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Heavy Duty Trucking / February 3, 2015 Michael Jackson is retiring as general manager of Western Star Truck Sales after 10 years with Daimler Trucks North America, the company announced. Jackson is set to retire on March 31. Kelley Platt will assume Jackson's former role as general manager, leaving her role as president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. Plat has been with DTNA since 1989 playing a crucial role in the company’s acquisition of Western Star and Thomas Built Buses. "Michael has been instrumental to the success of the Western Star brand," said Martin Daum, president and CEO of DTNA. "We wish Michael the very best in his future endeavors and we have the utmost confidence in Kelley Platt and her ability to keep Western Star's momentum going." Jackson joined DTNA in 2005 as the general manager of marketing and controlling. Since taking over the role with Western Star in 2009, Jackson oversaw several successful product launches including the new Western Star 5700XE. "Working for Daimler Trucks North America has been an important part of my life professionally and personally," said Jackson. "I am pleased to retire and leave the Western Star brand in the capable hands of my successor Kelley Platt." Platt recieved her bachelor's degree in economics from Colby College and her MBA from Duke University. She will be relocating to the Portland, Ore., area to oversee Western Star's initiatives from the DTNA corporate headquarters.

Transport Topics / February 3, 2015 Navistar has added the Cummins ISB 6.7-liter diesel to the engine lineup of its International WorkStar vocational model, the truck manufacturer announced. The Cummins engine will be available in ratings up to 325 horsepower and 750 pound-feet of torque, with higher ratings available for fire and emergency applications. It will join Navistar’s proprietary 9.3-liter and 13-liter diesels in the WorkStar lineup, and will be available with Eaton manual and automated-manual transmissions or automatics from Allison. “Adding the market-accepted Cummins ISB6.7 to our vocational lineup is a key part of our strategy to offer our customers the most comprehensive options of proven components in the industry,” said Bill Kozek, president of Navistar’s truck and parts division. The Cummins ISB option for the WorkStar is available for order, and production will begin this spring. The WorkStar is the second International truck model to offer the ISB; the engine was added to the International DuraStar lineup in December 2013.

Ford Global Truck Program chief engineer.

Diesel News Australia / February 3, 2015 Truck brands inspire a peculiar loyalty among those which work with them. Many truckies have a favourite brand and model, if asked. Some of those involved in designing and building them also feel the same way. Here is one of the Mack enthusiasts involved in the development on the Mack Titan talking with love for the bulldog brand. Mack seems to be one of those brands which engenders the most affection. Historically, the B models were an integral part of the explosion in the trucking industry from the late fifties through to the early seventies. Many of the iconic trucking companies we know today started out with those early Mack trucks. The Mack was also the go to truck for road trains as they developed and grew in our remote areas. One of the modern enthusiasts for the Mack brand is Heavy Haulage Australia’s Jon Kelly, although his fleet does include a lot of Kenworths. Here is the latest version of the Titan at work in Western Australia:

The current Cargo cab was introduced in 2003. In 2013, an updated Cargo (and cab) was introduced (under the Ford Global Cargo Truck Program headed by chief engineer John Sidelko). If Ford wanted to do so, the company could marry the Cargo cab to the current F-650/750 platform and create a much more serious entry in the medium truck segment. However, Ford is not serious about the North American medium truck market. Though logical, it isn't practical for Ford US to import complete Ford Otosan Cargo medium trucks from Turkey on account of our protectionist 25 percent import tariff on imported trucks (Lyndon Johnson's 1964 Proclamation 3564, i.e. the chicken tax). Ford imports Transit Connects to the US market from Ford Otosan with passenger seats installed, claiming it as a car. Ford then removes the seats for shipment back to Turkey to be installed again, to get around the 25% truck tax. Apparently if you know a few people in congress, you can cheat the system in public view. With the majority of medium and heavy trucks on America's roads today produced by foreign truckmakers, it's clear that the chicken tax is not serving any useful purpose. If anything, it's working against US vehicle makers like Ford.

In a move to cut costs, the F-150 and Super-Duty range will be using the same cab (per Raj Nair). Do I feel a pickup cab is ideal for medium truck? No. No longer serious about the US market medium truck segment, Ford is only willing to build a compromise truck utilizing a pickup truck cab, engine and transmission. Back in the day, that was okay. But in the year 2015, most participants recognize that the requirements of an optiized medium truck design are night and day apart from both light and heavy trucks. Take for example the DAF LF (aka Kenworth K270/K370 and Peterbilt 210/220). That is a purpose designed medium truck that will operate with cutting edge efficiency, comfort, economy and maneuverability for many years.

