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International LT Launched Loudly, Described Enthusiastically Heavy Duty Trucking / September 30, 2016 Navistar unveiled its new International LT series in Las Vegas on Sept. 30 with speeches, videos, hard rock music, and fire-and-smoke effects – a launch befitting a "Vegas" production and a vehicle range that will become the company’s flagship model and, executives hope, the most popular highway tractor on the market. At the event at the World Market Center, dealers and customers applauded and some trade press reporters nodded approvingly as three tractors drove onto a platform from which top executives had previously spoken. All emphasized the customer research and meticulous design and engineering work that had gone into the new model. It will begin replacing the nine-year-old ProStar series when it enters production in November. The initial version has Cummins power, and several Navistar execs remarked that their company's strong relationship with Cummins will continue, notwithstanding the recently announced alliance with Volkswagen Truck & Bus of Germany. The Internationl LT (for Linehaul Transport) was publicly announced Friday morning. It is the first model that stems from Navistar’s Project Horizon, a three-year effort to update and improve the ProStar. Horizon affects steel-cab models, and the WorkStar and DuraStar trucks are now being worked on for introduction in 2017. The HX premium vocational truck, introduced eight months ago and now in production, uses an aluminum cab, so was not part of Horizon. During development, several Navistar executives rode with fleet drivers to learn what they want in a highway tractor. Drivers' comments and the execs' experiences were chronicled in a video. Those drivers -- Kenneth Stiltner of Cowan Systems, Jose Reyes of Mesilla Valley Transportation and David Spore of J.B. Hunt -- were present at the launch in Las Vegas. The LT has many driver “delighter” features -- greater comfort and roominess, ergonomically laid out instruments and controls, measurable quietness, better ride, and easier handling, said Steve Gilligan, vice president, product marketing. He called the LT “driver-centric.” Pleasing drivers to try to retain and recruit them will help fleets counteract the driver shortage, said Bill Kozak, president, Truck and Parts. “The driver shortage is the biggest barrier fleets have to uptime” because many trucks now are unmanned. So Navistar ran multiple clinics where designers and executives quizzed drivers and fleet owners on what they want in a truck and how the ProStar could be improved. Other goals in designing the LT were improved fuel economy, accomplished through smoother aerodynamics and use of Cummins’ re-engineered X15 diesel and later, Navistar’s own improved N13 diesel; more uptime through easier servicing of carefully placed components; and improved safety. Navistar is making Bendix’s Wingman Advanced collision mitigation system and electronic stability control standard on the LT to boost safety, said Denny Mooney, senior vice president, Global Product Development. Collision mitigation warns of slower objects ahead and will apply the brakes if the driver doesn’t; it has been proven effective in millions of miles of fleet use. Stability control will be mandated by federal rules in about a year, and standardizing on it now gets Navistar ahead of the rule. Navistar’s "DriverFirst" slogan and the emphasis on driver-pleasing designs in the LT might seem superfluous in view of platooning tests and talk of “driverless trucks,” observed Troy Clarke, Navistars president and chief executive officer. Such developments might suggest that drivers might eventually become extinct. But “platooning is like an airplane on autopilot,” he said. “The pilot is still needed for takeoffs, landings, and taxiing. Automation in trucks may be no different: A driver will still be needed for fueling at stations and truck stops, while on freeway ramps, for delivering freight to customers.” The first International Linehaul Transport, the LT625, comes with Cummins’ 2017 X15. Cummins power was chosen for the initial vehicle because the current ISX15 is more popular with customers than Navistar engines. The X15 will have ratings of up to 500 hp for its Economy series and 550 hp for the Performance versions. The ’17-model Navistar N13 will be available with up to 475 hp and 1,750 lb-ft, Gilligan said. It will be used in the LT613 that will enter production in April. Equivalent ProStar models will phase out as the new LTs go on line. All will be built at Navistar’s plant in Escobedo, Mexico. Navistar might offer the Cummins X12 when it becomes available in North America. “We're studying it, we’re testing it,” said Gilligan. “Most intriguing is the weight. It’s 2,000 pounds. Our N13 is 2,400 pounds. To weight-conscious customers, like bulk haulers, 400 pounds means a lot. So we’re evaluating it.” Although a goal of the recently announced “strategic alliance” with VW Truck & Bus is to focus on communizing powertrain components among International, Scania and MAN trucks, Navistar will offer Cummins engines in general “for the foreseeable future,” Gilligan said. “In fact, we just introduced the Cummins L9 on some of our vocational models.” “Cummins is a great partner,” said Jeff Sass, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “We’ll offer Cummins engines as long as customers want them.”

Fleet Owner / September 30, 2016 OEM says it engaged in “extensive research” with truck drivers, including driver clinics, to design the LT Series interior and other features. The International LT Series, Navistar’s new “flagship line” of Class 8 over-the-road trucks, will be unveiled today in Las Vegas today ahead of the annual American Trucking Associations (ATA) conference. Navistar executives said the new interior design of the LT Series is based on “extensive research with truck drivers,” especially on “500 points” where the driver and truck interact. "To ensure the new LT Series is the most driver-centric Class 8 vehicle we've ever built, we gave drivers a voice in its design," said Jeff Sass, the OEM’s senior vice president- sales and marketing, in a statement. "Many of our customers tell us that their number-one challenge is attracting and retaining drivers which is why we put so much effort into understanding and responding to drivers' needs,” he explained. “These improvements also contribute to increased driver ease of use that will boost the vehicle's productivity.” The truck also features “dramatically improved” aerodynamics as well, with 7% better fuel efficiency than International’s 2017 ProStar tractor model, the company said. Navistar noted that the LT Series delivers a 3% improvement in fuel economy due to its aerodynamic benefits alone, with upgraded aerodynamic features including an aero-contoured hood, fender, wheel opening and chassis skirts and an aero-enhanced three-piece front bumper, while longer side extenders shorten the trailer gap. Inside, the “highly ergonomic” cab space of the LT Series includes better elbow room, hip room and leg room for drivers, with a new “premium gauge cluster” that includes a “digital driver display” that offers up to 15 customizable digital gauges, while offering drivers real-time monitoring of fuel economy and other important alerts within clear line-of-sight. Also, Navistar relocated the air horn of the LT Series back to its traditional “intuitive” position over the driver door in response to overwhelming driver feedback. The LT Series also features “multiple safety improvements” according to the OEM, such as: standard LED [light emitting diode] headlamps to improve night vision; a column-mounted gear-shifter that allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road; a redesigned one-piece side window that provides clearer line-of-sight; and the Bendix Wingman Advanced Collision Mitigation system as a standard feature on every LT model. Many of the truck's new features were also designed to improve reliability and serviceability, as well as functionality, Navistar noted. For example: - The new single-canister aftertreatment system is not just 60% smaller and 40% lighter, but is also simplified for quicker servicing. - The new LED headlamps and fog lamps not only deliver brighter light and intensity, but also have tough new polycarbonate headlight lenses that protect them against breakage. - The cab wiring includes all-new harnessing and an in-cab power distribution module that is inside the truck, away from the elements. - All key service points under the hood, inside the cab and around the vehicle are ergonomically designed for easy access and servicing, and many components have been engineered with longer intervals between required maintenance. The LT Series will be offered in multiple configurations, including day cab, 56-in. low roof sleeper, 56-in. high-rise sleeper, 73-in. high-rise sleeper and 73-in. “sky-rise” sleeper. Several engine options will be offered with the LT Series. It is being launched with the new 2017 Cummins X15 engine, which has ratings of up to 500 hp in the efficiency series and up to 565 hp in the performance series. Another option is the the new 2017 Navistar N13 engine, which will be available in the spring and has an advanced fuel-efficient 13-liter design that produces up to 475 hp and 1,750 lb.-ft. of torque from a design that is 500 to 600 pounds lighter than traditional “big bore” engines, the OEM noted. “The new International LT Series reflects our vision for the future of the trucking industry, with a host of advancements that support improved driver safety and productivity, as well as fuel efficiency and uptime,” said Bill Kozek, president of truck and parts for Navistar said in a statement. “This new vehicle reflects our strong belief that integrating the best technology will provide customers with a significant operating advantage.” .

