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Green Car Congress / February 23, 2017 In the wake of a report by the German television station ZDF identifying widespread aftermarket manipulation of NOx emissions control technologies on trucks, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is calling for government action to preclude such manipulation. The ZDF report, based on research ZDF commissioned at the University of Heidelberg, found that some 20% of trucks operating in eastern Europe have effectively circumvented NOx reduction technology, causing around 14,000 tonnes more NOx to be emitted per year than would be the case if all trucks that say they use AdBlue were doing so. The additional 14,000 tonnes of NOx would make it twice the size of the Volkswagen “Dieselgate” scandal of 2015, noted environmental NGO T&E. The key NOx reduction technology for trucks is Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), which requires the controlled dosing of a diesel exhaust fluid called AdBlue to enable effective NOx reduction. The ZDF report showed that “AdBlue emulator” devices are being installed by truck operators in order to by-pass or stop the AdBlue injection system. If there is no AdBlue injection, there will be no NOx reduction in the SCR. This saves truck operators the cost of AdBlue refills at the environmental expense of higher NOx emissions. The truck operator may also qualify for lower motorway taxes or other benefits by officially running a Euro VI truck, which in practice will not be operating as it was designed to, because the truck operator chose to fit one of these devices. There are many websites of suppliers and marketers offering such devices, in several EU member states and also outside the European Union, at a range of prices and capabilities. ACEA issued a statement noting that European truck manufacturers have invested heavily in complex exhaust control technology that is delivering heavy-duty vehicles which meet the stringent Euro VI emission standards. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) strongly condemns the advertising, sale and use of any aftermarket device that can be used by truck operators to turn off emission control systems. —ACEA Secretary General Erik Jonnaert ACEA had raised its concerns in 2012 with the European Commission and the member states, but no action was taken. The issue of aftermarket devices was also raised by Denmark several years earlier, but the general view at that time was that this should be a matter for national enforcement. ACEA now calls on the European Commission and member states to: · Ban the advertising and sale of any aftermarket device (hardware or software) that can by-pass vehicle emission control systems or enable the removal of important parts of the emission control system. · Apply random road-side enforcement by police who are authorised to stop and check vehicles, so that truck operators are aware that if they are caught using one of these devices they will face a substantial fine, or their vehicle will be treated in the same way as if vehicle safety systems were defective. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is the Brussels-based trade association of the 15 major car, van, truck and bus producers in Europe. The ACEA commercial vehicle members are DAF Trucks, Daimler Trucks, Iveco, MAN Truck & Bus, Scania, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and Volvo Group.