The Seattle Times / January 30, 2015 The Bellevue-based truckmaker said 2014 yielded the second best annual profit in the company’s century-long history. Paccar reported a 16 percent increase in net income for 2014, bringing in the second best annual profit in the company’s century-long history. “Paccar’s North American customers are benefiting from good economic growth, record freight tonnage, lower fuel prices and the excellent operating efficiency of Kenworth’s and Peterbilt’s industry-leading trucks,” said company CEO Ron Armstrong. For the year, the company reported a profit of $1.4 billion, or $3.82 a share, up from $1.2 billion, or $3.30 a share, in 2013. Truck sales brought in $14.6 billion in revenue, up 12 percent from a year ago. Paccar parts generated $3.1 billion, up 9 percent over last year and a record for the business. Total revenue for the company, including financial services, increased almost 11 percent to nearly $19 billion — a record high for the company. During 2014, the company opened a new distribution center in Montreal, Canada, and began construction of a new 160,000-square-foot distribution center in Renton. Paccar delivered 142,900 trucks worldwide in 2014 — including its one millionth Kenworth truck. In U.S. and Canada, the company sold 84,800 trucks, up 23 percent from 2013. European sales were down 18 percent to 39,500 trucks. In a conference call with analysts, Armstrong said the political tensions with Russia have affected demand in that country to some extent. But with freight activity increasing in Europe as a whole, the European market has the potential to improve. “I think it’s a matter of people getting confident about how the future may look for them,” he said. “Once they gain that confidence, they will be willing to be more aggressive in placing that order.” The company delivered 3,600 trucks in South America for the year, a 37 percent increase from 2013, due in part to production rising at the Brazil factory that was built in 2013. Analysts on the call questioned what impact declining oil prices will have on Paccar’s sales in 2015. Because only about 10 percent of the company’s truck volume is related to supporting the oil industry, principally as water and sand trucks, Paccar does not expect much backlash due to possible reduced oil exploration. “Our assessment of the impact of the lower oil prices is a positive for the U.S. and U.S. economy,” Armstrong said. “That will create additional consumer spending and consumer demand, which I think will benefit freight volumes.” For the quarter, Paccar reported a profit of $394.3 million, or $1.11 cents a share, up 18 percent from $334.2 million, or 94 cents a share, for the same period in 2013. Truck sales brought in the majority of revenue, increasing 13 percent to just under $4 billion. Total revenue for the company during the forth quarter was $5.1 billion, up 11 percent from the same period in 2013. Paccar is one of several heavy- and medium-duty truck producers under investigation by the European Commission for possible anti-competitive practices in the European Union. The commission began investigating the companies in January 2011, and in November sent a “statement of objections” to each company involved, informing them of its suspicions of anti-competitive practices. Paccar is preparing a response, which the commission will review before making any decisions. Friday the company again said it is unable to predict the outcome of the proceedings or estimate the potential fine that may be incurred. Paccar shares closed Friday at $60.11, down $3.94 or 6.2 percent. Shares traded between $53.59 and $71.15 in 2014. More information: http://www.paccar.com/news/current-news/2015/paccar-reports-record-annual-revenues/

Australasian Transport News / February 2, 2015 Australia’s trucking fleet is both growing and ageing, according to the latest registration data The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its annual census of the national vehicle fleet, with some interesting insights into the state of it. ABS numbers show that freight vehicles are growing in absolute number and in comparison to passenger vehicles on Australian roads, but they are also not getting any younger on average. Rigid trucks accounted for 2.6 per cent of the total number of vehicles registered in 2014, down slightly from the 2.7 per cent recorded in the 2009 census year. Numbers of light rigid trucks rose 22.5 per cent over the same period, while heavy rigid truck registrations have grown by 6 per cent since 2009. While more trucks are taking to Australian roads, they are not necessarily new trucks. The influx has not changed the average age of the national freight transport fleet. Light commercial vehicles have had an average of 10.4 years since 2009, while light rigid trucks have gotten older – from an average of 10.9 years in 2009 to 11.1 years during the 2014 survey. The average ages of heavy rigid and articulated trucks have also risen – from 15.4 to 15.6 years and from 10.7 years to 11.4 years respectively. Of the 329,464 heavy rigid trucks registered for use in Australia, some 43.5 per cent were manufactured in or before 1998. Only 60,882, or 18 per cent, were manufactured in the last five years.

http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/31288-peterbilt-model-320-lcf-gets-new-interior/

FYI: The 320 is the only Peterbilt model not produced in Denton, Texas. Rather, it is built at Paccar's Mexicali, Mexico plant alongside Kenworth models. The company says the 320's COE configuration isn't compatible with Denton's production line.

