Thursday, January 1st, 2009
As you look at the highway, you will be able to see a variety of vehicles. Some are small others are big. In every automobile that you see running on the road, the big ones like the trucks are very important. Despite the fact that some of their variety is expensive, people still buy them because they help a lot in doing business (especially in manufacturing).
Trucks come in all sizes as well. However, they are usually bigger than the mainstream cars. Most of the trucks are used for transporting goods from one location to another. These vehicles are termed as medium duty truck. Popular ones that we see are used for logging; others for moving furniture, some are even used for collecting trash. Other vehicles are commonly used for construction, such as cement mixers and they are used to transport materials for buildings.
However, these vehicles come with a special purpose. If we want to use them for as our daily mode of transportation, you can go for SUVs truck or pick-ups. You can use these great vehicles for city driving. They are modifiable too. Most people add truck lift kits on them to make them bigger or to have a better suspension.
Service Utility truck may look like minivan and they may not have the looks of a pick-up, but they are perfect for your passengers as they can really be comfortable for traveling. They are spacious and sometimes they are even high-tech. Most of them are four-wheel drive and despite the disadvantages that they are pointing out to this type of feature, it is commonly equipped with safety features. Nowadays, emergency features and ABS (Anti-lock braking system) have been adapted. Some are just what they call part-time meaning they do not have to be engaged at all times in a four-wheel drive. However, most of them are comfortable if you plan to have long hours of driving.
Pick-ups are also light versions of this vehicle. The rear end is open, so either it can be used as an added space to accommodate more passengers or it can be used as your cargo area. As your passengers take a ride at the back of this vehicle, they will have the same feeling that they get when riding on a top down, convertible.
Some use this for off-road adventure. However to use them in this kind of leisure, certain modifications are needed. The most important accessory that should be added is truck lift kits for suspension. These are composed of springs and shocks to improve clearance of the vehicle as they go past the uneven surfaces of the road. If you plan to have this kind of adventure, then you should consider taking this modification.
These lighter versions can be used for transportation too. If you are running a small business, they can also be used to carry goods but not as much as cargo forwarders can carry. Nevertheless, they can really be a great help to your business and they can be perfect for your passengers too.
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Peterbilt has begun production of medium-duty trucks, delivering two production Model 335 hybrid diesel-electric trucks to VinLux Fine Wine Transport of Napa, Calif., a joint venture of Biagi Bros. and Jackson Family Estates. The company will operate the Peterbilt trucks in cities such as San Francisco.
The Class 7 Model 335 uses Eaton’s hybrid-electric power system with an electric motor that assists the Paccar PX-6 engine with supplemental torque for improved fuel economy. The system stores energy during stopping through a process called regenerative braking, then reuses it for acceleration.
Although the hybrid version costs 40 percent more than a regular Model 335, federal tax credits and the high price of diesel mean that VinLux can realize a return on investment in as little as two years. The tax credit, currently available through 2009, is up to $12,000 for the Class 7 335 hybrid and up to $6,000 for the Class 6 330 hybrid.
In a related development, Peterbilt announced a demonstration tour to allow prospective hybrid customers in the United States and Canada to evaluate the 2009 Model 330 and 335 hybrids for applications such as utility, pickup-and-delivery, and dump trucks.
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Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
Each new product, each new decision adds to the evolution of a company, creating a legacy of quality or leading to its eventual downfall. Isuzu is one of those companies that have survived, learned its lessons, responded to market demands, and because of its success, we felt it was worthy of rewinding the clock twenty years and taking a look at the past two decades of automotive achievement.
While Isuzu is now known for its high-quality Ascender and tough pickup trucks, it’s not surprising that 20 years ago, the company was already on the road to success. In 1988, Isuzu positioned itself as the number one heavy duty and medium duty truck maker in the world, surpassing Daimler-Benz. With such an incredible output of trucks, it was only a matter of time before the company began to focus on the light-duty truck market.
By 1992, American Isuzu Motors Inc. had something to celebrate. The company retailed its one-millionth unit in the U.S., catering to the growing needs of the sport utility vehicle market in North America.
With the introduction of the famed Isuzu Trooper, the company became the first import manufacturer to offer three segments of SUVs: the mini, the compact, and the full-size.
Two years later in 1994, the Isuzu Rodeo – another popular model – took on competitors at the Alcan 5000 – a 4,133-mile rally from Seattle, Washington ending eight days later in the Arctic Circle. It won, becoming the first SUV to boast that accomplishment. The Rodeo proved its worth again in 1994 when another Rodeo won first place, ensuring it was no surprise when the winner of the 2000 Alcan Winter Rally was, again, a Rodeo.
A year later, in 2001, American Isuzu Motors Inc. introduced the Axiom – a revolutionary blend of performance, comfort, and technology. The Axiom was popular but Isuzu realized that the SUV market was changing and they needed to change with it.
In 2003, Isuzu introduced the Ascender 7-Passenger with more passenger space than Axiom. In addition, the Ascender 7-Passenger was the first Isuzu SUV to boast a V8 engine. While the Ascender 7-Passenger was revered by many as one of the best high-performance SUVs on the market, it wasn’t for everyone. City dwellers wanted SUVs that were just as high-quality, but smaller, more fuel-efficient, and more affordable. And thus, the following year, Isuzu came out with the Ascender 5-Passenger – a more compact version of its older brother.
In 2006, Isuzu trucks had expanded to include two new pickups – the i-280 4×2 Extended Cab and the i-350 4×4 Crew Cab. Produced in Shreveport, Louisiana, the pickup trucks are an instant hit, providing customers with class-leading towing and payload capacities. 2006 was a good year for Isuzu. In addition to the new pickup line, Intellichoice recognized Isuzu’s entire lineup as the best in their class for low costs.
In 2007, Isuzu improved on its pickup truck line, upgrading both the i-290 and the i-370 with larger engines and increased torque and horsepower. Prices, however, stayed the same as the previous year. In 2007, Isuzu added two new models to its line: the i-370 4×2 Extended Cab and the i-370 4×2 Crew Cab, giving pickup customers multiple options.
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
Hino groups its truck models in two “families.” The manufacturer’s light-duty trucks (LDT) include models 145, 165, and 185, ranging in GVW from 14,050 to 18,000 lbs. The LDT lineup features Hino’s 5L, four-cylinder J05 engine, rated at 175 hp.
“This is a very durable, fuel-efficient engine,” said Ellis. The engine’s combined high-pressure common rail fuel injection, variable geometry turbocharger design, and cooled EGR for emission control optimizes air/fuel mixture across the entire speed range of Hino’s engines, he added.
Hino’s medium-duty truck (MDT)product line includes the 238, 258, 268, and 338 models, ranging from 23,000 to 33,000 lbs. GVW. The MDT trucks offer an 8L J08 engine. In the 200-series, the engine is rated at 220 hp, while in the 338 model, the engine produces 260 hp.
Hino’s proprietary steering gear developed by TRW enhances the trucks’ maneuverability, according to Ellis. Other Hino driveline partners include Allison and Eaton transmissions, Meritor axles and brakes, Dana driveshafts, and Hendrickson suspensions.
In addition to the three-person cab comfort, Ellis also noted the trucks’ serviceability. “The engine compartment was very roomy, and all gauges were easily accessed from the driver’s side. All maintenance and service points were accessed without difficulty for simple, straight-forward servicing and repair”.
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