2/29/16

Ford F-150 with 2.7-Liter EcoBoost Wins PickupTrucks.com Fuel Economy Challenge

  •     2016 Ford F-150 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 beat four competitors, including Ram 1500 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, in head-to-head mileage, payload and performance tests conducted by PickupTrucks.com
  •     F-150 recognized for ideal combination of best-in-class gas mileage, great capability and strong driving performance
  •     Revolutionary 2.7-liter EcoBoost is a hit with truck customers – representing 30 percent of F-150 retail sales
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 15, 2016 – The 2016 Ford F-150 with 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine has been named winner of PickupTrucks.com’s Texas Truck Showdown Max MPG fuel economy challenge.



Ford F-150 beat out four competitors, including Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3-liter V8 and Ram 1500 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, thanks to its ideal combination of great gas mileage, capability and strong driving performance.



“In the end, we were impressed with the F-150 for its capability, fuel efficiency and composure when pushed hard, said Mark Williams, editor of PickupTrucks.com. “For a small V-6 engine, it’s very impressive how well it almost eliminates the typical compromises half-ton customers have become accustomed to.”



A hit with customers, sales of F-150 with 2.7-liter EcoBoost are 30 percent of the nameplate’s retail performance, fulfilling Ford’s great expectations for this revolutionary engine. Combined sales of 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines account for 60 percent of F-150 sales.



When equipped with the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop, F-150 4x2 has best-in-class EPA-estimated gasoline fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined (actual mileage will vary).



The engine produces 325 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque with a maximum payload rating of 2,250 pounds and maximum tow rating of 8,500 pounds – ideal for meeting mid-range capability requirements and the needs of more than 90 percent of light-duty truck customers.



“We designed Ford F-150 to be a game changer,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “We’re proud that customers and third parties recognize the all-new F-150 as the toughest, smartest, most capable and most efficient F-150 ever.”

About Ford Motor Company



Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

2/27/16

Ford to Add Four New SUV Nameplates as Millennials, Boomers, Global Demand Drive Continued SUV Growth

  •     Ford will add four new nameplates to its global SUV lineup in the next four years in segments in which company does not currently compete
  •     Millennials starting families lends strong support to ongoing SUV boom in the United States
  •     As baby boomers age, they’re more likely to stay in or return to SUVs
  •     Increased fuel efficiency of Ford’s newest utility vehicles makes consumers less sensitive to fuel costs
CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2016 – Together, millennials and baby boomers give Ford 160 million good reasons to expect the surge in SUV sales will continue into the next decade.


Growth in SUV sales is expected to continue – not only in the United States, but around the world – and why Ford is adding four new SUVs in the next four years – all four in SUV segments in which the company does not currently compete.


“As members of the 80-million-strong millennial age group enter their prime child-rearing years, a leading indicator of more SUV sales, nearly 80 million aging baby boomers continue to prefer their SUVs,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford Motor Company vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service. “It’s a demographic double whammy and it all points to one thing – more SUVs for the foreseeable future.”


LaNeve cited recent Ford research that shows once millennials even begin thinking about starting a family, their interest in shopping for SUVs goes up significantly. And as many have delayed starting families, these yet-to-form family households represent additional SUV growth opportunities for the company.


Yet millennials alone aren’t expected to drive SUV growth – aging baby boomers tend to stay with or return to SUVs, in part because it’s easier to get in and out of a vehicle that sits higher off the ground than a passenger car. LaNeve also noted that many boomers feel younger and more active driving an SUV.


While low gas prices have contributed to the growth in SUVs in recent years, much improved fuel efficiency in the latest generation of utility vehicles leads Ford to believe a potential rise in gas prices wouldn’t push consumers back to passenger cars.


“Some SUVs now rival the fuel efficiency of V6-powered midsize sedans from only a few years ago,” said LaNeve, “and as baby boomers grew up with much less capable, much less efficient vehicles, they tend to appreciate the efficiency of Ford’s newest SUVs.” Even if gas prices go up, he added, refueling costs for owners of modern SUVs will be much less than they were during the last SUV boom.


About Ford Motor Company


Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.

2/25/16

NTEA Enhances Work Truck Show for 2016



The NTEA has announced three new features at The Work Truck Show 2016 (held March 1-4 in Indianapolis), which are designed to give a glimpse into the future of vocational trucks.


A demo truck displayed near the Show entrance highlights the lifecycle cost benefits of spec’ing trucks that weigh less and use less fuel. A bright red, life-size Shelby Cobra convertible replica on the Show floor will draw attention to the power of 3-D printing to reduce manufacturing and R&D costs, and maximize innovation. And, outside, attendees can test drive commercial vehicles incorporating the latest advanced technologies and alternative fuel applications to identify those that might work in their fleets.