Heavy Duty Trucking / January 28, 2015 When the covers were pulled off the 2016 Nissan Titan XD full-size pickup at the 2015 North American International Auto Show earlier this month, it was really two debuts in one with the all-new Cummins 5.0L V-8 Turbo Diesel engine being shown for the first time too. The Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel in the upcoming 2016 Nissan Titan XD features a Cummins M² Two-Stage Turbocharger, which is configured to work well at both low and high engine speeds. The series sequential turbocharging system, involving two differently sized turbochargers, effectively provides a small turbocharger for low air flow requirements and a large turbo for high air flow. The small turbo provides the advantage of good transient response due to its low inertia and the large turbo maintains power at higher engine speeds. This helps eliminate turbo lag, providing a continuous delivery of peak torque through the RPM range. In order to control the air flow between the two turbochargers, the new M² system from Cummins Turbo Technologies uses a rotary valve to open ports that perform the bypass or waste-gate functionality and provide exhaust after-treatment thermal management. “We are excited to have Cummins as a partner to launch the new Titan XD. The Indiana-made Cummins 5.0L V8 is a perfect fit for our truck that was designed in California, engineered in Detroit, and will be assembled in Mississippi,” said Rich Miller, chief product specialist, Titan, Nissan North America, Inc. “The 2016 Titan reflects the passion that both Nissan and Cummins employees have toward their heritage as truck people. We collectively know what we would want in our own truck and pulled together all of those traits into one unbeatable package that we are thrilled to finally show the world.”

Fleet Owner / January 29, 2015 Freightliner Trucks has announced new option packages that are now available to order on its Class 6/7 M2 106 medium-duty truck model. The new packages were introduced at the 2014 Work Truck Show. “We know our medium-duty customers want options that enhance productivity, efficiency and driver recruitment, and we are delivering smart solutions on all levels,” said Mary Aufdemberg, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. The new options for the M2 106 include: AllisonTransmission’s FuelSense technology “Ideal for pickup and delivery applications, FuelSense is a set of unique software packages including features that automatically adapt to shift cycles and torque, maximizing transmission efficiency based on load, grade and duty cycle, without compromising performance. When ordered in the Efficiency Package, FuelSense is paired with an exclusive 220hp and 600 lbs.-ft. of torque Cummins ISB6.7 engine. Features such as the increased torque rating allows operation at lower engine RPMs, mitigating downshifts; and FuelSense’s neutral-at-stop feature, which takes the load off the engine and transmission while stopped in traffic or at a light, further contribute to meaningful fuel savings. The Efficiency Package also includes a 5.22 axle ratio and synthetic fuel efficiency lube for the steer and drive axles.” Driver Retention Package This package includes “popular premium interior features that will contribute to driver comfort during tough working conditions. Options include a roof console with storage; premium insulation; a wood grain instrument panel; additional in-dash power outlets; Bluetooth-enabled SiriusXM radio; a high-back air suspension heated driver seat; dual driver seat armrests; power windows and door locks; and an adjustable tilt and telescoping steering column.” Professional Image Package This package offers a variety of chrome and bright finish options for the M2 106, including a chrome hood mounted air intake grille; a hood-mounted chromed plastic grille; a 14-inch round polished air horn; chrome headlight bezels; bright-finished heated and remote mirrors; polished fuel tanks with painted bands; three-piece chromed steel bumper; and polished stainless steel steps.

Fleet Owner / January 29, 2015 Peterbilt Motors Co. has announced that its low-cab forward Model 320 reached record production in 2014 with more than 1,600 trucks built—which amounts to a 12% year-over-year increase. The specialty vehicle – used primarily in refuse operations and concrete-pumper applications – was recently introduced with an entirely new interior. A right-hand, stand-up cab configuration was announced late last year as well. Additionally, the company said it would introduce a dual-steer configuration later this year. “The Model 320 has been a proven performer for many years and through many harsh operating environments. Since 2000 we’ve seen large market share gains for the Model 320,” said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt assistant gm - sales and marketing. “We anticipate even larger gains ahead as customer reception of the new Model 320 is outstanding, providing super ior fit and finish and numerous enhancements that improve operator comfort, productivity and safety,” he added. .

