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2017 Ford Super Duty Pickups to Use F-150 Aluminum Cabs Heavy Duty Trucking / July 26, 2016 Ford's 2017 SuperDuty pickups and chassis-cab models will come with more engine power and torque and advanced electronic features, as previously reported, but they'll also share their cabins with the popular F-150 pickup – something not done for more than 20 years. At a launch event in Denver on Tuesday, Ford executives said that combining the cabs yields economies of scale, because the F-150 is one of the most popular vehicles of any kind in the United States and its three cab types are produced in great volume. The change also provides more interior room for Super Duty models, because F-150 cabs were enlarged and updated with aluminum construction several years ago. By adopting those cabs, the ’17-model F-250 through 550 SuperCabs and SuperCrews will be several inches longer than now. Also like the F-150, cargo beds, front fenders and hoods will also be aluminum. Since the mid 1990s, SuperDuty trucks have had bodies separate from the F-150, executives explained. At first SuperDuties kept the old cabs originally used in the 1970s; then about seven years later they got new, slightly larger cabs – in steel as they’d always been – and used those through the current 2016 model year. Going to aluminum saves as much as 750 pounds for the largest F-150, but weight savings for a SuperDuty will be 350 pounds at most compared to current models, executives said. Light-weighting could’ve been greater, but engineers added beef to the new SuperDuty frames, which are made of mild and high-strength steel. Among other changes, each of the heavier frames got at least three extra crossmembers, and with fully boxed main rails a SuperDuty frame is now 24 times stiffer. Ford Website - 2017 Super-Duty - https://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty/2017/#

Daimler Trucks unveils electric heavy-duty Urban eTruck from Mercedes-Benz Green Car Congress / July 27, 2016 Daimler Trucks has unveiled the Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck, an all-electric, short-radius distribution heavy-duty truck, based on a three-axle truck from Mercedes-Benz. The entire conventional drivetrain has been replaced by an electrically driven rear axle with electric motors directly adjacent to the wheel hubs. Their maximum output is 2 x 125 kW, while the peak torque is 2 x 500 N·m. In combination with the gearing, the torque at the wheel reaches 11,000 N·m. The power is supplied by a battery pack consisting of three modules of lithium-ion batteries with a total capacity of 212 kWh. This results in a range of up to 200 km (124 miles)—normally enough for a typical day's delivery round. Depending on the desired range, the modular battery pack can be customized by adding or removing batteries. The Urban eTruck is connected to the charging station using the Europe-wide standardized Combined Charging System (CCS) Type 2 connector. With a charging power of 100 kW, the fully discharged batteries are charged to 100% in two to three hours. (The system will support up to 150 kW.) The axle is based on the ZF AVE 130 and has already proved its worth in its basic version as a low-floor portal axle in hybrid and fuel-cell buses from Mercedes-Benz. However, the axle has been comprehensively modified for use in the Urban eTruck. There is a new axle housing, which is significantly raised to give a ground clearance of more than 200 mm. The method of axle attachment has been reconfigured on account of the frame-type construction typical of a truck. Another characteristic of the axle used in this particular application is its super single tires sized 495/45 R 22.5. These are used because of the frame width of the chassis in combination with the positioning of the electric drive motors adjacent to the wheel hubs. Also, super singles are considerably less heavy than conventional twin tires, making for a higher payload. The maximum permissible axle load of the drive axle is 11.5 tonnes, which is at the usual level. The leading and trailing axles of the Urban eTruck are familiar, tried-and-tested components from Mercedes-Benz trucks. They are each shod with single tires of size 315/70 R 22.5. The trailing axle is steered. For reasons of weight, the Urban eTruck is equipped with aluminium wheels. For the Urban eTruck, the original low-floor axle has been provided with a liquid-cooled high-speed asynchronous three-phase motor on each side. The rated voltage is 400 V, while the maximum output is 2 x 125 kW. The motors have a peak torque of 2 x 500 N·m. In combination with the gearing, the torque at the wheel reaches 11,000 N·m. All the ancillary components of the Urban eTruck are electrically operated. This applies to the air compressor of the braking system as well as the power steering pump and the compressor of the air conditioning system. The cab is heated by waste heat from the drivetrain cooling system. Three-axle rigids with 26 tonnes permissible gross vehicle weight are responsible for deliveries to shopping centers or large supermarkets, particularly in urban and suburban areas. They combine high load capacity with maneuverability. The same concept is reflected in the Urban eTruck, which is based on a three-axle short-radius distribution truck. It is celebrating its premiere in the form of a chassis with cab. The electrically driven axle weighs around 1000 kg, while the other necessary electrical components add up to a further 900 kg. The heaviest components are the batteries, including mountings, which weigh in at 2500 kg. This is offset by the absence of an engine, transmission, propeller shaft, differential and fuel tank, which together come to around 2700 kg. This means that the Urban eTruck in the described configuration has an extra weight of only about 1700 kg. The EU Commission is in favor of increasing the permissible gross vehicle weight of trucks with alternative drives by up to one tonne;this will more or less cancel out the weight disadvantage of the electric drive. This will raise the permissible gross vehicle weight of the three-axle rigid truck from 25 to 26 tonnes, which will bring the original extra weight down to 700 kg compared with a directly comparable IC-engined truck. Fuso Canter E-Cell As far as light-duty trucks are concerned, the all-electric drive is already a reality. This is demonstrated by the Fuso Canter E-Cell. Following a successful fleet trial in Portugal, the Canter E-Cell has now satisfactorily completed around six months of the first fleet trial for trucks of this kind in Germany. (Earlier post.) It will be available in future under the name of Fuso eCanter. There will be news about it at the IAA International Motor Show for Commercial Vehicles, which begins on 21 September 2016. Its battery packs with a total capacity of 48 kWh are mounted on the left and right sides of the frame. The electric motor has an output of 110 kW, while the peak torque is 650 N·m. The range of the Canter E-Cell is over 100 km, depending on how the vehicle is used. In Europe, the batteries are charged with the same, standardized connector used also by the Urban eTruck. The vehicle can be fast-charged to 80% of its total capacity in just one hour. Alongside Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner, Fuso is the third major brand of Daimler Trucks and a leading manufacturer of “green” light-duty trucks. Fuso Canter Eco Hybrids are in service all around the world. The second generation of the truck has been in production since 2012. The first generation of the all-electric Canter E-Cell was launched by Fuso in 2010, with the second generation following in 2014. In parallel with the current fleet trial in Germany, Fuso is already working on the third generation, which will make the electrically powered Canter even more efficient and suitable for everyday use. .