The Lightweight and Advanced Technology Demo Truck display consists of an Isuzu NRR diesel Class 5 truck upfitted with lightweight components. The truck itself is lightweight — weighing 760 pounds less than a conventional cab — and equipped with a driver feedback reporting system, speed limiting and idle shutdown to maximize fuel efficiency.


The truck is upfitted with:

  •     Alcoa one-piece forged aluminum wheels with corrosion-resistant Dura-Bright finish. These wheels are typically about 50 percent lighter than the same size steel wheel.
  •     A Switch-N-Go hoist system from Deist Industries Inc. This detachable body system permits total unloading of a full, partial or empty body onto the ground, removing body weight and load. Switch-N-Go equipped vehicles operate with no body at all during transport trips. Utilizing a detachable truck body system may allow fleets to use one chassis for multiple applications, such as dump, dumpster, chipper and flatbed.
  •     Voth Truck Bodies’ lightweight aluminum detachable dump body. Aluminum bodies provide an average weight reduction of 50 percent compared to steel units, which results in reduced fuel consumption and greater payload capacity.
The GTA, an NTEA affiliate division, teamed up with its Lightweight Materials Technology Council to build the lightweight concept truck. To analyze the vehicle’s life cycle costs, GTA worked with the National Renewable Energy Lab, which is part of the Department of Energy and is associated with the Clean Cities program that seeks to cut petroleum use in transportation. The results of the National Renewable Energy Lab’s in-depth analysis will be available in the display at The Work Truck Show.


To demonstrate the potential of 3-D printing technology, The Work Truck Show will feature a full-size 3-D-printed replica of a Shelby Cobra convertible and an SAF Holland truck and bus suspension in Booth 3400 next to NTEA’s booth. Both models were built by Cincinnati Incorporated. The company will have representatives on hand to answer questions about 3-D printing and its Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) product line.


Formerly known as the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive, the NTEA is expanding the focus of this popular Show feature to include the latest advanced productivity technologies as well as alternative fuel applications. The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive is open to all Show attendees on Wednesday, March 2, and Thursday, March 3, from noon to 4:30 p.m. The event gives Show attendees the opportunity to drive a variety of vehicles on city streets or in a closed course.


The vehicles available to drive in The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive include:

  •     Alliance AutoGas — Bi-fuel propane autogas Ford Transit 15-passenger van equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine running on propane autogas.
  •     BEAU-ROC/Palmer Power & Truck Equipment — Kenworth T370 with a municipal BEAU-ROC body and bed.
  •     Cummins Inc. — Greenhouse gas 2017 compliant ISB6.7 high-efficiency diesel box truck, optimized for pickup and delivery.
  •     Eaton — International DuraStar 4300 crew-cab chassis with the all-new Procision 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
  •     Eaton — Kenworth dump truck featuring an automated VCS UltraShift PLUS transmission.
  •     Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation — S2G propane-powered medium-duty truck featuring an 8-liter engine with a CleanFUEL USA liquid injection propane fuel system and equipped with a bobtail bulk propane delivery tanker body.
  •     Hino Trucks — Hino COE 195H Class 5 electric hybrid truck.
  •     Hino Trucks — A second Hino COE 195H Class 5 electric hybrid truck.
  •     Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. — Isuzu low cab forward N-Series Class 4 truck upfitted with an IMPCO bi-fuel system.
  •     Kenworth Truck Company — Kenworth T-880 straight truck equipped with a roll-off system and powered by a Cummins ISX12-G natural gas-fueled engine.
  •     Lightning Hybrids — Ford E-450 cargo truck featuring the company’s energy recovery system for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
  •     Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. — FUSO FE E-Cell prototype all-electric, battery-powered medium-duty cabover work truck.
  •     Peterbilt Motors Company — Peterbilt 337 tractor equipped to operate on natural gas utilizing a Cummins Westport ISL-G engine and Agility CNG fuel system.
  •     VIA Motors Inc. — 2015 Silverado with VIA’s eREV electric hybrid powertrain.
Participation in The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive is free, and no advance registration is required. The Ride-and-Drive is sponsored by Hino Trucks.


Produced annually by NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry, the 2016 Show will be held March 1–4 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Educational sessions begin March 1, and exhibits open March 2.


Source: http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/story/2016/02/ntea-announces-new-work-truck-show-features.aspx

2/23/16

ACT Expo May 2-5.2016 - More Diverse than Ever

 ACT Expo May 2-5.2016 - Long Beach, CA


The fast-approaching Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach, Calif. May 2-5 will be the most diverse ever, with co-hosts including the California Hydrogen Business Council, the Electric Drive Transportation Association, NGVAmerica, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, and the Propane Education & Research Council.


