2/26/14

Stainless Steel Dump Bodies from Rugby




Rugby stainless steel dump bodies are corrosion resistant and more durable than high tensile steel.

The stainless steel Eliminator LP is built with a one-piece fl oor, dirt shedding sides, a centrally located quick release lever, (fold down side models only) and the patented EZ-LATCH™ system. The unit is designed to provide years of service.

Body Options
Stainless Steel Eliminator LP – Rigid & Fold Down Sides
  •     Cabshields (1/4, 1/2, 3/4, Full) Standard and Tall
  •     304 SS in lieu of 201 SS (extra lead time)
  •     Understructure Options:
    • Fully Stainless Steel
    • Interlaced
    • Crossmemberless
  •     10 ga 201 stainless steel sides and ends standard (304 available on a special order basis)
  •     One-piece 3/16" AR400 crossmemberless steel floor
  •     Pockets for 6" side boards increase load capacity
  •     One-piece sides with no vertical braces
  •     Seamless one-piece front design with 1/4 integrated cab shield with V-bend for added strength
Optional Coal Chute:


Meter asphalt, gravel, mulch and other materials or get a shovel full with adjustable and easy to operate individual or multiple Coal Chutes with single handle lift levers.



To find out more, you may call Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452.
Also find us at http://htbi.net/

2/24/14

Harbor Trademaster: This Black Beauty Sports a Beefy Rack




This black beauty is a Chev Crew Cab Dually with a Harbor Trademaster Service / Utility Body.
This service body has a Beefy Harbor Rectangular Rack with an over the cab extension for carrying lengthy pipes or conduit, etc. all painted to match the cab.

Also notice the fine chromed covers for the top tray lids, and the chromed step for easy cab entry, nice final touches indeed!

Visit our website at www.htbi.net or call Harbor at 800-433-9452.

2/22/14

Need a Harbor Truck Body in Oregon?



Harbor Distributors - Oregon  



Advanced Truck Bodies
4825 Table Rock Rd
Central Point OR 97502
541-664-2822 Main
541-664-1158 Fax
Gary Worden
www.advancedtruck.com

 

Cascade Truck Body
PO Box 2009
29512 Airport Rd
Eugene OR 97402
541-342-5317

 

Cobalt Truck Equipment
Regional Location
2033 NE Columbia Blvd
Portland OR 97211
503-283-2967 Main
877-526-2258
503-283-2969 Fax
Eric Lundy
www.cobalttruck.com

2/20/14

Terracon Moves to Larger GVW Trucks


Safety concerns continue to challenge fleet operations of all sizes. On average, 21 percent of fleet vehicles are involved in some form of crash each year, according to data from several accident management companies. Today, more fleet managers are turning to safer vehicles in an effort to help increase driver safety and mitigate rising accident costs.

Consulting engineering firm Terracon, based in Olathe, Kan., made such a change when it implemented an initiative to switch from smaller, light-duty trucks to a ½-ton pickup fleet for greater load capacity and increased safety.

Terracon was initially founded in 1965 and has evolved into a successful multidiscipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials engineering consulting. With more than 3,000 employees in 140 offices across 40 states, the company also partners with its U.S. clients to serve their international needs.

The company provides services on thousands of projects each year. And, according to Ginny Liddle, CAFM, buyer II for Terracon, the fleet plays a large part in the company delivering exceptional customer service.

"By being responsive, resourceful, and reliable, we strive to exceed our clients' expectations for service, solutions, quality, and speed of delivery," she explained. "Based on a deep understanding of our clients' needs, Terracon's commitment is centered on these key objectives."

Safety Evaluation Leads to Important Discoveries

Terracon's fleet consists of approximately 1,400 ½- and 1-ton pickups, 60 vans and SUVs, 82 semi tractors, and 87 drill rigs. Because fleet drivers include consulting engineers and scientists, employees need a variety of vehicles to work on construction sites, make land and building inspections, and perform land and water drilling for foundation recommendations. The company's replacement guideline falls at four years/110,000 miles.

