430 hp, the other the MX-13 with 485 hp. The third dump truck was the beefier T880S model, flaunting the MX-13 engine, 510 hp, 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque and an 18-speed Eaton AMT transmission. The two mixers were quite diverse, one a traditional diesel engine (the T880S bridge mixer), while the other ran on compressed natural gas (T880S nat gas mixer). Each ran on an Allison transmission; the bridge mixer on the 4700RDS-7-speed and the nat gas variety on the 4500 six-speed automatic. Kevin Baney, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing, highlighted the Cummins-Westport ISL G-near Zero engine in the nat-gas mixer, which emits 90% lower NOx than current U.S. requirements. The engine will target certain markets that have green energy requirements from customers in locations such as California. Since 2010, Class 8 truck sales peaked in 2015, with sales reaching approximately 275,000 units. In 2016 they were just over 200,000, and 2017 is projected to be somewhere around 200,000. “There’s pretty good alignment with what we’re seeing with sentiment within the industry and certainly in the vocational segment,” said Dozier, “so we expect our expectations to continue.” Kenworth unveiled its new flagship T880 model four years ago, with the T880S being the latest addition to the lineup. The T880S is available with a set-forward front axle, which Baney said helps increase the trucks maneuverability. “The T880S is well suited for truck operators in ready-mix, dump and mobile crane applications where every incremental pound of payload delivered contributes directly to the bottom line,” Baney said. “The T880S enters into the market in the midst of an excellent vocational market, and we’re receiving strong T880S orders from customers.” The T880S set-forward front axle ranges from 14,600 lbs to 22,800 lbs and comes standard with the Paccar MX-13 engine. The MX-11 engine provides a more light-weight offering at 400 lbs less compared to the MX-13. Stepping into the spotlight for its former flagship truck – the T800 – the T880 model now makes up approximately 75% of sales compared to the former model. But as Baney pointed out, there is no plan to phase out the T800, but the company will rather let the market decide on the level of its continued production. Baney also touted Kenworth’s upcoming bright-trimmed air intake, which he said customers have been requesting for some time. The chrome spec’ will be available this month and in the aftermarket. Already available on the T680, variable speed fan drives will soon be offered on the MX-13 engine and will provide a bump in horsepower, better fuel economy, decreased noise and vibration, and a reduction in dust. In addition, Baney underscored the fact that more than 50,000 Kenworth trucks are now connected through the company’s mobile diagnostics technology TruckTech+. “These numbers just continue to amaze us since the launch of this program with the Paccar engines in 2015 and now last year with Cummins,” Baney said. “This is really the basis for our connected truck platform that we continue to expand. This provides not only ourselves, but our dealers as well as our customers a lot of information we use to make the products better.” Kenworth has 382 dealer locations in North America, 4,700 service bays and has invested $600 million into its facilities over the past five years.