Back in the day, we mostly sold the CP6X variant for replacement, because it had the least resistance. There's a service bulletin on puff limiters with specs that lays out all that.

Texas pulls out of federal refugee resettlement program The Guardian / September 30, 2016 Texas has announced its withdrawal from the federal refugee resettlement programme, effective from 31 January next year. Amid rightwing concerns about national security, the announcement sent a political message. In a statement released on Friday, the Republican governor, Greg Abbott, said he had authorised the withdrawal in order to “continue to prioritise the safety of all Texans”. The move will not, however, prevent refugees from coming to Texas. Not-for-profit groups have said they will continue to settle arrivals in the state without cooperation from the state government and there is no practical way of stopping people from crossing state borders once in the US. A spokesman for Refugee Services of Texas told the Guardian the organisation was “very disappointed” in Abbott’s decision, and said resettlement agencies would “work diligently” to increase numbers of refugees accepted in the state. The Texas state government signalled its intention to withdraw from the federal programme on 21 September, sending to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) a letter in which it demanded that the federal body approve its plan for increased screening. Refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war are at the heart of concern in Texas. Republicans including Senator Ted Cruz have sounded an alarmist note, arguing that the Obama administration’s vetting process is inadequate and that prospective terrorists may be slipping across the border. Earlier this month, Donald Trump Jr, the son of the Republican presidential candidate, tweeted an image likening refugees to poisoned Skittles candies. Last November, Sid Miller, the Texas agriculture commissioner, shared a Facebook post that compared Syrian refugees to rattlesnakes, with the text: “Can you tell me which of these rattlers won’t bite you? Sure some of them won’t, but tell me which ones so we can bring them into the house.” The federal government contends that applicants are carefully scrutinised during a lengthy screening process. In August, the national security adviser, Susan Rice, said in a statement the US would admit at least 85,000 refugees in the 2016 fiscal year and had met Obama’s goal of 10,000 Syrian arrivals ahead of schedule. At a United Nations summit earlier this month, Obama announced that the US would increase its intake to 110,000 refugees for the new fiscal year, starting 1 October. In a statement on Friday, Governor Abbott said: “Texas has repeatedly requested that the director of the FBI and the director of national intelligence provide assurances that refugees resettled in Texas will not pose a security threat, and that the number of refugees resettled in Texas would not exceed the state’s original allocation in fiscal year 2016.” Both these requests, he said, “have been denied by the federal government”. “As a result,” he added, “Texas will withdraw from the refugee resettlement programme. As governor, I will continue to prioritise the safety of all Texans and urge the federal government to overhaul this severely broken system.” Last December, weeks after the Paris terror attacks, Texas tried to block the imminent arrival of several Syrian refugees by filing a lawsuit against the federal government and the International Rescue Committee, a New York-based humanitarian organisation. The lawsuit was dismissed, but Texas has continued its legal fight. Refugee resettlement is overseen and funded by the federal government, but states typically work with humanitarian groups to provide services such as welfare and case management. In Texas, such organisations and the government will have to develop an alternative arrangement. Kansas and New Jersey withdrew from the programme earlier this year. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) refused to comment on Texas’s decision. In 2015, according to the Migration Policy Institute, Texas resettled more refugees than any US state – 7,479 people, comprising 11% of the total. “We’re very disappointed in Governor Abbott’s decision after nearly 40 years of a really strong programme to welcome refugees who are fleeing for their lives,” said Chris Kelley, a spokesman for Refugee Services of Texas, a social services group. “The state has opted out of the programme at a time when Texas state government really should be stepping up. We want to assure all Texans, resettlement of refugees will continue through a nonprofit model that will be created.” Rather than accept a reduction, Kelley said, “resettlement agencies across the state will be working diligently” to grow the numbers of refugee arrivals in line with federal targets.