In 2007, the company's fleet management evaluated its trucks for productivity and safety. And, in examining its accidents for the previous two years, the fleet team realized that it had many rollovers in smaller trucks, while noting only one in a ½-ton pickup and one in a van.

Another discovery encompassed repair history. When fleet management examined the repair history, it found vehicles were going through brakes quicker and the number of suspension problems was increasing at an unexpected rate.

"In 2008, after working with our leasing company doing a total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis comparing small trucks and ½-tons, we found it would actually be a cost savings by transitioning to just the ½-ton truck," Liddle said. "The safety factor in a larger truck would increase as well."

The fleet currently uses the Ford F-150 and chose this model based on hard data.

"We were running a few Rams and F-150s at that time, and we received the best rebates from Ford and Chrysler," Liddle said. "With the data our leasing company had on all the trucks, we compared the ½-ton trucks and smaller trucks for total cost of ownership and found that the Ford F-150 would give us our best results."

Initiative Results in Significant Operational Benefits

The switch from small trucks to ½-ton pickups resulted in significant savings for Terracon. In fact, the company lowered its TCO, increased safety, improved load capacity, and even increased driver morale.

The ½-ton trucks were made safer as a result of their improved capacity and ability to make the job more efficient.

"We did not need to overload them to get the job completed," Liddle said.

The fleet team also put safety nets on all the truck beds to ensure that equipment, samples, etc., did not fall out of the truck for increased public safety.

In fact, since the company's study showing 11 rollovers in 2006-2007, only three rollovers have occurred in the remaining small trucks in service, and none in the ½-ton pickups.

Driver productivity also increased, because each new vehicle could hold more samples and equipment. And, downtime decreased since less maintenance was required. The fleet had fewer trips to the shop for brakes and suspension issues, and tires have lasted longer.

"Our drivers applauded the change as they were given a more functional, safer, efficient tool to complete their work," Liddle stated.

Completing the Conversion Process

Terracon has been replacing the smaller trucks since 2008 and have less than 100 units left. While the recession slowed the replacement schedule, Liddle expects the entire conversion to be completed soon.

"Our move to larger vehicles would not have been possible without support from upper management," she said. "Terracon's senior management is very good at evaluating current and future business trends and adapting our strategic plan accordingly."

The company has also increased its safety department from two people to five people. And, as its fleet grew, the company's senior management recognized the need to increase its safety role with employees, so that all employees live in an incident- and injury-free culture and arrive home safely every day.

Moving forward, Terracon's fleet department will continue to evaluate vehicles to ensure they supply employees with the correct vehicle for the job and continue to upgrade safety features.

"This year, we will add the backup camera to our 2014 models to assist in backing safely," she concluded.

http://www.automotive-fleet.com

2/16/14

My X-Perience, My Story - Bob Franks



"The Freedom SW that I have now is far superior than any inverter I ever had. The Control Panel is probably the most user friendly I ever had before. I would say if you don't have one and need to replace yours, this is the brand you should put in. And if you're having a coach built, you should automatically ask for this one to be put in because the many of them I had in the past years, this one outstands the rest of them altogether," says Bob Franks about his Freedom SW 3012 Inverter/Charger that came as a factory installed inverter in his 2010 Dynamax Dynaquest Class A motorhome.

2/14/14

Gas vs Diesel: Do the Math First


The new 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, due in showrooms the first quarter of 2014, is set to rewrite the rulebook in the full-size, light-duty segment. It has already won the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award, and even USA Today liked it. However, many buyers in this segment are cautious about new technology. Even the Ford EcoBoost, probably the most successful example of a new engine option (even strategy), took almost two years in the market to be fully accepted. But as much as we want to believe that a light-duty diesel would great to have again in a half-ton, we have to ask whether it makes financial sense.

Regrettably, a simple yes or no doesn't address the many variables presented by the way pickup truck owners operate their trucks in so many diverse environments. To run the numbers here, we'll stick to what Ram puts under the hood of its 1500 Outdoorsman Crew Cab 4x2, starting with the standard gas Pentastar V-6 engine option.