Hino Hits Back Steve Brooks, Trade Trucks AU / February 22, 2017 Hino has taken the wraps of its new 500 series wide-cab models and revealed a truck with loads more muscle and a suite of safety initiatives. They’ve been a long time coming and executives at Hino Motor Sales Australia make no secret of the company’s competitive need for trucks of this calibre, but finally, the covers have come off a vastly rejuvenated range of Hino 500-series wide cab models. Despite the somewhat confusing wording which can infer these trucks have a new, wider cab, the cab actually retains the same generous dimensions of the first 500-series wide cab models launched a decade ago. There is, however, no confusion in the release of a model range with a swathe of new and highly functional features which include enhanced eight and nine litre engines, expanded manual and automatic transmission options, numerous drivetrain developments, and safety advances headed by the standard fitment of a Wabco vehicle stability control (VSC) system in all models. The standard inclusion of VSC across the new range is "an Australian-first for this class," says Hino product strategy manager, Daniel Petrovski. Yet with a standard safety list also containing ABS anti-lock, ASR skid control, a driver’s side airbag, reversing camera, an ‘Easy Start’ hill-hold function for manual models, and a cab meeting European crash test standards, Hino boasts it has the most comprehensive active safety package of any Japanese truck in the medium-duty category. Available in two and three-axle configurations, the new trucks offer gross vehicle mass (GVM) ranging from 16 to 18 and 26 tonnes, and gross combination mass (GCM) ratings from 32 to 45 tonnes. For Hino Motor Sales Australia chairman and chief executive officer Steve Lotter, the latest 500-series wide cab models are an overdue and hugely welcome addition to a brand which has struggled to maintain medium-duty sales momentum and stay relatively close to market leader Isuzu over recent years. In fact, the importance of the new models to Hino’s Australian operation and the significance placed on their success by Japan was highlighted by the presence of one of Hino’s most high-ranking executives, Kenji Nagakubo, at the recent launch of the trucks. Nowadays the managing officer of Hino Motors Ltd, Kenji-san was previously the head engineer on the new 500-series project and left no doubt that he will take a major interest in its performance on the Australian market. "These trucks are a game-changer for us," Steve Lotter commented, "and we now offer the broadest range of trucks in these important market segments that straddle Australia’s competitive medium and heavy-duty markets. "By increasing the model range, it provides us with an opportunity to engage in different applications which previously hasn’t been possible." The new trucks are easily distinguished from the previous wide cab models and likewise, from the FC, FD and FE medium-duty specialists sporting Hino’s narrower ‘standard cab’. The most notable external change is in a bold, dark grille but there are also relatively subtle changes in areas such as cab steps. On the inside, the changes are less apparent with a new radio and redesigned digital dash being the most obvious. However, it’s underneath where the greatest changes have been made, led by further development of Hino’s 7.7 litre J08E engine and its 8.9 litre stablemate, the A09C. In the case of the six cylinder J08E, maximum governed engine speed and compression ratio have been raised to deliver peak outputs of 206 kW (280 hp) at 2500 rpm and top torque of 883 Nm (651 lb ft) at 1500 rpm. Depending on the model, transmission choices are an Allison six-speed auto, Hino six-speed manual or an Eaton nine-speed direct-drive manual. As for the A09C, also a six cylinder layout, Hino says there’s a new turbocharger, revised water pump and cooling fan, and a swap from Bosch to Denso common-rail fuel injection. This engine offers two performance ratings starting with a 235 kW (320 hp) and 1275 Nm (940 lb ft) setting coupled to an Allison automatic transmission, and a lively 257 kW (350 hp) unit supported by a potent 1422 Nm (1049 lb ft) of torque stirring through a Hino nine-speed overdrive synchromesh transmission. Critically, says Hino, both engines greatly benefit from the adoption of an SCR emissions system instead of the previous EGR and diesel particulate filter combination to achieve Euro 5 emissions compliance. Several of the models provided for drives during the launch of the new trucks were equipped with the Hino nine-speed synchromesh manual shifter. Operating on a double-H (H-over-H) shift pattern, the Hino box wisely comes with an electronic control unit which won’t allow shifts into low range if road speed is above 30 km/h, and a beeper which sounds when the range change button is used. As a Hino operative explained, it’s all about protecting the engine from over-speeding in the event of an accidental downshift through the synchro box. Like their light-duty Dutro counterparts, manual versions of the new 500-series trucks are also equipped with an engine stop/start system to enhance fuel efficiency by switching the engine off when it would be otherwise idling. The stop/start system is only activated when the dash-mounted control switch is ‘on’, the truck stationary, the transmission in neutral and the park brake engaged. Likewise, the engine automatically restarts when the clutch pedal is depressed. Meantime, GH and FM models are now also equipped with cross diff locks as standard equipment. Importantly, the new models also have a wider front axle with a tighter wheel cut angle while at the back end, electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) is available on models with Hendrickson’s HAS airbag rear suspension. We’ll have a full drive report on the new models in upcoming issues of ATN and Owner//Driver magazines but in the interim, here’s a quick run-down on Hino’s new 500-series wide cab range: FG 1628 4x2 – 280 hp. Six-speed manual or six-speed Allison auto. GVM 16 tonnes. GCM 32 tonnes. FL 2628 6x2 – 280 hp. Six-speed Allison auto. GVM 26 tonnes. GCM 38 tonnes. FM 2628 6x4 – 280 hp. Eaton nine-speed manual or six-speed Allison auto. GVM 26 tonnes. GCM 33 tonnes (auto) 38 tonnes (manual). FM 2632 6x4 – 320 hp. Six-speed Allison auto. GVM 26 tonnes. GCM 36.5 tonnes. FM 2635 6x4 – 350 hp. Hino nine-speed manual. GVM 26 tonnes. GCM 45 tonnes. GH 1828 4x2 – 280 hp. Eaton nine-speed manual or six-speed Allison auto. GVM 16 tonnes (std) 18 tonnes (opt). GCM 38 tonnes. GH 1832 4x2 – 320 hp. Six-speed Allison auto. GVM 16 tonnes (std) 18 tonnes (opt). GCM 38 tonnes. GH 1835 4x2 – 350 hp. Hino nine-speed manual. GVM 16 tonnes (std) 18 tonnes (opt). GCM 38 tonnes. .

