12/31/15

Van Lift Application with Full Door Seal Kit by Dhollandia



Dhollandia offers a van lift option that allows removal of existing van doors. This saves weight and offers the flexibility of a cantilever with a full door seal kit. Contact Dhollandia (855) 856-8225 or local distributor for more information.

By  Coleman Lidie

Business Development Manager at Dhollandia Liftgates




12/29/15

Tommy Gate - Tuckunder Development Video





The Tommy Gate Tuckunder Development Video depicts the hard working staff at Woodbine Manufacturing Company and the production of the Tuckunder Series hydraulic lift. It was filmed on location in Woodbine,Iowa.

12/23/15

Boss Ice Control - Tailgate and Slide-In Spreaders


For BOSS, it all starts here in Iron Mountain, Michigan, where designing, innovating and manufacturing world-class snow and ice removal equipment is what we're all about. We are a worldwide leader in snow and ice control with a growing lineup of plows for trucks, UTVs, and ATVS, salt and sand spreaders and box plows built for the professional.



Developing the tools that make snowplow professionals' jobs easier and more efficient is our ultimate goal. It's been that way for nearly 30 years. We know what is takes to design, engineer and build products that work in the worst conditions imaginable. And we're working harder than ever to deliver the toughest, most reliable, most innovative snow and ice removal equipment. Because at BOSS, we're always here to back you up.

www.bossplow.com

12/21/15

How to set up a green fleet action plan with low-cost resources

Sustainability and putting green fleet policies into practice is an integral part of the global environmental solution; something that is now a legal requirement often regulated by new provisions. But there are also ancillary benefits:  companies project a better image if they are more eco-friendly as well as saving a great deal on fleet costs.

You might think it takes a huge amount of effort and a big budget to set up a green fleet action plan and get vehicles and staff more eco-friendly, but it is not really the case. There are some actions you can actually take without ruining yourself or spending large amounts of money, which can still bring great results.

Want to know more?

Let’s get started with our green fleet action plan!



#1 - Enjoy the benefits of GPS tracking

If you use a tracking system connected with software able to generate reports, you will gain insight into the driving style of your team, especially with regards to non-green practices that can influence the amount of emissions of your vehicles.

#2 - Reduce the use of your vehicles

You might think this literally means “downtime”, but it actually means optimising routes, making the most out of journeys and eliminating vehicle misuse—another simple way of making your fleet greener.

#3 - Avoid high environmental impact practices

Idling, dangerous driving practices and inefficiencies have to be removed—the less fuel you use, the less CO2 there will be in the atmosphere.

#4 - Do not overload your vehicles

It has to be clear for all drivers that they should only be transporting what is suitable according to their vehicle class, i.e., one vehicle to convey heavy goods and another for light commercial goods. This is not just for reasons of safety and fuel efficiency, but also to adopt the eco-driving ethic.

#5 - Let the fleet manager choose routes

With an adequate system at their disposal which can generate data from vehicles, the fleet manager will be able to choose routes that are greener and require less fuel than others. Feedback from drivers can also be essential, but the route has to be established with consideration to the data.

#6 - Ensure tyres have the correct pressure

Simple, but often forgotten… make sure vehicles have the correct tyre pressure.

Source: http://www.transpoco.com/blog/how-to-set-up-a-green-fleet-action-plan-with-low-cost-resources

by Eleonora Malacarne on Dec 11, 2015

12/19/15

Ford Accelerates Expansion of Electrified Vehicle Battery Research and Development, Benefiting Customers Worldwide


  • Ford is expanding its global battery research and development footprint for electrified vehicles this year, adding research and engineering capabilities in Europe and Asia to take advantage of new
    market opportunities

  • The company has invested in a world-class battery research and development facility at the University of Michigan to accelerate advanced battery research and development

  • Ford is the top seller of plug-in hybrid vehicles and second in total sales of  electrified vehicles in America and has recently expanded its offerings in growing markets, including China, Taiwan and
    Korea





DEARBORN, MICH., Dec. 10, 2015
– Ford is expanding its electrified vehicles research and development program in Europe and Asia this year, creating a “hub and spoke” systemthat allows the global team to further accelerate battery technology and take advantage of market-specific opportunities.