Neil Abt, Fleet Owner / July 23, 2017 Orders for new T880S are strong, company says KIRKLAND, WA. The vocational truck market was a bright spot during the first half of 2017, and is expected to remain strong, according to executives of Kenworth Truck Co. Mike Dozer, Kenworth’s general manager, said positive economic reports on gross domestic product, consumer confidence, housing starts, and construction spending are in “good alignment with what we are seeing … within the industry, and certainly in the vocational segment.” Dozier spoke at a July 21 event showcasing Kenworth’s dump trucks and mixers. The truck maker, a unit of Paccar Inc., expects overall U.S. and Canadian Class 8 retail sales to finish the year in the upper range of its earlier estimate of 190,000 to 220,000 units. “A key part of that is the vocational segment,” said Dozier. As for Kenworth’s vocational lineup, Dozier and Kevin D. Baney, assistant general manger of marketing and sales, noted continued strong orders for the T880S, the truck maker’s latest configuration that features a set-forward front axle. The vehicle is aimed at ready-mix, dump and mobile crane applications. It provides more flexibility, better payload, maneuverability, and driver visibility. The T880 line was designed to eventually replace the T800, but Kenworth officials said there is no precise timetable as to when it will cease production. “We let the market decide,” Dozier said, adding that the company expands on the newer model “so it happens naturally, as soon as it can.” The T880S comes standard with the Paccar MX-13 engine, which along with the MX-11 is another area of strength. The two proprietary engines are included in more than 45 percent of Kenworth’s total orders. “We are happy with the growth we’ve seen,” Dozier said. Meanwhile, Baney outlined a series of other updates and enhancements: Kenworth is increasing its rebate offer to $2,000 for members of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. The offer includes the T880, W900, T440 and T470 models though the end of the 2017. Production begins at the end of this month on trucks with new 20,000 lb.- and 22,800-lb. front steer axles from Marmon-Herrington. The option is especially suited for water trucks and oilfield services, Baney said. Variable speed fan drives are soon to be available on the MX-13 engine, which not only boost fuel economy, but reduces noise, vibration and dust generation. Also soon to be offered on the T880 and T880s models are bright-trimmed air intakes. Baney said this is a popular option, and will be available in the aftermarket as well. The company begins production July 31 on the T680, T880, and T880s models with the Cummins Westport ISL G near zero NOx emissions natural gas engine. The engine offers a 90 percent reduction over current emissions regulations. This is a critical option for many fleets in California and those whose shippers demand “green” fleets as part of their sustainability efforts, Baney said. A ride-and-drive event included one of these vehicles, built in partnership with CalPortland and McNeilus. Also announced during the meeting was the initial launch of a new van lease program in the United States with Paccar Financial for the T270 model. The lease offer is $875 a month with no money required at signing. It features a 26-foot Morgan Corp. van body. Photo gallery - http://fleetowner.com/equipment/kicking-dust-kenworth

Big Rigs / July 24, 2017 Australian Defense Force (ADF) troops are leaving the Shoalwater Bay Training Area after the Talisman Sabre exercise. Drivers on the Bruce Highway have come across convoys of military vehicles [including Mack RM6866RS wreckers] stretching along kilometres of road. The convoys travel between 60-90km per hour. Drivers should be patient only overtaking vehicles when safe to do so. .

Because Renault still has "truck people". They are well liked around the world. Despite Volvo trying to restrain Renault and limit some global markets to a Volvo presence (no Renault......or Mack), Renault still embarrasses Volvo in sales performance. It pays off to have a sales force that knows something about trucks.

I know the Mack part numbers in my head, Paul. I spent a few years in service engineering (seems like yesterday.....wish it was). Unlike inferior and meaningless Volvo system part numbers, the far superior and simply brilliant Mack part numbering system is memorializable.

Volvo has owned all of Prevost (and subsidiary Nova Bus) since 2004. I know that back in 2007, Prevost engine choices were either Volvo D13 or Detroit Series 60. Today there is no choice - Volvo D13.

I don't trust the part numbers on that RM6866RS break down. I'd expect the roof to be a 165QS519A. http://www.wattstruckcenter.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=263&search=roof Rood vent rubber 25RU354 with 812AXF rubber "key". http://www.wattstruckcenter.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=144&search=roof We used to offer the roof vent under two different part numbers, one beige (23QU45P3) and the other silver gray. I imagine Volvo only supplies silver gray now. http://www.wattstruckcenter.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=222 Rocker panels: http://www.wattstruckcenter.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=265&search=rocker http://www.wattstruckcenter.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=266&search=rocker After providing your Mack dealer with your truck's model and serial number, they should be able to accurately research all the parts you need.

Renault Trucks’ global sales results.....versus the Volvo brand: January 2015 Renault up 24% Volvo down 4% February 2015 Renault up 26% Volvo down 13% 1st quarter 2015 Renault up 35% Volvo down 8% April 2015 Renault up 12% Volvo up 9% May 2015 Renault up 5% Volvo down 1% 2nd quarter 2015 Renault up 7% Volvo down 4% July 2015 Renault up 8% Volvo down 5% August 2015 Renault up 60% Volvo down 6% 3rd quarter 2015 Renault up 20% Volvo down 2% October 2015 Renault up 16% Volvo down 1% November 2015 Renault up 54% Volvo down 10% 4th quarter 2015 Renault up 29% Volvo down 7% Full Year 2015 Renault up 22% Volvo down 4% 1st quarter 2016 Renault up 8% Volvo down 8% 2nd quarter 2016 Renault up 12% Volvo down 9% 3rd quarter 2016 Renault down 5% Volvo down 12% 4th quarter 2016 Renault down 5% Volvo down 8% Full Year 2016 Renault up 2% Volvo down 9% 1st quarter 2017 Renault up 3% Volvo down 2% 2nd quarter 2017 Renault down 4% Volvo up 1%

