2/29/16

Chevrolet Introduces 2016 Silverado with eAssist

New mild-hybrid system delivers 13 percent improvement 
in fuel efficiency, based on EPA city estimates
 

DETROIT – Chevrolet announced today that a select number of 2016 Chevrolet Silverados will be offered with eAssist technology. The new mild-hybrid electrical system leverages many of the technologies and components from Chevrolet’s lineup of innovative electric vehicles – including battery cells from the Malibu Hybrid and software controls developed for the Volt. As a result, Chevrolet can deliver a low-volume, affordably priced hybrid pickup that delivers uncompromised capability and up to 13 percent better fuel economy in city driving. 

“Silverado already leads the full-size truck segment in V8 fuel economy,” said Sandor Piszar, marketing director for Chevrolet Trucks. “For customers and small-business owners who use their trucks for more urban driving, the addition of eAssist can further reduce their fuel costs without sacrificing the utility they expect in a full-size truck.”

The compact, lightweight system increases curb weight by approximately 100 pounds, and delivers an additional 13 hp and 44 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor.

The eAssist propulsion system, including the 8-speed automatic transmission, will be a $500 premium over a comparably equipped two-wheel drive Silverado 1500 crew cab in 1LT trim.

Initially, Chevrolet will offer approximately 500 Silverado eAssist trucks for the 2016 model year, exclusively through California dealers. Based on feedback from these initial customers, Chevrolet will adjust production for 2017 model year.

The eAssist Silverado adds another piece to Chevrolet’s growing electrification portfolio - from all-electrics like the Chevrolet Spark EV and Bolt EV (slated to begin production in late 2016), to extended-range electrics like the Chevrolet Volt, to full-hybrids like Malibu Hybrid, and mild-hybrids like Silverado eAssist. 

Technology developed from new Malibu Hybrid and Volt

The eAssist system pairs a compact lithium-ion battery pack with the Silverado’s 5.3L EcoTech V-8 and 8-speed automatic transmission to provide: 
-    Electric Power Boost: The on-board electric motor provides up to 13 hp and 44 lb-ft of supplemental power during acceleration and passing. The electric motor also enables the Active Fuel Management system on the 5.3L V-8 engine to operate in 4-cylinder mode for longer periods, resulting in additional fuel economy benefits.
-    Stop/Start capability: Added fuel savings are achieved by seamlessly turning the engine off when stopped at a traffic light or in congested traffic and turning the engine back on when the accelerator is pressed.
-    Regenerative Braking: By using the on-board electric motor as a generator, the energy recovered while braking is converted to electricity to recharge the onboard battery system.

These features deliver a 13 percent improvement in city fuel economy, based on EPA estimates. The 2016 Silverado eAssist will have an EPA estimated 18 mpg city, a 2 mpg improvement over the equivalent Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V-8 and 8-speed automatic. EPA estimated highway fuel economy for the Silverado eAssist is 24 mpg, while the combined rating is 20 mpg.

Power for the eAssist system is supplied by a 24-cell, air-cooled 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located under the center console (or front bench seat) that uses the same battery cells as the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.  It weighs nearly 15 percent less than the previous generation eAssist system, yet provides up to 15 kW of power to the electric motor. 

A reengineered power inverter module is now liquid cooled and moved underhood for improved packaging and performance.  The software used to control the battery system is based off a modified version of the software for the Chevrolet Volt.

The compact induction motor, located on the accessory drive, provides peak regen capability of 15kW resulting from advanced software controls based off those used in the Volt.  The motor, which features a stator design leveraged from the Volt and Malibu Hybrid,  acts like an electric torque booster, providing up to 44 lb.-ft. (60 Nm) and up to 13 hp (9.7 kW) of additional boost in high-load situations.

This new generation of eAssist is also more modular than the previous system, meaning it could be more easily used in front-wheel or rear-wheel drive drivetrain configurations and it’s capable of using more or fewer cells, based on power needs for each vehicle application.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

2/27/16

ACT Expo May 2-5.2016 - More Diverse than Ever

 ACT Expo May 2-5.2016 - Long Beach, CA


The fast-approaching Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach, Calif. May 2-5 will be the most diverse ever, with co-hosts including the California Hydrogen Business Council, the Electric Drive Transportation Association, NGVAmerica, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, and the Propane Education & Research Council.

ACTExpo2016_Graphic“One size does not fit all when it comes to the myriad duty-cycles, climates, load and scheduling demands and regional infrastructure availability faced by North American fleets,” Neandross said.