Argentina

Radio Praha / February 22, 2017 Vehicle producer Tatra is an iconic name in the Czech Republic and indeed in the world of car and truck production. The Czech company claims to be the second oldest car manufacturer in the world with its first model, the Präsident, being rolled out in 1897. The first truck followed a year later at the plant in Kopřivnice, in the far east of the country in the Moravia-Silesia region. The recent history of the company has been problematic with the firm bought out by its current Czech owners in an auction after facing bankruptcy. Tatra car production, famed in the 1940s and 1950s for its revolutionary aerodynamic design, ended 20 years ago in 1997. Truck production faltered as the largely craft production sought new markets in competition with much bigger companies. But Tatra seems to have turned the corner with production and sales up and expected to climb even higher this year. I asked general manager Radek Strouhal, who took over in the new post in January after previously being economic manager, what the latest targets are. “I think that last year was quite successful for us, we made 1,326 vehicles in total which is a great increase compared with 2015. I think it’s an increase of around 35 percent. We are quite satisfied with this growth. Our target for this year is to grow further and we would like to achieve at least 1,700 trucks. I hope that we will meet the target. Although these figures might look small compared with foreign manufacturers of trucks, but we are not a mass producer. We are focussed on some limited series or even single vehicles which are customised for very special customers in mining, forestry and construction industries. We also supply fire brigades and the armed forces. It’s also important to look to the military sector because we have to defend, of course. “The vehicles have a quite high added value because they are customised, tailor-made you might say. The unique Tatra concept helps us to offer the highest endurance for off-road capacities on the market.” Could I ask you a bit about the markets you have. During the Communist times one of the major markets was the Soviet Union and the allied states, where are your main markets now and where do you expect to expand? “Now it’s quite different to the times you are talking about. Now the biggest market is the former Czechoslovakia for us. If you want to export, you have to be strong in your home market or field. You know, generally we are talking about customers that are quite diversified regionally and commercially. We deliver more than 330 trucks to India. Over 100 vehicles were delivered to Egypt and Jordan, 70 to Brazil. So we are really worldwide. We are focussing on other markets, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, of course, keeping some share in Russia. But the new market that looks quite promising for us is Norway, for example.” Why is that, it’s an established, developed market? “We can use there our experience from Russia, from Siberia. We have trucks that are very well prepared for the weather conditions there. In Northern Norway they need trucks that are moving off-road and are fully powered. That’s the advantage of Tatra of course.” Looking at the growth, you had that growth last year and you expect quite considerable growth this year, how difficult is it keeping that momentum and finding the workers and training them? Apparently in some areas of production you are now looking to employ women because they cannot find men to do the work… “Yes, the truth is that we have the advantage that we are a traditional Czech company and we are the third oldest car maker in the world. It is a big advantage that the Tatra brand is attractive for young people and also those that are experienced workers. We are still looking for skilled and clever workers that can work in technical departments. The rate of unemployment in the Czech Republic is now very low so it is even difficult to find people for us, but I think we are quite successful. In the last year we have been able to hire 350 new workers here in Tatra, which is some kind of proof that the Tatra brand is quite strong on the HR market. And, as you said, we are also looking for women because some idea that the automotive producers only have to hire men is gone already. We know that the women are very skilled as well and that there is no need to make any difference between men and women.” And how about increased sub-contracting, is that something you have looked at? If you can’t do the work yourself is that an option or do you prefer to keep most of the work in house because in that way you can be sure of the quality and what’s happening? “Sub-contracting is an option, but it is an option that it is very difficult to use. The problem is not only the quality but also the price because we are starting to be highly productive and our internal prices are lower than the prices of companies around us. We have invested a lot in machinery and so on and that equipment has helped us to be highly productive.” And the divide between civil and military sales, how is that looking now and how do you expect that to develop? “In my opinion, military sales are already high, we are at around 60 percent military sales. We would like to lower that, but not as regards the total amount but the proportion by growing the civil market. We are now focusing on developing our dealer network and expanding on new markets like Germany, Poland, and Norway.” The military market is probably slightly more problematic in that many national markets in Europe and the rest of the world are still in some ways protected or there are some national champions. How difficult is it to get into some new military markets? “It takes a lot of time to persuade foreign governments to buy your trucks but we have a big advantage that the unique capacities of Tatra are well known and the military sector is able to pay for this because they really need a solid truck for off-road conditions and that’s the advantage of Tatra. We are quite skilled in the military field and we know how to handle military orders. That’s our advantage. It is difficult, but I think we are doing our best here. But we are looking at more focus on the civil market because I think the Tatra Phoenix is a great product for the civil sector and we want to grow more here than the military sector.” More generally, you have mentioned your strength in off-road vehicles but the world is getting more developed and inter-connected and maybe some of those countries that are less developed or underdeveloped, however you like to put it, or developed and have roads and other transport. Is that working against you or is there a still market for off-road trucks? You mentioned Norway, of course, but maybe looking a bit broader… “Yes, this is quite difficult to answer. I think that the market or the development in the world is slightly against us. On the other hand, we are working quite hard on our product and looking for higher and higher profitability and not only in the rough terrain and off-road trucks but also in mixed terrain. For example, forestry is a typical customer of ours. If you are active in the forest you may have to go off-road for a few kilometres but then back on the road to some mill or something like that. These customers are, let’s say, very satisfied with our product because they have the first examples of the Tatra Phoenix and see that the economy is very good and those trucks are quite profitable for them.” Turning to your promotion and the Dakar rally and you are always associated with that. How important is that as a showcase for your trucks? “First of all, it is important for us from a marketing point of view. Everyone can see our trucks. This year we were able to win the first part of Dakar but then came some technical problems but next year I think we will be back even stronger. But what is even more important for us as a company is that we can test there, it is a testing ground for us. If we have some new innovations we are testing them on the Dakar trucks. If they are able to survive in Dakar then we know they will be able to survive under commercial conditions.” Finally, back to your history. Tatra was known in the past not just for trucks but also for cars, some very revolutionary cars actually in the 1940s and 1950s. Is there any likelihood that you would go back to car production, maybe even one off models for promotional purposes or specific customers? “I am afraid that Tatra will not change its core business which is now in trucks. Serial production of cars is a little bit a non sense for us. Also in the past Tatra cars were very technologically advanced and it was a very beautiful car. We are proud of our tradition but we want to move forward and trucks are now our core business. We are not looking at personal or passenger cars. But in the long term you can never say never.” I was thinking not of mass production, that’s out of the question, but one off models for customers who say can you remake this model from the past. That’s not really possible? “The renovation of old cars is possible. It’s something we have in our mind, but restarting production of new cars is a closed chapter. “ .

