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I DA U N I V E R S A L J a n u a r y - Fe b r u a r y 2 0 2 4 28 3 caption - Using machine learning and computer vision, Trailer Hitch Assist automatically identifi es trailer hitches and aligns the truck's hitch ball to a conventional trailer coupler with the touch of a button. TRENDS AND TIDBITS continued from page 27 According to Lieberum, "Ford is leading the way in smart vehicle technology with a range of features designed to simplify the driving and towing experi- ence … [ e] Super Duty is also the fi rst pickup truck in North America to off er 5G LTE connectivity, followed by F-150, to open up new dimen- sions in data transfer and vehicle manage- ment. Some of the smart technology that Ford Pro off ers includes: • Tailgate down camera and rear park aid sensors: A camera and sen- sors on the top of the tailgate provide visual and audible alerts when the tailgate is lowered to make backing up to a loading dock or hitching a trailer easier. • Onboard scales with Smart Hitch: Estimates payload in real time and provides guid- ance on trailer tongue weight distribution • Blind spot information system for fi h-wheel and gooseneck: Can be attached to a trailer to help identify when vehicles are next to a trailer and indicate this in the side view mirrors. • Pro trailer navigation: Plots routes that can be navigated with given trailer dimensions and weight. • Trail turn assist: Allows drivers to virtually lock either rear wheel to shrink their turn radius to 180 degrees. To maintain uptime, Ford also includes tiered telematics off erings for its modem- equipped trucks. "All modem-equipped Ford vehicles come standard with Ford Pro Telematics Essentials, our entry-level telematics solution," Lieberum said. e complimentary one-year solution provides actionable insights and a full- spectrum view of a contrac- tor's fl eet health in one easy view. If a more robust system is needed, Ford Pro off ers one. "Ford Pro Telematics goes several steps further by including real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and driver behavior insights— on top of all the benefi ts of Telematics Essentials," Lieberum said. " is compre- hensive solution is designed with the help of experienced fl eet managers and includes in-cab driver coaching, giving real-time audible alerts based on customizable driver parameters." Fuel Options In addition to effi cient diesel power, engine and equipment OEMs are exploring the use of other fuel options—including biodiesel, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and hydrogen—and battery electric power. e International Trucks eMV truck, its electric off ering, has been on the market for just over 2 years. "As with all medium-duty products, the eMV design has chassis similarities to the eCE school bus, which was launched in September 2020," Hanson said. " e eMV comes with a … Dana TM4 high- voltage motor that produces 190 kilowatts continuous (255 kilowatts peak) power." Maintenance for the eMV is also simplifi ed. e benefi ts include: • No engine oil maintenance • No fuel fi lters • No turbos, no EGR, no Injectors • No engine air fi lters • No a ertreatment "With Navistar recently joining the United Nations Global Compact in 2023, which is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, you can be assured that more vocational truck models will be electrifi ed in the coming years," Hanson said. "Delivering zero emission vehicles and creating a circular business model will lead to exciting new products in the years ahead." Electric-powered vehicles is a Ford priority as well. e company plans to invest more than $50 billion in electric vehicles (EVs) globally through 2026. "Last year, Ford was the No. 2 EV maker in the U.S., and we plan to challenge for the top spot as we ramp up production to meet growing demand, Lieberum said." e growth is expected to continue, especially among the F150 Lightning line. "Ford's F-150 Lightning, for instance, will see increased production at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center this fall to reduce customer wait times, especially for the high-demand F-150 Lightning XLT model," Lieberum said. "Meanwhile, E-Transit is helping thousands of customers operate with zero-emissions while aligning to broader sustainability goals." Multifunction Onboard PTO Systems A major accessory for work trucks is an auxiliary or power take-off (PTO) power system, which helps personnel perform many tasks. Equip- ment that may be included in these systems are: • Air compressors • Generators • Welders • Hydraulics • Chargers/boosters • Engine starters • Custom mobile power equipment Several companies have systems that are suitable for onboard power systems with multi-functionality. Work Trucks continued from page 27

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