Multiple Vehicle Showcases
CHBC, EDTA, NGVAmerica and PERC will each host vehicle showcase areas in the ACT Expo 2016 exhibition hall, highlighting the offerings of their member companies. A Trucking Efficiency Showcase will be hosted by NACFE in partnership with the Carbon War Room.

“At ACT Expo, all of the options are represented,” Neandross says: “all weight classes and vehicle types, powered by hydrogen, electricity, natural gas, propane autogas, and biofuels.”
Telematics and Autonomous Vehicles, Too

ACT Expo attendees will also learn about the increasing role played by telematics-based fleet management techniques, and even the emerging autonomous vehicle technologies.


Source: http://www.fleetsandfuels.com/fuels/cng/2016/02/act-expo-2016-more-diverse-than-ever/

2/25/16

2017 Ram 4X4 Off-Road Package Video


Ram announced the addition of a new Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package for the 2017 model year. The new setup will include several high-performance additions that will make this pickup quite capable on nasty terrain. More importantly, you can option this off-roader almost any way you want, unlike the Ram Power Wagon. Take a look at our video of the actual truck on display at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show through Feb. 21.


Cars.com photo by Angela Connors

Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/02/2017-ram-2500-4x4-off-road-package-video.html

2/23/16

Propane-Autogas-Powered Vehicles by Roush CleanTech



Roush CleanTech, a Ford QVM, engineers vehicles that run on propane autogas, including school buses, fleet vehicles, and a bobtail. These vehicles have attracted school districts, government agencies, municipalities, and companies like Frito-Lay, UPS, and Dish Network. Propane-autogas-powered vehicles have exceeded customer expectations by providing proven performance, lower operating costs, and reduced emissions. The Propane Education & Research Council has worked with Roush CleanTech since 2006 to introduce products that run on propane autogas. With the introduction of a propane-powered bobtail, the industry can enjoy the advantages of its own product.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Clean American Innovation video series highlights America’s propane technology leaders. As more U.S. manufacturers strive to meet demand for powerful, environmentally friendly products, propane is emerging as a popular fuel solution in markets beyond Agriculture, Residential, and Commercial. Propane has impressed consumers with performance comparable to conventional fuels, while also reducing emissions and lowering operating costs. Explore our YouTube channel to watch more videos in the series, and learn more on http://www.cleanamericaninnovation.com.

ABOUT PERC: The only energy council of its kind, PERC leads safety and training efforts among propane retailers and consumers and drives technology development to expand adoption of propane as a clean, domestic, and affordable energy source. For more information, visit http://www.propanecouncil.org.

2/21/16

NTEA Enhances Work Truck Show for 2016


The NTEA has announced three new features at The Work Truck Show 2016 (held March 1-4 in Indianapolis), which are designed to give a glimpse into the future of vocational trucks.

A demo truck displayed near the Show entrance highlights the lifecycle cost benefits of spec’ing trucks that weigh less and use less fuel. A bright red, life-size Shelby Cobra convertible replica on the Show floor will draw attention to the power of 3-D printing to reduce manufacturing and R&D costs, and maximize innovation. And, outside, attendees can test drive commercial vehicles incorporating the latest advanced technologies and alternative fuel applications to identify those that might work in their fleets.

The Lightweight and Advanced Technology Demo Truck display consists of an Isuzu NRR diesel Class 5 truck upfitted with lightweight components. The truck itself is lightweight — weighing 760 pounds less than a conventional cab — and equipped with a driver feedback reporting system, speed limiting and idle shutdown to maximize fuel efficiency.

The truck is upfitted with:
  •     Alcoa one-piece forged aluminum wheels with corrosion-resistant Dura-Bright finish. These wheels are typically about 50 percent lighter than the same size steel wheel.
  •     A Switch-N-Go hoist system from Deist Industries Inc. This detachable body system permits total unloading of a full, partial or empty body onto the ground, removing body weight and load. Switch-N-Go equipped vehicles operate with no body at all during transport trips. Utilizing a detachable truck body system may allow fleets to use one chassis for multiple applications, such as dump, dumpster, chipper and flatbed.
  •     Voth Truck Bodies’ lightweight aluminum detachable dump body. Aluminum bodies provide an average weight reduction of 50 percent compared to steel units, which results in reduced fuel consumption and greater payload capacity.
The GTA, an NTEA affiliate division, teamed up with its Lightweight Materials Technology Council to build the lightweight concept truck. To analyze the vehicle’s life cycle costs, GTA worked with the National Renewable Energy Lab, which is part of the Department of Energy and is associated with the Clean Cities program that seeks to cut petroleum use in transportation. The results of the National Renewable Energy Lab’s in-depth analysis will be available in the display at The Work Truck Show.

