Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/293070
36 | Overdrive | April 2014 Spring Truck roundup F uel efficiency and uptime remain top priorities for Mack Trucks and will help the company increase its market share in the highway market, officials said. The company has hired more sales staff and begun special training to help dealerships sell long-haul trucks, said Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks North American sales and marketing. However, the company will continue building for and marketing to its core segments of refuse, regional and construction, he said. Mack's ongoing focus to reduce customer operating costs, along with recent investments in products, support solutions, fa- cilities and its brand, all have Mack well-positioned for success in the highway market, Roy said. Mack engines are greenhouse-gas 2014-certified and offer up to a 2.4 percent increase in fuel efficiency, the company says. The mDrive automated manual transmission improves drivability and boosts fuel efficiency by up to 5 percent over a manual transmis- sion. A recently introduced version of the Pedigree Powertrain, the Mack Super Econodyne, seamlessly integrates a Mack MP8- 445SE engine, mDrive and proprietary axles to increase fuel efficiency by up to 3 percent compared to similarly spec'd vehicles. Offered in both axle-forward and axle-back configurations, the Pinnacle also has an optional 6x2 version, as well as drag-reducing roof, chassis and side fairings. For its uptime emphasis, Mack's GuardDog Connect telemat- ics-based system quickly diagnoses potential issues, schedules repairs and confirms that required parts are in stock and ready to install, all while the truck is still on the job. GuardDog Connect is part of Mack Pedigree Uptime Protection, an integrated suite of service and support solutions Mack engines, the mDrive automated manual transmission and optimized aerodynamics have helped establish the Mack Pinnacle as a leader in on-high- way fuel efficiency. Mack Trucks adding focus on highway MarkeT Sproull said Apex is more than 80 pounds lighter than previous combinations and features a small step-ratio in 9th and 10th gears for a more fuel-efficient operating range while downshifting. Peterbilt also introduced its Driver Information Center, a real-time visual messaging system that reinforces and coaches positive driving habits. It is available as an option on select models equipped with the MX-13. "The new functionality promotes good driving habits through an in-dash display that provides intuitive messaging and an- ticipated scoring to help operators shift, accelerate, brake and perform other functions at optimized levels," Sproull said. If the system detects driving habits that are detrimental to fuel economy or reduce component life, it will provide coach- ing tips with suggested corrective actions. Peterbilt also introduced its 75th Anniversary commem- orative Model 579, which will be the star of a nationwide tour starting this month. Sproull said exterior features of the special-edition model include: • A complete bright package, reminiscent of Peterbilt's show truck heritage, that includes a bright outside sunvisor, rearview mirror housing and three-piece steel bumper with a chrome finish. • A highly polished hood crown that surrounds a new oval grille design. • Exclusive 75th anniversary emblems on the sleeper, a side- hood bright air intake bezel and new bright rocker panels. • Rear stainless-steel mudflap hangers with the anniversary emblem. Interior features include: • Premium Platinum Titanium interior accentuated with a new charcoal dash top and Blackwood finish trim accents. • A sequentially numbered 75th anniversary emblem added to the dash accent trim. • A multi-function steering wheel lined with custom red stitching. • Evolution LX seats in black leather that complement the interior and have the 75th anniversary emblem stitched into the headrest. • Bright gauge bezels, a chrome interior handle, a bright lo- go'd shifter plate and a bright shift lever that feature a Blackwood finish shifter knob (available only with manual transmissions). MATS_0414.indd 36 4/1/14 1:58 PM