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Hillary Clinton pushed to the limit as Iowa caucuses offer night of high drama The Guardian / February 2, 2016 Democratic race against Bernie Sanders too close to call but Republican Ted Cruz humbles Donald Trump in first contest of US presidential campaign Hillary Clinton was given the fright of her life as veteran socialist senator Bernie Sanders pushed her to the limit in the Iowa caucus, on a night of extreme drama in the first test of the US presidential election year. Ted Cruz, the maverick Texas senator, used his formidable ground game to beat the bombastic property tycoon Donald Trump into second place in the Republican race. And with Florida senator Marco Rubio enjoying a strong night in third place, the congested Republican field could yet be reshaped as a head-to-head between two Cuban Americans vying to become the first Latino president of the United States. Yet it was in the Democratic race where the closest of finishes caused high anxiety in the Clinton camp. With more than 99% of the precinct results in, Clinton led 49.9% to 49.6% over Sanders after seeing an apparently comfortable lead slip. The Associated Press and multiple outlets said the race was simply too close to call. Both candidates will now move on to New Hampshire buoyed up, Clinton with a “sigh of relief” that her bid to be the first female president of the United States is alive, and Sanders believing that his revolution against the “billionaire classes” truly began in the snowy cornfields of Iowa. With half of the results in across the rural midwest state, Clinton appeared to be easing to victory, three points up on the Vermont senator, whose relatively ramshackle campaign seemed to be no match for her mighty political machine. But as the night wore on, Clinton’s lead shrank to two and then one point, until she was locked in a virtual tie with the 74-year-old whose passion has ignited a fervour among young Americans. Appearing onstage in Des Moines before the final tally arrived, Clinton hailed “a contest of ideas” and appeared battle-ready for the fight of her political life. She congratulated her opponent, saying: “I am excited about really getting into the debate with Senator Sanders about the best way forward to fight for us in America.” The democratic socialist, though, had clearly stolen the momentum heading into the New Hampshire primary on 9 February – and a prolonged fight appears inevitable, a far cry from what had been envisaged as a graceful procession toward the nomination for Clinton. By almost 11pm local time, the two Democratic rivals had both given what sounded like competing victory speeches. Sanders raised the roof as he told supporters: “While the results are still not known, it looks like we are in virtual tie,” adding: “The people of Iowa have sent a very profound message to the political establishment, the economic establishment, and by the way to the media establishment.” Largely written off by both the media and Democratic leaders, Sanders has been attracting huge crowds across the state since he first started campaigning here in the summer and made Clinton’s poll leads that reached as high as 32% all but evaporate. Late on Monday night in Des Moines, a crowd at Sanders’ victory party was watching him inch to within 0.2 percentage points down, to a tie on the television overhead, then back down to 0.2 points. Someone put on Sanders’ fight song – the Simon & Garfunkel anthem America. “They’ve all come to look for America,” sang the throng. Iowa proved Bernie Sanders can win – and that Hillary Clinton is beatable | Lucia Graves Across town at the Clinton event, the former first lady, secretary of state and senator was introduced by retired Iowa senator Tom Harkin and his wife Ruth, both popular figures who endorsed Clinton last summer. Harkin embraced what he said was a “narrow” victory for Clinton, even as the results were still being counted. “Hey, folks, a win is a win!” he exclaimed. Clinton herself stopped short of declaring victory as she took the stage, flanked by husband Bill and daughter Chelsea, before a crowd of roughly 700 supporters. “Wow, what a night, an unbelievable night,” she said. “Now, as I stand here tonight breathing a sigh of relief – thank you.” At times the cheers so deafening they drowned out Clinton’s words. It was an outright celebration, however narrow the result, of a candidate who eight years ago suffered a bruising defeat in the same state at the hands of Barack Obama. This time, she will head to New Hampshire having hit her stride – campaigning laboriously for every vote. Last time she slipped to third in Iowa behind Obama and John Edwards. As midnight approached, with 50 of the 1,683 precincts still to declare, Clinton led 49.9% to 49.6%. However, rumours began to circulate that some of the results were in dispute and that the Democratic party had failed to staff 90 caucuses, raising the prospect of an ugly clash between the Clinton and Sanders camps. In the Republican contest, it was a predictably chastening night for Jeb Bush, the candidate with all of the money and the presidential lineage who has been diminished by the taunts of Donald Trump saying he is “low energy”. Bush barely registered, in sixth place on 2.8% behind retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson in fourth and libertarian Rand Paul in fifth. But the Republican night belonged to Cruz, who called it “a victory for courageous conservatives across Iowa and all across this great nation”, vowing that the Republican nominee for 2016 “will not be chosen by the Washington establishment”. If the taming of Trump was a surprise – Cruz picked up the most votes ever in a Republican Iowa caucus – there is also a warning from history. In the last seven contested national caucuses, they have chosen the eventual nominee only three times. Donald Trump gave a rare display of humility during a brief speech at a hotel in West Des Moines. “We finished second and I want to tell you seriously I am honoured,” he said, making a point to “congratulate Ted”. After months of crowing about how he was destined to win, he immediately moved to reframe expectations, saying that he had been warned “do not to go to Iowa. You could never finish even in the top 10”. “We’re just so happy about the way everything turned out,” he added. However, the mood at Donald Trump’s party in western Des Moines went from subdued when it emerged he had been pushed into second place by Cruz, to outright downbeat when it became apparent he had been almost tied by third-place Rubio. A defiant Rubio echoed the words of Barack Obama in 2008 when he took the stage at his caucus night party in Des Moines. “So this is the moment they said would never happen. For months, they told us we had no chance,” Rubio told a raucous crowd inside a ballroom at the downtown Marriott. “They told me I needed to wait my turn. They told me we had no chance because my hair wasn’t gray enough and my boots were too high,” he said, referring to a minor media storm about his Cuban heel boots. “But tonight, here in Iowa, the people of this great state have sent a very clear message after seven years of Barack Obama we are not waiting any longer,” he added. If Rubio can lead the establishment crowd in New Hampshire, Chris Christie, John Kasich and Jeb Bush will be all but done and he may come through the middle as a youthful alternative. Cruz is deeply unpopular in his own party and Trump is diminished if not yet vanquished. “Ground game, ground game, ground game” was the reason that Cruz’s Iowa’s co- chair Matt Schultz gave for his candidate’s triumph. Cruz staffers had long been supremely confident that they had the resources on the ground to triumph and felt confident that they had done everything right. Unlike Trump, their candidate had visited all 99 counties and built up what was universally acknowledged to be the best field organisation of any candidate. The mood at the Cruz party was jubilant. A cover band played rock and country music as attendees slowly started to grasp their achievement in winning the caucuses. The crowd’s enthusiasm barely flagged as Cruz spoke for about 25 minutes to the assembled audience at the Elwell building on the grounds of the Iowa state fair. In an interview on caucus day, Cruz’s state director, Bryan English, told the Guardian that their organisation “was a model”. “It’s an organic process … go straight to people, meeting them where they are, in twos, threes, and fives, then dozens, hundreds and thousands … It’s not through paid media, not through direct mail, but through person to person relationship building.” The two casualties of the night were Martin O’Malley, who dropped out of the Democratic race, and Mike Huckabee, who suspended his Republican campaign.