Given that the high-tech 3.6-liter V-6 replaced an over-the-hill 3.7-liter V-6, there's little surprise its introduction created so much consumer excitement. Boasting twin overhead cams mounted on an all-aluminum block, the 220-cubic-inch six-cylinder delivers 305 horsepower and 269 pounds-feet of torque. Burning regular unleaded gas makes it the most democratic of Chrysler powertrains, and with an EPA-estimated city/highway mileage of 18/25 mpg (in two-wheel-drive HFE configuration), you can take your democracy to the street. As the base engine on our Outdoorsman, it is built into the truck's $39,720 base price (including destination), and requires no additional upcharge.


EcoDiesel II

Buy the same Ram package with the optional Hemi V-8 and you'll add $1,150 while reducing economy from 18 mpg city to 15 mpg. Likewise, the addition of the Hemi takes the highway estimate from 25 mpg in the V-6 to 22 in the V-8 (when equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic). Driving 15,000 miles per year at 15 miles per gallon costs $3,500 annually (based on gas costing $3.50 a gallon). The new V-6 would consume 170 fewer gallons, for an estimated savings of $600 a year or $1.64 per day.

With Ram's new EcoDiesel, anticipate a $4,000 bump over the base V-6, or roughly $2,800 more for those considering the Hemi. (Your Outdoorsman diesel is now stickering at nearly $44,000.) We should note the official EPA figures were just released for the 4x2 Ram EcoDiesel at 20/28/23 mpg city/highway/combined, so let's go with these numbers. Those who own a half-ton pickup truck know these are strong numbers.

Driving those same 15,000 miles in town, with a city rating of 20, consumes 750 gallons of fuel. And that compares with the 830 gallons used by the gas V-6 and 1,000 gallons consumed by the Hemi. If diesel fuel were priced the same as regular unleaded gas (for sake of argument here, let's say $3.50 a gallon), your cost to go 15,000 city miles would be $2,625. That's $875 per year less than the Hemi (at $3,500), but only $275 less per year than the 3.6-liter V-6 (at $2,900). And you've already invested $4,000 for the diesel ownership privilege, suggesting more than 14 years of ownership costs before fuel savings start paying you back on a per-mile basis (and that assumes fuel prices stay exactly where they are right now). However, you'll get some return on your investment with a higher vehicle resale should you decide to sell your pickup in the second-hand market.



Fuel cost chart 2b II

Unfortunately diesel fuel is typically more expensive than regular unleaded. If we incorporate a modest 10 percent bump between the two (in some areas of the U.S. it's much higher than that), your annual outlay for those 750 gallons is $2,900, which shows no out-of-pocket savings relative to the gas V-6. And if we apply the numbers to the most optimistic highway figures while doubling the annual mileage to 30,000, you'll burn 1,200 gallons of regular unleaded in the V-6 (at 25 mpg like the V-6 eight-speed highway mpg), for an expenditure of $4,200. Driving the diesel at 28 mpg requires almost 1,070 gallons of fuel annually at the suggested $3.85 a gallon or $4,120. That represents essentially no savings per year over the gasoline V-6.

Chart-1

As you can see, any annual difference in the cost to fuel your truck is chump change relative to a $40,000 investment. The Ram diesel is cheapest over 30,000 highway miles, but the savings are less than only $15 per week when compared to the Ram Hemi or Ford EcoBoost. But beyond real-world costs in the diesel versus gas debate, there are several intangible issues to consider:

Torque: Although there are 65 fewer horses provided by the EcoDiesel relative to the 3.6-liter V-6, its 420 pounds-feet of torque (under 2,000 rpm) simply overwhelms the gas power plant's 269 pounds-feet of torque at 4,175 rpm. This isn't necessarily stump-pulling power but it is significant. And the ease with which the truck moves under load or a full trailer represents a solid benefit every time you, a family member or employee is behind the wheel.