Mercedes-Benz is presenting the first fully electric truck for heavy distribution operations Daimler Press Release / July 27, 2016 Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck enables fully electric transport for the first time ever with an admissible total weight of 26 tonnes Ranges of up to 200 kilometres, load capacity comparable with diesel drive Series production for urban short-radius distribution conceivable at the beginning of the next decade Fuso Canter E-Cell: fully electric drive of Daimler Trucks in a light distribution truck (6 tonnes) already undergoing customer trials Wolfgang Bernhard: "Electric drive systems previously only saw extremely limited use in trucks. Nowadays costs, performance and charging times develop further so rapidly that now there is a trend reversal in the distribution sector: the time is ripe for the electric truck. In light distribution trucks, our Fuso Canter E-Cell has already been undergoing intensive customer trials since 2014. And with the Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck, we are now electrifying the heavy distribution segment up to 26 tonnes. We intend to establish electric driving as systematically as autonomous and connected driving." Stuttgart – The world’s most successful truck manufacturer Daimler Trucks is presenting the Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck in Stuttgart today, as the first fully electric truck with an admissible total weight of up to 26 tonnes. This means that in the future, heavy trucks will take part in urban distribution operations with zero local emissions and hardly a whisper. The market launch of this technology is conceivable for Daimler Trucks at the beginning of the next decade. In the light distribution sector, Daimler Trucks has already been impressively demonstrating the day-to-day suitability of the fully electric truck in customer trials with the Fuso Canter E-Cell since 2014. The development of electric trucks and series production maturity are fixed parts of the strategy of Daimler Trucks to build on our technological leadership. For this purpose a considerable part of the future investments by the truck division in the fields of research and development flow in the further development of the full electric drive. "Electric drive systems previously only saw extremely limited use in trucks. Nowadays costs, performance and charging times develop further so rapidly that now there is a trend reversal in the distribution sector: the time is ripe for the electric truck. In light distribution trucks, our Fuso Canter E-Cell has already been undergoing intensive customer trials since 2014. And with the Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck, we are now electrifying the heavy distribution segment up to 26 tonnes. We intend to establish electric driving as systematically as autonomous and connected driving," says Wolfgang Bernhard, responsible for Daimler Trucks & Buses at the Board of Management. Growing urbanisation requires fully electric trucks Better air quality, lower noise and restricted-access zones are now important keywords in large metropolises worldwide, because more and more people worldwide are moving to cities. 2008 was the first year in which more people lived in cities than in the countryside. The trend is continuing: The UN predicts a global population of nine billion people by 2050, with approximately 70 percent of them living in cities. In future, it will be necessary to transport goods in urban environments for increasing numbers of people – and with the lowest possible emissions and noise. By now large cities such as London or Paris are considering a ban on internal combustion engines in city centres in the future. That means: there will be fully electric trucks ensuring the supply of humas with food or other goods of daily needs. Fast enhancement of battery capacity while significantly lower costs Until quite recently, the use of fully electric drives systems in trucks seemed to be unimaginable – especially because of the high costs of the batteries coupled with a low range. The technology has now become much more mature. In particular battery cells rapidly developing further. Daimler Trucks expects the costs of batteries to lower by the factor 2.5 between 1997 and 2025 – from 500 Euro/kWh down to 200 Euro/kWh. At the same time, performance will improve by the same factor over the same period – from 80 Wh/kg up to 200 Wh/kg. Stefan Buchner, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks: "With the Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck, we are underlining our intention to systematically developing the electric drive in trucks to series production maturity. This means that we will begin to integrate customers, so as to gain valuable joint experience with respect to the operating ranges and the charging infrastructure in daily transport operations. Because we think the entry of this technology into the series production is already conceivable at the beginning of the next decade." Innovative battery technology for Urban e Truck Technically the Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck is based on a heavy-duty, three-axle short-radius Mercedes-Benz distribution truck. In addition, however, the developers at Daimler Trucks have totally revised the drive concept: The entire conventional drivetrain being replaced by a new electrically driven rear axle with electric motors directly adjacent to the wheel hubs – derived from the electric rear axle which was developed for the Mercedes-Benz Citaro hybrid bus. The power is supplied by a battery pack consisting of three lithium-ion battery modules. This results in a range of up to 200 km – enough for a typical daily delivery tour. Thanks to the integrated concept with motors adjacent to the wheel hubs, the batteries are housed in a crash-proof location inside the frame. As the EU Commission is in favour of increasing the permissible gross vehicle weight of trucks with alternative drives by up to one tonne, this will more or less level out the weight surplus of the electric drive. This will raise the permissible gross vehicle weight of the Urban e Truck from 25 to 26 tonnes, which will bring the original extra weight down to 700 kg compared with a directly comparable IC-engined truck. Fuso Canter E-Cell: all-electric drive in customer operation since 2014 Where light-duty trucks are concerned, all-electric drive is already a reality. This is demonstrated by the Fuso Canter E-Cell. Fuso already presented the first generation of the fully electrically powered Canter in 2010. In 2014 this was followed by the second generation, which proved its worth in the first fleet trials in Portugal. With ranges of over 100 kilometres, the vehicles exceeded the average daily distance covered by many trucks in light-duty short-radius distribution. Under widely varying operating conditions, the trucks covered more than 50,000 km within one year. In the process the vehicless were locally emission-free and, taking power generation into account, reduced CO2 emissions by 37 percent compared to diesel engines. The operating costs were 64 percent lower on average. Marc Llistosella, Head of Daimler Trucks Asia and President & CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Trucks and Bus Cooperation (MFTBC): "The current generation Canter E-Cell offers our customers transport services which are not only environment-friendly, but also economical. Our test in Lisbon revealed respectable savings of around 1000 euros per 10,000 kilometres in comparison to diesel trucks." "We at Fuso have now acquired extensive experience in the development of local emission-free commercial vehicles und we will consequently pursue this development also in future. At the Commercial Vehicles show IAA in September, will will take a step further towards series production with our next generation under the new name: Fuso eCanter,” continues Llistosella. Current fleet trials with the Fuso Canter E-Cell in Germany Since April 2016 the city of Stuttgart and the parcel service provider Hermes are testing five Fuso Cater E-Cell in Germany. Especially the using in the topographically very demanding environment in urban Stuttgart provides important insights for Daimler Trucks from the customer operation with regard to the further development of the fully electric drive. First results from this customer trial are expected at the beginning of 2017. Dirk Rahn, Managing Director Operations at Hermes Germany underlined during the today’s event: "We are very proud of our successful cooperation with Daimler in the development of relevant future technologies for many years. Also regarding the current project, we accepted with pleasure the invention of Daimler to actively support the testing of the Fuso Canter E-Cell out of our logistical everyday life. Thereby, the results of our trest run are extremely positive! With regard to the growing requirements in city logistics we are now looking forward to test further vehicle classes and to bring them to market maturity soon. Our common goal: making e-mobility more economical.”

