Monday, October 27th, 2008
Ford Motor Corp., the third largest automaker around the world, boasts its stable reign in the truck sales. In the past two years, the automaker sold over 900,000 F-Series pickups. Said figure is 800,000 more per year for the past 8 years. In the past 30 years, no other carmaker has established sales of 800,000 – only Ford.
Doug Scott, Ford Truck Group marketing manager, said, “We’ve accumulated more than 40 awards for F-150 over the past two years. We simply know truck customers better than anyone else.
Ford F150, best-selling truck in the F-Series, is deemed the bread-and-butter of the company. In its introduction 2004, the automaker flaunted its parts diagram for Ford F150 pickup, which is designed to produce a powerful car that can withstand difficult demands of towing. This year, Ford brought back the Harley-Davidson F-150 and Super Duty versions. Subsequently, it also delivered new chrome packages for both models. The models are also given Sirius Satellite Radio and 20-inch wheels.
According to Todd Lenz, F150 marketing manager, several Ford vehicles like the F150, are already employing flexible powertrain. As a fact, new or used Ford F-150 truck uses a E85 Ethanol, which allows owners to use domestic produced, renewable, inexpensive, and clean alternative to the conventional petroleum-based gasoline. The drawback though is that there is scarce supply of E85 pumps.
Ford is considering building concept trucks that utilizes several Ford F250 pickup parts plus other groundbreaking parts and accessories to come up with better trucks. These trucks for sale are expected to be displayed at the upcoming North American auto shows.
“Innovation has long been the key to Ford’s success with trucks,” Scott concluded. “While our competitors play catch-up we’re continuing to anticipate the features that matter to the consumer and get there before the other guys do.”
Ford trucks are untouched by the ongoing market shift to small, sleek, compact cars. According to auto analysts the secret behind its success is the focus on quality and innovations. The marketplace has long been convinced of the quality of Ford trucks. This is the reason why, for several decades now, Ford is amassing a hefty truck sales.
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Friday, September 12th, 2008
One of the first companies in North America to pilot a proto type diesel hybrid electric delivery truck from Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, corporate Express pilot of this innovative vehicle marks the companys first step towards adding Isuzu hybrid electric vehicles to its US delivery fleet, with the goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and minimizing environmental impact.
Our distribution operations area primary focus as we work to reduce our carbon footprint said President of Corporate Express US. We approached Isuzu about a diesel hybrid electric vehicle last year and we are extremely pleased that our partnership with them is enhanced with a pilot of this terrific emerging technology here in the US. The majority of Corporate Express US Trucks Trailers are from Isuzu, who has been the Company’s long time trucking partner since 1992. As a pure business to business company.
President of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Isuzu is committed to technologies and programs to address safety, environment and economy and this partnership reinforces that commitment. We will continue to work with Corporate Express and other environmentally conscious companies to meet their needs. This move is part of Corporate Express overall plans to reduce environmental impact through goals for facilities, distribution operations, sustainable forestry, environmentally sustainable products and social responsibility. These plans are outlined in the Company’s US Sustainability Policy.
Isuzu is working with Enova Systems to retrofit the Isuzu truck proto type with their Hybrid Power drive system, a turnkey system that combines an enhanced electric motor and electronic controls to help power the vehicle. Enova Systems is a globally recognized provider of environmentally friendly hybrid drive systems for vehicles that provide significant savings in fuel economy and reduce green house gas and noise pollution. There are numerous other Isuzu diesel electric hybrid programs including a large scale commercial program in Japan to provide cleaner vehicles in an urban environment.
Corporate Express expects to receive the proto type vehicle in Los Angeles, California. Corporate Express provides customers with a single source of business products and services, so that they can focus their resources, energy and time on their core business. Corporate Express helps organizations to save time and maximize their productivity.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, Corporate Express NV generated 2006 annual sales of EUR 6.3 billion. The Company has a widespread global distribution network spanning North America, Europe and Australia, has close to 19,000 employees and operations in 20 countries. Corporate Express NV is listed on Euronext Amsterdam and in New York.