The Numbers In Q2 2017, sales (deliveries) from Volvo Group’s truck operations amounted to 52,058* units, down 1 percent from 52,670 units in Q2 2016. Q2 2017 Volvo brand truck sales (overall) rose to 28,510 units globally, up 1 percent from 28,255 units in Q2 2016. Q2 2017 Volvo brand truck sales in North America plunged to 5,665 units, down 17 percent from 6,786 units in Q2 2016. North American Volvo brand truck sales in review: 17 percent sales decline in Q2 2017 versus Q2 2016 40 percent sales decline in Q1 2017 versus Q1 2016 49 percent sales decline in Q4 2016 versus Q4 2015 49 percent sales decline in Q3 2016 versus Q3 2015 39 percent sales decline in Q2 2016 versus Q2 2015 41 percent sales decline in Q1 2016 versus Q1 2015 4 percent sales decline in Q4 2015 versus Q4 2014 12 percent sales increase in Q3 2015 versus Q3 2014 27 percent sales increase in Q2 2015 versus Q2 2014 27 percent sales increase in Q1 2015 versus Q1 2014 15 percent sales increase in Q4 2014 versus Q4 2013 24 percent sales increase in Q3 2014 versus Q3 2013 17 percent sales increase in Q2 2014 versus Q2 2013 93 percent sales increase in Q1 2014 versus Q1 2013 19 percent sales increase in Q4 2013 versus Q4 2012 10 percent sales increase in Q3 2013 versus Q3 2012 7 percent sales increase in Q2 2013 versus Q2 2012 39 percent sales decline in Q1 2013 versus Q1 2012 17 percent sales decline in Q4 2012 versus Q4 2011 7 percent sales decline in Q3 2012 versus Q3 2011 19 percent sales increase in Q2 2012 versus Q2 2011 38 percent sales increase in Q1 2012 versus Q1 2011 66 percent sales increase in Q4 2011 versus Q4 2010 91 percent sales increase in Q3 2011 versus Q3 2010 152 percent sales increase in Q2 2011 versus Q2 2010 124 percent sales increase in Q1 2011 versus Q1 2010 78 percent sales increase in Q4 2010 versus Q4 2009 103 percent sales increase in Q3 2010 versus Q3 2009 58 percent sales increase in Q3 2010 versus Q3 2009 1 percent sales decline in Q1 2010 versus Q1 2009 Q2 2017 Volvo brand truck sales in Europe rose to 15,745 units, up 9 percent from 14,430 units in Q2 2016. Q2 2017 Volvo brand truck sales in Africa/Oceania (includes Australia, New Zealand) declined to 1,345 units, down 7 percent from 1,454 units in Q2 2016. Q2 2017 Mack brand truck sales (overall) fell to 5,507 units globally, down 1 percent from 5,588 units in Q2 2016. Global Mack brand truck sales in review: 1 percent sales decline in Q2 2017 versus Q2 2016 24 percent sales decline in Q1 2017 versus Q1 2016 42 percent sales decline in Q4 2016 versus Q4 2015 40 percent sales decline in Q3 2016 versus Q3 2015 22 percent sales decline in Q2 2016 versus Q2 2015 21 percent sales decline in Q1 2016 versus Q1 2015 2 percent sales decline in Q4 2015 versus Q4 2014 6 percent sales increase in Q3 2015 versus Q3 2014 9 percent sales increase in Q2 2015 versus Q2 2014 16 percent sales increase in Q1 2015 versus Q1 2014 30 percent sales increase in Q4 2014 versus Q4 2013 24 percent sales increase in Q3 2014 versus Q3 2013 2 percent sales increase in Q2 2014 versus Q2 2013 31 percent sales increase in Q1 2014 versus Q1 2013 14 percent sales increase in Q4 2013 versus Q4 2012 13 percent sales decline in Q3 2013 versus Q3 2012 15 percent sales decline in Q2 2013 versus Q2 2012 38 percent sales decline in Q1 2013 versus Q1 2012 25 percent sales decline in Q4 2012 versus Q4 2011 37 percent sales increase in Q3 2012 versus Q3 2011 48 percent sales increase in Q2 2012 versus Q2 2011 54 percent sales increase in Q1 2012 versus Q1 2011 45 percent sales increase in Q4 2011 versus Q4 2010 34 percent sales increase in Q3 2011 versus Q3 2010 99 percent sales increase in Q2 2011 versus Q2 2010 37 percent sales increase in Q1 2011 versus Q1 2010 38 percent sales increase in Q4 2010 versus Q4 2009 16 percent sales increase in Q3 2010 versus Q3 2009 7 percent sales decline in Q2 2010 versus Q2 2009 36 percent sales increase in Q1 2010 versus Q1 2009 Q2 2017 Mack brand truck sales in North America fell to 5,023 units, down 3 percent from 5,192 units in Q2 2016. North American Mack brand truck sales in review: 3 percent sales decline in Q2 2017 versus Q2 2016 27 percent sales decline in Q1 2017 versus Q1 2016 46 percent sales decline in Q4 2016 versus Q4 2015 41 percent sales decline in Q3 2016 versus Q3 2015 21 percent sales decline in Q2 2016 versus Q2 2015 21 percent sales decline in Q1 2016 versus Q1 2015 1 percent sales increase in Q4 2015 versus Q4 2014 6 percent sales increase in Q3 2015 versus Q3 2014 8 percent sales increase in Q2 2015 versus Q2 2014 15 percent sales increase in Q1 2015 versus Q1 2014 38 percent sales increase in Q4 2014 versus Q4 2013 31 percent sales increase in Q3 2014 versus Q3 2013 9 percent sales increase in Q2 2014 versus Q2 2013 49 percent sales increase in Q1 2014 versus Q1 2013 31 percent sales increase in Q4 2013 versus Q4 2012 4 percent sales decline in Q3 2013 versus Q3 2012 16 percent sales decline in Q2 2013 versus Q2 2012 42 percent sales decline in Q1 2013 versus Q1 2012 32 percent sales decline in Q4 2012 versus Q4 2011 49 percent sales increase in Q3 2012 versus Q3 2011 68 percent sales increase in Q2 2012 versus Q2 2011 61 percent sales increase in Q1 2012 versus Q1 2011 47 percent sales increase in Q4 2011 versus Q4 2010 30 percent sales increase in Q3 2011 versus Q3 2010 138 percent sales increase in Q2 2011 versus Q2 2010 34 percent sales increase in Q1 2011 versus Q1 2010 36 percent sales increase in Q4 2010 versus Q4 2009 21 percent sales increase in Q3 2010 versus Q3 2009 12 percent sales decline in Q2 2010 versus Q2 2009 63 percent sales increase in Q1 2010 versus Q1 2009 Q2 2017 Mack brand truck sales in South America rose to 221 units, up 41 percent from 157 units in Q2 2016. Q2 2017 Mack brand truck sales in Africa/Oceania (includes Australia, New Zealand) rose to 263 units, up 11 percent from 238 units in Q2 2016. Q2 2017 Renault Truck brand sales (overall) declined to 13,110 units globally, down 4 percent from 13,650 units in Q2 2016. Q2 2017 Renault Truck brand sales in Europe declined to 11,941 units, down 3 percent from 12,304 units in Q2 2016. (Q2 2017 Renault Truck brand medium/heavy truck sales in Europe rose to 7,808 units globally, up 2 percent from 7,683 units in Q2 2016. Q2 2017 Renault Truck brand light truck sales in Europe declined to 4,133 units globally, down 11 percent from 4,621 units in Q2 2016.) Q2 2017 UD (Nissan Diesel) brand sales (overall) rose to 4,931 units, down 5 percent from 5,177 units in Q2 2016. Q2 2017 UD (Nissan Diesel) brand sales in Asia rose to 4,021 units, down 3 percent from 4,147 units in Q2 2016. Total Global Deliveries by Brand Q2 2017 Q2 2016 % Change Volvo 28,510 28,255 1 Renault Trucks 13,110 13,650 -4 UD (Nissan Diesel) 4,931 5,177 -5 Mack 5,507 5,588 -1 Total Deliveries 52,058 52,670 -1 Total Global Deliveries by Truck Size Q2 2017 Q2 2016 % Change Heavy Duty (>16 metric tons) 44,075 43,265 2 Medium Duty (7-16 metric tons) 3,762 4,467 -16 Light Duty (<7 metric tons) 4,221 4,938 -15 Total Deliveries 52,058 52,670 -1 Total Global Deliveries by Region Q2 2017 Q2 2016 % Change Europe 27,686 26,734 4 Heavy & medium 23,553 22,113 7 Light duty 4,133 4,621 -11 North America 10,720 12,039 -11 South America 2,692 2,549 6 Asia 7,823 7,963 -2 Africa & Oceania* 3,137 3,385 -7 Total Deliveries 52,058 52,670 -1 * includes Australia, New Zealand