Scania Group Press Release / February 22, 2017 The new generation of Scania trucks has won an Italian Sustainable Truck of the Year 2017 award. The award was announced at Transpotec, Italy’s leading transport and logistics event, on Wednesday 22 February 2017. The Italian Sustainable Truck of the Year award is organized by Vado e Torno, one of the main trucking magazines in Italy. The competition has three categories: Tractor, Distribution and Van. Scania’s new generation won the Sustainable Truck of the Year award in the Tractor category. When announcing the winners, the jury, which is comprised of Vado e Torno’s editorial staff, emphasized how impressed they were with the fuel economy of the Scania new generation and the ride comfort and higher levels of security. Scania’s new generation provides overall fuel savings of 5 percent due to the innovations made to the powertrain and aerodynamics. The ability to use alternative fuels provides opportunities for further fuel savings. The jury was also impressed with Scania’s new Opticruise system, advanced braking systems, the greater visibility for the driver and the first side-curtain airbags to be produced in the vehicle industry. “There are many qualities that make Scania’s next generation sustainable,” said Maurizio Cervetto, Director of Vado e Torno magazine. “It has obtained fuel savings of 5 percent and its engines can also be used with alternative fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). The comfort reaches levels of excellence too, while work on the brakes and front axle has reduced the braking distance by 5 percent.” Franco Fenoglio, Italscania President and CEO, who accepted the award at Transpotec, said: “This award is further confirmation of the ongoing commitment of Scania in providing cutting-edge transportation solutions both in terms of safety and sustainability. The new generation of Scania trucks and services represents one more step in guiding the entire transport sector towards a more sustainable future.” .

Volvo Trucks Press Release / February 22, 2017 New technology is enabling increasingly sophisticated active safety systems to be installed in heavy trucks. By helping drivers to prevent accidents, these systems are saving lives and making our roads safer for everyone. .

International Trucks Press Release / February 22, 2017 .

Give the folks at Watts Mack (provider of the BMT website) a call at 1-888-304-6225. 84QS51 and 84QS52

Heavy Duty Trucking / February 22, 2017 International Truck has been awarded a contract by the National Joint Powers Alliance that will offer new International Class 6, 7, and 8 chassis to more than 50,000 NJPA members in the U.S. and Canada. NJPA is a public agency that establishes alliances between buyers and suppliers for use by education, government, and non-profit entities. Through NJPA, members have access to pre-negotiated pricing and terms that streamline the purchasing process to save on costs and time. NJPA members will be able to use the program to shop for Class 6, 7, and 8 trucks at International Dealer locations in the U.S. The International Truck contract (081716-NVS) with NJPA is in effect until Nov. 15, 2020. “Through this program, municipalities and government agencies in search of solutions to meet their business needs can order International trucks without having to spend time and money to go through a bid process,” said Jeff Sass, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Navistar. “This joint enterprise with NJPA represents an exceptional opportunity for these customers to purchase our lineup of severe- and medium-duty trucks, including International’s flagship HX Series and the reliable and versatile WorkStar and DuraStar models," he added. .

I can see this both ways. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Reuters / February 22, 2017 Mexico reacted with anger on Wednesday to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s plan to deport almost all illegal immigrants to Mexico, if they entered the United States from there, regardless of nationality. Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said the United States plan to deport non-Mexicans to Mexico is “unacceptable”.

FYI: In April 1967, Oliver Stone enlisted in the United States Army and requested combat duty in Vietnam. From September 16, 1967 to April 1968, he served in Vietnam with 2nd Platoon, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Division and was twice wounded in action. He was then transferred to the First Cavalry Division participating in long range patrols before being transferred again to drive for a motorized infantry unit of the division until November 1968. For his service, his military awards include the Bronze Star with "V" Device for heroism, the Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster to denote two awards, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Stone

Paul, Oliver Stone did NOT say that. Rather, someone named Michael Stone did. https://townhall.com/columnists/calebparke/2017/02/21/liberals-wage-unholy-war-against-mrs-trump-n2288632 Self-proclaimed “progressive secular humanist” Michael Stone wrote on Patheos that Mrs. Trump committed an act of “Christofascism,” adding the “mail-order bride paid lip service to a God that does not exist.”

Sold in South America during the 1990s. Note the low-mounted paddle door handles on the first truck. .

The question is, was it a Fleetstar A or D (2000, 2070). The D type, similar in many respects to the GMC Brigadier, was available with NTCs and Detroits.