Ford's 2014 profit fell 56 percent amid new-product blitz 'Strong growth' predicted for '15 despite darker outlook for Europe Automotive News / January 29, 2015 Ford Motor Co. posted a drop in fourth-quarter profit and said earnings fell 56 percent in 2014 as it introduced 24 vehicles worldwide while U.S. market share declined. Annual net income fell to $3.2 billion from $7.2 billion in 2013. Ford earned $52 million in the fourth quarter, marking its 22nd consecutive profitable quarter, but that was down from $3 billion in the same period a year earlier, when results were boosted by favorable tax benefits. “2014 was a solid yet challenging year for Ford -- with our investments and a record number of new products launched around the world positioning us for strong growth this year and beyond,” CEO Mark Fields said in a statement. “The entire Ford team remains focused on our three priorities of accelerating our One Ford plan, delivering product excellence and driving innovation in every part of the business.” Annual revenue was down 2 percent, to $144.1 billion, as Ford booked fewer trucks and other vehicles coming off the assembly line. Ford's results still beat most Wall Street expectations. Ford shares rose 2.7 percent to $14.85 as the overall markets rallied today. The fourth-quarter results included a previously disclosed $800 million pretax charge related to currency devaluation in Venezuela. Excluding that and other special items, including costs related to job cuts in Europe and Asia Pacific, Ford earned a quarterly operating profit of $1.1 billion, 15 percent less than a year ago. In North America, Ford earned $6.9 billion last year, 22 percent less than it did in 2013. As a result, about 50,000 hourly UAW members at Ford will receive profit-sharing checks averaging $6,900. Last year’s profit-sharing checks averaged $8,800, a record. The payouts, to be made in March, will total about $345 million. 2015 outlook As production and sales of the vehicles introduced in 2014 ramp up, Ford said it expects to earn a 2015 pretax profit of $8.5 billion to $9.5 billion, which matches the guidance it provided in September. Fields said Ford expects to produce the majority of its 2015 profits in the second half of the year, as inventories of the recently introduced vehicles rise, whereas historically the first half tends to be more profitable. Ford CFO Bob Shanks said the company’s 2015 operating margin would improve from last year’s 3.9 percent, which was a drop from the 5.4 percent it managed in 2013. “I think we’ll do much better than that in 2015,” Shanks told reporters at Ford headquarters this morning. “We do expect to see a substantial increase in our wholesales this year. You’re going to see a pretty big step up … and our share improve as well. You’re going to see a lot of strong growth numbers from Ford in 2015.” F-150 'flying off lots' Ford has said dealers will have a full supply of the redesigned F-150 around April. Ford started shipping F-150s from its Dearborn Truck Plant in November, and its truck plant in Kansas City, Mo., which was down for a month to retool, reopened this week. Shanks said the F-150 launch is going “extremely well,” with the Dearborn plant now up to full speed. “Vehicles are literally flying off the lots,” he said. “Mix is extremely rich. Pricing is very, very healthy.” Ford sales slipped 1 percent in the U.S. last year, with its share falling to 14.9 percent from 15.9 percent at the end of 2013. Executives have attributed the decline to the F-150 production changeover, though other nameplates also underperformed their segments. The full-year results, equal to $1.16 a share, were slightly above Wall Street’s expectation of $1.11. The fourth quarter was Ford’s fifth consecutive quarter of positive automotive operating cash flow. Its Asia Pacific region achieved a record $589 million operating profit for the year. European outlook In Europe, Ford’s losses narrowed to $443 million in the fourth quarter and $1.1 billion on the year. Ford lowered its guidance for Europe, saying it expects to do better than last year but worse than the $250 million loss it previously projected. Ford Motor Credit Co. had its best year since 2011, earning $1.9 billion in 2014. That was 6 percent better than a year ago, driven by increases in both lending and leasing. Among the company’s biggest problems is Venezuela, where it has changed its accounting methods to reflect the difficulty of operating its business there. “We don’t see anything changing going forward,” Shanks said. “We have difficulty getting access to hard currency.” Including the accounting charge, Ford lost $1.2 billion in South America last year, compared to a $33 million loss there in 2013. That contrasts with the growth Ford is experiencing in Asia Pacific, where the company’s joint ventures in China produced a $1.3 billion profit. Ford market share in China rose from 4.1 percent in 2013 to 4.5 percent in 2014.