The global expansion also allows Ford’s Electrified Powertrain Engineering teams to share common technologies and test batteriesvirtually, in real time, to develop new technology faster while reducing
the need for costly prototypes.


Ford – the top seller of plug-in hybrid vehicles and second largest electrified vehicle seller in the U.S. – continues investing inelectrified vehicle technology, research and development teams.

This year, for instance, Ford expanded its Electrified Powertrain Engineering (EPE) program in Dearborn to focus on developing new and innovative technologies for electrified vehicles by hiring more than 120 additional electrified vehicle engineers and moving the EPE team into
its own dedicated facility, Ford Engineering Laboratory.


The expanded engineering capabilities enabled by the Ford Engineering Laboratory allow the team to control a network of world class facilities in China, England, Germany, and the U.S. Through this
network, the EPE team will take advantage of globally connected technologies to develop lighter and more durable EV batteries.

Ford also is expanding in China and Europe to accelerate battery technology research and development for new markets. By using an innovative hardware and software system called HIL, or
Hardware-in-the-Loop, the global team can test battery technology and control system hardware in a virtual environment to simulate how batteries and control modules would behave in different – often
punishing – environments in any part of the world.


Testing of batteries across a range of temperatures and charge/discharge cycling conditions is important for determining how quickly a battery could degrade in different parts of the world.

The global Ford team has used temperature testing extensively formore than a decade as part of its production battery design and validation process. Through testing, Ford has been able to develop more
durable batteries that can survive extreme cold and hot temperatures.


“Batteries are the life force of any EV, and we have been committed to growing our leadership in battery research and development for more than 15 years,” said Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification
Programs. “Battery technology has evolved rapidly since we launched our first volume electrified product, the Ford Escape Hybrid, in 2004, and we look forward to developing even better vehicle battery technology for our customers.”


The company recently expanded its offerings in growing markets, including Taiwan and Korea, where the company offers the Mondeo Hybrid. Ford also announced it is bringing the C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrid andthe Mondeo Hybrid to China.

University of Michigan Battery Lab In
October, Ford, the University of Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced a new $9 million battery lab at the University of Michigan that is helping the company develop batteries that are smaller, lighter and less expensive to produce.


The state-of-the-art, small-scale manufacturing facility uses the latest battery development and research technologies to replicate the performance of full-scale production batteries, allowing for faster
implementation in future production vehicles.


“The Battery Lab gives us an opportunity to test hundreds of chemistries and cell designs that can then be translated into the production line,” said Ted Miller, senior manager of energy storage
strategy and Research. “This is truly a world-class environment for Ford to develop and test industry-leading battery technology.”



About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across sixcontinents. With about 197,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, thecompany’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

12/17/15

Altec | Bodies Since 1929





ltec has been building truck bodies for more than 85 years and offers
the most innovative and dependable bodies in the industry. Altec bodies
are built using advanced engineering, technology and state-of-the-art
manufacturing processes. And, unlike the competition, Altec Bodies can
be designed to your exact specifications. Because we offer all three
industry materials: aluminum, fiberglass and steel, we don’t have a
bias. Whether it’s lightweight, cost-efficient or corrosion-resistant,
Altec offers and recommends the best material to fit your needs. Altec
also provides body only mounts.


12/15/15

Service Body & Custom Service Body Features by Highway Products Inc.





Highway Products service bodies transform the functionality and form of your truck into a professional work vehicle capable of incrediblestorage and accessibility, extending your capacity and capability far
beyond that of a standard truck bed. Service bodies and Custom Service Bodies are available for all make and models, and built for your unique needs, radically increasing your productivity and the quality of your work, all with a Lifetime Guarantee.