Isuzu trucks are one of the largest selling medium duty trucks in the world and have been America’s number one selling low cab forward truck every year since 1986. Approximately 86% of all Isuzu trucks ever sold in the US are still registered today, which speaks volumes about their legendary dependability and low cost of ownership. Since 1918, over 26 million Isuzu built trucks have been sold in 64 countries.
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Thursday, September 11th, 2008
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America has announced the availability of an all electric transport refrigeration unit powered by the Aura Gen. This system eliminates the need for a diesel motor to run the Commercial Truck of America has announced the availability of an all electric transport refrigeration unit powered by the Aura Gen.This system eliminates the need for a diesel motor to run the compressor on refrigerated trucks.
Aura’s CEO, said, We are pleased with the Isuzu announcement and are looking forward to a long mutually beneficial relationship with Isuzu not only for transport refrigeration applications but also for other applications where mobile power is required for compressors and other inductive type loads. It is clear that the Aura Gen solution has the potential to revolutionize the mid size refrigeration trucks industry.
The elimination of the extra diesel engine provides large fuel savings to the fleet owners and helps the environment as well. A typical diesel engine used to power refrigeration trucks consumed about 0.7 gallons of diesel fuel per operating hour and generates emissions of approximately 230 kilograms of Nitrous Oxides, 200 kilograms of Carbon Monoxide and 25 kilograms of Particulate Matter per year.
Vice president, fleet operations and marketing, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, said, This is a revolutionary breakthrough enabling the refrigerated transportation industry to switch from traditional diesel to an all electric system. Fleets can reduce their costs dramatically and help our environment at the same time. Isuzu low cab forward trucks are distributed through 205 Isuzu truck dealers and 350 GM W-Series dealers nationwide,only Freightliner Trucks company has compare to Isuzu refrigerated transportation. Over 84 percent ofall Isuzu built trucks registered in the U.S. since 1984 are still on the road today.
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Thursday, September 11th, 2008
Isuzu launched new pickups last year, the 2006 i280 & i350. No cheers, no applause, no emotion or response to speak of. That moment during the 2005 Detroit Auto Show could be characterized by one word thud. Reasons for such a pathetic response are numerous, but most revolve around the fact that the Isuzu trucks may be the lamest example of rebadging to date. Based on the unimpressive and uncompetitive Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the i-Series trucks wear a unique grille, specific stick on badges and here’s a stretch, center hubcap covers and a steering wheel cover that read Isuzu. Even the head-lights & tail-lights are the same. Apparently management’s recipe for success is to have the GM delivery truck stop off at the scant scattering of Isuzu dealers with a few pickups and some boxes of click on parts and stickers.
There is one saving grace. All 2006 Isuzu i-Series pickup sold only in tens not in hundreds, is backed by a 3 year/50,000 mile basic warranty and seven years or 75,000 miles of powertrain coverage, with rust through protection for five years or 100,000 miles. And base prices for the i-280 and i-350 are lower than equivalent Chevy Trucks and GMC Canyons, despite recent price reductions on both General Motors models.
Now they competes like exact models, the Isuzu i-Series pickup comes equipped with one of two engines. The base i-280 model, available in extended cab guise only, features a 2.8 liter, dual overhead cam, 16 valve, four cylinder engine offering a respectable 175 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 185 lb.ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm. A standard five speed manual transmission delivers power to the rear wheels, though a four speed automatic is optional. EPA fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the manual and 17/23 mpg for the automatic. Each Isuzu i-280 rides on an independent front suspension and live rear setup with leaf springs, with stopping power provided from front vented discs and rear drums. Steering is of the power rack & pinion variety.