ACTExpo2016_Graphic“One size does not fit all when it comes to the myriad duty-cycles, climates, load and scheduling demands and regional infrastructure availability faced by North American fleets,” Neandross said.


Multiple Vehicle Showcases

CHBC, EDTA, NGVAmerica and PERC will each host vehicle showcase areas in the ACT Expo 2016 exhibition hall, highlighting the offerings of their member companies. A Trucking Efficiency Showcase will be hosted by NACFE in partnership with the Carbon War Room.


“At ACT Expo, all of the options are represented,” Neandross says: “all weight classes and vehicle types, powered by hydrogen, electricity, natural gas, propane autogas, and biofuels.”

Telematics and Autonomous Vehicles, Too


ACT Expo attendees will also learn about the increasing role played by telematics-based fleet management techniques, and even the emerging autonomous vehicle technologies.



Source: http://www.fleetsandfuels.com/fuels/cng/2016/02/act-expo-2016-more-diverse-than-ever/

2/19/16

Harbor Service Body False Floor keeps the cargo separated, secure and easily accesible



Here’s a great solution for contractors, utilities and municipal water departments, etc. - a false floor for the Harbor service body. The Dual Tailgate keeps contents secure while allowing access to each independently.

The best of  both worlds, space for your equipment above and other storage below. For
instance the storage below could serve as a sign box, storage for road signs or long tools while keeping the cargo area free for equipment.




Note that the lower compartment is lockable.

Find out more: Harbor Truck Bodies 800-433-9452

2/17/16

2/15/16

Transfer Flow's TRAX 3™ Fuel Monitoring System!





The next generation of Transfer Flow's TRAX auxiliary fuel tank operating system is here! TRAX 3™ is a computer controlled,self-diagnosing fuel monitoring system that transfers fuel from your
Transfer Flow auxiliary fuel tank to your main fuel tank. For your peace of mind, the TRAX 3™ computer module constantly monitors fuel levels in both tanks. Now, you’ll always know the percentage of fuel in your Transfer Flow auxiliary fuel tank and main fuel tank!

2/13/16

Ford F-Series. America’s best-selling trucks for 39 years.





Since 1977, Ford F-Series has introduced one innovation after another. No wonder F-Series trucks are the best-selling trucks in America for 39 straight years.

2/11/16

Vanair Air N Arc 150 All-In-One Power Unit





The Vanair Air N Arc 150 is a combination air compressor, welder,
generator and jump starter that saves you money and space in the back of
your work truck. Available from Realworktrucks.com. This video is an
excerpt from a longer video on the show Truck-U.

2/09/16

BFX 60LS Crane Body by Brand FX


 For truck chassis with a 60″ Cab to Axle
Description


Lightweight composite design. Comes standard with steel understructure and aluminum treadbright floor. Standard 42″ pack height. Side-pack depths of 15″ depth on single rear wheel or 20″ depth on dual rear wheel. LED lighting package. Airtight, watertight compartments with flow through ventilation. Basic model includes six compartments — two vertical and one horizontal per side.

Available Variations


Lightweight Aluminum Package, Dual or Single Rear Wheel, Transverse Compartment, Gelcoat to match, Paint to match.

Standard Features

  •     Treadbright aluminum floor
  •     Steel understructure
  •     Rock guards
  •     Black plastic gas fill cup
  •     Automotive grade bubble gasket
  •     Bright white gel-coat exterior
  •     Bright white interiors to reflect light
  •     LED exterior lighting package (except back-up lights)
  •     Flow through ventilation system
  •     Light adapter for specified chassis
  •     Non-skid compartment tops
  •     One piece molded doors w/ automotive finish both sides
  •     Recessed door jams
  •     3/16” smooth aluminum bulkhead
  •     3/16” smooth aluminum tail skirt
  •     Steel rear mounting brackets
  •     1/8” steel tread plate floor
  •     Stainless steel rotary latches
  •     Type 304 stainless steel door hinges, and hardware
  •     Vinyl coated stainless steel cable door stops
Find out more at:  http://www.brandfxbody.com/products/service-bodies/


2/07/16

Knapheide - Turnkey Solutions And Vocational Vehicles






Knapheide Commercial Vehicle Services is the leader in providing turnkey vocational vehicles to commercial fleets and fleet management companies. Regardless if you need complex truck bodies or simple van interiors, from vehicle concept to delivery, KCVS provides the total package for fleet and fleet management customers.


Bodies, Equipment, & Accessories


Knapheide has the largest and most comprehensive selection of bodies, equipment and accessories. Knapheide only utilizes the industry's top suppliers of truck and van bodies, van organizational interiors, cranes, compressors, welders, generators, liftgates, ladder and material racks, snow plows, spreaders, mechanics drawers and more. Knapheide acts as the single source provider for all of your commercial vehicle needs.