The Times-Picayune / February 1, 2016 Short-haul truckers that serve the Port of New Orleans will soon be able to apply for funds to upgrade or replace their trucks, thanks to a $727,000 "Clean Diesel" grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant was given to the port as part of its Clean Truck Replacement Incentive Program, or Clean TRIP. Drayage and short-haul truck owners who operate within the Port's three-parish jurisdiction are now eligible to replace truck models between 1993 and 2006 with model year 2011 or new through the program. "This program will enable truck owners to voluntarily invest in cleaner air by replacing older trucks," port president and CEO Gary LaGrange said in a statement. "It will also enable us to initiate a community dialogue around air quality and opportunities for improvement." In a separate statement, Sen. David Vitter said he appealed to the leader of the EPA's Diesel Emission Reduction Act in June, urging the agency to grant funds necessary to "update and modernize their aging trucking fleet." The port's environmental department will oversee the program, ensuring the application process for replacements and upgrades is fair and transparent, a spokesman for the port said in a news release. The total project cost is $1.537 million, with $700,000 coming from mandatory cost share with eligible truck owners and $110,636 coming from the Port for administrative costs. Press Release - http://portno.com/clean_TRIP_Grant2016

Transport Engineer / February 2, 2016 Exeter-based heavy haulage firm Aardvark Hire has taken delivery of the UK’s first Renault Trucks Range C520.26 6x4 tractor running at 80 tonnes under Special Types Category 2. Supplied by Renault Trucks Exeter, the Range C has a reinforced chassis and fifth wheel as well as a Voith retarder, uprated braking system and light bars and lamps supplied through Kelsa. This is the third Renault vehicle on Aardvark’s fleet of four – the others are a Renault Lander 6x4 and two Range T tractors. The Range C is moving heavy plant machinery including large excavators and dump trucks across the South West and throughout the UK. “Business is booming and we needed an additional vehicle to cope with the extra demand,” says Andy Lowe, Aardvark’s director. “The customer service we received from Renault Trucks Exeter with previous vehicles has been superb so we had no hesitation in contacting them again for our latest requirements.” The Range C, he adds, is living up to its promise: “We needed a seriously tough vehicle and the Range C hasn’t let us down. We are often delivering to open fields which are muddy and wet. Where other manufacturer’s vehicles would get stuck, the new Range C doesn’t and we can literally send it anywhere. “The traction is incredible and the double drive pulls the vehicle effortlessly out of difficult terrain. We’re also seeing some pretty impressive fuel consumption figures, too, returning 8 mpg on general work and 5 mpg fully loaded. “All in all it’s a fantastic bit of kit and the driver is over the moon, too.” .