Isuzu Trucks i-280 S models, starting at $17,649 including a $660 destination charge, feature 15 inch alloy wheels riding on General 225/75 tires, anti lock brakes, air conditioning, a basic AM/FM radio, rear step up bumper, cruise control, tilt steering, and a locking tailgate. The i-280 LS, with a base price of $19,649, adds rear jump seats, cloth seats and carpeting, CD and MP3 players, power mirrors, manual lumbar support for the driver, and floor mats. The base S model can be ordered with the Preferred Equipment Package, including an upgraded radio, carpeting, rear jump seats, floor mats, and cloth seats. LS buyers have the option of the LS Package, with power windows and door locks, upgraded cloth seats and interior trim, and more or the Luxury Package and its side curtain airbags, locking rear differential, traction control, leather steering wheel, 6 disc CD changer, sliding rear window, and other luxurious features.
Drivers wanting a bit more space and four wheel drive functionality will need to look at the 2006 Isuzu i-350. This crew cab pickup is powered by a 3.5 liter, dual overhead cam, 20 valve, five cylinder engine pushing 220 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and cranking out 225 lb.ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm through a four speed automatic transmission. All i-350 comes equipped with that tranny, a four wheel drive system with a two speed transfer case and automatic locking hubs and LS badging as well as an independent torsion bar front suspension and a live rear with leaf springs. The EPA rates fuel economy at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. In addition to the standard features found on the i-280 LS, the Isuzu i-350 adds a locking rear differential, power windows and door locks, a 60/40 split folding rear bench seat, skid plates, and side curtain airbags, all for the asking price of $28,018, including the $660 destination charge. A imited Package adds leather seats, a 6 disc CD changer, front power and heated seats, an exterior temperature gauge and compass, and a sliding rear window.
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Monday, September 8th, 2008
SUMMER VILLE /SC, American LaFrance LLC trucks celebrated its 175th anniversary of manufacturing emergency vehicles and vocational chassis, as well as the grand opening of its new manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters this past weekend in Summer ville, S.C. Over 1,200 American LaFrance enthusiasts, vendors, and past and current American LaFrance associates enjoyed a two day event that included antique apparatus displays, plant tours and a traditional wet down of the new facilities.
The brand new, state of the art manufacturing facility includes over 440,000 sq. ft. of production and assembly space dedicated to fire apparatus and vocational chassis. The corporate office is comprised of 57,000 sq. ft. and houses a display area for antique apparatus owned by American LaFrance.
Over 20 antique fire apparatus from all over the United States were brought by their owners to be displayed, judged, and to participate in a first water competition. Antiques ranged from 1912 to 1960 with pumpers, aerials, and a chemical unit proudly displayed. American LaFrance Trucks also welcomed back one of its own, a 1928 Type 145 pumper. Old Blue, as it has become affectionately known, had its restoration started by a group of American LaFrance employees and was painstakingly completed by Andy Swift and Ken Soderbeck. Old Blue will take up permanent residence in the display area in the corporate building in Summer ville.
Visitors traveled from as far away as the Canadian Province of British Columbia, to be a part of the celebration and were treated to a brief ceremony led by Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Fire Products as well as comments from new President and CEO, we are a proud company built by our customers and associates and we look forward to expanding our reputation of producing products that enable fire and EMS personnel to save lives and protect property. Our products are identified with high quality and backed with unmatched dealer support during and after the sale. American LaFrance is poised to take the next step in re establishing our position as the leader in fire apparatus.
The acquisition of the company by Patriarch Partners LLC in 2005 created many challenges. For instance, our new facilities here in South Carolina didn’t exist 18 months ago. The buildings we are in now are designed for fire apparatus and vocational chassis manufacturing to improve efficiencies while maintaining our quality standards. We also had to design and implement a new Information Technology system from the ground up. These two needs caused us to move quickly to become a truly stand alone company. We are well on our way to implementing our new systems and optimizing plant utilization. American LaFrance is alive and well and we look forward to meeting our customers needs well into the future.