Volvo Group Press Release / July 19, 2017 In Q2 2017 net sales increased by 12% to SEK 88.4 billion (78.9). Adjusted for currency movements and acquired and divested units sales increased by 6%. Adjusted operating income amounted to SEK 8,540 M (6,130), corresponding to an adjusted operating margin of 9.7% (7.8). Currency movements had a positive impact on operating income of SEK 350 M. Operating cash flow in the Industrial Operations amounted to SEK 11.9 billion (6.9). New Volvo VNL long-haul tractor launched in North America. CEO’S COMMENTS Continued profit improvement and strong cash flow The Volvo Group increased both sales and profitability during the second quarter. Compared with the second quarter last year, net sales increased by 12% and amounted to SEK 88.4 billion. The profitability continued to develop positively with an adjusted operating income of SEK 8.5 billion (6.1), which corresponds to an operating margin of 9.7% (7.8). All our business areas improved their operating income. Cash flow in the Industrial Operations was also strong and amounted to SEK 11.9 billion (6.9). The service business continued to develop favorably and grew by 3% compared with the same quarter last year on a currency adjusted basis. We continue to increase our focus on selling complete solutions combining products with services and financing to our customers. Recent trends on the truck markets continue with good demand in Europe, including a distinct recovery in Russia, and a gradual improvement in North and South America, with increased order intake. In Europe, Renault Trucks has improved its market share and Volvo Trucks kept its historically high share while growing it in Russia. Total truck deliveries were down 1% in the quarter driven by lower deliveries in North America. The adjusted operating margin was 9.6%, with the quarter being negatively affected by a stretched supply chain. Our competitive trucks continue to make their mark in the industry. Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks came in first and second place in the “Young Professionals Truck Award 2017”, which is based on test driving by young truck drivers in Germany. In North America we took a very important step in July with the announcement of the new Volvo VNL series. It is a groundbreaking long-haul tractor with cutting-edge innovations in fuel efficiency, driver productivity, safety and connectivity solutions to maximize uptime. The truck features a new cab with improved aerodynamics and interior, including an all-new, 70-inch sleeper. Together with the Volvo VNR for regional haul, which was announced in April, Volvo will have a product program in North America that is the strongest ever. The new trucks will be ramped-up in production gradually during the second half of 2017. Following the introduction in the first quarter, UD Trucks new heavy-duty and medium-duty truck series with associated services are now launched in an increasing number of markets. Most recently at a major customer event with UD Croner in Dubai. The new trucks strengthen the Group's competitiveness in Japan as well as in emerging markets in Asia and other parts of the world. We see good progress for UD Trucks in Japan, where market share has recovered to 17.8% (16.5). Demand for construction equipment continues to improve in Europe and China, and also with a clear recovery in the mining segment in many parts of the world. Volvo CE’s sales increased by 36% compared to a year ago and amounted to SEK 18.5 billion. Thanks to Volvo CE working intensively to reduce its cost base and keeping tight control over costs now as volumes return, the increased sales has resulted in a significant improvement in profitability with an adjusted operating margin of 13.3%. In general Volvo CE has very competitive products and services with good positions in key markets and segments. We will continue to drive the transformation program that focuses on core products and segments, continuous improvement, improved quality and reduced costs. Volvo Buses’ profitability was stable with an adjusted operating margin of 4.6%. During the quarter Volvo Buses secured a frame agreement for 360 Prevost coaches to Greyhound/First Group, the largest order to date in North America. In the seasonally strong second quarter, not least on the marine side, Volvo Penta's sales increased by 15% and they generated an adjusted operating margin of 15.5%. The positive development with good growth also applies to industrial engines, where Volvo Penta is currently investing to further strengthen their customer offering. In July, Volvo Penta made a move in to the segment for outboard engines when they acquired a majority in the US-based, innovative outboard engine manufacturer Seven Marine. Volvo Financial Services continued to have a good return on equity with low credit losses. Financial services are a very important part of our complete solutions offer and they deepen the relationship with our customers. We have a clear strategy on how to improve the Volvo Group's profitability and grow the service business while we continue to invest in new technologies. We have strong, Group-wide assets that business areas can utilize. At the same time, we are in the process of decentralizing responsibility and creating value chains that are more regional to drive accountability, simplicity and speed to better manage changes in demand. But above all, we are building a culture where continuous improvement is the guiding principle to better serve our customers. Martin Lundstedt President and CEO Report on the second quarter 2017(PDF, 0.9 MB) Presentation material(PDF, 9.9 MB) .