Transport Engineer / February 1, 2016 A fully refurbished bonneted Scania T Series 6x4 tipper, which has just rejoined KW Purvis’s fleet, is recording more ‘likes’ than ever on Thompsons’ new Facebook webpage. Far more than six new Scania/Thompsons 8x4 tippers specified with Thompsons curved floor steel Multimaster bodies, which were recently delivered to the Alnwick, Northumberland-based company. KW Purvis has been running Thompson-bodied Scania tippers for years, and selected a top-spec, all-steel Loadmaster for its refurbished Scania T-cab. “Our T-Cab tipper is special, not only because it’s a very rare truck in the UK, but also because we’ve had it from new,” explains company owner David Purvis. “It’s already earned its keep through a 16-year working life, but I really want to keep it going for many more years to come,” he continues. “As well as being a really rugged and reliable vehicle, it’s also a key part of our company heritage. And being a highly individual truck, it also creates lots of recognition.” All chassis and cab work was undertaken by truck restoration specialist Ian Bone & Sons, of Carlisle. Adding the Loadmaster tipper body means the T-Cab’s future life is now almost indefinite, according to Purvis. “This has been a unique project for us,” comments Thompsons sales manager Ian Chaplin, who oversaw bodybuilding at the firm’s Blackburn factory. “We always appreciate the opportunity to do something a bit special, and this truck certainly is,” he continues. “The body is [different to] standard Loadmasters too, not only because it’s much shorter, but by also because it has a dual-purpose automated tailgate, which can operate either as a conventional top-hinged design or as barn doors for demolition work.” As for KW Purvis’s latest Scania tippers, these were all specified with the trucks’ larger G-cab and the 450bhp engine. They have been fitted with auto tailgates, electric sheeting, underfloor tipping gear and alloy wheels. They tare off at 13,100kgs. .

Scania Group Press Release / February 1, 2016 Scania is celebrating 125 years of innovation in 2016. From its founding as a privately owned wagon-building company back in 1891 to today’s connected vehicles, Scania has stood steady through hostile take-over attempts and financial crises. And today, that successful journey continues. Here’s a brief rundown of Scania’s history, from its beginnings in 1891 through to today,: 1891: The privately owned wagon-building company Vabis is established in Södertälje and sets about producing open goods wagons and transport wagons. Some 20 years later, Scania-Vabis is created through the amalgamation of Vabis with the Malmö-based, privately owned machine-manufacturing company Scania. 1923: Scania-Vabis designer August Nilsson develops a four-cylinder, overhead-valve engine. The engine’s power and reliability are of major benefit in trucks and buses. 1936: Scania-Vabis develops its first diesel engine, something that impresses the trade press during test drives. “To my surprise, I could hardly hear the engine,” wrote one journalist. “However, I certainly felt its effect as the bus shot forward like an arrow.” 1961: Scania-Vabis builds on its success in Brazil, opening its first ever production facility outside Sweden in São Bernardo do Campo, near São Paulo. 1969: A legend is born! Scania introduces a 350 hp, 14-litre V8 turbocharged engine. It is the most powerful truck motor in Europe at the time and pioneers Scania’s low-rev philosophy with a high-torque output at low engine speeds. 1980: Scania launches the 2-series, the first modular commercial vehicle range 1988: The new 3-series is launched and the following year takes the International Truck of the Year award. Scania is now able to tailor trucks according to customer specifications. 1995: The 4-series is launched and the following year also receives the International Truck of the Year award. 2000: Scania’s millionth vehicle rolls off the assembly line. 2003: Scania’s Young European Truck Driver competition makes its debut. Numerous winners have since been crowned. 2009: Scania launches the Scania Touring, a new coach built in partnership with Chinese bus bodybuilder Higer. Scania and Higer has joined forces to produce buses in China for the world market – a pioneering step forward in bus manufacturing. 2010: Boasting 730 hp, Scania’s new V8 engine is the most powerful in the world without having to compromise on fuel efficiency. 2011: Two years before it becomes legally compulsory, Scania introduces Europe’s first Euro 6 truck. 2013: New Streamline models for long distance transport are launched. 2015: Scania delivers its 150,000th truck with activated connectivity. Scania is contributing to global sustainable transport, making it much larger than just its products. During 2016, the company’s most important asset – its employees – will also be in focus. There’s a definite pride associated with working at Scania. Together, we have shaped our past and, together, we are building the future. Press Release - http://mb.cision.com/Main/209/9905448/471087.pdf .

MAN Truck & Bus Press Release / February 1, 2016

The Navy Times / February 2, 2016 NEWPORT NEWS, VA. — Another milestone is being marked for the Navy’s newest ship. Huntington Ingalls Industries said workers at Newport News Shipbuilding have installed the engines which will power the eighth ship to bear the name “Enterprise”. Officials said work continues on piping and electrical systems, and habitability areas such as the galley and mess spaces. Construction of the Enterprise began in November 2009. The ship’s christening is scheduled for Nov. 9. “The Enterprise provides the high-volume firepower, survivability, sustainability and mobility needed by the U.S. Navy for the 21st Century and beyond,” says Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. “The Enterprise is the lead ship in a new class capable of meeting the mission roles of the present and future,” says Secretary Mabus. Designed to move the weapons and propulsion technology needles significantly forward, the Enterprise incorporates twelve strategically-located Lockheed-Martin 50,000 terawatt laser guns, the result of decades of Pentagon research. The ship’s advanced hybrid propulsion system is classified. .