About American LaFrance :-
American LaFrance has built fire and rescue apparatus since 1832. Now the company manufactures and distributes a comprehensive line of fire and emergency apparatus including chassis, aerials, ambulances, pumpers, rescues, tankers and wildland vehicles. The company also manufactures a line of vocational vehicles. For additional information, visit “www.truckstrailersforsale.com“.
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Sunday, September 7th, 2008
Historically, American LaFrance Trucks has not been a name immediately identified with industrial fire fighting. That is slowly changing, said American LaFrance’s manager for government and industrial sales. To put things into perspective, they are taking baby steps. They may not be attacking industrial fire protection as much as there competitors, but they are taking time to think through what they are doing to be sure it meets industry needs.
American LaFrance is now offering the National Foam pump module with the American LaFrance chassis, aerial and body to give another dimension to its product line. The resulting package will offer a chassis similar to American LaFrance, a National Foam pump, an American LaFrance aerial device and a body of choice, either American LaFrance or National Foam, depending on what the customer wants. American LaFrance is also excited about the industrial fire applications of its 102 foot rear mount aerial tower complete with 6 inch waterway and a 3,000 gpm capacity.
Because of the requirements of having 1,000 gallons of foam is the rule of thumb for industry, they use an older torque box design. If the foam capacity isn’t an issue they have a 12 foot jack spread that they are very proud of. That truck comes with a 110 foot aerial, 750 pound tip load and 1,500 gpm pump. A 12 foot spread could be a big advantage in a congested industrial setting. If they can use a National Foam 3,000 gpm pump, the maximum they could do is 1,500 gpm at the tip. Engineering fire trucks to meet the needs of industrial customers is unique and interesting.
A good example of this is a tanker pumper recently delivered to Fairbanks, AK. It’s basically everything you need in an industrial truck, including a compressed air foam system that operates at -50 degrees F or colder. It has an insulated pump panel, special exhaust systems, rugged heavy duty undercarriage and heavy duty front and rear suspension.
The body is American LaFrance’s typical extruded aluminum product. It has a 2,500 gallon tank that could be stretched to 3,000 gpm with foam. To date, American LaFrance is in the process of building its third truck for that same Alaskan department. Building big trucks like those used for industrial fire fighting is nothing new to American LaFrance. The biggest trucks they’ve ever built were for National Foam. They had a 312 inch wheelbase and Schwing booms. Refinery Terminal Fire Company in Corpus Christi, TX, has one of them. So they have built industrial trucks before and can meet any client’s needs.
Backing that claim is the combined engineering prowess of Daimler Chrysler and Freightliner Trucks, one of the largest heavy duty truck maker in the U.S., they draw on 173 years of experience to know what works and what doesn’t.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008
Selling your Used Trucks ? It’s important to keep in mind that prospective used trucks buyers evaluate the person selling the care almost as much, if not more, than they examine the truck it self. In order to win their interest and their trust it is crucial that you should make a good impression. Wherever possible, Strive make your prospective customers feel comfortable and be open in your response to their inquiries.
Be ready to answer their questions as soon as prospective buyers start calling. Answer questions posed over the phone honestly in an effort to prepare callers for what to expect when they see the truck. This works to save both you and the customer a lot of time and work by making only those appointments that have a reasonable chance of becoming a sale. Further more, strive to make appointments with each customer for a specific time, rather than leaving them to some vague time such as after work, or Week End.
Remember that making an appointment when selling a trucks increases the chances of the buyers showing up. Don’t feel obligated to wait for a late customer. To help things go smoothly, request a contact number (preferably a cell phone) and take it in stride if some prospective buyers don’t show. Cancellations, with or without notice, are simply part of the process.
It should be expected that any potential buyer will ask to test drive the car. Ride along with them so you can answer questions, as well as ensure the safety of the automobile. There is also the possibility that the customer may not be familiar with the area, so riding along with them allows you to serve as a guide.