Bloomberg / July 27, 2016 Mercedes-Benz outlined plans to start selling an electric heavy-duty truck in about five years, a week after Tesla Motors' initial sketch on battery-powered commercial vehicles failed to impress investors. The Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck will have a range of about 200 kilometers (124 miles) per battery charge and capacity for loads of as much as 26 metric tons, parent company Daimler said today. The model, targeted for inner-city tasks such as supermarket deliveries, could go on sale by the start of the next decade, it said. Truckmakers are starting to develop electric models to meet tighter emissions rules for city centers, though options are limited due to a lack of batteries with the durability to propel fully loaded vehicles for long periods of constant use. Trucks tested include the six-ton Canter e-Cell from Daimler’s Fuso brand and a model from Swedish competitor Scania that’s powered by overhead electric cables, while U.S. startup Nikola Motor has outlined plans to unveil a battery-powered prototype in December. "Until now, there were extremely few commercial vehicles with electric powertrains," Wolfgang Bernhard, head of the Daimler Trucks division, said in a statement before presenting the model in the company’s hometown of Stuttgart, Germany. “There’s now such a significant improvement on costs, performance and charging times that we’re seeing a step-by-step change.” Tesla CEO Elon Musk included a freight truck as part of a proposed lineup expansion in his July 21 master plan for the U.S. manufacturer. While the company’s Model S sedan was the first e-car with broad appeal, a commercial vehicle will pose a new challenge as fleet operators focus on cost of ownership and durability over design and comfort features. Customers will also be reluctant to risk buying unproven technology, said Tom De Vleesschauwer, an analyst at research company IHS Markit. Tesla has the potential to overcome those doubts by cooperating with co-founder Ian Wright’s Wrightspeed, a manufacturer that specializes in electrifying trucks, De Vleesschauwer said. “Nikola Motor and Tesla have raised plenty of market enthusiasm and speculation,” the analyst said. “Market prospects are such that the share of electrified medium- and heavy-duty trucks could grow for specific market applications only.” Sales of electric versions might account for 4 percent of European Union and U.S. medium- and heavy-duty truck sales by 2025, according to IHS. .

Why on earth you would truck it, versus rail, is beyond me. Since 2008, there's a container train between Beijing and Hamburg. Travel distance/time is 10,000km kilometres (6,210 miles) / 15 days. Chongqing to Duisburg, Germany via Alashankou crossing, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, and Poland. 10,300 km (6,400 mi) / 16 days. French National Railways (SNCF) rail freight subsidiary Fret SNCF is running a new China - France container service since April 21, from Wuhan to their Saint-Priest terminal in Venissieux south of Lyon. 11,300km / 15 days, operating via Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, and Germany. Another container train is running between Dongguan in China's southern Guangdong province and Duisburg, Germany. 13,000km / 19 days.

The North American Class 8 engine business used to be a big chunk of the Cummins pie. But due to incompetent strategies, it is just a sliver. As BC Mack will tell you, Cummins was in a market-leading position at one time in Europe. None of the European truck enginemakers were even close. But Cummins dropped the ball. Now, they only have a sliver of the European truck market with the ISB and ISL. Cummins Filtration is a lesson in failure. Donaldson and Mann+Hummel are FAR ahead of them in market share. I can't think of a single US, European or Chinese truckmaker that uses Cummins air cleaners. When it comes to emissions control systems, Cummins is a generation behind the European suppliers. Cummins success in the Dodge with the B and ISB is solely because of the American customer. Nissan Titan sales are dead in the water.....they can't give them a way. Nissan sells as many Titans in one year as Ford sells F-Series in 5 days. The X12 is a rebranded ISX12, which was a rebranded ISX11.9, and is also known as the ISG12 in China. Offering peak horsepower from 430 to 460, I personally think 11 liters is all typical haulers need. I don't expect the ISX12 to steal market share from the 11L and 13L. From 2010, it has failed in 6 years to do so.