Fleet Owner / February 1, 2016 Also adds new first-owner extended engine protection plan A new diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning interval of 500,000 miles for the 2016 Cummins ISX15 engine along with Encore Xtra, a new in-service extended protection plan available for 2010 and 2013 model ISX12 and ISX15 engines, are designed to boost residual value and reduce the total cost of ownership for truck owners. Cummins said its 2016 ISX15 engine is now capable of an extended DPF ash cleaning interval reaching up to 500,000 miles for conventional linehaul applications with fuel economy greater than 5.5 MPG; a longer interval that results from engine “design enhancements” that reduced oil consumption and ash accumulation. Then there is Encore Xtra, a new in-service extended protection plan available for 2010 and 2013 ISX12 and ISX15 engines. While traditional Encore plans have only been available to used-truck buyers, Encore Xtra is also available to the first owner in recognition of some customers' longer trade cycles, the company noted. Cummins said the new Encore Xtra plan must be registered by 6 years/650,000 miles and after any current extended coverage has expired. That should help provide lower TCO for the first ownership cycle, while increasing residual value for trucks at time of resale, the OEM pointed out.

Volvo Truck touts record Class 8 sales for 2015 Fleet Owner / February 1, 2016 Market share now 12.4% in North America, OEM says. Volvo Trucks said it achieved record Class 8 sales in North America of 30,930 units in 2015, with its retail market share reaching 12.4% as a result, an increase of 0.4 percentage points from 2014. Volvo added that it reached a record 12.2% NAFTA market share (36,940 vehicles) compared with 11.9% (32,281) in 2014. Volvo market share in Mexico topped 4.9% and 16.3% (4,884 vehicles) in Canada last year, according to data compiled by the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, IHS Automotive and WardsAuto. The OEM that its proprietary Volvo engines were spec’d in a record 93% of the trucks sold in North America last year, with its I-Shift automated manual transmission (AMT) spec’d in 83%. Volvo added that over 27% of all the commercial trucks it sold in 2015 featured an XE package aimed at generating increased fuel economy. Offered for Volvo’s 11-liter D11, 13-liter D13 and 16-liter D16 engines, the XE package improves fuel efficiency by lowering engine rpm at a given vehicle speed, a concept called “downspeeding.” Made possible through the combination of I-Shift and a Volvo engine with modified software, XE allows the engine to cruise about 200 rpm less than the average truck, the company noted. “We are very proud of our people, whose dedication allowed us to make these great achievements,” noted Gӧran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “It’s clear from our strong performance that the market continues to see the fuel efficiency benefits offered by our powertrain and aerodynamic truck design,” he said. “While we are very pleased with our 2015 results, we will continue to seek opportunities to make advancements in products, service and support that positively impact the bottom line of our customers.”

Trailer/Body Builders / February 1, 2016 Volvo’s U.S. retail market share was a record 12.4 percent in 2015, 0.4 percentage points higher than in 2014, with a retail volume of 30,930 vehicles compared with 26,555 in 2014. Volvo also posted a record in Canada, where market share climbed 1.0 percentage point to 16.3 percent (4,884 vehicles) compared with 2014 (4,510). Volvo also achieved a record 12.2 percent NAFTA market share (36,940 vehicles), compared with 11.9 percent (32,281) in 2014. Volvo market share in Mexico was 4.9 percent. Volvo attributed its record-breaking 2015 to positive customer response to its fuel-efficient vehicles and powertrain and its best-in-class Uptime support. The strong performance also resulted in the production of more trucks than ever before at its New River Valley Assembly plant, based in Dublin, Virginia, where all Volvo models for North America are assembled. “We are very proud of our people, whose dedication allowed us to make these great achievements,” said Gӧran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “It’s clear from our strong performance that the market continues to see the fuel efficiency benefits offered by our powertrain and aerodynamic truck design, combined with our commitment to maximizing Uptime for customers. While we are very pleased with our 2015 results, we will continue to seek opportunities to make advancements in products, service and support that positively impact the bottom line of our customers.” Volvo engines were spec’d in a record 93 percent of the trucks sold in 2015, and Volvo I-Shift penetration was a record 83 percent. More than 27 percent of all trucks sold in 2015 featured an XE package. The XE package, offered for Volvo’s 11-liter D11, 13-liter D13 and 16-liter D16 engines, improves fuel efficiency by lowering engine rpm at a given vehicle speed, a concept Volvo calls “downspeeding.” Made possible through the combination of I-Shift and a Volvo engine with modified software, XE allows the engine to cruise about 200 rpm less than the average truck sold today. Volvo’s focus on Uptime also was a key driver of the strong performance. Volvo’s North Uptime Center, based near its North American headquarters in Greensboro, N.C., brings together key support employees and technology under one roof to help ensure that customers’ trucks keep moving. The Uptime Center serves as the home for Volvo Action Service (VAS) staff, Volvo’s 24/7 support experts, who receive alerts via Remote Diagnostics when monitored fault codes appear. Remote Diagnostics is Volvo’s telematics-based proactive diagnostic and repair planning system that monitors critical fault codes. When an issue is detected, the system identifies what parts will be needed and provides technicians with straightforward repair instructions – even before the truck arrives for service. Remote Diagnostics can reduce the diagnostic time by up to 70 percent and lower repair time by more than 20 percent. Nearly 100,000 Volvo trucks are equipped with the system, which has been standard on all Volvo-powered models since 2013. Volvo Press Release - http://www.volvogroup.com/group/global/en-gb/volvo%20group/worldwide/volvo-group-north-america/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=151465&News.Language=en-gb