Perceived simplicity: Despite turbocharging, Fiat's MultiJet II direct injection and as much electrical wonderment as an Apollo space capsule, diesels are still perceived as simple technology relative to their gasoline counterparts. Since they're built to take compression ratios some 60 percent higher than the gas slugs, consumers figure the pickups can take whatever the highway can throw at them: "If I can get 200,000 miles from my gas lump, I'll get 400,000 from a diesel." Today that perceived superiority — especially at the light-duty end of the market — may be harder to document, but it sticks in our collective imagination.

Availability: If you do most of your shopping at big-box retailers, finding diesel may take an app on your smartphone. And if you do most of your shopping at retailers committed to saving the Earth, diesel may be the only acceptable fuel for your tank even though you may have to search for it.

Safety: If your work or hobbies require carrying auxiliary fuel tanks, know that diesel's lower level of combustibility (relative to gasoline) makes it much safer to carry auxiliary tanks.

Alternatives to efficiency are certainly available from the other players in the segment. Ford — as noted earlier — is proud of its EcoBoost V-6. Via turbocharging, it generates torque and horsepower fully commensurate with a healthy V-8, and if you keep your foot off the floorboard, the EcoBoost will provide class-competitive fuel efficiency.

At Chevrolet, the Silverado makes a good argument for its EcoTec3 5.3-liter V-8. Significantly re-engineered, this pushrod block isn't as sexy as diesel or EcoBoost, but there's a lot to be said for the relative simplicity — and established reliability — of the small-block with direct injection, variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation. Annual fuel costs will still be in the Ram EcoDiesel ballpark (given both the Chevy's efficiency and the lower cost of regular unleaded), and the GM V-8 is only a $1,095 bump over Chevrolet's 4.3-liter V-6 (not a $4,000 bump). So when making your decision, factor in as many variables as possible.



By David Boldt
www..pickuptrucks.com

2/12/14

Mark Boice, BusinessLink | Real People, Real Businesses




In this installment of our "Real People, Real Businesses" series, we interview Mark Boice of BusinessLink and Chrysler Commercial Vehicles. Mark tells us about free services like 24-hour towing, free loaner vehicles, and next-bay service that small business owners get by enrolling in our free BusinessLink program. BusinessLink dealers are focused on adding to your bottom line by keeping your vehicles on the road.

2/10/14

RAM Truck and Cummings - 25 Years of Diesel Powertrain Leadership



RAM 5500 DUMP TRUCK Chassis Cab Test Drive -- Bob Giles NewCarNews.TV with Steve Purdy

Ram Truck and Cummins Celebrate 25 Years of Diesel Powertrain Leadership

  • Available 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel produces 385 horsepower (283 kW) at 2,800 rpm and best-in-class 850 lb.-ft. of torque (1,151 N•m)
  • 10 million B-series Cummins engines have been produced with more than 2 million finding a home in a Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab trucks
  • Proven durability - Cummins has the longest-running large-displacement diesel design/architecture
  • 2014 Ram Heavy Duty retains the highest level of capability with best-in-class towing, best-in-class payload and best-in-class Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
  • 2014 Ram Chassis Cab outworks the competition with best-in-class towing, gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and best-in-class total cost of ownership
  • Unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/100,000 miles
  • 15,000-mile oil change interval and best-in-class exhaust brake
February 5, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Twenty-five years ago, Ram and Cummins changed the face of heavy-duty pickup trucks forever. Together, the two companies have succeeded by combining dominant truck engineering and superb diesel powertrain design. The result, competitors continue to chase the legacy which began in 1989 and Ram’s 2014 Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab truck lines grip best-in-class titles in the No. 1 purchase reason: capability.

“Ram and Cummins are names synonymous with power, quality and durability. We’ve enjoyed a successful relationship and remained leaders in the diesel pickup market for 25 years,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The numbers don’t lie. Backed by a Cummins engine, our Ram Heavy Duty is King of the Hill with 30,000 lbs. of towing capacity – three tons more than the closest competitor and our flagship Chassis Cab trucks hit Gross Combined Weight Ratings of up to 37,500 lbs.”