Some of the buyers are likely to want to have the truck inspected by a mechanic. If a mechanic has already checked it, this is the right time to show that paper work. This is a reasonable request in any transaction such as buying or selling a Trucks. You can deal on any of the branded used trucks like Ford Trucks, Chevy Trucks, Ottawa Trucks, Oshkosh Trucks, Isuzu Trucks, Hino Trucks, Lafrance Trucks, Freightliner Trucks, Gmc Trucks, etc.
Protect Yourself :-
It is important to be cautious and to take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of your interests. For example, holding onto a buyer’s driver’s license is a reasonable safeguard if a buyer insists on going on a test drive by his or herself. If the buyer has a problem with this arrangement there’s a very good chance that allowing an unsupervised test drive would go against your best interests. On the other hand, it’s not unreasonable for a buyer to want the truck checked by a different mechanic if it has already been checked by yours. Be prepared to go with the flow a little bit, and you are more likely to get a sale.
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Tuesday, August 26th, 2008
Formally known as the National Expo - Trucks & Commercial Vehicle, the Sydney Truck show or NTCVE, is all set to be Australia’s information and business platform for leading companies manufacturing heavy duty, medium duty and light duty vehicles.
The show’s opening and it would feature a broad range of state of the art commercial vehicles( light duty & heavy duty) and automotive parts, from some of the biggest names in the industry like Ford, Volvo, and Chevy. The show provides an ideal B2B ambiance for business and it claims to have been the largest truck show in Australia’s history, with about 23,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space.
Exhibits to Feature
With more than 250 participating companies you will see 1000’s of products, vehicles, services and equipment.
Expect to see heavy duty, medium duty & light duty commercial vehicles, right from panel vans through heavy haulage operations up to B-double and road train specifications.
As for automotive parts and components, there would be side trailers, tires, bodies, IT, fuels, lubrication system supplies, numerous aftermarket supplies & automotive accessories and a host of services.
Some new releases to be showcased there would be new model trucks & a hybrid form the manufacturer Hino. The new 714 Hybrid is a second hybrid truck release from the company, which is also a reflection of a changing face of commercial automobiles. The company emphasizes that it’s committed to sustainable transport solutions.
Another, hybrid project to feature is the Hino Argosy Hybrid. While its trials would only commence in Few months, the truck meant to be a shorthaul, linehaul and interstate road freighter is expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions output by 25 percent when it goes live.
How You Can Benefit From It?
The show is primarily aimed at business buyers and is a B2B event. Since there’s a large variety of exhibitors and products, they can pick and choose. More importantly, the show features upcoming and state of the art technologies, which too should help them to make profitable investments for the future.
Typical audience profiles to the show entails, Government Departments, Corporate & Institutions, Fleet Owners, Travel & Tour Operators, Owner Drivers, Dealers & Resellers, Cargo / Parcel Movers, Service & Workshop Owners etc.
The statistics for the last year’s event also reveal that it was quite a hit, here are some facts.
Of those who visited the show, 52.7% were decision makers, authorised to purchase. Another 47.3% comprised those who were authorised to recommend purchases.
While, 43.6% visitors placed direct orders, 98.7% of exhibitors reported that new customers had placed orders with them.
To learn more about the show, kindly visit “blog.truckstrailersforsale.com“.
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Monday, August 25th, 2008
If you are one of the many people whose income is dependent on the turn of the wheels of their Kaiser Trucks Trailers, you simply do not have the time to thoroughly look for great bargains online. Unfortunately, if you want to find a good purchase, you would have to devote considerable time to look for the right kaiser trucks and trailers. However, your local classified ads are sorely lacking of information or offers. You could try spending a significant amount of time reading through the classified ads, but you will certainly end up disappointed.
Perhaps, you have once tried to look for great buys locally. You have even tried looking for Trucks and Trailers ads in your local newspapers. You have probably found out that the options are fairly limited, if they are even available. Many people are looking for the same thing, so by the time you called up about the ad, the truck or the trailer has been sold. This is the reason why many people have turned to trucks and trailers online shopping.