International debuts HX Series vocational trucks Truck News / February 1, 2016 International PayStar replaced with more modern, higher-end HX Series With a Vegas-worthy production, International Trucks today showed for the first time its new HX Series vocational trucks. The reveal came in advance of World of Concrete and starred a truck that Bill Kozek, president, truck and parts with Navistar, said will return International to the front of the pack in the vocational truck segment. “The HX will be a catalyst for International to regain leadership in the premium vocational market segment where we historically had lead,” Kozek said. “When I came here, one of the first discussions was about how we needed a vehicle like the HX to compete and to win in the construction, heavy-haul and mixer segments again. Today, we see the results of several years of hard work come to life.” The HX represents International’s first new model since 2010 when it introduced the TerraStar Class 4/5 truck. Four HX Series models will be available: the HX515, a 115-inch BBC set-forward axle straight truck; a HX615, a 115-inch BBC set-back axle truck or tractor; the HX620, a 120-inch BBC set-forward axle truck or tractor; and a fourth model, the HX520, which will debut at Truck World in Toronto in April. The HX520 will be a 120-inch BBC set-forward truck or tractor intended for heavy applications and the likely best-seller among HX models in Canada, which is why International chose to launch it there. The 515 and 615 will be powered by Navistar’s N13 engine while the HX520 and HX620 will get Cummins ISX15 power. The front end of the new truck is curvier than the PayStar it replaces, and it also boasts a more stylish interior. And it was introduced to customers and dealers in style, too. A newscast cut into the presentation on large TV monitors to break the story of an International truck that had been commandeered by a fleeing Elvis impersonator who had robbed a local casino. A police chase ensued, and ended in a yard within sight of the Strip, where customers and dealers were gathered. After some stunt driving at the launch site, Elvis was arrested by a heroic cop, who turned out to be none other than Denny Mooney, Navistar’s senior vice-president, global product development. Only in Vegas. “Of course we couldn’t pass up introducing our new truck in an over the top way,” Mooney said. “It’s Vegas – they wrote the book on being over the top.” Three HX trucks were presented for ride-and-drive opportunities. A lap around the short makeshift off-road course revealed a truck that rides well, turns tight and features a high-end, comfortable interior. “At its core, the HX represents the ultimate in endurance; a truck designed to tackle the most punishing loads and to run long and run hard and to keep the operator comfortable when he’s doing his job,” Mooney explained. International said the truck was designed around four principle attributes: strength and durability; driver productivity; style; and uptime. The HX Series can trace its roots to a former joint venture between Navistar and Caterpillar. Signs of that former partnership are most prominent in the interior. Soft-to-the-touch surface areas, snappy, solid rocker switches and a center console that angles toward the driver and provides easy access to controls are among the similarities. Outside, the truck features stylish halogen headlights with a distinctive LED brow. The hood slopes and tapers in to provide greater forward visibility than the PayStar. A raised sightline down the centre of the hood helps drivers orient themselves. Mooney said the HX offers the best forward visibility in the segment as well as a larger rear window for rearward visibility. The wheels cut 40 degrees for a tight turning radius. The truck was also built to be lighter. A three-piece Metton hood is lighter than fiberglass, the cab is aluminum and the 12.5-inch frame rails offer all the strength of double 10-inch frames, but at less overall weight, International claims. The truck also boasts the industry’s strongest tow pin, rated at 150,000 lbs for extreme recoveries. The truck I drove had classic-styled external air cleaners, an option on the longer BBC models. Mooney said designers were challenged to beat the truck up during the product validation process. “As part of the product development process and validation testing, the HX series was tested extensively in our labs in Melrose Park, Ill. and our new proving grounds in Indiana,” Mooney said. “We ran accelerated life testing on the shaker – this simulates 10 years of wear and tear of a severe-service truck in extremely difficult duty cycles. We also put it through the most rigorous portions of our proving grounds. The bottom line is, I told our test engineering team to take this truck and punish it. I wanted them to try to break it – after all, we know how our customers use these trucks. When things broke, we redesigned them so they didn’t break and when things came loose, we found ways to make them stronger.” Nice touches such as LED lighting inside the cab, a tilting, telescoping steering column, air-conditioning, power locks and power windows are all standard. The smooth ride is attributed in part to a new DriverFirst cab air suspension with 52-inch springs. Jeff Sass, senior vice-president with Navistar, said International bucked the trend towards vertical integration, opting instead for an approach he dubbed as “open integration.” “This is where we work seamlessly with leading component manufacturers and integrate leading technologies into our trucks,” he said. The launch of the HX seems to have given International Trucks back some of its swagger. “It has been a few years since we were able to say we had the product able to compete and win in the severe-service market,” Sass said. “With the HX Series, we are now able to complete our offerings in the construction and concrete markets. This will now give International Truck the most comprehensive severe-service lineup in the industry.” Sass said 132 HX trucks have already been ordered, even though the truck has just now been shown to the public. Kozek said the launch represents a great step forward in International’s resurgence. “As I reflect on where we are today, I’m incredibly proud of where we are as a company,” he said. “Today we’re building the best trucks we’ve ever built; our quality metrics show it and more importantly, our customers recognize it and believe it.” .