When first introduced in 1989, the Dodge Ram 3500 with the 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine produced 160 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Today’s 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel available in the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups and Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks delivers up to  385 horsepower and a ground shaking 850 lb.-ft. of torque – more than any competitor.

“The Cummins and Ram Truck partnership has created a legendary package over the last 25 years and we appreciate their continued loyalty to Cummins," said Dave Crompton, Cummins Vice President and General Manager – Engine Business. "This commitment to our partnership allows us to focus on delivering best-in-class performance, reliability, and durability for the heavy-duty pickup market. The Cummins and Ram brands continue to provide a terrific combination for our customers.”

Noteworthy facts
  • The Cummins engine has an 85 percent take rate on Ram Heavy Duty trucks
  • Since 1989, the Ram Heavy Duty with Cummins engine has held more best-in-class titles than any other pickup truck manufacturer
  • Best-in-class long-term quality, reliability and durability  when compared to other automakers
  • Only engine also found in heavy equipment when compared to other truck manufacturers
  • More Cummins B-series million-mile club members and the greatest brand recognition when compared to other automakers
  • Built to last, Cummins’ 6.7-liter is the benchmark in medium-duty truck markets, featuring a cast iron head (competition uses aluminum), 30-40 percent fewer moving components and the largest bore and stroke - a testament to its durability, structure and longevity
Best-in-class
Heavy Duty:
  • Power – 850 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Towing – Up to 30,000 pounds with Ram 3500
  • Towing – Up to 17,970 pounds with Ram 2500
  • Payload – Up to 7,320 pounds with Ram 3500
  • Capacity – Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 37,600 pounds with Ram 3500
Chassis Cab:
  • 3500 GCWR of up to 30,000 pounds and max trailer weight of 22,750 pounds
  • 4500 GCWR of up to 32,500 pounds and max trailer weight of 24,650 pounds
  • 5500 GCWR of up to 37,500 pounds and max trailer weight of 29,600 pounds

Ram Heavy Duty Powertrain
Dominating the torque charts, the renowned 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 is available in three versions. The first version is paired with Ram’s segment exclusive six-speed manual transmission, which features a wear-compensating clutch for lifetime like-new performance and a dual-trunion shift tower to accommodate a compact shift pattern. This combination delivers 350 horsepower at 2,800 rpm and 660 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,400 rpm.

The second option matches the Cummins to the 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine cranks out 370 horsepower at 2,800 rpm with an unsurpassed in ¾-ton trucks 800 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm.

Finally, the 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel I-6 for Ram 3500 is paired with the Aisin six-speed automatic transmission (AS69RC), leaving no doubt to Ram Heavy Duty’s capability. In addition to 385 horsepower at 2,800 rpm, the most powerful Cummins generates best-in-class torque of 850 lb.-ft. at 1,700 rpm. The AS69RC transmission features wide gear ratios that contribute to impressive shift performance, efficiency and drivability.

Ram Chassis Cab Powertrain
Ram Truck offers two engine variants based on the 6.7-liter Cummins for diesel supremacy in the Chassis Cab segment.

The first version features 320 horsepower at 2,800 rpm and 650 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,400 rpm. The engine is paired with Ram’s segment-exclusive, six-speed manual transmission, which features a wear-compensating clutch for consistent performance, and a dual-trunion shift tower to accommodate a compact shift pattern.

A second high-output diesel delivers 325 horsepower at 2,400 rpm and generates best-in-class torque of 750 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,500 rpm. The engine is paired with an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission (AS69RC).

Innovation
From behind the wheel, Cummins diesels deliver best-in-class stopping capability from innovations such as the “smart” exhaust brake. Enabled by Cummins’ unique, proprietary sliding-nozzle turbine design, the feature electronically manages best-in-class exhaust braking for smoother downhill driving, regardless of vehicle load. By monitoring throttle input, the system automatically adjusts to the driver’s intended speed by activating more exhaust brake when necessary. The result is long lasting brake linings and improved control when running heavy loads down a grade.