12/13/15

All-New Ford F-Series Super Duty Brings $1.3 Billion Investment, 2,000 New Jobs to Kentucky Truck Plant



  •     Kentucky Truck Plant creates jobs and makes investment to help support production of the all-new F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty truck lineup ever
  •     $1.3 billion investment supports an all-new body shop, facility upgrades and retooling to build the new truck
  •     Ford has invested more than $1.5 billion in the commonwealth of Kentucky and the city of Louisville since 2014
LOUISVILLE, Ky.,-  Ford Motor Company, America’s truck leader, will create 2,000 new jobs and invest $1.3 billion in its Kentucky Truck Plant to support the launch of the all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty truck – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty truck lineup ever.

Ford is investing $1.3 billion for an all-new body shop, facility upgrades and retooling to build the new aluminum-bodied Super Duty truck at Kentucky Truck Plant. Add to that the $80 million invested in 2014 to meet growing customer demand for Super Duty trucks and $129 million to support Lincoln MKC production at Louisville Assembly Plant, and Ford has invested more than $1.5 billion in the commonwealth of Kentucky and the city of Louisville in the past two years.

“With the introduction of the all-new Ford Super Duty, America’s best-selling heavy-duty pickup, we expect to continue growing our truck leadership,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Through this investment, we are continuing to show our commitment to Kentucky and the city of Louisville, as well as bringing to customers industry-leading trucks to help them take care of business and earn a living.”


Kentucky Truck Plant

Kentucky Truck Plant produces F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs, as well as Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. The plant has produced more than 5 million Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks since it was introduced in 1999.

“Adding new jobs and more investment at Kentucky Truck Plant not only secures a solid foundation for our UAW members, but also strengthens the communities in which they live, work and play,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department. “Such success highlights our members’ hard work and dedication to building world-class, quality vehicles like the Super Duty.”

Ford began manufacturing vehicles in Kentucky in 1913 with 11 employees. Kentucky Truck Plant, which opened in 1969, covers 6 million square feet and employs close to 4,400 people.

“This tremendous investment and commitment to new job creation reconfirms the strength of a more than century-long relationship between Kentucky and Ford Motor Company,” said Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear. “We wholeheartedly appreciate Ford’s continued confidence in the commonwealth’s work force and pro-business environment, and we look forward to expanding our relationship in the future.”


Ford 2017 F-Series Super Duty

The all-new 2017 F-Series Super Duty pickup and chassis cab lineup is the toughest, smartest and most capable ever.

  •     Toughest: The all-new, high-strength steel frame; segment-first, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body; and stronger axles, springs and suspension create the only Built Ford Tough heavy-duty truck lineup that works as hard as Super Duty customers
  •     Smartest: Sixteen class-exclusive new features and up to seven cameras make Super Duty the ultimate tow vehicle; adaptive steering technology makes maneuvering easier
  •     Most capable: Ford-engineered, Ford-built gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions power the all-new Super Duty lineup that tows and hauls more than ever
Super Duty underpins Ford’s commitment to continuously provide advanced powertrains and innovative technologies that answer customer demands. Ford Trucks offer power, toughness and durability, making Ford the top-selling truck brand.


There are five models in the Super Duty lineup: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. The all-new Super Duty will be built at Kentucky Truck Plant and goes on sale late next year.

About Ford Motor Company


Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 197,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

12/11/15

From Salt Spreaders to ATV Platforms: Ford Tough Tests All-New Super Duty Cargo Boxes with Aftermarket Equipment


Ford engineers tough tested the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy cargo box of the all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty with popular aftermarket equipment, ranging from glass racks to salt spreaders to ATV carriers

  •     Testing was performed virtually using supercomputers to predict robustness and with maximum-loaded aftermarket equipment over some of the most extreme road surfaces available, from potholed durability courses to off-road terrain
  •     The all-new 2017 F-Series Super Duty is the toughest, smartest and most capable Super Duty ever, leveraging advanced materials to reduce weight and featuring all-new, segment-exclusive smart technology to help increase customer productivity, comfort and convenience
From virtual torture testing in supercomputers to purpose-built potholes, Ford has tough tested the all-new Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever – to make sure it’s ready for popular aftermarket cargo box equipment that ranges from glass racks to salt spreaders.