Timmy, I couldn't agree with you more. The BMT website follows generally accepted guidelines on posts: no name-calling, personal insults or threats. And no profanity or vulgarity. And it's so easy to go along with. David Wild began the thread, and in his unique style got right to the point of his thoughts. However he didn't break any of those socially-accepted standards. Teamstergrrrl's comment about sobering up comes across as a personal insult. It may have been said in a light-hearted way, but we can't sense "tone" in written posts. Unfortunately written thoughts can be at times misconstrued. Like a Bulldog and anyone in the truck business, nobody here is thin-skinned. But I suggest we all make a conscious effort to respect each other's differing opinions and restrain from insults. After all, at the end of the day, we're all one big family. I'm confident that both Teamstergrrrl and 41chevy (Paul) are each super people in their own right. And certainly we all know by now, they're both extremely intelligent individuals. Hopefully a hand shake and hug can help them bond. We all have just one life and it's far too short. Enjoy yourself on BMT, and enjoy your life. As you say Timmy, with an open mind, one can learn a lot from this site, from people with greatly opinions. I've learned at least one thing from every person that I ever knew, including both people I liked and disliked, agreed with and disagreed with. I had a neighbor in my twenties and we simply disliked each other. But she lectured me one day that if I only threw my wet laundry into the dryer for 2-3 minutes to wring off the water, and then hung them up to dry, the clothes would last for years and years. She was right. Wear and tear in the washing machine can't be helped (front loader is much better), but the dryer is a clothes destroyer.