Ram trucks featuring the Cummins 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel also feature the industry-exclusive Ram Active Air intake system. When the intake system senses extreme heat, it draws cooler air from the front of the vehicle – a function that also engages at high altitudes for superior throttle response in low oxygen environments. When conditions are wet from snow, ice or water-fording, the system pulls air from an under-hood inlet, clear from snow packing and water.

All Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab trucks equipped with the Cummins engine benefit from an advanced cooling system. A high-efficiency fan, dual radiators, dual transmission coolers and a charge air cooler provide impressive heat-rejection capacity to align with best-in-class Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Lower operating temperatures deliver unsurpassed performance, durability and lower operating costs.

The 2014 Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab trucks are backed with an unsurpassed five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. The powertrain-limited warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a covered powertrain component – engine, transmission and drive system. Coverage also includes free towing to the nearest Ram Truck dealer, if necessary. The warranty also is transferable allowing customers who sell their truck during the warranty period to pass the coverage to the new owner. The standard three-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage from the body to the electrical system.
 
About Cummins
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service diesel and natural gas engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (USA), Cummins employs approximately 46,000 people worldwide, and serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of approximately 600 company-owned and independent distributor locations and approximately 6,500 dealer locations. Cummins earned $1.65 billion on sales of $17.3 billion in 2012. Press releases can be found on the Web at cummins.com or cumminsengines.com. Follow Cummins on Twitter at http://twitter.com/cumminsengines and on YouTube at http://youtube.com/cumminsengines.

About Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.




Ram and Cummigns Specications From www.chrysler.com

Video from Bob Giles NewCarNews.TV with Steve Purdy- Shunpiker Productions

2/08/14

2015 Chevrolet City Express Delivers the Goods



Versatile urban work van blends cargo room, maneuverability and efficiency



CHICAGO – Chevrolet’s all-new 2015 City Express matches maneuverability and cargo-hauling flexibility with efficiency, giving urban business owners and fleet managers value-driven capability with low operating costs.

The City Express goes on sale this fall, offering 122.7 cubic feet (3,474 liters) of customizable cargo space, a tight turning diameter of only 36.7 feet (11.2 m) and an estimated payload capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The City Express also will deliver greater efficiency than full-size vans due to its smaller size and a 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing matched to a continuously variable transmission.

“As the newest member of the Chevrolet Express family of vans, the 2015 City Express offers a smaller, more efficient choice for businesses that don’t need the cargo volume or other capabilities of a full-size van,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, GM Fleet and Commercial. “It is an easy-to-maneuver van that makes the most of its compact dimensions with clever features, allowing business owners to maximize its space – and their resources – with a vehicle sized for their needs.”

Versatile and well-equipped
Designed for function, the City Express’s all-important cargo area accommodates large and bulky items, with 4’6” of space from side wall to side wall – more than enough to load a standard 40” x 48” pallet flat on the floor.

There’s also 6’10” of room from the rear doors to the back of the front seats. With the passenger seat folded, the length grows to 9’8”. The tops of the rear wheel houses are flat to enable tiered storage and to maximize storage space.

Additional features include:
  • Fold-down passenger seat that converts to a flat work space
  • Center console designed for storage, including a standard file folder bin
  • Tall, 40/60-split rear cargo doors that open to 90- and 180-degree angles
  • Left- and right-side sliding doors
  • Twenty integrated cargo-mounting points throughout the interior
  • Six floor-mounted D-rings
  • Six exterior roof rack mounting points
  • Standard vinyl flooring
  • Standard solid rear doors with tinted-glass windows available
  • Standard driver information center
  • Standard power windows
  • 12-volt power outlet standard on LS
  • Remote keyless entry with automatic locking feature standard on LT
  • Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors standard on LT
  • Cruise control standard on LT, (available on LS)
  • Backup sensors standard on LT, available on LS)

“The City Express is engineered to carry what’s important to business owners – and do it with cost-effective efficiency and surprising versatility,” said Peper.