Abused, tortured and ultimately murdered, North Carolina child’s body found The Charlotte Observer / September 29, 2016 Nearly five years after Erica Parsons was last seen, her diminutive skull and bones were delicately sifted by detectives from the red clay of upstate South Carolina, the final chapter of her short and ever-tragic life, an all-American horror story. Erica – who was given up at birth to a family said to despise her – was found in deep, rural Chesterfield County, S.C., after her adoptive father told authorities where to find her. Authorities in RowanCounty, where the undersized and partially deaf girl lived a life of servitude and abuse, said they would announce details in coming days in a story that transfixed the region – and the nation – for years. Erica’s decomposed remains, tugged from the soil in a remote area not far from where Sandy Parsons’ mother lived, has already been carried to the N.C. Medical Examiner’s Office and identified. Sandy Parsons, the adoptive father of the missing girl, has recently begun talking to authorities about the case from prison. He bragged that authorities would not be able to locate Erica's body without him because it was hidden somewhere that not even hikers or hunters would venture. It is not known whether he has struck some kind of arrangement that could involve a plea deal if he testifies against his wife, Casey Parsons. Authorities said late Thursday they learned in August that Erica was more than likely deceased, but did not elaborate on specifics. Both Sandy Parsons and his wife were convicted last year of financial crimes that included cashing adoption assistance checks totaling more than $12,000 after the child’s disappearance, and are both in federal prisons. Sandy Parsons, 42, is serving eight years in a prison in Butner and his wife, Casey Parsons, 41, is serving 10 in Tallahassee, Fla. Investigators say Casey and Sandy Parsons have been uncooperative. Oddly, neither has been charged in the girl's death or disappearance. Authorities said Erica’s remains were recovered by RowanCounty detectives who were joined by agents from the FBI and N.C. State Bureau of Investigation. David Marshburn, a Smithfield private investigator, was retained last year by a family member to help look for Erica's body. Working on a tip, Marshburn said he examined an area near Pageland, S.C., in June, and was planning on organizing a large-scale search soon if other tips he was pursuing petered out. Casey Parsons had always maintained that she gave Erica to the girl’s biological grandmother named “Nan” Goodman at a McDonald’s. She had said during the investigation that Goodman – who authorities were never able to find – lived in a white house with two chimneys, a long front porch and a horse pasture beside it. When Marshburn and his lead investigator, Marsha Ward, went to explore the area, they saw a dwelling that eerily matched the description: two chimneys, long porch and a pasture with a couple of horses. Only one thing – the house wasn’t white; it was brown. Marshburn said that Sandy Parsons’ stepfather, who lives in the residence, told him that Casey Parsons always liked the house “but she thought it would be prettier white.” Marshburn said the house was at least two miles down a dirt road from the main highway, a “very secluded” area, he said. Timber had recently been harvested in the woods nearby, which Marshburn said makes searching difficult because the ground is disturbed and limbs and wood are strewn about. Marshburn said he passed on the information about the tip and the house to the FBI and RowanCounty authorities investigating Erica's case. Food as punishment Home-schooled, developmentally disabled and isolated from other children, Erica lived a life of punitive discipline and degradation, according to federal court testimony in 2015. [From 2015: Parsons’ home a house of horror, family says] Food was often withheld from her as punishment, her adoptive brother James Parsons testified. If Erica stole a cookie or something else to eat, she’d be fed canned dog food by Casey Parsons. It was James Parsons who reported her missing on July 30, 2013 after a squabble with his parents. He told investigators it had been more than a year and a half since anyone had seen her, sometime before Christmas 2011 when Erica was 13. Raised by others Erica was born Feb. 24, 1998, the daughter of Carolyn Parsons, who relinquished parental rights as did Erica’s biological father, Billy Dean Goodman. Carolyn Parsons said she gave up the newborn because she couldn’t afford to raise her and didn’t want the child to struggle as she did, spending much of her childhood in foster care or homeless shelters. Billy Goodman’s sister, Teresa Goodman, offered to take the baby, but she was told that other arrangements had been made for Erica. “I would have raised her as my own child,” Goodman told the Observer. “To think she could have lived with us and been loved, truly loved.” Erica went to live with her uncle, Sandy Parsons, and his wife Casey Parsons, when she was five months old. She was adopted by the couple in 2000. When Erica’s picture flashed on her TV screen after the disappearance, Teresa Goodman recognized the family resemblance instantly. She had never met Erica or Sandy and Casey Parsons – who lived only a few miles away from her Salisbury home – but felt an instant and urgent connection to the girl. Frustrated after years of mystery, she heard about Marshburn after he and his certified cadaver dog, Kaz, located the body of Kelli Bordeau, an Army combat medic, two years after she disappeared from Fayetteville in 2012. Marshburn had befriended one of the suspects in the case, and finally persuaded him to lead him to woods where the woman was buried. Once there, Kaz found the shallow grave. Goodman felt drawn to Marshburn and called him about a month later. Marshburn agreed to take the case. He told her he was adopted too, and waived his fees. House of horrors RowanCounty child welfare authorities investigated allegations in 2004 that Erica was being abused. Casey Parsons told them that Erica had gone to live with one of her sisters. and the inquiry was apparently closed. In March 2005, Erica returned to the Parsons home. She wasn’t enrolled in Rowan schools, but was to be home-schooled. Erica would occasionally visit with her biological mother, Carolyn Parsons. Their last meeting came in January 2011 at the restaurant in Mooresville. Erica, who spoke little that day, wore a cast and splint. She had fallen out of a tree, Casey and Sandy Parsons told her. In fact, she had suffered abuse at the hands of the family. But testimony in the 2015 trial of the Parsonses for fraud drew a horrific picture of abuse directed at the girl who was virtually imprisoned – often sealed alone in a closet – in the family home. It was revealed that Erica was often fed dog food or no food at all, excluded from family activities and had her arm broken by one of her siblings. James Parsons, the Parsons’ oldest biological son, said he and other children in the family routinely abused the girl, often at their mother’s urging. He once broke her arm, he said. “I would hit her, physically abuse her, fists, belts,” he said under oath. He said he abused Erica from the time he was age 5 and stopped when he was 16. “I didn't want to hit her no more,” he said. “I couldn’t stand it.” [Judge to Casey Parsons: ‘You and your husband did something horrible’] James Parsons said his mother encouraged the other children to abuse Erica, and he often saw Casey Parsons punished the girl with violence. “She would beat her with a belt if she didn't listen,” he said. “Mama would bend her fingers back.” His father, Sandy Parsons, would hit her with his fist on top of her head, James Parsons said. At one point, the girl developed a bald spot because of scabbing, he said. Erica was often locked in a closet in the various homes the family lived in, he said. Sometimes she was beaten for relieving herself on the floor, he said, while locked in. Closet examined Tara Cataldo, the FBI lead case agent on Erica’s disappearance, said investigators inspected the Parsons’ home on Miller Chapel Road near Salisbury in August 2013. They noticed holes in the wall beside a bedroom closet that seemed to be from an old eye-hook lock typically used to hold screen doors closed. Carpet and wall board from the closet were sent to the FBI laboratory, and traces of Erica's blood and other DNA – believed to be from saliva or urine – were detected, she said. Five photos of Erica were also recovered from a computer in the home, she testified – all of Erica, on different days, standing in a corner. ‘Like a zombie' James Parsons told the court that the last time he saw Erica was in the autumn of 2011, when she was standing in a corner as punishment. “She didn’t look too good – she looked like a zombie,” he testified. “She said she did not feel good. She said she could not breathe too good.” Casey Parsons, he said, told the girl “to shut the f--- up.” He said Erica was gone the next morning, and he never saw her again. His parents had left early that day, which was unusual. When they came back, they told him Erica had gone to live with her biological grandmother. Sister took Erica Robin Ashley testified that her sister Casey Parsons did not bond with Erica in part because she despised Erica’s biological mother. “She couldn't stand to look at her face because she reminded her of Carolyn Parsons,” Ashley said. Erica came to live with Ashley twice over the years. One of those times, in the summer of 2004 when Erica was about 6, Ashley said she noticed that the girl was bruised on the backside. Casey Parsons had sent her away because she didn't want to hurt her anymore, Ashley said. “She lost control,” Ashley said. “She didn’t want to end up killing Erica.” Ashley said that Erica was treated like “a little slave.” Erica was made to stand in the corner for long periods as punishment. She said Erica wasn’t allowed to play with other children at family gatherings because she was often being disciplined. ‘A little Cinderella’ Janet Parsons, Sandy Parsons’ stepmother and Casey Parsons' mother-in-law, testified that for a time in 2011, they all lived together in her China Grove home. “Erica wasn’t treated as kindly as the others,” she said. “She had to do more chores. She was kind of like a little Cinderella – she had to do the chores.” Janet Parsons said that Casey Parsons and the rest of her family once went to the beach, and Erica was left in the house alone. Her grandfather found her hiding. She said she was told not to be seen while the others were at the beach. Vast investigation RowanCounty deputies were joined by the FBI and other federal agencies in a widespread search for Erica. At one point, authorities with search warrants tore up the back deck behind the Parsons house. Another search of the property turned up a collection of printed material about the JonBenet Ramsey murder in Colorado and the case of Susan Smith, who drowned her children in South Carolina. A red wooden shed the Parsonses used was searched on the China Grove property of Sandy Parsons’ parents. Among the items retrieved: teeth and a hammer. Authorities checked with every school district in the state to see whether the girl – who once had a special teaching plan drawn up for her because of hearing loss – had enrolled anywhere. She hadn’t. Nor did her Social Security number ever turn up in any Medicaid records nationally. “There is an absolute absence of records about Erica Parsons, who has disabilities,” IRS agent Robert Norlander testified during the fraud trail, “because she is dead.” When it came time for U.S. District Thomas Schroeder to sentence Casey Parsons, he echoed the agent’s conclusion and issued a blistering condemnation: “You and your husband did something horrible, horrible with her,” he said. “What happened to her is known only to you and God. In the dark of the night, you did something to her.” .