TEAM PENSKE RESTORES ICONIC TRANSPORTER Team Penske Press Release / February 20, 2017 After an exhaustive restoration process, Team Penske has unveiled one of the most unique pieces of its history, a customized 1972 International Fleetstar truck known in the racing circles as “The Blue Hilton.” The truck was one of the first known enclosed transporters used for racing purposes. It served the team in various capacities from 1972-1983. The restoration is complete down to the smallest detail, including authentic PPG paint and hand lettering just in time for Roger Penske’s 80th birthday. An iconic part of team history, the Blue Hilton transported the No. 66 McLaren that Mark Donohue drove to victory in the 1972 Indianapolis 500 – the first of Team Penske’s record 16 wins in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” In conjunction with its sister transporter, “The White Hilton,” it was used to transport the powerful, championship-winning Porsche 917s that dominated the landscape of the Can-Am Series in the early 1970s with George Follmer and Donohue before it was sold in 1983. “After we confirmed that it was, in fact, the Blue Hilton that was for sale, I called Brian Hard (president of Penske Truck Leasing) and we agreed that we had to find a way to bring her back to life,” said Team Penske President Tim Cindric. “This transporter was there when the foundation was laid for Team Penske and it is symbolic of the way in which we operate today. Everyone at PTL did an unbelievable job restoring this vehicle. I can’t wait for Roger to see it in person, as it is something he will cherish.” The Blue Hilton helped change the landscape of auto racing, as it was the precursor to today’s impressive closed transporters that carry cars, parts and equipment to race tracks all over the globe. With his keen engineering mind, Donohue – a 2016 inaugural Team Penske Hall of Fame inductee and the organization’s first champion driver – designed the payload area of the truck based on efficiency and functionality. It was aptly named the Blue Hilton based on its royal blue exterior and the sleeper area above the cab, which is a standard feature in today’s transporters. With assistance from Morgan Corporation and a dedicated group led by Penske Truck Leasing’s James Svaasand, Michael Klotz, and David Hall - along with Team Penske Historian Bernie King - it took over 8,000 man-hours to complete the Blue Hilton restoration process. Until Jerry Breon, a long-time Penske team member, located the sales listing in an automotive trade magazine in the fall of 2015, this historic vehicle was thought to have been scrapped. The truck was purchased from George Boyd of Urbana, Illinois, who had utilized it while competing in various racing series until retiring it to a spot on his property. He was the only owner of the truck after its days at Team Penske. After verification and removal from the Boyd property, the Blue Hilton was towed to the Penske Truck Leasing (PTL) Collision Center in Ft. Wayne, Indiana where the restoration began with the help of Donohue’s original blueprints. “When you talk with the crew members that drove and worked out of this transporter over those years, and you look at the photos from the many cars it carried, you see how the Blue Hilton was an integral part of our history,” said Bernie King. “It’s certainly very much a part of the Team Penske heritage. Everyone at Penske Truck Leasing that was involved did a fantastic job of restoring this truck to how it was when it ran and carried many of the team’s winning cars.” Initially, the Blue Hilton will be on display at the Team Penske headquarters in Mooresville, NC, where fans can view it from the Fan Walk that runs the length of the massive shop floor.

C'mon, no girl can compare with the looks of a Value-Liner.

Diesel News AU / February 21, 2017 After some time looking at the Hyundai "Mighty", initial impressions suggest the all-new truck represents a substantial step-up from its HD predecessor, with a far more modern cab offering car-like appointments on the inside, with a stylish, contemporary exterior. It’s available in three variants, EX4, EX6 and EX8. The EX4, which competes in the 4.5 tonne GVM sector and can, therefore, be driven on a passenger car licence, is available with either a factory tipper, pantech or refrigerated pantech body. It comes in two wheelbase configurations, short and medium. Next up is the EX6, a medium wheelbase 6.5 tonne GVM truck. This will be available as either a cab/chassis or factory tipper. At the top of the model range is the EX8, a 7.5 tonne GVM unit offered in medium, long and extra-long wheelbase configurations and with a choice of refrigerated and non-refrigerated pantech bodies. A choice between Standard Cab and the more spacious Supercab will be available on all three models. The cabs are constructed of galvanised, high-strength steel for maximum driver and passenger side impact protection. The all-new EX range features vertical headlights with daytime running lights incorporated in the front bumper, giving it a strong on-road presence. Access to and from the cab is easy thanks to the doors opening up to 80 degrees and the wider, deeper steps. Generously raked A-pillars and large side windows provide excellent visibility and the cab interior is claimed to be whisper quiet due to the employment of double-seal weather strips. Emphasis has been placed on operator comfort and efficiency, with a driver focused dash, cruise control, dusk sensing headlights in addition to powered mirrors and windows. The steering column is tilt and telescopically adjustable and there is improved pedal positioning. Cabin storage is generous in both cab layouts with each having a large roof console, seat back console, sizeable glovebox, deep door pockets and a big centre console. Passenger comfort hasn’t been overlooked either, with all variants having a multi-adjustable seat similar to the driver’s seat. A powerful HVAC system is designed to keep occupants comfortable in all weather conditions and to keep them entertained, all EX models feature an AM/FM audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, as well as MP3 and IPOD compatibility, with steering wheel controls. Mobile phones and laptops can be charged from no less than four 12-volt power outlets. At the heart of the EX range is a 3.9 litre common-rail four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with two output levels. The EX4 develops 140 hp (103 kW) at 2500 rpm and delivers max torque of 392Nm (290 ft lb) at 1400rpm. Power and torque increase to 170 hp (125 kW) and 610 Nm (450 ft lb) when fitted in the EX6 and EX8 variants, providing enough power and torque to operate with the extra carrying capacity. Both the EX4 and EX6 share a five-speed manual transmission, while the EX8 features a six-speed manual. All EX models have a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features including Vehicle Dynamic Control for improved stability and a shock absorbing steering wheel designed to reduce driver fatigue by minimising vibrations. Also standard, are four-wheel disc brakes and hill start assist. In what Hyundai describes as a unique departure from the norm, the EX range’s 3 year/ 200,000km warranty applies not only to the cab/chassis but also the body fitted to the truck. The EX bodies are built by Hyundai Special Vehicles. In addition to the comprehensive warranty, all EX models come with a 24/7 nationwide roadside assist program for the length of the warranty. Summing up, the new Mighty range appears to be, and needed to be, a big improvement over the HD range it replaces. As for just how good it is compared to its competitors, we’ll reserve our judgement until we’ve had the chance to conduct a comprehensive road test. .