American Honda Motor Co. Press Release / February 1, 2016 Photo gallery - http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/honda-ridgeline-super-bowl-50-ad-lifes-a-treat-video#1

The 12.4-liter N13 is the MAN D26 (D2676) built under license in Huntsville, Alabama. Since revising it from a "massive EGR" design to SCR, they renamed it N13. Navistar apparently discontinued production of the 10.5-liter MAN D20 (D2066). With the N10 up to 350hp, and the N13 now starting from 365hp (up to 475hp), Navistar reduced their annual licensee costs to MAN. The MAN engines are extremely good, proven the world over. Navistar engine portfolio - http://www.internationaltrucks.com/trucks/engines/ N9 & N10 Spec card - http://psndealer.com/dealersite/images/tricotruck/n9_n10_speccard.pdf N13 Spec card - http://www.internationaltrucks.com/vgn-ext-templating/itrucks/assets/pdf/N13_SpecCard.pdf

Unlike the Tonka-inspired styling of the Kenworth T880 and T470, and Peterbilt 567 and 348, with the cheap new shared cab (purposed to restore Paccar's margins), the HX615 and HX620 are actually good looking construction trucks. And, the HX515 is considerably more attractive than its cousin, the CAT CT681. I'm forced to mention, the Peterbilt 367 is the last traditionally designed vocational truck on the market, and it's a looker.

International Announces HX Vocational Series Heavy Duty Trucking / February 1, 2016 International Truck Monday launched its HX Series, a line of Class 8 vocational trucks and tractors designed for the severe service industry. It’s the first new vehicle introduced by International since 2010, executives said. The HX, for Heavy eXtreme, includes four models, with set-forward and setback steer axles and long and medium-length hoods. HX replaces the PayStar, on which it’s based. “The launch of the HX Series is an opportunity for International to recapture a leading position in the vocational market – a segment we previously led,” said Troy Clarke, president and CEO of Navistar. The new series is being unveiled at 1 p.m. Pacific Time Monday at the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas. The show formally opens Tuesday. International is taking orders for this vehicle immediately. The first vehicles will be delivered this spring. The four models include: - HX515, a 115-inch bumper-to-back of cab straight truck with a set-forward steer axle. Its primary vocations including concrete mixer, construction dump, refuse/roll-off and crane carrier. - HX615, also with a 115-inch BBC, with a set-back steer axle, available as a truck and tractor. It will serve similar vocations plus construction dump and platform. - HX520, is a 120" BBC Set-forward Axle Truck or Tractor with primary vocations including heavy haul tractor, construction dump and platform stake/crane. - HX620, with a 120-inch BBC and set-back axle, also available as a truck or tractor. It can be built as a heavy haul tractor, construction dump, platform stake, crane carrier. The HX515 and the HX615 models are powered by Navistar N13 diesels, while the HX520 and HX620 models get the Cummins ISX15. Executives said all models were designed for maximum strength and durability, driver productivity, bold styling and superior uptime. “The HX Series combines aggressive styling, unstoppable capability and driver-centric features to appeal to vocational truck owners in a whole new way,” said Denny Mooney, senior vice president, Navistar global product development, saying it was designed with the driver in mind. A sloped hood gives excellent forward visibility, he said, while a 40-degree front wheel cut makes for good maneuverability. The frame is huck-bolted together, and available 12.5- by 0.5-inch main rails are rated at 3.5 million resistance-bending moment at 13% less weight than a 10-inch-high rail, allowing room for a heavier load. “The design of our new HX Series is based on in-depth discussions with leading users of severe service applications,” said Bill Kozek, president, truck and parts, for Navistar. “Each of the four models in the series has been engineered to deliver unmatched performance for the most punishing jobs, while making operators more productive.” The HX series underwent rigorous testing at Navistar’s proving grounds in northern Indiana. HXs are now available for ordering and first models will be delivered in April. International dealers have more information, which is also available here. .