$250. You have got to be kidding. When you called the good folks at Watt's Mack (888-304-6225), what did they say ?

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Owner/Driver / September 27, 2016 Western Australia has had its first truck show and shine for years. To mark the occasion we headed to the Perth Motorplex for the BP Truck Show and Shine for a look It turns out that I’m not as good as I once thought I was. The first ever BP Show and Shine held at the Perth Motorplex in WA had plenty on offer for those who wanted to look at shiny and not so shiny trucks both old and new. And as there was a tarp tying competition I figured I had to put the camera down and give it a go. And I got my butt kicked by a big fella from Wise Haulage. You had to tie 7 tarp ropes in 1 and a half minutes. I fumbled my way through 5 before the buzzer sounded. I therefore decided that the competition was stupid and stalked off to look at trucks and sulk a little. There was a big turn out despite the grey skies, 17 fleets were represented and 146 trucks turned up on the day. The show was organised by Julie Gavin who some may recognize by her distinctive pink Western Star prime mover. And judging by the turn out she was understandably chuffed with the event. The Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls had their rigs on display as well as a few familiar faces from Outback Truckers. Scattered amongst the bling there were also some historic bangers as well as some very original looking hard working big rigs. The West is after all big truck country. It wasn’t just a static show. All trucks were inspected by a panel of judges and awards were handed out in 11 categories. But if you wanted to be a little more hands-on you could try your hand at reversing a double road train for 30 bucks. The proceeds of which went to the McGrath Foundation. In fact other than covering the costs of the event all other proceeds went to the McGrath Foundation with resulted in over $15,000.00 being raised for the charity. If you wanted you could also try your hand at the tarp tying comp as I did or compete in the truck pull which saw plenty of sweaty red faces as the teams hauled a Mack Superliner down the course against the clock. All of which seemed like a lot of hard work to me, I would’ve tried something a little more sedate but the bloke running the jumping castle told me to bugger off. A bloke called Yogi won the tarp competition, while Matt Henderson took out the road train reversing gong with a very impressive 69 metres. The team from Wise Haulage proved they had some muscle and won the truck pulling competition. Winners Truck of the Show: Ryan Demasi Best Rigid: Tony Leete Best Tow Truck: Daynite Towing Best Truck 1997-2006: Perry Black Best Truck 2007-2012: Glenn Salamone Best Truck 2013-2016: Danny Matic Best Truck 1987-1996: All-Over Haulage- Chris Peterson Best Truck 1976-1986: Kim Gilbert Best Vintage: Greg Stampalia Best Fleet: Lee’s Transport People’s Choice Award: Jason Klingsporn Photo gallery - https://www.ownerdriver.com.au/events-news/1609/wa-truck-show-shines

Matt Wood, Owner/Driver / September 30, 2016 The Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of WA held it’s first ever display day in Freemantle recently. And as we found out there were plenty of old bangers on display for the public to have a gander at WA’s fickle spring weather was initially reasonably kind as the old load luggers rolled into the Bunnings car park. Some were highway heroes of yesteryear others more humble haulers. But, there was plenty of old iron on show. 45 trucks, big and small rolled up. Some on trailers, others roared into town with jake brakes blaring. Model T’s and Chevs from the 1920’s were on hand as well usual smattering of classic American iron from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Fargo Kew Des Curtis had an eye catching 1952 Fargo Kew on display. The UK built Fargo uses a side valve 6 cylinder to make about 35hp and will take a payload of 2.5 ton. Des opted to paint the old-timer in Western Australian Forestry Dept colours as these trucks saw service with Forestry. However, this one was actually found on a farm. "There was a bit of rust in it when I got it," says Des, "I made some things for it like the front bumper." The Fargo’s engine is bolted directly to the chassis which means there’s no engine mounts. The Fargo has a top speed of about 45mph according to Des. A Piece of Peterbilt Family History Without a doubt the most eye catching trucks on display were the 1963 Peterbilt 351A and the W Model Kenworth owned by Daniel Ridolfo. Back in 1963 Daniel’s father Vince made the bold move of buying a big Peterbilt for the growing Ridolfo fleet. This truck was actually the first Laurie O’Neil imported Peterbilt sold into WA. Under the bonnet is an NH250 Cummins. The old Spicer 4+4 set up was replaced with a 13-speed Roadranger. Vince Ridolfo passed away many years ago but Daniel tracked the Peterbilt down in Queensland before bringing it home and restoring it. After over 10-years of hard yakka the result is exceptional. The W model was the last truck that Vince purchased before his death and is beautifully presented. Daniel and his brother continued to run the Ridolfo business before selling the company to Qube in 2013. Big Red Box The sight of a butter box ACCO may bring back less than happy memories for some drivers. But, Kevin Lockyer’s 1970 2050 ACCO is a nice looking old jigger all the same. Under the cab is a Cummins V504 and a 5-speed ‘box. Of course ther’s the obligatory 2-speed diff out back. This truck is the result of a 2 year restoration, "It was a piece of shit when I bought it out of a wrecking yard," says Des. It actually took the purchase of 5 wrecked ACCO’s to make this one. Next on the list for Des is to find an old bogie trailer to stick behind it. Ryan’s Inter 4x4 I’ve got a soft spot for the old AB international pick-ups and D-series Dodges so Ryan Devenish’s AB120 Inter 4x4 definitely caught my eye. Under the bonnet is the old Aussie made 240 cubic-inch Gold Diamond 6 which is bolted to a 4-speed gear box. The Inter has a single speed transfer case. Ryan bought the truck from a mate in Kalgoorlie but it was originally from Victoria. It would’ve been a long drive as the AB only sits on about 80km/h on the open road. This truck is just a starter for Ryan as his next project is a Detroit powered KM Bedford. Original Character You’ve gotta love a truck that still has rabbit traps hanging off the head board. Morris Danks’ very…..er…..original 1925 Chevrolet 4 made quite an entrance to the show after it was unloaded off the trailer. It looks like it shouldn’t be running at all! Morris dragged it off a farm 15 years ago and only had to change the spark plug, leads and fan belt to get it to fire. It may not be show room but it had plenty of character. Lindsay Hill’s 1938 Chev was a very neat looking jigger that was hiding a couple of major improvements underneath. The truck is now powered by a GM Blue Flame 6 and is back by a Gear Vendors 4 speed with an electric overdrive to help it eat up the highway miles. "It cruises well," says Lindsay with a twinkle in his eye, "you’ve gotta keep an eye on it." Never one to shy away from a challenge Lindsay virtually scratch built the entire truck from a box of parts. If anyone was doubting Linday’s workmanship they only needed to check out the Huckster bodied 1923 T-Model Ford he had sitting on the tray of the Chev. Lindsay handled all of the coachwork himself and the result up close is pretty amazing. "It was originally a bucket of bits from three farm grave yards," says Lindsay. A Huckster body like this one was an early American style of parcel freight body used in the big cities like New York where the freight was sheltered but still easy to get at for loading and unloading. Lindsay also has a 1923 Dennis fire engine but it doesn’t get to see a lot of miles, "The wife won’t come out in it because it doesn’t have a windscreen, " he says with a grin. Foden Memories Another truck to make a noisy entrance was the 1952 FG Foden belonging to Jim Piercy. The old 150hp 6LX Gardiner had a rough and gruff note to it as Jim slotted it into it’s parking spot. It’s safe to say that turning circle was never a strong point on any of these Pommie lorries. This one wasn’t bought as a project though, Jim actually bought it to work back in 1967. For over 20 years it hauled grain dust from the Freemantle wharf to Jim’s cattle farm, it originally had a big bin on its back. The little Gardner would’ve kept Jim’s hands busy on the 4+2 gear boxes. "She’s got heaps of torque though," says Jim, "And she’s always been reliable." As the day grew a little gloomy and rain started sweeping in from the Indian Ocean it was time to go. But for a first outing the WA HCVC showed off some of the best oldies that the West has to offer. We look forward to the next one! Photo gallery - https://www.ownerdriver.com.au/events-news/1609/golden-oldies-plentiful-in-wa