Power Torque Magazine / January 23, 2017 The Sydney Classic & Antique Truck Show (SCAATS) cements its position as a must attend event for lovers of everything historic. It’s a testimony to the strength and efficiency of the organisers of the sixth annual SCAATS event that within one week of the show taking place, the details of next year’s event are available on the web for all to see. If you love everything about the history of the commercial vehicle world then there’s no better place than Penrith’s Museum of Fire for a once a year epic that attracts some amazing veterans. It’s here that you’ll find retired classic trucks and their drivers catching up to exchange stories of old, reliving times when some journeys were measured in weeks rather than days. The Museum of Fire, Penrith hosted the sixth annual show on May 29. Fantastic weather and an even more fantastic display of trucks from years gone by with live entertainment and rides for the kids, made for a great day. Staff and volunteers from the museum did a great job organising the event, along with assistance from sponsors Red Lea Chickens, Vintage Trucks and Commercials Magazine and Gulf Western Oil. Additional support was given by the Western Sydney Historical Truck Club and the Pioneer Timber Cutters and Machinery club. 4000 people filed through the gate on the day and old mates got together for a yarn or two and to swap technical advice. Even the young-uns were not left out with rides, stalls and an awesome RC truck track. ‘Aggressor’, the Rolls Royce Merlin V12, 27-litre powered Hydroplane boat developing 2000 hp grabbed everyone’s attention when fired up, along with firefighting re-enactments that formed additional highlights of the day Special mention should also be given to Graham Meyer, attempting the long drive down from Tamworth in the ‘Enid May’, a 1942 Chev, former army ambulance, which suffered mechanical problems, eventually arriving on the back of a tilt tray late in the evening. The day is a fun event with two prizes being awarded, for which the organisers take great pride in saying that the judging is basically rigged. The People’s Choice award is drawn from a barrel of all entrants, and was won by Dave Handley. Best of show is put up for auction on stage so the highest bid wins, and this was taken away by Maurice Velcich from Red Lea Chickens. The Museum of Fire is a registered charity and all funds raised are used for developing this show and the Museum’s programmes, displays and preserving the history of our firefighters. Dates for your diary – The 30th Annual Penrith Working Truck Show will be held at the Museum of Fire on Sunday March 19th 2017, with the 7th Annual Sydney Classic & Antique Truck Show taking place on the 21st May 2017. Photo gallery - http://www.powertorque.com.au/scaats/

Diesel News AU / February 21, 2017 In the European market, Volvo tweaks engine offering. It has tweaked its Euro 6 engines and FH cab aerodynamics in what it describes as, “…yet another step on the path to efficient transportation.” It goes on to say changes to its Euro 6 ‘C’ D13 engine (fitted in FH and FM) represent, “A perfect example of how several small advances together can result in a big improvement.” The two most significant updates under the shed are the adoption of a higher compression ratio on the 420 and 460hp versions of the D13 six-pot and a new optimised turbocharger on 500 and 540 hp D13 variants. It’s also put the FH back into a wind tunnel to find new ways to improve its cab’s aerodynamics. As a result it’s fine-tuned the front bumper spoiler, top cab air deflector panels, mudguards and mud flaps as well as the wheel arches, a key source of aerodynamic loss according to Volvo. By reducing the gap between the wheel arch and steer axle tyre, the Swedes have reduced those aerodynamic ‘leakage’ losses and lowered the amount of turbulence around the wheel. Likewise, by optimising the shape of the FH’s front bumper spoiler the air stream is now deflected away from the underside of the truck, a notorious area for creating turbulence and drag, to around the side of the truck where it can be better controlled. However, by making the lower part of the bumper of a softer material neither ground clearance or approach angles have been compromised. Similarly the air flow between the back of the FH cab and the front of the trailer has been improved through the use of flexible elements in the corners of the top cab deflector. An indication of just how far truck designers and aerodynamicists are going in order to save fuel is the fact that the latest FH now has optimised mudguards. According to the company, “By applying variant matching of the mudguards and mud flaps according to the size of the wheels, greater aerodynamic efficiency is achieved without the protective function being impaired.” Once again the savings aren’t massive, but when you add the improved FH cab aerodynamics to the latest Euro 6 C D13 engine tweaks, Volvo reckons you can make a fuel saving of up to three percent on regional and long-haul work. When you consider all the low-hanging fruit (like eco-driver training, improved routing and scheduling with telematics, low-rolling resistance tyres and improved trailer and bodywork aerodynamics) has already been picked off the fuel-savings tree, an extra three percent off your fuel bill represents a significant saving, especially to a fleet running more than 10 trucks. There’s another reason too, at least in the UK, why every little fuel-saving matters. According to the latest survey of the UK’s Top 100 road transport operators from leading UK industry newspaper, Motor Transport, in 2015 the average return on sales for those hundred players, which includes major European and global logistics companies, was a modest 3.17 percent. The good news is that it’s up on the previous year’s 2.61 percent. So when the chairman says, “We need to make more profit from our business,” it’s hardly surprising those little incremental savings at the pump created by the manufacturers start to look increasingly attractive….and that hard-pressed European hauliers are grabbing them with both hands. .