Class 8 Jan-May 2014 Jan-May 2016 Freightliner 35.3% 41.18% Navistar 15.31% 11.76% Kenworth 13.56% 13.92% Peterbilt 13.22% 13.17% Volvo 12.74% 9.37% Mack 8.08% 8.07% Bob, why don't you also share with them that Class 6 and Class 7 sales data for May. (and Class 8 too) The list doesn't reflect how Navistar is now most definitely on the comeback trail, but it does show the Mack brand's stagnant market position. Daimler is strolling towards a 50 percent market share in the U.S. market, and those superb Detroit engines are a big reason for that.

No on here has brought freedom of speech into question. The flaw in your thought process is that nowhere in the U.S. Constitution, including the First Amendment, does it provide U.S. citizens with the "right" to desecrate (e.g. burn) the United States flag. Rather, U.S. law forbids it. The First Amendment gives one the "right" to freedom of speech (i.e. the right to express your opinion without censorship or restraint). However, the First Amendment does not hand out the "right" to desecrate our nation's flag. Dissent - The expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially held. I continue to find your adamant support for allowing people to desecrate (e.g. burn) the United States flag most troubling and un-American.

That's odd. The current Cargo has a 24-volt system, the global norm for heavy trucks. https://apps.ford.com.tr/ebrochure/brochurefiles/Cekici_Serisi.pdf

You're right Eric, it is very interesting. I can excuse Daimler to a point because they have such a massive US footprint. Daimler is no.2 in Class 6, and no.1 in Class 7 and 8. So if the market slows, they inherently feel it more than anyone. But the Volvo and Mack brand's woes in the US market remain threefold. It's U.S. market management, and I'm particularly speaking of the Mack brand, doesn't have the right people. Volvo corporate in Sweden doesn't understand the Mack brand, and won't view its U.S. dealer body as equals and listen to their complaints and suggestions.

Paul, it says: "You will see more Mack cargo trucks on the road in the future"

Bill Clinton is as shady as..............Hillary Clinton. But he's a heck of a salesman. He could sell ice cubes to Eskimos. He makes for the perfect politician or used car salesman. Slick Willies' Used Cars.........."I'd give 'em away but my wife won't let me" . .

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The high performer of Volvo Group certainly isn’t the Mack brand, a victim of a foreign aggressor who doesn’t understand the American icon's position in life. Nor is Volvo Group’s namesake brand the highlight of its portfolio. The star (drum roll here)..........is Renault Trucks. Continuing to save the day for Volvo Group with stunning results, Renault Trucks’ second quarter sales rose to 13,650 units globally, and 12,304 in Europe, rising 12 percent and 23 percent respective compared with the same period last year. Renault Trucks’ global sales results.....versus the Volvo brand: January 2015 Renault up 24% Volvo down 4% February 2015 Renault up 26% Volvo down 13% 1st quarter 2015 Renault up 35% Volvo down 8% April 2015 Renault up 12% Volvo up 9% May 2015 Renault up 5% Volvo down 1% 2nd quarter 2015 Renault up 7% Volvo down 4% July 2015 Renault up 8% Volvo down 5% August 2015 Renault up 60% Volvo down 6% 3rd quarter 2015 Renault up 20% Volvo down 2% October 2015 Renault up 16% Volvo down 1% November 2015 Renault up 54% Volvo down 10% 4th quarter 2015 Renault up 29% Volvo down 7% Full Year 2015 Renault up 22% Volvo down 4% 1st quarter 2016 Renault up 8% Volvo down 8% 2nd quarter 2016 Renault up 12% Volvo down 9% 3rd quarter 2016 Renault down 5% Volvo down 12% (From this year, Volvo Group has ceased providing monthly sales data)

I respect your personal opinion that "the law violates the Constitution ". However, the view of our country's judicial system and most folks on this forum runs contrary to your opinion. It is an "inarguable" fact that: 1. Desecrating the United States flag is against the law. 2. The first amendment does NOT give U.S. citizens the "right" to desecrate the United States flag. Frankly sir, I find your adamant support for allowing people to desecrate (e.g. burn) the United States flag most troubling and un-American. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 U.S. Code § 700, i.e. Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties: "Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both."

Garbage boy for a day: Ethan's wish is granted KCRA3 / July 26, 2016 6-year-old surprised in Rancho Cordova with special garbage truck As a little boy obsessed with garbage trucks, 6-year-old Ethan Dean had his wish of becoming a trash collector granted Tuesday during a school assembly in Rancho Cordova, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ethan's smile said it all as he was driven off in a giant green garbage truck with his name plastered to the side. Not only did he get to ride in the front seat of the truck, he was also given a special uniform to wear for the ride of his life. Lots of people cheered for Ethan and lined the parking lot of Sunrise Elementary School as the little boy embarked on the surprise journey. "I want to be a garbage man when I grow up," said 6-year-old Ethan Dean. "It's awesome!" Ethan’s specially outfitted truck came with the mentorship of a seasoned driver. "It's a dream come true for me really. I think it's wonderful," said truck operator Sam Turman. "Humbled. Absolutely humbled." This was a really big deal for Ethan, who has struggled with cystic fibrosis since he was born. Ethan's dad told KCRA 3 that since Ethan's wish was granted, the family has hope that their son will live past 40, which is typically an age most people with the disease never reach. Ethan's family said he has been watching garbage men pick up trash throughout his neighborhood since he was a baby. Garbage trucks bring Ethan happiness, and they help him forget his medical condition. "It means the world,” said Ethan’s mom Erin Dean. “I can't believe so many people care so much to come out and support him." When Ethan went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he told them it was his dream to clean up Sacramento. Ethan made stops throughout the day at several locations in Sacramento, including the Sacramento Fire Department and the West Steps of the state Capitol. One of the stops was at his dad’s work at the California Environmental Protection Agency. "I work at Cal EPA-- 25 stories-- and I would bet almost every floor was empty," said Ken Dean. "Just take it in and enjoy the moment. Because at some point it's going to be back to our routine of doing his medications and all that stuff." There was a special "news conference" for Ethan at the state Capitol that included city leaders, like Mayor-Elect Darrell Steinberg and Sacramento Police Chief Sam Somers. "Best day ever!" is how Ethan summarized his eventful day, and to Ethan we say, thank you for bringing joy into our hearts. . .