WABCO to Showcase OptiFlow TrailerSkirt Aerodynamic Solution at ATA Management Conference and Exhibition Wabco Press Release / September 29, 2016 WABCO will showcase its OptiFlow™ TrailerSkirt™ at the 2016 American Trucking Associations (ATA) Management Conference and Exhibition (MCE), being held October 1-4 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, NV. The OptiFlow TrailerSkirt, a lightweight aerodynamic side skirt for trailers, is EPA SmartWay and C.A.R.B. approved and can provide more than five percent fuel savings at U.S. highway speeds. The aerodynamic solution features a unique, patented one-bolt mono clamp technology for fast installation as well as material that is lighter and more rigid than most comparable aerodynamic solutions currently available in the North American market. Earlier this year WABCO acquired Canada-based Laydon Composites Ltd. (LCL), which has enabled WABCO to further strengthen its position in the global industry and in the North American market. WABCO, with now more than 25 years’ experience in aerodynamics, has been at the forefront of commercial truck aerodynamic solutions with products that include nose fairings, deflectors, trailer skirts, and tails. “WABCO offers fleets a comprehensive portfolio of aerodynamic products that help them improve operating efficiency and meet today’s strict environmental regulations,” said Jon Morrison, WABCO President, Americas. “We are excited to be showing our OptiFlow TrailerSkirtaerodynamic solution at ATA.” Also on display will be WABCO’s industry leading line of air disc brakes (ADBs), including MAXXUS™, which provide up to 15 percent shorter stopping distance than the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 121 requirements, and 10 percent shorter stopping distance compared to traditional drum brakes. Please visit WABCO at Booth #822 at the 2016 ATA MCE. Product experts will be available to answer related questions.

WABCO Unveils Innovative Electro-Pneumatic Parking Brake for Trucks and Buses Wabco Press Release / September 21, 2016 WABCO today unveiled its innovative OnHand™ electro-pneumatic parking brake control for trucks and buses. WABCO’s OnHand, featuring unique valve engineering and advanced mechatronics, marks the commercial vehicle industry’s first stand-alone parking brake control and supplies yet another technological building block toward autonomous driving. Creatively engineered to be the industry’s leanest and only solution of its kind that can operate independently of the vehicle’s air processing unit, OnHand braking technology provides automatic engage and release functionality. Actuated via a dashboard switch, the control system also checks and validates the safe parking of the truck and trailer combination, including on sloping roads. In addition, OnHand can provide back-up braking in case of electrical service-brake failure in redundant systems for autonomous driving applications. Using only three internal valves and requiring less pneumatic piping than conventional parking brake controls, OnHand’s compactly designed innovation increases installation flexibility for vehicle makers, improves reliability of braking performance and further eases on-the-road serviceability. It also enables multiple braking-related options such as Anti-Lock Braking Support during secondary braking and Advanced Hill Start Aid for inclined roads. Furthermore, OnHand seamlessly integrates with WABCO’s mBSP™ modular braking system platform, a technology breakthrough featuring the commercial vehicle industry’s highest degree of standardization. Another industry first-to-market in 2014, and now in series production, mBSP offers vehicle makers flexibility to equip truck and bus platforms with either anti-lock braking (ABS) or electronic braking (EBS) systems around the world, avoiding the design and production overheads of different configurations. “OnHand represents our industry’s first stand-alone parking brake control for trucks and buses, and it once again demonstrates WABCO’s differentiation as technology partner of choice for vehicle makers globally,” said Jorge Solis, WABCO President, Truck, Bus and Car Original Equipment Manufacturers Division. “This technology mobilizes vehicle intelligence because it is uniquely independent of the vehicle’s air management system, resulting in easier adaptability for truck and bus platforms globally and higher flexibility for manufacturers to install OnHand.” OnHand technology leverages WABCO’s decades of experience in engineering and manufacturing diverse industry-leading combined mechanical and electronic – mechatronic – control systems. Helping to improve vehicle safety and driver comfort, OnHand is superbly designed to scale cost effectively to meet specific needs of original equipment manufacturers worldwide. Compliant with ISO 26262, the international standard for functional safety of electrical and electronic automotive systems, OnHand supports and enhances modern cockpits and dashboards. WABCO at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 WABCO will showcase at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 industry-leading technologies and services that improve the safety, efficiency and connectivity of commercial vehicles worldwide. This includes the latest technologies in braking, advanced driver assistance, fleet management solutions and aerodynamics. WABCO in Hall 16 at Booth B10 Hanover Exhibition Center; Hanover, Germany Press Days: September 21 and 22 Public Days: September 22 through 29 For all information about WABCO at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016, click on WABCO’s home page. WABCO’s Live Demonstrations at IAA Innovation Stage 2016 WABCO will demonstrate daily its latest aerodynamics technologies for commercial vehicles as well as its fleet management security solution at the outdoor exhibition area, north of Hall 26. .