For the first time, the Super Duty body uses high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy, which is more dent- and ding-resistant than the outgoing steel cargo box and not subject to red rust corrosion.

The backbone of Super Duty is an all-new, fully boxed frame composed of more than 95 percent high-strength steel that is up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame.

The new truck line also features heavier-duty four-wheel-drive components, driveline, axles and towing hardware than the current Super Duty.

Together, high-strength steel and high-strength aluminum alloy help reduce weight by up to 350 pounds. Ford is reinvesting additional weight savings everywhere it counts to give customers more towing and hauling capability than ever before.

Ford Super Duty customers depend on their trucks to work hard every day across a variety of jobs,” said Kirk Leonard, vehicle integration engineer for Ford. “We drove prototype vehicles over the durability roads of the Ford Proving Grounds fitted with common aftermarket accessories to test the fitment and capability of our toughest pickup box ever.“

Before the first truck hit the roads at Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds, plenty of upfront work was accomplished virtually using supercomputers to predict and engineer cargo box robustness.

“Our team of vehicle integration engineers worked together to develop a unique design approach with the Ford Truck Body Engineering team to drive optimized panel shape, added reinforcements and up-gauged materials into the pickup box – all of which were proved beneficial in our evaluation,” explained Leonard.

During the design of the new truck, Ford body structure engineers ran countless hours of supercomputer simulations with various aftermarket equipment examples to predict box load performance. The focus was to ensure the all-new 2017 Super Duty cargo box was as tough or tougher than previous models.

“Our modeling analysis enabled us to improve the structure and strength of the box in the design phase of the truck,” said John Comiez, Ford body structure engineer.

Throughout the evaluations on extreme durability roads and off-road terrain, and even after overloading select equipment, the new box design stood up to the abuse, run after run. Upon completing the challenge, the vehicles were examined in the lab by the team. No concerns were found in either the supporting structure or the mounting surfaces.

The all-new Super Duty will be built at Kentucky Truck Plant, and goes on sale late next year.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 197,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

12/09/15



During the Green Truck Summit, held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show® 2016, industry experts will provide insights and trends, as well as an overview of fuel and technology developments expected in the next few years.


New at the Green Truck Summit in 2016:

    Expanded curriculum uniting Green Truck Summit and Work Truck Show concurrent sessions

    Latest developments on Phase Two greenhouse gas regulations

    Presentation on economic benefits of commercial vehicle lightweighting


Learn more.


Join us March 1-3, 2016 at the Indiana Convention Center (Indianapolis, Indiana) for the Green Truck Summit.



Join NTEA today and save at The Work Truck Show

Not a member of NTEA and interested in attending the educational sessions? Join by Nov. 30, 2015 and receive one complimentary Conference & Trade Show package (up to a $299 value). Plus, get 15 months of membership for the price of only 12.


View more information or contact Luci Pfaff, NTEA senior member services manager, at luci@ntea.com or 248-479-8148.


12/07/15

Five Ford Transit Connect Vans Donated to Help Feed those in Need, from FL to AZ




Ford is helping to ensure more people have enough to eat this holiday season by donating five Transit Connect cargo vans to organizations that provide hunger relief services.


Ford is helping to ensure more people have enough to eat this holiday season by donating five Transit Connect cargo vans to organizations that provide hunger relief services.


The groups in the Kansas City, Louisville, Miami, Phoenix and Dallas metropolitan areas will use the vans to pick up food, transport it to their facilities and deliver it to recipients.