Auto Maker Sees Revenue, Market Share Rising After Challenging 2014 Wall Street Journal / January 29, 2015 Ford Motor Co. pledged to put weak earnings behind it with a strong 2015 forecast, but persistent losses in Europe and emerging markets show the challenge of kicking results into overdrive. On Thursday, the No. 2 U.S. auto maker reported a sharp drop in fourth-quarter net profit, due largely to accounting moves. But margins also eroded as revenue slipped 4.5% and costs piled up for product launches in its North American home market. Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks referred to 2014 as a “solid, but challenging” period. An economic downturn in Russia, weakness in South America and costs from a record pace of U.S. recalls hit Ford hard, forcing the auto maker to miss its original full-year profit outlook. Still, the Dearborn, Mich., auto maker topped analysts’ forecasts for operating profit in the quarter ended Dec. 31, posting profit before special items of $1 billion, or 26 cents a share, compared with $1.3 billion, or 32 cents a year earlier. Net profit slipped to $52 million during the period, down significantly from the $3 billion recorded a year earlier. Ford had a sizable one-time tax benefit that bumped up results in the fourth quarter of 2013. Profit in the latest quarter was hit by lower sales volumes, a $700 million charge for removing Venezuela from its consolidated operations and restructuring costs in Europe and Australia. Revenue declined even as industry sales sizzled in the period. The pressure is on to deliver better results this year. The first six months of Chief Executive Officer Mark Fields ’s tenure were marked by sales declines in key products and regions. Mr. Fields also has called 2015 a “breakthrough year.” Russia, in particular, poses a big problem this year for Ford, which has invested heavily in the region over the past five years. Weakening conditions there caused Ford to lower its expectations in Europe overall. Similarly, General Motors Co. , which reports earnings next week, said on Thursday it was temporarily shuttering a plant in Russia that makes its Opel brand vehicles. “We need to take more action in Russia,” Mr. Shanks said in an interview. Ford, which runs a joint venture with Russia’s Sollers JSC, has laid off hundreds of workers and cut production as the nation’s weak economy and falling currency hurt demand. Mr. Shanks didn’t say what actions Ford would consider, but ruled out removing the business from consolidated operations. Ford’s global revenue declined $1.7 billion in the quarter to $35.9 billion because of lower vehicle sales around the globe, including fewer deliveries in a North American market that is at a near-decade high. Ford has forecast a big turnaround this year with new vehicles entering the market late in 2014 that promise to increase sales and revenue. The auto maker suffered a slowdown late in the year due to a critical production changeover for its top-seller, the F-150 pickup truck. Adjusted for one-time costs, including the Venezuelan effort and costs related to cutting jobs in Asia and Europe, Ford earned 26 cents a share, better than the 23 cents expected by analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. For the year, Ford posted a $6.3 billion operating profit and kept its forecast for 2015 pretax operating profits at between $8.5 billion and $9.5 billion. In North America, traditionally Ford’s strongest region, quarterly pretax profits fell to $1.55 billion from $1.8 billion the previous year. Ford didn’t reap much of the benefit of having its Dearborn, Mich., truck plant back online after shutting it for several weeks in the third quarter as production was still slow. Car makers book revenue when cars are shipped to dealers, not when they are sold to consumers. Ford’s quarterly losses in Europe shrank to $443 million from $529 million a year earlier. Ford finished its restructuring last year with the closing of its Genk, Belgium, plant. Overall, Ford reduced capacity in the region by 18% and closed three plants, but it isn’t projecting profits in the region this year. Losses in its South American business expanded to $187 million from $126 million. Asia-Pacific profits fell to $95 million from $109 million on higher warranty costs and exchange rates. Deliveries in the region rose only slightly. Profits at its finance arm, Ford Motor Credit, rose to $408 million from $355 million a year ago.