Without a doubt, the Internet is the perfect source if you are looking for a used truck or a new trailer. The Internet has everything! Are you looking for some parts for your old used truck? Are you looking for a special kind of led lights for your trailer? You should check out the trucks and trailers parts that you will find online. You will certainly find more options online than you would find from a local classified ads.
Millions of potential buyers log online to look for used or new trucks and trailers or even brand new ones. With a huge market online, it is not surprising that you will find numerous sellers online. There are, in fact, hundreds of websites that are solely dedicated to buying and selling these vehicles online. Many sellers choose to place their ads online because the advertising rates are smaller and the market is bigger. They have more chances of getting higher bids if they opt to sell their vehicles online.
Accordingly, buyers have also more options when they choose to buy their trucks and trailers online. The price range is also bigger so you can certainly pick out the vehicle that is reasonably priced. You will certainly find whatever it is you’re looking for. Are you looking for freightliner trucks, or are you looking for Isuzu trucks or Lafrance trucks? You will certainly find them online. You will also find Volvo trucks, GMC trucks, Chevrolet trucks and more. Now, if you are looking for trailers, you will also never lack of choices. You will find Wilson trailers, Great Dane trailers, Transcraft trailers, Trailmobile trailers and so on.
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Sunday, August 24th, 2008
Oshkosh Truck has always been known for producing severe duty trucks. They have been also known to produce fire trucks, ambulances, concrete mixers, trash haulers, tow trucks, and snow plow trucks. All of these vehicles have been quite popular and has been recognized to offer reliability and endurance. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the company has been commissioned by the US Marine Corps to produce military vehicles.
The company recently announced that they have been awarded by the US Marine Corps Systems Command with a $30.6 million contract. The production grant is for the assembly of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. These vehicles will be employed by the said government agency in battlefields where US troops are currently deployed.
Oshkosh Truck will be producing 100 units of the Category I1 MRAP and the first batch of which will be delivered within 120 days as per specified by the US Marine Corps. The speedy production is needed since the US Marine Corps has an urgent demand for such vehicles. Aside from this though, Oshkosh has already produced vehicles for the military and this may be one of the reasons why they have been chosen to undertake the production of the MRAP vehicles.
The MRAP vehicle program by the US Marine Corps needs more or less 4,100 Category I and Category II vehicles. The government is expected to spend more than $2 billion in the said undertaking. Aside from the production cost of the vehicles, the government is also expected to spend more in the long run since these vehicles will be constantly up armored to cope with the situation in the battlefields which can prove to be tough and really rough. The Category I vehicles that Oshkosh will be producing is the smaller of the two MRAP vehicles. These are intended for urban warfare and are referred to as the Mine Resistant Utility Vehicle.
Following the awarding of the production grant, the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Oshkosh Trucks has commented that Oshkosh is prepared to meet and exceed the critical delivery and protection requirements of the US Marine Corps and the MRAP program. The armored vehicles they have proposed are engineered to save lives in the face of today’s asymmetric warfare threats such as mines and IEDs. there production and engineering capabilities will ensure the rapid delivery of world class armored vehicles as the MRAP program continues to develop.
The MRAP program is a joint venture between the Marine Corps and the US Army. The program is under the Rapid Deployment Capability authority the aim of which is to deploy armored vehicles for the US troops in theatre or place of conflict. Oshkosh is only one of the nine companies which have been awarded a production contract under the MRAP program.
Aside from the production of these vehicles, Oshkosh will also provide long term support for the MRAP vehicles. they are also prepared to provide long term logistics support required by a deployed MRAP fleet. Oshkosh has the experience and infrastructure in place in the theater of operation to provide whatever level of support is required. they have maintained and up armored thousands of vehicles, of many makes and models, at there facilities in theater over the past four years. Service installations and field service representatives are already in place, ready to support the MRAP fleet of vehicles as soon as it is operational, unlike their/it’s counterparts FORD , GMC.
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