WABCO Showcases Industry-Leading Aerodynamics Solutions for Trailers Wabco Press Release / September 21, 2016 WABCO today announced the world premiere of OptiFlow™ AutoTail as part of its showcase of industry-leading aerodynamics technologies at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 from September 22 - 29, 2016, in Hanover, Germany. OptiFlow AutoTail represents the next generation of WABCO’s OptiFlow Tail, the best performing tail in Europe as validated by fleets. WABCO will also feature its OptiFlow TrailerSkirt for the first time in Europe, following WABCO’s acquisition of Canada-based aerodynamic systems company Laydon Composites Ltd. in April 2016. WABCO’s OptiFlow AutoTail now features automatic deployment and retraction of aerodynamic tail panels based on driving speed. OptiFlow AutoTail automatically deploys at 75 km/h and closes at 15 km/h, ensuring that the device is consistently used at speeds that maximize aerodynamic fuel savings. Validated by test track performance and fleets, OptiFlow AutoTail delivers fuel savings up to 1.1 liters per 100 km at European highway speeds (85 km/h) and reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 2.8 t per trailer per year. OptiFlow TrailerSkirt provides a lightweight aerodynamic system available to commercial vehicle fleets in the North American market. OptiFlow TrailerSkirt has demonstrated fuel savings of more than 1.8 liters per 100 km at U.S. highway speeds of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h). Complementing OptiFlow SideWings for the European market, OptiFlow TrailerSkirt features a unique, patented one-bolt mono clamp technology for fast installation as well as material that is lighter and more rigid than most comparable aerodynamic solutions currently available in the North American market. “By launching OptiFlow AutoTail and introducing OptiFlow TrailerSkirt in Europe, WABCO continues to demonstrate its technology leadership and commitment to improving the efficiency of trailers for manufacturers, fleet operators and transport companies worldwide,” said Christiaan Verschueren, WABCO Vice President, Trailer Systems. “We are especially pleased to showcase a Laydon Composites Ltd. product in Europe for the first time since it joined the WABCO family earlier this year, demonstrating at IAA 2016 the global reach of WABCO’s aerodynamic solutions.” Following WABCO’s acquisition of Laydon Composites Ltd., WABCO’s OptiFlow aerodynamic product portfolio now provides a full range of aerodynamic solutions for commercial vehicles worldwide. Aerodynamic products reduce air drag of heavy-duty trucks and trailers traveling long distances at highway speeds. Thereby, aerodynamic solutions lower vehicle fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. In addition, they help to empower tomorrow’s fleets by improving their operational efficiency and environmental performance. At IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016, WABCO will also showcase its differentiation by mobilizing vehicle intelligence and empowering tomorrow’s fleets as the company offers a powerful portfolio of industry-leading technologies and services that improve the safety, efficiency and connectivity of commercial vehicles worldwide. This includes the latest technologies in braking, advanced driver assistance, fleet management solutions and aerodynamics. WABCO at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 WABCO in Hall 16 at Booth B10 Hanover Exhibition Center; Hanover, Germany Press Days: September 21 and 22 Public Days: September 22 through 29 For all information about WABCO at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016, click on WABCO’s home page. WABCO’s Live Demonstrations at IAA Innovation Stage 2016 WABCO will demonstrate daily its latest aerodynamics technologies for commercial vehicles as well as its fleet management security solution at the outdoor exhibition area, north of Hall 26. .

WABCO Unveils Breakthrough Technology to Help Protect Pedestrians and Cyclists in City Traffic Wabco Press Release / September 21, 2016 WABCO today announced its OnCity™ Urban Turning Assist system, the company’s breakthrough technology to help protect pedestrians and cyclists in city traffic. OnCity, a unique and convenient single-sensor solution invented by WABCO, is the commercial vehicle industry’s first collision avoidance system that uses LiDAR technology for the purpose of object detection. Innovatively engineered for trucks, buses and tractor-trailers, WABCO’s OnCity advanced driver assistance system also delivers the industry’s widest field-of-view – up to 180 degrees – using a single sensor for safety monitoring to help protect vulnerable road users located on the vehicle’s blindside. OnCity detects and distinguishes moving and stationary objects, including pedestrians and cyclists. OnCity Urban Turning Assist visually and acoustically alerts the driver regarding a potential collision with unprotected road users both right before and during a turning maneuver. It can autonomously apply the brake to prevent collisions should the driver fail to take corrective action. OnCity performs reliably with high precision during nighttime, in blinding sunshine and even in low visibility conditions. According to a 2013 report issued by a major truck manufacturer based in Europe, more than 20,000 vulnerable road users are injured or die annually due to collisions with commercial vehicles in cities across Europe. “A major road safety opportunity is to prevent traffic injuries and fatalities in urban areas where many thousands of lives can be saved annually around the world,” said Jorge Solis, WABCO President, Truck, Bus and Car Original Equipment Manufacturers Division. “Individuals pushing baby strollers, children, cyclists, senior citizens – indeed, everyone can be vulnerable on city streets. With WABCO’s OnCity technology, trucks and buses in community traffic become safer, particularly at intersections where the risk to encounter vulnerable road users is the highest.” “Our new OnCity system is yet another example how WABCO differentiates by pioneering vehicle safety technologies, which also continue to help pave the way toward autonomous driving in partnership with the transportation industry,” said Solis. WABCO at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 WABCO will showcase at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 industry-leading technologies and services that improve the safety, efficiency and connectivity of commercial vehicles worldwide. This includes the latest technologies in braking, advanced driver assistance, fleet management solutions and aerodynamics. WABCO in Hall 16 at Booth B10 Hanover Exhibition Center; Hanover, Germany Press Days: September 21 and 22 Public Days: September 22 through 29 For all information about WABCO at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016, click on WABCO’s home page. WABCO’s Live Demonstrations at IAA Innovation Stage 2016 WABCO will demonstrate daily its latest aerodynamics technologies for commercial vehicles as well as its fleet management security solution at the outdoor exhibition area, north of Hall 26. .