Renault is on the tag of your superb T2130 triple countershaft Mack-designed Maxitorque transmission because it owned Mack at the time. Your transmission was designed at the former Mack Trucks' Engineering, Development and Test Center (ED&TC) in Allentown, PA, the truck capital of the world, and built at the iconic American truckmaker's powertrain plant in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Bloomberg / July 21, 2017 The European Commission and the German cartel office, or Bundeskartellamt, are investigating claims that Germany’s major carmakers may have been operating a cartel since the 1990s, colluding on everything from vehicle development and engines, to suppliers and diesel emissions systems. A report in Der Spiegel magazine this week said the biggest car manufacturers -- Daimler AG, BMW AG and Volkswagen AG as well as VW’s Audi and Porsche brands -- may have colluded for decades on technology. According to the Spiegel report, the five German car brands met starting in the 1990s to coordinate activities related to their vehicle technology, costs, suppliers and strategy as well as emissions controls in diesel engines. Their discussions involved more than 200 employees in 60 working groups in areas including auto development, gasoline and diesel motors, brakes and transmissions. Talks may have also involved the size of tanks for AdBlue fluid for diesel autos, which is at the heart of the emissions case. The Spiegel article said that one aim of the collusion was to obstruct competition, with the carmakers agreeing on costs for components or technical details such as convertible roofs. According to the cartel office, the raid took place exactly a year ago and targeted six carmakers and suppliers. Der Spiegel said that the follow-up probe was essentially a by-product of that raid, which involved 50 employees of the cartel authority, aided by local police and regional law-enforcement officers. Related reading - https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/46111-truckmakers-get-record-324-billion-eu-fine-for-cartel/#comment-372456