Press Release / January 28, 2015 Comments by Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO: “Scania’s net sales rose to a record level of SEK 92 billion (US$11,098 billion) and earnings for the full year 2014 increased to SEK 8,721 million (US$1,052 million). Record service volume, record earnings in Financial Services and positive currency rate effects were partly offset by a weaker market mix. Total order bookings for trucks increased during the fourth quarter, compared to the previous quarter. The increase was primarily related to an upturn in Europe, which is in line with the seasonal pattern in the European market. Scania has strengthened its position in the European market with increased market share compared to 2013, among other things through a leading Euro 6 range and a broad range of engines for alternative fuels. Order bookings in Latin America decreased. Low economic activity and uncertainty about the subsidised financing programme in Brazil had a negative impact. In Asia, order bookings decreased compared to the previous quarter, related to the Middle East. Order bookings in Russia held up but the outlook for the region is uncertain. In buses and coaches, order bookings were sequentially higher, driven by Asia. In Engines, order bookings and deliveries reached all-time high levels. Scania is continuing its long-term efforts to boost market share in Services and revenue increased by 8 percent to a record SEK 18.8 billion (US$2,267 billion) during 2014. Financial Services reported record earnings, with operating income of more than SEK 1 billion (US$120.6 million). Regarding transmissions, Scania has initiated extensive cooperation with MAN, which will mean a stronger product offering and generate significant synergies in the longer term.” For more information: http://mb.cision.com/Main/209/9714285/337099.pdf .

Successful Dealer / January 22, 2015 Penske Used Trucks has opened three more locations in Dallas, metro Atlanta and Ontario, doubling its commercial truck dealership footprint in North America. The company now has six locations including Phoenix; Torrance, California; and Charlotte, North Carolina. “These commercial truck dealerships have proven to be an effective sales channel for our company,” says Jack Mitchell, Penske Vice President of Remarketing. “We are picking strong truck resell markets when deciding on new locations. The centers complement our website, call center and Penske dealer representative sales efforts.” The Dallas and Mississauga, Ontario locations are open six days per week. The Conyers, Ga. location is open Monday through Friday.

Press Release / January 27, 2015 Wheel-End Management System Meritor and Temper Axle Products Corp. of Fonda, New York have partnered to offer Doctor Preload and Temper-Loc spindle nuts for quick preload, or "tight" bearing adjustments on a variety of steer, drive and trailer axles. Proper preload settings improve the life of tires, bearings, spindles and wheel seals and decreases ABS faults. When used together, the Doctor Preload bearing adjustment tool and the Temper-Loc single-lock nut system help fleets meet the SAE J2535 optimal bearing setting of a light preload. Preload settings maintain a slight force on all rollers in tapered roller bearings to minimize vibration and angular movement in wheel-ends. "Meritor's solution with the Temper Axle products is a cost-effective alternative to preadjusted hubs now on the market," Bickford said. "The ability to set a proper preload is critical to reducing fleet operating expenses and vehicle downtime," he added. "Fleets already using the system are finding it to be a valuable addition to their maintenance practices." Doctor Preload is easy to use and requires minimal training. Qualified technicians can set proper preload on each wheel-end bearing with reliable and repeatable processes in less than one minute. It is backed by millions of hours of precision-load cell testing and hundreds of thousands of road miles. "We created the Doctor Preload tool and Temper-Loc nut system in response to the all-too-common loose bearing setting or slight endplay, which we found leads to premature tire wear," said Ray Piascik, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Temper Axle Products Corp. "Improved tire mileage is a compelling benefit, especially when it can be achieved with minimal added effort." Doctor Preload tools are covered by a 1-year warranty while Temper-Loc nuts are covered by a 3-year warranty from the date of installation. Genuine Meritor Hubcaps A new line of Meritor hubcaps is now available as part of an expanding portfolio of wheel-end replacement products. The offering includes aluminum and clear poly hubcaps that meet the operating demands of most heavy-duty applications, said Pete Freeman, senior product manager, Wheel-Ends. Meritor hubcaps are a direct replacement for many competitive models. The hubcaps are available in standard cast aluminum with or without side fill-plug, high-impact clear poly. They can also be purchased with or without a vented plug and high-impact clear poly for hub odometer applications. Each hubcap is packaged with a gasket or O-ring as required. Meritor's wheel-end component portfolio includes automatic and manual slack adjusters, standard and premium wheel seals, wheel bearings, hubs, drums, brake chambers, camshafts and new and remanufactured brake shoes. All wheel-end products are available through the Meritor Aftermarket distribution centers in Florence, Kentucky and Brampton, Ontario, Canada. To order, customers can visit meritorparts.com or call 888.725-9355. .