CBS/AP / July 26, 2016 Ethan Dean has always dreamed of being a garbage man. He never tires of playing with toy garbage trucks and loves to watch the real ones drive past his house. On Tuesday, the 6-year-old with cystic fibrosis got his wish, riding shotgun in a booster seat through Sacramento as an honest-to-goodness garbage truck driver with a set of wheels labeled "Ethan's Garbage Truck." He donned a green cape that read "Hero Ethan" and a big smile as the truck stopped to pick up trash and recyclables. It wasn't a chore for Ethan, who said his favorite part of the day put on by the Make-A-Wish Foundation was "cleaning up garbage." Hundreds of people gathered to cheer him on. After being surprised at his school, Ethan and the garbage truck made five stops. Sam Thurman, the Waste Management employee who drove Ethan, said when he agreed to take part, he had no idea how big the day was going to be. And as for Ethan? "He can't wipe that grin off his face," Thurman said. "He looks like it's Christmas morning and he's unwrapping his first present." Ethan was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant and began treatment at eight weeks old. The genetic disorder is characterized by a buildup of thick mucus and frequent lung infections, and the median life expectancy is about 40 years old. When Make-A-Wish Foundation agreed to grant his wish in February, there was little doubt what he wanted it to be. "We pretty much knew it was going to be about garbage trucks," said Ethan's dad, Ken Dean, laughing. He's been watching them come down the street since he first learned how to crawl, Dean said. Ethan also has a garbage truck bedspread and pillow, garbage truck toys and has had a garbage truck birthday party. CBS Sacramento shared photos and video of Ethan on his special day, and one thing was clear -- Ethan was having a great time. #EthanCleansUp he is so happy to be a garbage truck driver for the day thanks to @MakeAWish pic.twitter.com/yQ9xpPXQwg — Cambi Brown (@CambiBrown) July 26, 2016 #EthanCleansUp Ethan makes his first stop & gets out of the garbage truck! pic.twitter.com/q7DtnfRPSq — Cambi Brown (@CambiBrown) July 26, 2016 Ethan's big day comes three years after Make-A-Wish transformed San Francisco into Gotham for a 5-year-old boy who had battled leukemia for years and dreamed of being Batkid. Miles Scott traveled from one crime scene to another, rescuing a damsel in distress and thwarting the plans of The Riddler and The Penguin, as crowds of people cheered him on. Ethan's dream is being a less fantastic, more everyday superhero. When he visited Make-A-Wish and was asked about some of his dreams, almost all of his answers were garbage-truck related, said Jennifer Stolo, CEO of the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ethan's uncle, Tim Dean, said it means a lot to the family to have people who don't even know him come out to celebrate. At least 500 people gathered at the Capitol for a press conference and VIP lunch at the end of Ethan's day. Erika Sizemore doesn't know Ethan and said she learned about his special day on social media. It hit home for her, she said, because she has two boys, Kane and Benny, who also love garbage trucks. "As soon as he got out of the truck I cried," she said, tearing up. "It could happen to any of our kids. He is an amazing little kid and I just think that any of could be in the same boats as his parents are." .

FYI - The TIR Convention The Convention on International Transport of Goods Under Cover of TIR Carnets (TIR Convention) is a multilateral treaty that was concluded at Geneva on 14 November 1975 to simplify and harmonise the administrative formalities of international road transport. TIR stands for "Transports Internationaux Routiers" or "International Road Transports". The 1975 convention replaced the TIR Convention of 1959, which itself replaced the 1949 TIR Agreement between a number of European countries. The conventions were adopted under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). As of July 2016, there are 70 parties to the Convention, including 69 states and the European Union. The TIR Convention establishes an international customs transit system with maximum facility to move goods: in sealed vehicles or containers; from a customs office of departure in one country to a customs office of destination in another country; without requiring extensive and time-consuming border checks at intermediate borders; while, at the same time, providing customs authorities with the required security and guarantees. The TIR system not only covers customs transit by road but a combination is possible with other modes of transport (e.g., rail, inland waterway, and even maritime transport), as long as at least one part of the total transport is made by road. To date, more than 40,000 international transport operators had been authorised (by their respective competent national authorities) to access the TIR system, using more than 3.2 million TIR carnets per year. In light of the expected increase in world trade, further enlargement of its geographical scope and the forthcoming introduction of an electronic TIR system (so-called "eTIR-system"), it is expected that the TIR system will continue to remain the only truly global customs transit system. Due to the large blue-and-white TIR plates carried by vehicles using the TIR convention, the word "TIR" entered many languages such as Turkish as a neologism, becoming the default generic name of a large truck. TIR Procedures Truckers making use of the TIR procedure must first obtain an internationally harmonised customs document, referred to as a TIR carnet. TIR carnets are issued by national road transport associations. This customs document is valid internationally and as well as describing the goods, their shipper and their destination, represents a financial guarantee. When a truck arrives at a border customs post it need not pay import duties and taxes on goods at that time. Instead the payments are suspended. If the vehicle transits the country without delivering any goods, no taxes are due. If it fails to leave the country with all the goods, then the taxes are billed to the importer and the financial guarantee backstops the importer's obligation to pay the taxes. TIR transits are carried out in bond, i.e. the lorry must be sealed as well as bearing the carnet. The security payment system is administered by the International Road Transport Union (IRU). The TIR procedure is mostly used with Eastern European countries that are not in the EU (e.g. Russia and Ukraine), Turkey, and parts of the Near East. Since the formation of the European single market, the TIR procedure has become unnecessary for intra-EU goods transport.