Navistar launches new HX Series Fleet Owner / February 1, 2016 Aims to “recapture” Class 8 vocational market share The International HX Series is a new line of Class 8 vocational trucks being introduced by Navistar at the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas this week – a truck that will replace is PayStar model and that represents the first “all-new” vehicle introduced by the International Truck division of Navistar since 2010, said Troy Clarke, Navistar’s president and CEO, in a statement. “The launch of the HX Series is an opportunity for International to recapture a leading position in the vocational market – a segment we previously led,” he explained. “The launch of the HX Series underscores our commitment to innovation, our dedication to uptime and our position as a leader within the industry.” “The design of our new HX Series is based on in-depth discussions with leading users of severe service applications,” added Bill Kozek, Navistar’s president of truck and parts. Four HX Series models will be offered, with both set-forward and set-back front axle models in either short or long hood, depending on the application. Three models were unveiled at World of Concrete: - The HX515 is a 115in. bumper to back of cab (BBC) set-forward axle straight truck with primary vocations including concrete mixer, construction dump, refuse/roll-off and crane. - The HX615 is a 115-in. BBC set-back axle truck or tractor with primary vocations including construction dump, concrete mixer, platform stake/crane and refuse/roll-off. - The HX620 is a 120-in. BBC set-forward axle truck or tractor with primary vocations including heavy haul tractor, construction dump and platform stake/crane. - The fourth model, the HX520, is a 120-in. BBC set-forward axle truck or tractor with primary vocations including heavy haul tractor, construction dump and platform stake/crane. It will be formally unveiled at Truck World in Toronto in April. The HX515 and the HX615 models are powered by Navistar N13 engines, while the HX520 and HX620 models offer the Cummins ISX15 engine, Navistar said. The company added that it’s taking orders for the new HX line immediately, with the first vehicles expected to be delivered this spring. Photo gallery - http://fleetowner.com/equipment/international-hx-series-gets-vegas-sendoff#slide-3-field_images-182731

Navistar Press Release / February 1, 2016 New Class 8 Vocational Truck Models Drive International Truck's Re-Entry to the Construction and Concrete Market, Complete Severe Service Line-up International Truck today launched the International HX Series, a new line of Class 8 premium vocational trucks designed to deliver the strength and endurance required for the severe service industry. This is the first all-new vehicle introduced by International Truck since 2010. "The launch of the HX Series is an opportunity for International to recapture a leading position in the vocational market – a segment we previously led," said Troy Clarke, President and CEO, Navistar, Inc. "The launch of the HX Series underscores our commitment to innovation, our dedication to uptime and our position as a leader within the industry." The new truck series, unveiled today at the World of Concrete trade show, will replace the International PayStar model. "The design of our new HX Series is based on in-depth discussions with leading users of severe service applications," said Bill Kozek, president, Truck and Parts, Navistar, Inc. "Each of the four models in the series has been engineered to deliver unmatched performance for the most punishing jobs, while making operators more productive." International is taking orders for this vehicle immediately. The first vehicles will be delivered this spring. HX Series Addresses Full Range of Applications Four HX Series models will be offered, with both set-forward and set-back front axle models in either short or long hood, depending on the application. Three models were unveiled at World of Concrete: - The HX515 is a 115" BBC Set-forward Axle Straight Truck with primary vocations including concrete mixer, construction dump, refuse/roll-off and crane. - The HX615 is a 115" BBC Set-back Axle Truck or Tractor with primary vocations including construction dump, concrete mixer, platform stake/crane and refuse/roll-off. - The HX620 is a 120" BBC Set-forward Axle Truck or Tractor with primary vocations including heavy haul tractor, construction dump and platform stake/crane. The fourth model, the HX520, is a 120" BBC Set-forward Axle Truck or Tractor with primary vocations including heavy haul tractor, construction dump and platform stake/crane. It will be formally unveiled at Truck World in Toronto in April. The HX515 and the HX615 models are powered by Navistar N13 engines, while the HX520 and HX620 models offer the Cummins ISX15 engine. Each model in the HX Series delivers on four key principles of design: maximum strength and durability, driver productivity, bold styling and superior uptime. "The HX Series combines aggressive styling, unstoppable capability and driver-centric features to appeal to vocational truck owners in a whole new way," said Denny Mooney, senior vice president, Global Product Development, Navistar, Inc. "All you need to do is get behind the wheel of this truck and you will see that this is a major step forward in design, all with the driver in mind." Specifics of the HX Series include: Strength and Durability - Each model has a huck-bolted frame and cross members, which produce superior clamping force to minimize vibration and maximize structural integrity. - An available industry-leading 12.5" x .5" single rail delivers 3.5 million RBM at 13% less weight than a 10" rail, allowing room for a heavier load. - The industry's only dedicated vocational aluminum cab offers better durability than steel. - The three-piece Metton hood is stronger and lighter than fiberglass and is designed to resist cracking. - Doors feature stainless steel piano hinges for superior strength. - The industry's strongest tow pin is rated at 150,000 PSI for extreme recovery towing. Driver Productivity - The maneuverability and visibility of each truck in the HX Series is best-in-class. - A 40-degree wheel cut on both right and left turns allows for improved maneuverability, while angled fenders provide greater wheel clearance to help power through challenging grounds. - The hood's low angle makes for the industry's best front forward visibility, and the larger rear window compared to the company's prior model allows for superior rear visibility. - The HX Series is equipped with the all-new DriverFirst™ Cab Air Suspension, designed with 52" springs to produce a supremely comfortable and quiet ride reducing driver stress and improving productivity. - For faster and more convenient access, the HX Series hood has an assist mechanism requiring little effort to open. Bold and Aggressive Styling - Hoods and grilles across the entire lineup are designed to look great and stand out on the road and at the worksite. - Customers will have options for bright finishes. - The interior was ergonomically designed to offer more room for driver comfort and productivity. - The contoured door handles add hip room and storage space. - The central console is angled for easy reach to controls. - There is easy access to cup holders and the overhead console. - The standard tilt/telescoping steering column adjusts to accommodate any size driver. - Gauges are designed and positioned to deliver optimal visibility and vital information at a glance. - LED lighting is standard throughout, as are air conditioning, power windows and power locks. Industry-leading Uptime - Consistent with the International mission, the HX Series has been tested and validated to provide industry-leading uptime, with the sort of durability and endurance that customers demand. - At the Navistar Proving Grounds in Indiana, the HX Series was subjected to accelerated life testing, which simulates 10 years of wear and tear and vibration in extreme duty cycles. - Vehicles underwent staggered bumps testing, which generated torsional twist in the chassis, to ensure suspension components were stabilized and equalized. - Each model was also subjected to severe duty ditch event, in which a fully loaded vehicle is run through four ditch events that are 12" in depth. For more information on the HX Series or to locate a dealer, visit http://www.internationaltrucks.com/trucks/trucks/series/hxseries/. Press release - http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-truck-launches-hx-series-300211705.html High resolution image (HX620) - http://blogsdir.cms.rrcdn.com/8/files/2016/02/Lead-shot-International.jpg HX Series Brochure - http://www.internationaltrucks.com/vgn-ext-templating/itrucks/assets/pdf/hx/HX-Series-Brochure.pdf HX515 Spec Card - http://www.internationaltrucks.com/vgn-ext-templating/itrucks/assets/pdf/hx/HX-SpecSheet-515-03.pdf HX520 Spec Card - http://www.internationaltrucks.com/vgn-ext-templating/itrucks/assets/pdf/hx/HX-SpecSheet-520-03.pdf HX615 Spec Card - http://www.internationaltrucks.com/vgn-ext-templating/itrucks/assets/pdf/hx/HX-SpecSheet-615-03.pdf HX620 Spec Card - http://www.internationaltrucks.com/vgn-ext-templating/itrucks/assets/pdf/hx/HX-SpecSheet-620-03.pdf .