Australasian Transport News (ATN) / February 22, 2017 We talk to Paul Mills about the fourth-generation truck company Paul Mills was watching the weather radar when he spoke to ATN recently. Storms were frustrating grain growers and carriers at the start of the South Australian grain harvest. Paul operates Mills Freightlines with his wife Jayne Mills and his parents, Gavin and Margi Mills. The business is based in Brinkworth, 150km north of Adelaide, SA. Most of their clients are farming families. Some have supported Mills Freightlines since Paul’s grandfather Bob Mills began carting farm supplies in a Ford Thames Trader in 1966. Paul is quick to praise his parents’ ongoing role in building the dynamic business which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Gavin oversees all facets of the company and Margi is a vital part of the accounting team. Paul’s sister Toni Ashby also works at the business, managing operational health and safety. Paul and Jayne married in 1994 and today Jayne is in charge of coordinating Mills Freightlines’ trucks and day-to-day business. Their son Thomas has continued the Mills tradition into a fourth generation. Having such a strong management team makes it possible for Paul to spend time on the road. From March until August each year Paul collects gypsum from his family’s two gypsum mines and spreads it on farms in the Mid-North, Upper-North and Yorke Peninsula with a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2644. Harvest Each November his focus moves to the grain harvest. Right now the Mills fleet is busy carting cereals and pulses to Viterra silos from farms throughout Mid-North SA. The family runs 23 trucks. Eleven are used for the company’s recycling business, Clare Valley Waste, which specialises in the collection of curb-side recyclable waste. Several truck brands are represented in this fleet – Volvo, Isuzu, Iveco, Fuso, Hino and Mercedes-Benz. The 12 trucks in the red and white Mills Freightlines fleet are all from the Daimler stable – three Mercedes-Benzes and nine Freightliners. The newest are a 2015 Freightliner Coronado 114 with a 34-inch sleeper cab and a 2015 Freightliner Argosy. They were both purchased in 2016 and old black-and-white photographs have been reproduced within the white stripes in celebration of the 50th anniversary. ‘50 years, est 1966’ is cut into the stainless trim, and ‘Celebrating 50 years’ is painted on the removable road-train-sign covers. Long-term drivers have been an important part of Mills Freightlines’ history. Shane Verran has worked for the family for 38 years. Bart Burford has spent 21 years with the company. Pye Gray has been there for a decade and Paul is impressed with the 69-year-old’s energy and enthusiasm. They value young drivers too. Jake Verran, 26, joined the team eight years ago and now drives road trains. Paul has been visiting Daimler Trucks Adelaide since he was a baby in his father’s arms. Back then it was a Mercedes-Benz dealership. "We’ve had a couple of very good salesmen who’ve looked after us, and very good parts people." Gavin and Margi operated 1418 Mercedes-Benzes back in the 1970s. They updated with more modern and powerful Mercedes. But Paul says by the mid-1990s they were looking for a truck that was "more fuel-efficient, carried a bit more weight, with a bit more horsepower". So in 1996 they bought a Freightliner FL112 with a 460hp Cummins. "It was light-weight but still had plenty of horsepower, and it was B-double rated." Today most of the Mills Freightlines fleet is powered by Detroit engines. The newest trucks have 560hp DD15s. "We’re very happy with our Freightliners," Paul says. "They’re ergonomically well-designed inside. They’re driver-friendly. They’re very comfortable." He likes the Freightliners’ comparatively low tare weight. "It still has the fuel economy with the Detroit in there, and the horsepower to get the job done." The trucks travel as far as Western Australia and Victoria. Incitec Pivot Ltd (IPL), Geelong, is among the company’s oldest clients. Recycling Purchasing Clare Valley Waste back in 2007 was a significant milestone in the company’s history. Today this division of the company employs about 12 people, collects curb-side recycling from four municipalities, services five transfer stations, and has over 1000 skip bins. Paul predicts Clare Valley Waste will continue to grow. "There’s always waste." The family’s two businesses complement each other. Mills Freightlines carries some of the Clare Valley Waste recyclables. Paul is confident the business will celebrate many more anniversaries. "I don’t plan on going anywhere until I’m probably up towards 70 years old, and then I’ll let the kids come in and have a crack at it if they choose to." Bart's back! Bart Burford returned to work at Mills Freightlines with a prosthetic leg last November, and is determined to get back behind the wheel. The 46-year-old’s right ankle was badly crushed last April when he fell from a trailer. The situation grew worse in hospital when his leg became infected. Surgeons explained it would take up to four years and many operations to treat the injury – and there was no guarantee they could save his leg. They told Bart it would probably take less time to recover from an amputation. Eager to get home and back to work, the father-of-four opted to have his right leg amputated below his knee. The operation on May 25 went well, and he was home with his partner Sharon by June 10. "I wouldn’t have made it without her. She’s been an absolute rock," Bart says. With support from Mills Freightlines, Bart returned to work in November. He says they have been extremely helpful since his accident. "They’ve bent over backwards and seen to my every need." Bart has been training the company’s younger drivers while working through a list of medical appointments and licencing assessments in a bid to regain his truck licence. He even had to show an occupational therapist that he could change a truck tyre. "Anything that they throw at me, I can do. It just takes me a few minutes longer." When ATN spoke to Bart late last year he was excited to have "ticked all the boxes" and optimistic his MC licence would be reinstated before Christmas. "I’m just waiting on the paperwork." The reward for his determination and hard work will be climbing back into the driver seat of Mills’ 2015 Freightliner Coronado 114 with a 58-inch XT sleeper cab. "It’s a beautiful truck. I did 80,000km in it before I had the accident." He says it is easy to climb in and out of the truck, and there is plenty of room to move around inside the spacious cab. "If you’ve got the passion and the fire in your belly you’ll find your way of doing it, and doing it safely." .