WABCO Introduces OnGuardMAX Advanced Emergency Braking System Wabco Press Release / September 21, 2016 WABCO today introduced its OnGuardMAX™ advanced emergency braking system (AEBS) for trucks and buses, which provides up to full braking when confronted with both stationary and moving vehicles ahead. WABCO is the industry’s first OEM independent system supplier to offer AEBS and OnGuardMAX marks another advanced technology that further enables automated driving for commercial vehicles. Equipped with state-of-the-art 77GHz radar and a high-resolution camera, WABCO’s OnGuardMAX detects impending rear-end collisions with vehicles ahead and alerts the driver with distinct acoustic, visual and haptic warnings. Unless the driver takes appropriate corrective action, OnGuardMAX performs up to full braking when approaching both stationary and moving vehicles to bring the host vehicle to a complete stop, for example, when nearing a traffic jam. Performing with high precision, even in low visibility conditions, OnGuardMAX meets regulatory standards globally for AEBS. In addition, the OnGuardMAX system provides lane-departure warning (LDW) functionality, which complies with government LDW mandates now in effect or expected in numerous countries around the world. OnGuardMAX’s system will also have capability for full braking from highway speed. OnGuardMAX also brings commercial vehicles closer to automated highway driving. For example, its Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) functionality will come with integrated Stop’n’Go functionality, which is intended to free up the driver from frequent acceleration and deceleration during traffic jams while maintaining a pre-set speed and a safe distance to the vehicle ahead. The system will also intelligently maintain speed control based on traffic flow. “Our OnGuardMAX technology reflects WABCO’s ability to mobilize vehicle intelligence for original equipment manufacturers and fleets on our industry’s path toward autonomous driving,” said Jorge Solis, WABCO President, Truck, Bus and Car Original Equipment Manufacturers Division. “OnGuardMAX also significantly expands WABCO’s portfolio of advanced vehicle safety solutions engineered from our original OnGuard collision mitigation system.” WABCO’s OnGuard™ collision mitigation system (CMS) was launched in 2007 in North America, the first CMS with active braking in that region. Industry-leading OnGuard systems have contributed strongly to enhancing vehicle safety with more than 45 billion highway miles clocked in the field on over 200 fleets, reporting a reduction of up to 87% in rear-end collisions. In addition, WABCO’s OnGuardACTIVE™ system reacts to both moving and decelerating vehicles ahead. It can autonomously apply the brakes and bring the vehicle to a complete stop, helping to avoid or mitigate rear-end collisions. WABCO is further differentiated as the commercial vehicle industry’s leading global supplier of solutions for collision mitigation and advanced emergency braking systems. Today, more than 250,000 OnGuard branded systems are on the road globally, resulting in vehicle and road safety improvements that help to avoid fatalities, injuries and accident-related costs. WABCO’s portfolio of OnGuard safety systems also improves driver effectiveness across all levels of experience in all regions of the world. WABCO at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 WABCO will showcase at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 industry-leading technologies and services that improve the safety, efficiency and connectivity of commercial vehicles worldwide. This includes the latest technologies in braking, advanced driver assistance, fleet management solutions and aerodynamics. WABCO in Hall 16 at Booth B10 Hanover Exhibition Center; Hanover, Germany Press Days: September 21 and 22 Public Days: September 22 through 29 For all information about WABCO at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016, click on WABCO’s home page. WABCO’s Live Demonstrations at IAA Innovation Stage 2016 WABCO will demonstrate daily its latest aerodynamics technologies for commercial vehicles as well as its fleet management security solution at the outdoor exhibition area, north of Hall 26. .

Daimler Trucks Asia Presents World Premiere of Fuso’s eCanter at IAA 2016 Daimler Press Release / September 21, 2016 Daimler Trucks Asia (DTA) presents the world premiere of the small series of FUSO’s light-duty electric truck “eCanter” at the 2016 IAA international commercial vehicle show in Hannover, Germany. Through customer trials in real-life conditions, the zero emission FUSO eCanter proved to be technically reliable and economic, with enough mileage and payload for daily use The small series will be delivered to customers in the US, Japan and Europe from late 2017 DTA will further increase its global presence in mature markets and growth markets with the application of Daimler’s cutting-edge technologies in electric trucks and robust and powerful trucks Mr. Marc Llistosella, President and CEO of MFTBC and Head of Daimler Trucks Asia, said: "The new all-electric FUSO eCanter underlines our commitment to thinking ahead and developing sustainable and reliable transportation solutions to benefit our customers, society and even our planet. DTA has been the center of competence for hybrid and electric technologies within Daimler Trucks. Based on our successful customer trials, we will bring the latest innovations to the world.” Hannover, Germany; Kawasaki, Japan; Chennai, India – Daimler Trucks Asia (DTA) presents the world premiere of the small series of FUSO’s light-duty all-electric truck “eCanter” at the 2016 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) - the biggest international commercial vehicle show to be held from 22nd to 29th September in Hanover, Germany. Six years after the first generation of the all-electric truck premiered at the 2010 IAA, the third generation model will be presented with further technical developments. These developments come from customer trials of the second generation vehicle, the “FUSO Canter E-CELL”, done in 2013 in Japan, 2014 in Portugal and currently in Stuttgart, Germany. The continuous trials have enabled Daimler Trucks Asia to design the zero-emission FUSO eCanter to cater to the specific needs of customers and make it perfectly suitable for everyday use in short range delivery and inner city transportation. The eCanter can travel a range of more than 100km, exceeding the average distance that many short-radius distribution trucks usually travel per day – for example, in Japan, on an average, 80% of light-duty inner-city delivery trucks travel about 50km a day. Based on this knowledge gained from the customer trials, DTA has developed a modular concept for batteries that offers more mileage and/or more payload depending on the individual needs of customers. A package of three to five lithium-ion batteries has been lined-up with a capacity of 13.8kWh each. Five battery packs are fitted onto the vehicle with a permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 7.5 tons while securing 100kms of daily mileage, giving customers a flexible option based on their usage. Charging the batteries at 200 volts takes around seven hours, while the use of a rapid DC charging system can reduce it to less than one hour (73kW, 80% of battery capacity). Key components also include an electric motor with an output of 185kW and maximum torque of 380Nm. In addition, the FUSO eCanter has reached a payload of 2-3 tons, an amount necessary for customers to operate their fleet efficiently. At the same time, DTA’s preliminary analysis has shown that the model can save about 1,000 Euro per10,000km and cut operating costs by up to 64 percent compared to conventional diesel trucks. Coupled with a reduction in maintenance costs of around 30 percent, this makes the vehicle an economical solution for customers who would be able to pay back the initial cost in two years’ time. Mr. Marc Llistosella, President and CEO of MFTBC and Head of Daimler Trucks Asia, said: "The new all-electric FUSO eCanter underlines our commitment to thinking ahead and developing sustainable and reliable transportation solutions to the benefit of our customers, society and even our planet. DTA has been the center of competence for hybrid and electric technologies within Daimler Trucks. Based on our successful customer trials, we will bring the latest innovations to the world.” The small series of eCanter will be delivered from late 2017 in the US, Japan and Europe to selected customers who are related to inter-city delivery services. Being a front runner in the fully-electric light-duty truck segment, DTA has so far invested 40mn Euro in the development of electric driving including research and development. The zero emission model will be manufactured at DTA’s state-of-the art production plant in Tramagal, Portugal and Kawasaki, Japan. Connectivity for eCanter The eCanter at the IAA will give visitors a glimpse into the future of Daimler Commercial Vehicles’ connectivity technologies. This includes not only a digital key and meter console but also a digital control panel in the center console. Other digitalized features include LED lights, air conditioning, music player and navigation. The Connectivity concept for Daimler’s booth at the event pertains to three main features: vehicle health, travel history and task allocation. Vehicle health is the ability to scan various parts of the vehicle to detect abnormalities. Travel history allows a driver to see how much distance has been covered per day as well as the status of charge over the driving period. There is also data to show the distribution and energy efficiency of drivers’ journeys. Task allocation describes the interaction between the digital control panel and the fleet manager’s personal computer. It can send tasks to a driver who can then automatically relay the pick-up and delivery time back to their fleet manager. .

Hino Trucks Press Release / September 12, 2016 The Hino Sugaware race team entered Silk Way Rally 2016 as a training race. Starting in Russia, the rally took contestants through Kazakhstan and then into China, concluding at the finish line in Beijing. .