Alternative Fuels


Knapheide has partnered with the leading alternative fuel system providers and chassis manufacturers in order to offer virtually every alternative fuel solution available to help keep operating costs low. Knapheide has invested in turnkey operations for engineering, installing and servicing propane, compressed natural gas, and hybrid fuel systems.


Read more at: https://www.knapheide.com/solutions/fleet-and-fleet-management-companies

2/05/16

We Own Work: Customers And The Making of the New 2017 Ford F-Series Ford Super Duty


Five F-Series Super Duty customers will witness all-new F-Series Super Duty development, testing and capabilities before anyone else and sharetheir stories through We Own Work video series.


Five Ford Super Duty customers, chosen at random, will participate in the durability testing of the next-generation 2017 Super Duty F-Series pickup truck. First shown at the 2015 State Fair of Texas,
the new Ford heavy-duty pickups will have aluminum bodies (exactly like little brother F-150); heavier-duty axles, brakes and drivelinecomponents; and they will get better fuel economy.

Ford will take these customers to the factory, the proving grounds and on the road to see exactly how these trucks are pushed, punished and put through their paces. Each of the participants — professionals from
business sectors that rely on HD pickups — will have a chance to question engineers and designers as the pickups work their way through each stage of testing and fine-tuning.

Ford is making a video series that follows these construction, forestry, oil, sanitation, private business and manufacturing professionals as they observe the new Super Duty work its way to its
debut in late summer or early fall.

The first of the "We Own Work" videos will come out in February, and will introduce the five participants and describe their businesses. Later episodes will focus on the new technology and features in the new
Super Duty.

Source:  http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/01/ford-customers-go-behind-the-scenes-on-super-duty-testing.html

2/03/16

Waltco WHZ Split-Level Liftgate





Waltco would like to introduce the WHZ Light Duty Cantilever Liftgate.This cargo lift will take your light duty deliveries to the next levelwith a 1.300 pound lifting capacity. The split level platform increases
driver accessibility to the back of the van. The WHZ will also be a part of Waltco's Quick-Lift Program beginning in November.


For more information, contact your local Waltco representative, or call1-800-211-3074.

2/01/16

Ford Gas-Saving Auto Start-Stop Technology to Be Standard Across Entire 2017 EcoBoost-Equipped F-150 Lineup


  •      Auto Start-Stop to be standard across 100 percent of EcoBoost®-equipped 2017 Ford F-150 lineup, including all-new F-150 Raptor; technology could represent more than 60 percent of truck’s sales
  •     F-150 Auto Start-Stop technology is specially tuned for truck customers, shutting off the engine when the vehicle is at a stop – except when towing or in four-wheel-drive mode
  •     With best-in-class towing, payload and EPA-estimated gas mileage for 2016, F-150 continues to change the game in capability and fuel efficiency
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 21, 2016 – Ford, America’s truck leader, continues to set the pace of innovation among full-size trucks with the expansion of Auto Start-Stop technology across the entire lineup of EcoBoost®-equipped 2017 F-150 pickups.



The 2016 F-150 with 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine comes standard with Auto Start-Stop. That offering continues for 2017, with the addition of the technology as standard equipment for all 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines including the all-new high-output version for F-150 Raptor.



At the rate EcoBoost is growing, fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop could represent more than 60 percent of the truck lineup – giving F-150 the highest number of Ford nameplates offering standard Auto Start-Stop technology.



“EcoBoost already powers F-150’s best-in-class towing,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Now, with every EcoBoost-equipped F-150 mildly electrified with standard Auto Start-Stop technology, customers’ fuel efficiency is expected to improve as well.”



Specially tuned for truck customers, Auto Start-Stop shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a stop – except when towing or in four-wheel-drive mode – to give drivers power on demand when they need it most. When the brake is released, the engine restarts quickly.



Auto Start-Stop for F-150 benefits from Ford’s hybrid electric vehicle expertise, helping ensure smooth and refined engine restarts.



Actual fuel savings vary depending on driving patterns. The technology also contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions due to decreased idle times.



The following Ford vehicles are available with Auto Start-Stop:

  •     Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost
  •     Fusion 1.5-liter EcoBoost
  •     Edge 2.0-liter twin-scroll EcoBoost
  •     2017 Escape 1.5-liter EcoBoost, 2.0-liter twin-scroll EcoBoost
  •     F-150 2.7-liter EcoBoost; 2017 F-150 2.7-liter EcoBoost, 3.5-liter EcoBoost, high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost
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 67plants 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