Western Star trucks plant partially idled after blaze that caused $510,000 in damages Oregon Live / January 28, 2015 Cleanup continued Wednesday at the Western Star truck factory on Swan Island, one day after a fire that halted some production and forced 700 workers to evacuate. No one was injured, but the blaze caused an estimated $510,000 in damages before it was extinguished Tuesday morning, said Lt. Damon Simmons, a Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman. Operations may resume as early as Thursday, said David Giroux, a spokesman for parent company Daimler Trucks North America. The German-owned truck maker, headquartered in Portland, is one of the city's largest manufacturing employers. The fire started when sparks created by an employee grinding near the plant's paint booth ignited flammable liquids in the area. The fire bypassed the sprinkler system and spread to the ceiling. Seven units and 30 firefighters responded to the blaze, and put out the flames within 35 minutes, Simmons said. Most of the damage was structural. No trucks were affected, Giroux said. He said idled employees can use sick leave or vacation days to continue to be paid as cleanup continues. Normal operations could resume Thursday at the earliest, he said.

Fleet Owner / January 28, 2015 A high-pressure diagnostic leak detector for medium- and heavy-duty diesels was introduced by Redline Detection at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week. THe HD PowerSmoke can replicate high-pressure boost loads in both intake and exhaust systems with the engine off to safely and quickly identify leaks, according to the manufacturer. Using a proprietary bladder to pressurize intake and exhaust systems, it lets a technician complete a diagnostic leak test without major engine disassembly within 10 minutes, according to Redline, which has long built a similar "power smoke" tool for light-duty diesels. The test can identify the root causes of problems such as excessive regeneration of diesel particulate filters (DPFs), plugged DPFs and other leak-related problems that trip engine warning codes. The new tool allows technicians to vary test pressures from 2 to 20 PSI. It creates a dense, long-hanging vapor that can be seen easily even with minor leaks. Unlike dyes used by other diagnostic tools, the vapor does not coat sensors or void warranties, according to Redline, which reported that HDPowerSmoke has just been mandated as an essential tool by one major U.S. truck maker.

Fleet Owner / January 28, 2015 A diesel fuel filter that removes 95% of emulsified water and an air filter with nanotech media for high-dust conditions were introduced by Luber-finer at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week The MP995 fuel filter is designed to protect common rail high-pressure fuel injection systems from clogging and damage caused by water and particulates common with ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and biodiesel blends Featuring a microglass/synthetic laminate media, the new fuel filter is 95% efficient at removing emulsified water and 99.5% efficient at trapping particulates as small as 4 microns, according to Luber-finer. Initial applications include Cummins ISL, ISM, ISC and ISX engines. The new MXM Nanotech Air Filter is designed for off-road and other high-dust applications. It replaces the more common cellulose media with a nano fiber surface over a synthetic fiber layer, providing overall efficiency of 99.85%, according to the company. It will be available for a wide range of vocational trucks including the Mack Granite Series, the International 7000 Series, and trucks powered by the Detroit Diesel 60 Series. Both new filters will be available in March. http://www.luber-finer.com/documents/brochure/en/LF0105-MXM-Filter-brochure-041414-Web.pdf

Press Release / January 28, 2015 Further positioning the company for growth, Meritor announced a long-term contract with PACCAR. This seven-year agreement secures preferred product positioning for rear axles in North America and Australia. In addition, Meritor now has enhanced optional positioning for brakes, drivelines and front axles. “We are excited to enter into this long-term agreement with PACCAR and further strengthen our relationship in such a significant way,” said Ike Evans, chairman and CEO, Meritor. “The Meritor team is fully committed to delivering industry-leading products to support PACCAR in building great trucks.” "Securing new contracts, such as with PACCAR, is a result of the effort the Meritor team has put forth to drive the company toward greater shareholder value as part of our M2016 strategy," said Evans.

In 2010, due to advances in oil technology, most of the global car makers went to 0W-20 engine oil. They also recommended owners of pre-2010 cars switch over to the new 0W-20 oil. It provides the same protection as the previous 10W30 and so forth, but also yields greater fuel economy (easier winter starting is a secondary benefit). This trend will be heading our way as well.