Hino's new wide cab 500 series launched Big Rigs / February 22, 2017 Hino Trucks has opened 2017 with the launch of the new wide cab 500 Series. "It's a game changer," said Hino's national marketing manager Sarah Rosales, as she describes the company review of marketing approach. "Quality, Durability and Reliability," echoes Product Strategy Manager Daniel Petrovsky, who points out that the new 500 Series trucks have been on the market in Thailand and Indonesia since 2015, albeit with Euro II versions of the eight and nine litre engines rated at 280 and 320 horsepower. The donks in the Australian models have Euro V emission standards, using SCR (AddBlue) and a series of new transmissions, The launch, the first major Hino curtain raiser since the 300 Series in 2011, happened at the Eastern Creek car racing complex in Sydney and the ribbon cut on the future of the new trucks formalised the Managing Officer of Hino Motors, Kenji Nagakubo. Steve Lotter, Chair and CEO of Hino Motor Sales in Australia told Australian journos that the new Hino 500 trucks were being let off the chain at a propitious time with a gentle buoyant improvement in the truck market. "By increasing the model range and giving our customers more than 50 models to choose from, it provides us with an opportunity to engage in different applications which previously haven't been possible," he said. The new trucks will be available with synchro manual and Allison automatic transmissions.

Hino unveils all-new 500 Series Wide Cab Prime Mover Magazine / February 22, 2017 Hino Australia has introduced the much-anticipated Hino 500 Series Wide Cab. Hino Motor Sales Australia Chairman and CEO, Steve Lotter, said the company had invested significantly in the 500 Series Wide Cab product, designed to enhance safety, vehicle application and performance, and reduce environmental impact. “These trucks are a gamer-changer for us and we now offer the broadest range of trucks in these important segments that straddle Australia’s competitive medium & heavy duty markets,” he said. “By increasing the model range and giving our customers more than 50 models to select from, it provides us with an opportunity to engage in different applications which previously hasn’t been possible.” According to the truck manufacturer, the Hino 500 Series Wide Cab boasts the most comprehensive active safety package of any Japanese truck in the medium duty truck category. “In an Australian-first for this class, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is now fitted as standard across the new Wide Cab range,” said Daniel Petrovski, Manager – Product Strategy at Hino Australia. “Another safety feature is the standard inclusion of a microphone equipped and night vision enabled reverse camera.” Prime Mover industry expert, Peter Shields, said the Hino 500 Series Wide Cab was unique to the Australian truck market. “It is more than just a new body or cab, the chassis and axle are different and has the latest in safety feature that make the truck very user-friendly,” he commented. “It’s definitely an exciting new range for the medium to the lighter end of the heavy-duty market.” The Hino safety package also includes ABS, Anti Slip Regulator (ASR), UN ECE R29-rated cab strength, a driver SRS airbag, ADR84/00 Front Underrun Protection System (FUPS), Easy Start, Cruise Control and Fog Lamps.

Part 4 -

Hino Australia / February 21, 2017 The astonishing, all-new Hino 500 Series "Wide Cab" redefines what to expect from a hard working truck. Its unrivaled build quality delivers next level chassis, suspension and axles. You also have more engine and transmission options to choose from including the 6 speed Allison automatic transmission. .

Yes, the Giga is alive and well.................http://www.isuzu.com.au/truck-range/giga/