Reuters / July 26, 2016 China has taken a major step towards establishing a speedy new "Silk Road" to Europe by signing up to a U.N. trucking treaty. Fifteen years after joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), China is hoping a revival of its ancient trading corridor to the west will help boost its slowing economy. Becoming a member of TIR, an international guarantee scheme that will enable Chinese freight containers to travel all the way to Ireland without being opened up for time-consuming customs checks, is a first step towards putting the legal framework of the plan into action. "It's a key element ...for the Chinese government... If you had to stop a container at every border from China to Europe it would add substantial costs," said Christian Friis Bach, executive secretary of the U.N. Economic Commission for Europe, which oversees the TIR convention. China's new Silk Road to Europe includes countries in Central Asia as well as Russia and Turkey, and potential maritime links to the Gulf and East Africa. President Xi Jinping said in March 2015 that he hoped annual trade with the countries involved in the plan would surpass $2.5 trillion in a decade. Last year it amounted to $1 trillion. Less than 10 percent of Chinese exports to the European Union go by road, with most transported by sea or air. The International Road Transport Union (IRU), which administers TIR, hopes accredited trucks will soon be able to zoom from China through Central Asia to Europe - albeit while still subject to random checks by border guards. Expanded road transport with less red tape would offer faster trade than by sea for large shipments of time-sensitive goods, such as smartphones or fashion items. "By truck you can go from western China to Europe in 8-12 days," IRU Secretary-General Umberto de Pretto said. "It costs more than going by ship but the time savings you have are enormous... Waiting times at the border will be one hour instead of 3-4 days." The impact of China joining TIR could end up being significant, especially if partners in Asia and Africa also join, and if China uses it for shipping and rail routes as well. Pakistan recently joined and India and several East African and Gulf countries have expressed interest. China spent a decade considering membership of the international goods transport convention before joining, and will become the 70th TIR member next January. "They have done their homework and they understand it," said Friis Bach.

Land Line (OOIDA) / July 26, 2016 Trailer manufacturers are recalling tens of thousands of trailers due to an issue with Bendix spring valves. Approximately 10 manufacturers have recalled a total of more than 30,000 trailers in response to an equipment recall Bendix announced in June. (Once an example of American technological might in the commercial truck segment, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems was acquired by Germany's Knorr-Bremse in 2002) On June 8, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sent out a recall notice regarding an issue with nearly 195,000 Bendix SR-5 trailer spring brake valves. According to NHTSA, brake valves were improperly machined without a radius on the internal check valve seat, causing a delay of application of the spring brakes while parking. More than a month later, NHTSA has sent out a recall notice with specific makes and models of trailers affected by the recall. Affected trailers include: Brenner liquid tank, 2015-2017 Cheetah Bridgemaster chassis trailers, 2015-2016 Cheetah curtainside flatbed trailers, 2016 Cheetah extendable chassis trailers, 2014-2016 Cheetah flatbed trailers, 2015 Cheetah gooseneck chassis trailers, 2014-2016 Cheetah straight frame chassis trailers, 2015-2016 Fontaine Revolution, 2015-2017 Great Dane flatbed trailers, 2015-2017 Great Dane reefer trailers, 2015-2017 Great Dane van trailers, 2015-2017 Hackney beverage trailers, 2014-2016 Kidron refrigerated trailers, 2014-2016 Transcraft platform trailers, 2015-2017 Utility dry van trailers. 2014-2016 Utility flatbed trailers, 2014-2016 Utility refrigerated trailers, 2014-2016 Vermeer DT6, 2014-2016 Vermeer HG4000, 2014-2016 Vermeer HG6000, 2014-2016 Vermeer HG8000, 2014-2016 Vermeer TG5000, 2014-2016 Vermeer TG7000, 2014-2016 Vermeer TG9000, 2014-2015 Vermeer TR620, 2015-2016 Vermeer TR626, 2015-2016 Vermeer WC2300XL, 2014-2016 Vermeer WC2500XL, 2015-2016 Wabash National van trailers, 2015-2017 Wilson CD-1080, 2015 Wilson DWH-550, 2015 The SR-5 valve is a reservoir-mounted trailer valve that can control four spring brake actuators during parking or emergency applications, a NHTSA safety recall report explains. A trailer will have an audible air leak from the dash mounted park control valve or red gladhand when it is disconnected, prior to decoupling when a slow-to-park situation occurs. This leakage will continue until the trailer reservoirs and spring brake chambers are depleted of air pressure. Remedies for this recall are still under development. Expected recall dates vary by manufacturer. Owners of potentially affected trailers can contact NHTSA at 888-327-4236. NHTSA recall number for the original Bendix equipment recall is 16E-045.

J. Harwood Cochrane was a living legend in the trucking industry. He was the best of the best. I dare say, Mr. Cochrane was the all-time most brilliant and respected man in America's freight industry. In meeting the sales and after-sales requirements of Overnite Transportation, the Richmond factory branch of the former Mack Trucks Inc. was one of the best in the nation. Like all Mack factory branches, it was the pedigreed Mack family of people who "made the difference" in Richmond for our very loyal Virginia customers (as Zenon Hansen often pointed out).