Each Transit Connect van offers 103.9 cubic feet of cargo space and is capable of carrying 1,470 pounds, which equals more than 1,100 meals per vehicle per trip.


“The first step in creating a better world is helping to fulfill the most basic needs of our neighbors,” said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Motor Company Fund. “More than 48 million Americans live in fear of going hungry each day and these vehicles will deliver meals – not just during this season of giving but throughout the year.”


The program kicks off Dec. 7 with the donation of a Transit Connect to The Salvation Army of Kansas City. The organization last year served 497,590 meals through its corps community centers, social service centers and emergency feeding units – in addition to delivering more than 27,000 meals to homebound individuals. Earlier this year, Ford worked with The Salvation Army in Washington, D.C., to outfit a larger Transit van to serve as a mobile kitchen.


Ford will donate a second Transit Connect van to Dare to Care Food Bank in Louisville on Dec. 8. Dare to Care partners with more than 300 local social service agencies to distribute food – providing more than 16 million meals in the past year.


Source: Automotive World


Photo Source: J.D. Power

12/05/15

Ford F-150 Surprises Construction Workers with Massaging Seats





We surprised some of the hardest working guys in Michigan with the
massaging seats now available on the Ford F-150. The new F-150 is more
than the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever. F-150 King
Ranch, Platinum and Limited editions offer passenger convenience
features rivaling high-end luxury vehicles, making F-150 versatile and
exceptionally comfortable to drive. With a maximum tow rating of up to
12,200 pounds and the first-ever multi-contour massaging seats available
for a full-size pickup, now you can work hard and reward yourself.

12/03/15

2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty: Detailed First Look





At the Texas State Fair, the all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks were unveiled. Get your detailed first look inside and out, engines, and features.


Auto news with a reality check! New car, truck, SUV and crossover test drives, reviews and news posted daily!

12/01/15

Ford Uses Allen Park Climatic Wind Tunnel to Prepare Vehicles for Winter




DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 13, 2015 – With Old Man Winter on his way, Ford vehicles are ready to meet the harsh demands of extreme cold and heavy snow. That, in large part, is thanks to the company’s climatic wind tunnel, which tests the winter-readiness and reliability of Ford vehicles in blizzard-like conditions. Ford moved snow testing to the Allen Park, Michigan facility in 2006.

Engineers bring the outdoors in


The climatic wind tunnel allows Ford to take cold weather testing off the roads and conduct it inside, where engineers can replicate wintry conditions year-round. At the facility, all Ford vehicles – from F-150 to Fiesta – are subjected to worst-case winter scenarios so they are prepared to navigate snowstorms.


Engineers simulate conditions from extreme freezing to blistering desert temperatures, from as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind testing conditions can reach hurricane-like speeds of up to 125 mph, blowing snow at the front of the vehicle to simulate a blizzard.


To simulate worst-case scenarios, Ford vehicles are required to carry a full load of passengers and cargo. Some are made to tow heavy loads in these conditions.


Since snow can choke a vehicle’s engine, engineers continuously monitor air intake. The team also checks whether shift linkages freeze up, and where on the vehicle snow accumulates.


Besides a four-hour test in the climatic wind tunnel, Ford vehicles also undergo two days of snow-related testing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, near Sault Ste. Marie.


Equipped for slip

Ford prepares its vehicles to conquer winter with a stellar set of features, including a heated steering wheel, and heated front and rear seats available for Ford Explorer, as well as front and rear camera washers.


What’s more, Explorer’s intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System™ reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye, providing precise handling and traction. The driver uses a dial on the center console to shift on the fly, selecting among four terrain management modes – normal, sand, mud and, of course, snow.


Ultimately, these features, along with the performance and endurance tests all Ford vehicles undergo, help ensure each one will perform safely and reliably – no matter the weather.


About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 197,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.