Wabash National Corp. has completed its acquisition of Transcraft Corp., a manufacturer of flatbed and drop-deck trailers.
Dana Corp. recently filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code. The court has approved $1.45 billion in debtor-in-possession financing to maintain
normal operations.
Volvo Trucks North America announced that the 2007 emissions technology price increase for its trucks will be $7,500.
Kenworth announced that the Bendix ABS-6 system is now standard on the company’s Class 8 trucks with air brakes.
Air-Weigh announced that the company’s in-dash, onboard truck scale is a factory option for Mack highway trucks with rear air suspensions.
Lord Corp. – supplier of commercial magnetorheological (MR) fluid, devices and systems – has changed its name to MR Solutions.
Hendrickson recently expanded its website with a service facility locator for Pro-Genuine service affiliates in the United States and Canada.
Sterling Truck has launched a website to assist municipalities in selecting truck specs for their specific applications. Visit the site.
Carrier Transicold’s Deltek hybrid reefer technology was recognized with the Technology Achievement Award, presented by the Truck Writers of North America.
Shell Lubricants has introduced Shell Donax TX, a heavy-duty, semi-synthetic, extended-drain automatic transmission fluid, designed for use in Allison and other commercial automatic transmissions.
When I first experienced Bendix’s ABS-based stability system, I was amazed at how the system could restore control to trucks and tractor-trailers, after a driver made extreme steering or throttle inputs – on ice or dry pavement.
This past February, back at the chilly, ice and snow-packed Keweenaw Research Center in Houghton, Mich., I knew what to expect from the latest version of the scalable ABS-6 platform with ESP electronic stability system and RSP roll stability.
Operators performed maneuvers designed to exceed vehicles’ stability threshold with the system on and off to verify the mitigating effect the system can have on jackknifes, rollovers and loss of control. Sensors monitoring brake pressure, steering angle, load and yaw rate improved detection and speed of response – even in vocational trucks and doubles applications.
In addition, tuning to OE configurations (wheelbase, suspension, wheel-end, etc.), the power reduction, all-axle braking and individual corner braking continue to impress. Of course, given enough speed and steering input, the laws of physics eventually will outmuscle ESP, but coupled with prudent driving, the system definitely can bail a driver out of trouble.
The system is available from nearly all OEMs.
—Paul Richards
Can you say ‘MXTreme?’
For the third time in 18 months, International Truck & Engine is launching a new, super-macho pickup. With 16,000 pounds of towing capacity, the 4 x 4 International MXT can tow three lesser pickups behind it. A cousin to the colossal CXT introduced two years ago, the MXT definitely is geared for the “image” truck market. Introduced as a concept vehicle last year, the MXT is moving into the pre-production stage, with an anticipated launch this summer.
Reportedly, it will be powered by an International diesel, rated at 300 hp and 530 lb.-ft. of torque. With an estimated MSRP of $69,900 to $85,000, the MXT will be the most “affordable” pickup in the XT Family.
Freightliner official sponsor, hauler of NASCAR
Freightliner announced it will sponsor the overall NASCAR racing series, individual Nextel Cup Series teams and pre-race, truck driver challenge events.
For the 2006 season, the company will sponsor Evernham Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Inc., Penske Racing South, Hendrick Motorsports, Petty Enterprises, Haas CNC Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, BAM Racing, Akins Motorsports, Rusty Wallace Racing, Jr. Motorsports, Fitz-Bradshaw Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing.
A brand new Sprinter
After 11 years and 1.3 million units, the new Sprinter recently was unveiled in Germany. According to manufacturer DaimlerChrysler, the new unit boasts:
· A broader range of versions;
· Extensive standard specs, with options to suit individual needs;
· Improved ergonomics and seating comfort;
· Improved visibility and lighting, with xenon headlamps;
· Keyless entry and slide door control;
· New, cleaner, more powerful diesel engines; and
· Improved suspensions, with standard, electronic stability control.
The Sprinter is sold in Europe under the Mercedes-Benz brand,
and as a Dodge in the United States.
You won’t find it at Blockbuster