Volvo Group Earnings, Revenue Fall in Second-Quarter and Six-Month Periods Transport Topics / July 26, 2016 Volvo Group reported earnings and net sales fell in the second-quarter and six-month periods, citing the slowdown in the North American truck market as a key factor that led to a plunge in orders. Volvo’s North American heavy-duty truck brands include Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks, both based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Quarterly income for the period ended June 30 fell to $220 million, or 11 cents per diluted share, compared with $590 million, or 29 cents, in the year-earlier period. New sales in the quarter slid to $9.1 billion from $9.7 billion, year-over-year. “Despite a positive development in Europe, total deliveries of trucks decreased by 5%, mainly due to a weakening in North America and continued low demand in South America and other emerging markets,” Volvo Group CEO Martin Lundstedt said in a statement. Year-to-date, North American truck orders sank 45% to 16,359 from 29,819, including a 32% decline in Mack’s orders to 7,685 vehicles. For the six-month period, income sank to $660 million, or 33 cents, from $1 billion, or 54 cents in the 2015 period. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volvo brand truck sales (overall) fell to 28,255 units globally, down 9 percent from 30,997 units in Q2 2015). Volvo brand truck sales in North America plunged to 6,786 units, down 39 percent from 11,208 units in Q2 2015. Volvo brand truck sales in Europe rose to 14,430 units, up 17 percent from 12,343 units in Q2 2015. Mack brand truck sales (overall) plunged to 5,588 units globally, down 22 percent from 7,160 units in Q2 2015. Mack brand truck sales in North America plunged to 5,192 units, down 21 percent from 6,547 units in Q2 2015. Mack brand truck sales in South America crashed to 157 units, down 54 percent from 338 units in Q2 2015. Mack brand truck sales in Africa/Oceania (includes Australia, New Zealand) fell to 238 units, down 11 percent from 267 units in Q2 2015.

Aside from its DAF unit having to pay a fine to the European Commission (EC) for the cartel accusation, Paccar is performing absolutely fabulous in the U.S. market. Paccar says its benefiting from a good economy and high freight tonnage levels, while Volvo blames its plunging U.S. Volvo and Mack brand sales on a bad economy and low freight tonnage levels. Go figure. I blame plunging Mack sales on incompetent stewardship. Volvo doesn't understand the US market, NEVER understood the Mack brand, and its Mack brand management is clueless. Mack on-highway truck sales are a rarity, and its market share in the vocational segment is eroding quickly. Kenworth is clobbering the Mack brand in most states across the country, as many of you know.