Focus on Transport and Logistics / January 27, 2015 The delivery of 60 new MAN TGS 26.440 6x4 long-haul tractors for its line-haul operations in southern Africa brings Imperial Cargo’s MAN fleet to 100 units, and with it a new benchmark in the company’s total cost-of-ownership figures. The 60 new trucks will average 16,000 km per month. They were purchased with a 36-month/600,000 km rental agreement, with the assistance of MAN Financial Services. The trucks are equipped with MAN’s 12.4-litre, in-line MAN D26 common-rail diesel engine rated at 324 kW (440 hp) at 1,700 to 1,900 r/min, and a torque output of 2,100 Nm at 1,000 to 1,400 r/min. They feature double bunk cabs, ZF AMT 12-speed transmissions fitted with ZF retarders, air suspension and hypoid rear axles. Servicing blue-chip, fast-moving consumer goods clients like Distell, Woolworths and Nampak, Imperial Cargo’s line-haul operation extends across South Africa and Namibia. “Each truck carries a payload of around 36 metric tons (79,366lb), and the TGS strikes the perfect balance between power, tare mass and fuel economy, giving us new benchmark total-cost-of-ownership figures,” says Imperial Cargo Group’s Christo Theron. “The MAN TGS 26.440 BLS is the tractor type in our line-haul fleet achieving an average of two kilometres per litre (55.6 L/100 km/), compared to an average 1.8 km per litre by competitor brands,” he adds. Others, besides management and the accountants, are also delighted. “Our drivers say it’s the best truck in the fleet; it’s comfortable and easy to drive. They are quite reluctant to get behind the wheel of anything else,” notes Theron. Imperial Cargo has its headquarters and three depots in South Africa’s Western Cape, with other depots in Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Eastern Cape and Namibia. Its cross-border services include freight transport to other sub-equatorial countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Botswana and Mozambique. “A key objective of MAN in southern Africa is to gain market leadership in the long-haul sector by supplying fuel-efficient trucks that significantly lower total cost of ownership. The injection of 60 new MAN TGS 26.440 BLS derivatives into the Imperial Cargo fleet is testimony to the technological leadership of the vehicle. It is also extremely encouraging to know that, as an organisation committed to safety, quality and environmental protection, Imperial Cargo has found the MAN TGS more than capable of meeting its stringent criteria within these areas,” says Geoff du Plessis, managing director of MAN Truck & Bus South Africa. Imperial Cargo deployed its first MAN trucks in 2012, following successful in-fleet trials of the TGS 26.440 BLS. Theron stresses that the company runs rigid test programmes on all new trucks entering the fleet, primarily looking at fuel consumption figures. It wasn’t solely the cost of ownership, however, that persuaded the company to step up its MAN fleet. “Apart from the impressive fuel-consumption figures, which have remained consistent over the last two years in our existing TGS fleet, the after-sales service we get from MAN’s Cape Town branch is exceptional. Response times are swift and monthly performance meetings between my team and MAN’s Cape Town branch ensure that we adhere to our service-level agreements,” says Theron. “On-site vehicle servicing by MAN technicians at our workshops keeps our uptime levels at an optimum.” Warren Atkinson, key accounts manager: Cape Region, MAN Truck & Bus SA, says that the industry watchword remains true: “Our sales team sells the first unit – the workshop and after-sales service sells the rest.” He confirms that service was a critical factor behind securing the order from Imperial Cargo. “As a quality-driven, RTMS-accredited fleet, Imperial Cargo requires hands-on service support and round-the-clock availability of MAN technical personnel; factors which are integral to our service level agreements. Our team at MAN Cape Town is fully geared to satisfy all Imperial’s requirements.” Theron stresses that, while the handover was the highlight of the function, it was also a celebration of the relationship between the two companies, which is founded on trust, reliability and team support. Du Plessis says that being chosen for superior technology and customer-focused after-sales service was hugely significant for MAN. “This order of 60 TGS units proves we have the right product for long-haul applications in southern Africa, as well as the right people to service the trucks and our customers in a manner that builds their business. All of us at MAN are proud to be associated with Imperial Cargo and we look forward to a partnership that continues to grow in strength.” .

Fleet Owner / January 27, 2015 Ryder System has converted its bulk oil program over to a low-viscosity, high-efficiency engine oil. The company is now using 10W-30 oil in all lease, rental and maintenance customer vehicles as part of its regular preventative maintenance program. By using the more efficient oil, Rydersaid customers will achieve up to a 1.5% improvement in fuel economy. In addition, the move will translate into a collective reduction of almost 110,000 metric tons of carbon (CO2) emissions annually. “As a leader in our industry, we have a unique opportunity and ability to improve cost efficiencies and reduce the environmental impacts of our operations, as well as those of the tens of thousands of customers we serve,” said Scott Perry, vice president of supply management and global fuel products. “This initiative is the latest example of proactive steps we take to continually improve the performance and sustainability of our customers’ fleets.” Ryder said it uses approximately three million gallons of engine oil in its operations each year. Through the company’s automotive waste recycle and reuse program, it annually recycles approximately 3 million gallons of used oil, 100,000 million gallons of oily water, 12,000 drums of used oil filters, 47,000 gallons of solvent, and 100,000 automotive batteries.