Ford to petition to avoid U.S. recall of 2.5 million vehicles Reuters / July 21, 2017 WASHINGTON -- Ford Motor Co. will petition to avoid a U.S. recall of about 2.5 million vehicles with Takata airbag inflators that the Japanese auto supplier declared defective last week, U.S. regulators and the automaker said Friday. Separately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Nissan Motor Co. had agreed to recall 515,394 2007-2011 Versa cars after Takata declared 2.7 million vehicles to have potentially defective inflators. Ford spokesman John Cangany said the automaker will file a petition requesting "to continue testing and analyzing our inflators." NHTSA said the petition will seek an exemption from the recall because Ford believes the issue is inconsequential. Ford said the issue covers 2.5 million vehicles, including the 2007-11 Ranger, 2006-12 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan and 2007-10 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. Ford previously said it covered about 2.2 million vehicles. Last week, NHTSA said that new testing prompted Takata to declare inflators defective in Ford, Nissan and Mazda vehicles in some driver-side airbags built from 2012 through 2015. NHTSA said in a statement Friday that "testing data shows that the propellant in this inflator is degrading and on the path towards potential ruptures in the future. There are no reported ruptures in the real-world or in testing." Takata airbag inflators are already linked to 17 deaths and more than 180 injuries worldwide, and the recalls will eventually cover about 125 million inflators. Nissan said last week it would recall 627,000 Versa cars from 2007-2012 model years, including 515,000 in the United States "out of an abundance of caution." Nissan said testing of 895 inflators showed no ruptures, while one "exhibited an elevated internal pressure." Takata said the inflators potentially could rupture "after several years of exposure to high absolute humidity." Mazda said last week the issue impacts just 6,000 B-series trucks. The company also plans to file a petition to avoid a recall, NHTSA said. The automakers have 30 days to submit the petition and then NHTSA will take public comment before making a decision. More than 65 percent of 46.2 million previously recalled Takata airbag inflators in the United States have not been repaired. The issue is the largest-ever auto-safety recall, covering 17 automakers. Takata filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June.

Billy, my thought is, the "Odds and Ends" thread is designated "for non-truck related topics", including current events. (The "VIP Lounge" is also broad topic) BMT's general guidelines on posts are, no name-calling, personal insults or threats. And no profanity or vulgarity. Some of the posts can be high spirited at times, but in general BMT members are a high caliber group of people that contribute to the website being unparalleled in nature. We all need to remember that everyone has a right to their own opinion. And there's absolutely no point to getting high blood pressure over another person's thoughts (opinions). If you disagree with another person's opinion, ignore it and move on. A few things in life are still so simple and effortless. Some healthy discussions on current events and other in the "Odds and Ends" thread isn't a bad thing, if members express themselves reasonably. There are a lot of very intelligent people here that bring some legitimate viewpoints to the table. Even though opinions may conflict with each other at times, it doesn't mean they're without merit.

A little Tatra history.................. Beginning with the Tatra 111. No frame, in the conventional sense. 210 horsepower Model V910 air-cooled V-12 engine. .