PACCAR Achieves Good Quarterly Results Paccar Press Release / July 26, 2016 “PACCAR achieved good quarterly net income in the second quarter of 2016,” said Ron Armstrong, chief executive officer. “PACCAR’s financial results reflect favorable truck markets and good aftermarket parts and financial services results worldwide. I am very proud of our 23,000 employees who have delivered outstanding products and services to our customers.” Second quarter net sales and financial services revenues were $4.41 billion, compared to $5.08 billion in the second quarter of 2015. PACCAR earned adjusted net income (non-GAAP) of $371.7 million ($1.06 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2016, excluding a favorable $109.6 million adjustment to the non-recurring charge established in the first quarter this year for the European Commission (EC) investigation of all European truck manufacturers. On July 19, 2016 the EC concluded its investigation by reaching a settlement with DAF. Including the favorable adjustment to the EC charge, which is not taxable, PACCAR reported net income of $481.3 million ($1.37 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2016. The company earned net income of $447.2 million ($1.26 per diluted share) in the second quarter last year. For the first six months of 2016, PACCAR reported adjusted net income (non-GAAP) of $719.7 million ($2.05 per diluted share), excluding the $833.0 million non-recurring charge for the EC investigation. The company earned $825.6 million ($2.32 per diluted share) in the first six months of 2015. Including the non-recurring charge, PACCAR reported a net loss of $113.3 million ($.32 per diluted share) in the first six months of 2016. PACCAR’s regular quarterly dividend will not be impacted by the EC charge. Net sales and financial services revenues for the first six months of 2016 were $8.71 billion compared to $9.91 billion last year. Armstrong added, “PACCAR’s strategic focus is to invest for growth in our core markets, while expanding our presence in emerging markets. PACCAR is earning excellent returns on its investments, achieving nearly 20 percent average annual after-tax return on equity over the last six years. These investments have included new Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF vehicles, production of the fuel-efficient PACCAR MX engines in North America, the DAF Brasil truck factory, and increased capacity of PACCAR Parts’ distribution centers. In addition, the company expanded PACCAR Financial Services internationally and introduced many industry-leading technologies and services for our dealers and customers.” Bob Christensen, PACCAR president and chief financial officer, noted, “The company is investing for future growth in PACCAR integrated powertrain components, advanced driver assistance and truck connectivity technologies, a new DAF cab paint facility, logistics enhancements to its manufacturing facilities, and recently opened a new Parts Distribution Center in Renton, Washington.” Financial Highlights – Second Quarter 2016 Highlights of PACCAR’s financial results for the second quarter of 2016 include: Consolidated net sales and revenues of $4.41 billion. Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) of $371.7 million, excluding a $109.6 million favorable adjustment to the charge related to the settlement of the EC investigation. Net income of $481.3 million. Truck, Parts and Other gross margins of 15.2%. PACCAR Parts pre-tax income of $133.4 million. Financial Services pre-tax income of $77.3 million. Manufacturing cash and marketable securities of $3.40 billion. Record quarterly cash generated from operations of $853.6 million. Financial Highlights – First Half 2016 Highlights of PACCAR’s financial results for the first six months of 2016 include: Consolidated net sales and revenues of $8.71 billion. Adjusted net income of $719.7 million (non-GAAP), excluding a $833.0 million non-recurring charge for the EC investigation. Net loss of $113.3 million. PACCAR Parts pre-tax income of $268.0 million. Financial Services pre-tax income of $157.6 million. Cash generated from operations of $1.65 billion. Medium-term note issuances of $1.34 billion. Bank credit facilities of $3.0 billion renewed. Global Truck Markets Industry sales in the above 16-tonne truck market in Europe are estimated to be in the range of 280,000-300,000 vehicles this year, which is the strongest market since 2008. “The European above 16-tonne truck market continues to strengthen due to positive economic growth and increased freight activity,” said Preston Feight, DAF president and PACCAR vice president. “DAF achieved market share of 16.0 percent in the first half of 2016. DAF’s above 16-tonne truck registrations increased 28 percent year-to-date compared to the same period last year.” Feight added, “We are very proud that the DAF XF has been honored by Motor Transport magazine as the 2016 U.K. Fleet Truck of the Year.” Class 8 truck industry retail sales for the U.S. and Canada in 2016 are expected to be in a range of 220,000-240,000 vehicles. Peterbilt and Kenworth are benefiting from the third best U.S. and Canada Class 8 truck market in the last ten years, and have achieved 27 percent market share year-to-date this year. “The truck market reflects the good economy and high freight tonnage levels,” said Gary Moore, PACCAR executive vice president. “Our customers are benefiting from the excellent operating efficiency of Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks.” DAF is a Leader in European Truck Platooning DAF participated in the European Truck Platooning Challenge in April. The event was organized by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment to demonstrate that wirelessly-linked truck combinations, or platoons, can operate safely and efficiently across Europe. DAF and three suppliers partnered to form a team called EcoTwin. The second vehicle in the EcoTwin platoon followed the lead truck at a reduced distance. “The gap between trucks improves aerodynamics of all trucks in the platoon. This technology could achieve fuel savings of up to ten percent for our customers,” said Ron Borsboom, DAF chief engineer. Capital Investments Increase Factory Efficiency PACCAR’s excellent long-term profits, strong balance sheet, and intense focus on quality, technology and productivity have enabled the company to invest $6.0 billion in capital projects, innovative products and new technologies during the past decade. “Capital of $325-$375 million and R&D expenses of $240-$260 million are being invested this year in new product development, enhanced manufacturing facilities and aftermarket support programs,” said Harrie Schippers, PACCAR senior vice president. DAF is constructing a new $110 million environmentally friendly cab paint facility at its factory in Westerlo, Belgium. Robotic paint equipment will increase capacity and efficiency, and minimize emissions and energy consumption. The DAF cab paint facility will be the most modern commercial vehicle paint facility in the world. Harry Wolters, DAF director of operations, commented, “This technology investment will support DAF’s strategy to increase market share and reflects DAF’s leadership in producing high quality vehicles.” Kenworth’s Chillicothe, Ohio factory is constructing a new automated storage and delivery system for painted cabs, hoods, and sleepers. The $17 million, 25,000 square-foot addition will use state-of-the-art logistics technology to achieve rapid delivery of painted parts to the assembly line. “This expansion will enhance our manufacturing efficiency and production capacity,” said Judy McTigue, Kenworth Chillicothe factory plant manager. Peterbilt Expands Leadership in Refuse Truck Segment Peterbilt has expanded its refuse truck lineup with the launch of the new Peterbilt Model 520 featuring updated seating and drive configurations, enhanced styling and availability of the PACCAR MX-11 engine. Peterbilt achieved 25% share of this market segment in 2015. The Peterbilt Model 520 can be configured with a dual-seated, dual-drive cab which allows customers to operate the vehicle from both sides of the cab for greater convenience and comfort. “Peterbilt has been a leader in the refuse truck segment for nearly 50 years through vehicle innovations that bring our customers superior levels of performance, reliability and versatility,” said Darrin Siver, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The Peterbilt Model 520 is available with the new PACCAR MX-11 engine, which provides outstanding value in a lightweight and fuel-efficient engine design.” PACCAR Parts Delivers Operational Excellence PACCAR Parts generated quarterly pre-tax profit of $133.4 million in the second quarter of 2016, compared to $145.7 million achieved in the second quarter of 2015. Second quarter 2016 revenues were $756.4 million, compared to the $776.5 million earned in the second quarter last year. PACCAR Parts achieved pre-tax profit of $268.0 million in the first six months of 2016, compared to $284.6 million in the first six months of 2015. PACCAR Parts first half 2016 revenues were $1.48 billion, compared to $1.53 billion for the same period last year. “PACCAR Parts delivers outstanding performance to DAF, Kenworth, and Peterbilt dealers and customers around the world, achieving record levels of same-day order fulfillment and shipping accuracy,” said David Danforth, PACCAR Parts general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The world-class performance of PACCAR Parts’ 17 Distribution Centers ensures that our customers can achieve excellent uptime and productivity.” Financial Services Companies Achieve Good Results PACCAR Financial Services (PFS) has a portfolio of 175,000 trucks and trailers, with total assets of $12.23 billion. PACCAR Leasing, a major full-service truck leasing company in North America and Europe with a fleet of 38,000 vehicles, is included in this segment. Second quarter PFS pre-tax income in 2016 was $77.3 million compared to $90.8 million earned in the second quarter last year. Second quarter 2016 revenues were $297.4 million compared to $293.8 million in the same quarter of 2015. For the first six months of 2016, PFS earned pre-tax income of $157.6 million compared to $179.8 million last year. First-half 2016 revenues were $586.8 million compared with $578.5 million for the same period a year ago. “PFS achieved good results due to excellent portfolio performance during the second quarter of 2016,” said Bob Bengston, PACCAR senior vice president. “Dealers and customers appreciate PFS leading-edge technology solutions, excellent customer service and dedicated support of the transportation industry in all phases of the business cycle.” “PACCAR’s excellent balance sheet, complemented by its A+/A1 credit ratings, enables PFS to offer competitive retail financing to Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF dealers and customers in 23 countries on four continents,” said Todd Hubbard, PACCAR Financial Corp. president. “We have excellent access to the commercial paper and medium-term note markets, allowing PFS to profitably support the sale of PACCAR trucks.” PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business. PACCAR will hold a conference call with securities analysts to discuss second quarter earnings on July 26, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time. Interested parties may listen to the call by selecting “Q2 Earnings Webcast” at PACCAR’s homepage. The Webcast will be available on a recorded basis through August 2, 2016. PACCAR shares are listed on NASDAQ Global Select Market, symbol PCAR. Its homepage is www.paccar.com. This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors. More information about these factors is contained in PACCAR’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.