A Technology package available on LT models includes a 5.8-inch diagonal touch screen, navigation, Sirius/XM Satellite Radio with a three-month trial period, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a USB input and a rearview camera system.

Bluetooth connectivity is also available on LS models.

Under the hood
Rated at 131 horsepower (98 kW) and 139 lb-ft of torque (188 Nm), the City Express’s dual overhead cam 2.0L inline-four cylinder engine features continuously variable valve timing. A continuously variable transmission drives the front wheels, contributing to efficiency by making the most of torque delivery across the rpm band.

Designed to provide a balance of strength and low mass, a body-integral chassis enhances efficiency and the feeling of performance. A MacPherson-strut suspension is located in the front with a truck-style multi-leaf rear suspension. Other chassis features include 15-inch wheels, front disc brakes and efficiency-enhancing electric power steering.

Four-wheel antilock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution are standard, as is an electronic stability control system.

The City Express also comes with six airbags standard: dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact supplemental airbags and roof-mounted curtain airbags for enhanced side-impact and rollover protection.

The City Express gets Chevrolet’s Complete Care including:  

  • Three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty
  • Five-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
  • Two-year/24,000-mile scheduled maintenance

All 3,200 Chevrolet dealerships across the United States can service the City Express.   

Based on the Nissan NV200, the City Express comes in LS and LT trims. Pricing will be announced later.

Chevrolet also offers Express full-size cargo vans in half-ton, three-quarter-ton and 1-ton chassis, in regular and extended lengths, and with gas – including CNG-capable – and diesel engines. Cut-away and passenger models are also available.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

###


2015 Chevrolet City Express Van
Preliminary Key Specifications

Engine:
2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
Transmission:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Drive Configuration:
Front engine, front-wheel drive

Wheels/Tires:       
15-inch steel wheels with center caps /185/60R15 high-load all-season tires
Suspension:
Independent front strut, rear leaf spring,
front stabilizer bar

Braking:
Power-assisted vented front disc/rear drum brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Steering:
Electric power-assisted steering

Wheelbase (in):
115.2
Length (in):
186.3
Width (in):
68.1
Height  (in):
73.7
Cargo volume (cu ft.):
122.7
Maximum payload (lb.):
1,500
Horsepower:
(hp. @rpm)
131 @ 5,200(est.)
Torque
(lb.-ft. @ rpm)
139 @ 4,800
Seating Capacity:
2-passenger
Exterior Features:
Chevrolet signature front grille, aerodynamic front end design, halogen headlights, black front and rear bumpers, outside mirrors with wide-angle spotter mirrors, low-effort dual sliding side doors, tall 40/60 split opening rear doors with dual opening positions (90 and 180 degrees), available heated outside mirrors (including spotter mirrors)
Interior Features:
Driver-focused front cockpit with fold-down passenger seat that creates a worktop or extended cargo space, driver 6-way manual adjustable seat with lumbar and armrest, 4-way manual adjustable passenger seat, height-adjustable front head restraints, cloth seat surfaces with outboard vinyl wear patches, driver and passenger front door map pockets, power windows with one-touch auto up and down, center console with two cup holders, laptop/hanging file storage, pen/pencil tray and CD holder, 12-volt power outlet on instrument panel, available 12-volt power point in rear of center console, recessed storage areas on upper instrument panel for folders and documents, passenger side under seat storage tray, driver information center, battery saver feature, AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input and two front door mounted speakers, floor mounted cargo hooks (6) in cargo area.
Technology:
Navigation System available, Bluetooth
wireless communications, XM Satellite
Radio (XM subscription required, sold
separately), Rear View Camera

Safety:
6 standard air bags including
roof-mounted curtain side impact
supplemental air bags for front occupant
head protection, front seat mounted
driver and passenger side impact
supplemental air bags, stability control,
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)