The Morning Oregonian / March 26, 1913 .

Here's Vlad getting a tow from a BTR-80 8x8 armored personnel carrier. That Vlad is something else. Never hurts to have good connections.

Related viewing - http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/43108-always-those-czech-truck-drivers/?hl=czech

Commercial Motor TV - sponsored by DAF Trucks / January 29, 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8MYV8vy-Uo

Fleet Owner / January 29, 2016 It may seem more than a little ironic to be searching out more methods for improving the fuel efficiency of commercial trucks at a time of record-lower fuel prices. But that’s exactly what the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) is up to – with plans to kick such efforts into overdrive later this year. During a conference call with reporters to tout its latest “confidence report,” entitled Determining Efficiency, NACFE Executive Director Mike Roeth talked about a “national fuel-economy roadshow” being planned for October this year – and event called “Run on less.” “Run on less” is conceived as a six-stage cross-country run from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. as a way to determine the most fuel-efficient Class 8 truck, highlighting the technology, practices and driving skills that make upper-most fuel efficiency a reality. “We’re in a period here where we’ll be releasing a major study every month,” Roeth said – confidence reports that aim to disseminate “best in class” findings about any number of components and technologies to the entire trucking industry. “One new area for us is how to determine the efficiency of technology,” he added. “We see our place as helping fleet owners figure out what to buy with respect to multitude of technologies becoming available to meet GHG [greenhouse gas] regulations. The big challenge we see over next 10 to 15 years is how to pick technologies in such a regulated marketplace.” Another are Roeth said NACFE is focusing on is the development of more “payback calculators” for motor carriers to use. “At the end of this year we’re going to engage industry best practices around payback calculators,” he explained. “Because for fleets to adopt a technology, they will need a payback analysis/ return on investment case,” Roeth stressed. “What percent fuel economy improvement will they get? How do they determine what fuel mileage percentage they will get?” It’s also important for fleets to understand their current operation, he pointed out, then take all the fuel test data they can get, plug that in with their trucks, route, business practices, and put into calculator to figure out what they can get in terms of better fuel economy and savings against their investments. “We’re beginning to dig into this with prior research – and there is a ton of it out there – and interview different players in the marketplace,” Roeth emphasized. “One of the challenges is that while a fleet is focused on how device affects their particular specs, manufacturers want to figure out how device work across hundreds of different vehicles and powertrain combinations. And in both cases, that [new technology] needs to be tested against real-world operation.” The challenge right now is that there is no one place for fleet to go get answers, he explained. “So we’re trying to consolidate information into a place where people have confidence in the reporting,” Roeth noted. “We are trying to bring all the data out so it will work everyone. And we’re focusing on OEMs as well [because] it is quite common fleets don’t trust manufacturers to bring all of the available data to them. So we’re trying to get OEMs to share more and build more confidence in them.” And if all of this works as planned, the entire trucking community – including owner-operators and small fleets as well as the big operators – should benefit. That would be a very good thing.