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor's V6 will generate 450 horsepower Automotive News / September 29, 2016 The twin turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine in the second generation of Ford’s over-the-top off-road performance truck, the F-150 Raptor, generates 450 horsepower and 510 pounds-feet of torque, Ford said today at the State Fair of Texas. Those outputs make it the most powerful V6 engine available in a pickup. Ford also says the new Raptor, which has an aluminum body riding on a new and stiffer frame, is EPA-rated at 15 mpg city, 18 highway and 16 combined -- a 23 percent improvement of the 2014, V-8 powered model. There was no Raptor offered in the 2015 and 2016 model years as Ford retooled and launched the new generation of the F-150, on which the Raptor is based. The Raptor is the first Ford product to use a new 10-speed automatic transmission, jointly developed with General Motors. GM is using a version of the 10-speed transmission in its Camaro ZL1, track ready sports coupe. Raptor goes on sale in December with a starting price of $49,520 including shipping. Ford Press Release - https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2016/09/29/all-new-ford-f-150-raptor-draws-a-line-in-the-sand-with-450-hors.html . .

Land Line (OOIDA) / September 29, 2016 A legal interpretation issued by The Transportation Safety Administration moves the industry one step closer to having the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) a universal access card for high-security facilities. TSA is providing notice it has issued a legal interpretation of the phrase “field of transportation” in reference to the statute that requires the agency to charge fees to recover the cost of its vetting services. The notice was published on Regulations.gov, on Wednesday, Sept. 28. The interpretation clarifies which individuals TSA may collect and retain fees from for providing background checks and other vetting services, including the TWIC program. The clarification specifically addresses questions TSA said it received from employers and employees in the chemical industry as to whether they fall within the scope of “field of transportation” in TSA’s vetting services. “This interpretation states that the ‘field of transportation’ under 6 U.S.C. 469(a) includes an individual, activity, entity, facility, owner, or operator that is subject to regulation by TSA, DOT, or the U.S. Coast Guard, and individuals applying for trusted traveler programs,” the notice states. Doug Morris, OOIDA security operations director said the legal definition is one more step in the move toward making TWIC a universal access card. “Originally the TWIC was only supposed to be for maritime and port facilities,” he said. “Now, it opens it up for basically anybody involved in transportation to get a TWIC card.” According to the supplementary information published in the notice, both federal agencies and industry stakeholders had approached TSA at various times over the last decade, asking whether their employees could enroll for security vetting and pay TSA for the service. More recently, the agency says it received inquiries from other industries “concerning the delineation of where transportation begins and ends” and that the answer was “not so apparent” prior to issuing the clarification.

Transport Engineer / September 29, 2016 In a UK first, bulk tanker operator Clugston Distribution Services has taken delivery of three Range T Mini Mid-Lift (MML) ADRs with PET regs for use with petroleum tankers. Supplied by dealer Thompson Commercials Hull, the 44-tonne Range T460.26 MML tractors have Safe Loading Pass (SLP) certification required by all petroleum refineries. The Range Ts are additional vehicles for Clugston’s 100-strong fleet and are fitted with hydraulic-driven pumping equipment and alloy wheels. As well as meeting strict compliance requirements, whole life operating costs were key to the selection. “Together with Thompson Commercials we’ve worked hard to prepare these vehicles for use within the fuel petroleum transportation sector,” says Clugston’s fleet manager Nigel Graham. “They have to meet the stringent requirements of ADR and SLP so that they can be used to get in and out of the UK’s fuel refineries, and we are extremely pleased with the final result.” The operator has been a Renault customer for 10 years and says its commercial vehicle range is “ideally suited” to its activities. “The whole life operating costs of the Premium tractor unit was the lowest we have experienced and the Range T is looking to be just as impressive – with the MML derivative also being significantly lighter than the standard 6x2, we will see increased payloads and yet lower running costs,” says Graham. He continues: “The Range T MML also offers greater flexibility across our fleet with the extra chassis space for fitment of our various ancillary equipment requirements. We also take maximum advantage of the Renault Optifleet on board fuel management system, vehicle tracking and various fuel economy pack driver aids that are all available within the Range T.” .

For those of you who weren't able to attend the IAA show, these videos give you a feel of how in-depth, professional and vast it was. And yes, free German beer and food is endlessly on tap.

Wells Fargo will pay $24 million to settle allegations that it mistreated members of the military -- including illegally repossessing their cars. CNN Money / September 29, 2016 The bank, already reeling from a scandal over fake accounts, will pay $4.1 million to settle Justice Department charges that it seized 413 cars owned by service members without a court order, a violation of federal law. The Justice Department said the illegal repossessions took place from 2008 to 2015. [Where were the authorities those EIGHT years? Sleeping at the switch or lobbied to intentionally look the other way?] The first complaint came from an Army National Guardsman in North Carolina who said the bank seized his car while he was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. Wells Fargo then auctioned his car and tried to collect a balance of $10,000 from his family, the Justice Department said. The bank will pay $10,000 to each of the affected service members, plus lost equity in the cars with interest, and repair their credit. The bank was fined $20 million more by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for breaking three provisions of the same law by denying members of the military certain banking protections, including capping their interest rates at 6%. Those violations began in 2006, the OCC said. Wells Fargo said in a statement that it apologizes for not living up to its commitment of ensuring that all service members "receive the appropriate benefits and protections." "We have been notifying and fully compensating customers and will complete this work in 60 days," the company said. News of the penalties came as Wells Fargo and CEO John Stumpf faced the wrath of the House Financial Services Committee at a hearing about the millions of fake bank and credit card accounts, plus claims that it retaliated against whistleblowers. The company is also facing lawsuits from shareholders, former employees and customers.

With the introduction of Volvo's "I-Shift with crawler gears" (aka. mDrive HD) in the North American market product, Volvo will soon discontinue the legacy Maxitorque transmissions. Though volumes are low, they put standard Volvo policy aside for a time until "I-Shift with crawler gears" could be launched. The dealers are the only people that push Maxitorque........Mack brand management doesn't. In five years, you won't be able to order a manual transmission. In order to meet future emissions and fuel economy targets, the AMT is the only way (amongst current known technology). I personally prefer the former Mack Truck's signature triple-countershaft transmission design, particularly for vocational/severe service, and remain angered over Volvo terminating the plan of Mack engineers to apply AMT technology to the Maxitorque transmission line-up. No doubt, all those Mack brand trucks you saw at your dealer with vendor rears also had vendor steer axles.

This spectacular video allows you to meet Navistar CEO Troy Clarke, the man who, supported by his "Paccar gang", has successfully turned around a US truckmaker and put it once more on a successful path. He deserves a lot of credit and respect.

Low floor.....hybrid......alternative fuels.......electric.........Scania offers it all - today. Because the culture at Scania has the company developing product so far ahead of the curve, it allows the bus maker to offer cutting edge designs that are mature, high-performing and trouble-free. From Stockholm to London, from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Scania buses help cities around the world provide comfortable and efficient transport while reducing their environmental footprint.