SILK WAY RALLY 2017: All drivers of Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO in the top ten of Stage 12 IVECO Trucks Press Release / July 21, 2017 Team Leader Gerard De Rooy, on his Powerstar Evo 2, crossed the finish line in this difficult stage in 4th position, ahead of his teammates. Artur Ardavichus finished in 7th place on his Powerstar, improving his overall ranking to 4th place two stages from the end of the Silk Way Rally. Ton Van Genugten and new co-pilot Bart De Gooyert arrived 8th, placing the third IVECO truck in the top ten of the day. For Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO yesterday’s stage, from the bivouac in Jiayugan to Alashan Youqi, finished with very good results. Team leader Gerard De Rooy did particularly well, crossing the finish line with a time of 4h14m33s. The new completely renovated Powerstar arrived fourth in the day’s stage: “We lost time because of a problem with a tyre, otherwise we could have made an even better time – said Gerard – We enjoyed very much driving in the dunes: the cloudy weather and milder temperature helped us”. Artur Ardavichus, behind the wheel of the other IVECO Powerstar, drove carefully avoiding risks in order to maintain or improve his place in the overall. Marco Alcayna Ferran, in his second stage as co-pilot (he replaced injured Belgian Serge Bruynkens) explained: “Today we faced beautiful dunes. I will say it was one of the most difficult legs since the beginning of the rally. The truck has a lot of power and this was really important to cross the long kilometers of sand.” Thanks to the result obtained yesterday after leg 12, the Kazakh pilot is in the 4th position of the general with an advantage of more than 12 minutes ahead of Nikolaev’s Kamaz. Dutchman Ton Van Genugten (#306) also completed the SS12 in the top ten of the partial classification, crossing the finish line in 8th place. Now in his second day with new co-driver Bart De Gooyert, he drove faster and he was also able to improve the overall position: behind the wheel of his IVECO Trakker, he is now in 7th place. Thanks to the team’s mechanical experts – John Peeters, Niels van Tilborg, Ramon Peters, Franklin Geerts, Paul Starmans, Peter van Rooij, Corne van Drunen, Clim Smulders, Koen Hendriks and Pjotr Hylla – Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO was able to resolve all unforeseen events occurred in the particularly tough stages of the Silk Way Rally. Today, July 21st, competitors left early to face magnificent landscapes and especially to cross cathedrals of dunes in the first special stage. The show promises to be really great. The second SS also includes a lot of navigation with some small but very technical sections of dunes. It is a pure pleasure to surf in this sand especially on the ridges and this should allow the most adventurous to save a lot of time. This leg will probably add some pages to the history of the Silk Way Rally. Total distance: 690.31 km of which 318.66. Stage 12 results – Silk Way Rally 2017 1. Airat Mardeev (Kamaz) 4h04m08s 2. Anton Shibalov (Kamaz) +2m15s 3. Eduard Nikolaev (Kamaz) +3m01s 4. Gerard De Rooy (IVECO) +10m25s 5. Siarhei Viazovich (Maz) +13m33s ---- 7. Artur Ardavichus (IVECO) +22m20s 8. Ton Van Genugten (IVECO) +23m13s Overall classification – Silk Way Rally 2017 1. Dmitry Sotnikov (Kamaz) 38h16m38s 2. Anton Shibalov (Kamaz) +3m04s 3. Airat Mardeev (Kamaz) +17m54s 4. Artur Ardavichus (IVECO) +2h03m14s 5. Eduard Nikolaev (Kamaz) +2h15m53s ---- 7. Ton Van Genugten (IVECO) +8h42m34s 13. Gerard De Rooy (IVECO) +215h24m54s Starting order for SS14 – 21th July 2017 ----- 06.33 Airat Mardeev (Kamaz) 06.37 Anton Shibalov (Kamaz) 06.43 Gerard De Rooy (IVECO) ----- 06.57 Artur Ardavichus (IVECO) 06.59 Ton Van Genugten (IVECO) .

Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / July 21, 2017 For the 10th consecutive year, trucking companies will see increased fees on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 2018. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) approved a 6 percent increase for both E-ZPass and cash customers, which will take effect Jan. 7, 2018. The increase will see the most common toll for a Class 8 truck increase from $23.60 to $25.01 for E-ZPass and from $33.10 to $35.08 for cash. The annual increases of 3 to 6 percent are expected to continue for the Turnpike through 2044, according to PTC Chairman Sean Logan in 2015. According to a statement from the turnpike authority, such increases are required to meet the PTC’s various funding obligations, which include supporting PennDOT’s improvements along the 550-mile toll-road system.