To demonstrate the potential of 3-D printing technology, The Work Truck Show will feature a full-size 3-D-printed replica of a Shelby Cobra convertible and an SAF Holland truck and bus suspension in Booth 3400 next to NTEA’s booth. Both models were built by Cincinnati Incorporated. The company will have representatives on hand to answer questions about 3-D printing and its Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) product line.

Formerly known as the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive, the NTEA is expanding the focus of this popular Show feature to include the latest advanced productivity technologies as well as alternative fuel applications. The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive is open to all Show attendees on Wednesday, March 2, and Thursday, March 3, from noon to 4:30 p.m. The event gives Show attendees the opportunity to drive a variety of vehicles on city streets or in a closed course.

The vehicles available to drive in The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive include:
  •     Alliance AutoGas — Bi-fuel propane autogas Ford Transit 15-passenger van equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine running on propane autogas.
  •     BEAU-ROC/Palmer Power & Truck Equipment — Kenworth T370 with a municipal BEAU-ROC body and bed.
  •     Cummins Inc. — Greenhouse gas 2017 compliant ISB6.7 high-efficiency diesel box truck, optimized for pickup and delivery.
  •     Eaton — International DuraStar 4300 crew-cab chassis with the all-new Procision 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
  •     Eaton — Kenworth dump truck featuring an automated VCS UltraShift PLUS transmission.
  •     Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation — S2G propane-powered medium-duty truck featuring an 8-liter engine with a CleanFUEL USA liquid injection propane fuel system and equipped with a bobtail bulk propane delivery tanker body.
  •     Hino Trucks — Hino COE 195H Class 5 electric hybrid truck.
  •     Hino Trucks — A second Hino COE 195H Class 5 electric hybrid truck.
  •     Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. — Isuzu low cab forward N-Series Class 4 truck upfitted with an IMPCO bi-fuel system.
  •     Kenworth Truck Company — Kenworth T-880 straight truck equipped with a roll-off system and powered by a Cummins ISX12-G natural gas-fueled engine.
  •     Lightning Hybrids — Ford E-450 cargo truck featuring the company’s energy recovery system for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
  •     Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. — FUSO FE E-Cell prototype all-electric, battery-powered medium-duty cabover work truck.
  •     Peterbilt Motors Company — Peterbilt 337 tractor equipped to operate on natural gas utilizing a Cummins Westport ISL-G engine and Agility CNG fuel system.
  •     VIA Motors Inc. — 2015 Silverado with VIA’s eREV electric hybrid powertrain.
Participation in The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive is free, and no advance registration is required. The Ride-and-Drive is sponsored by Hino Trucks.

Produced annually by NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry, the 2016 Show will be held March 1–4 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Educational sessions begin March 1, and exhibits open March 2.


Source: http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/story/2016/02/ntea-announces-new-work-truck-show-features.aspx

2/19/16

Harbor Service Body False Floor keeps the cargo separated, secure and easily accesible






Here’s a great solution for contractors, utilities and municipal water departments, etc. - a false floor for the Harbor service body. The Dual Tailgate keeps contents secure while allowing access to each independently.


The best of both worlds, space for your equipment above and other storage below. For instance the storage below could serve as a sign box, storage for road signs or long tools while keeping the cargo area free for equipment.





Note that the lower compartment is lockable.

Find out more: Harbor Truck Bodies 800-433-9452

2/17/16

Transfer Flow's TRAX 3™ Fuel Monitoring System!



The next generation of Transfer Flow's TRAX auxiliary fuel tank operating system is here! TRAX 3™ is a computer controlled, self-diagnosing fuel monitoring system that transfers fuel from your Transfer Flow auxiliary fuel tank to your main fuel tank. For your peace of mind, the TRAX 3™ computer module constantly monitors fuel levels in both tanks. Now, you’ll always know the percentage of fuel in your Transfer Flow auxiliary fuel tank and main fuel tank!

2/15/16

Vanair Air N Arc 150 All-In-One Power Unit



The Vanair Air N Arc 150 is a combination air compressor, welder, generator and jump starter that saves you money and space in the back of your work truck. Available from Realworktrucks.com. This video is an excerpt from a longer video on the show Truck-U.

2/13/16

Jordan Lewis Explains how the Harbor Contractor II Boosts Capacity and Effectiveness



Jordan Lewis, Commercial Truck Manager at Dow Lewis GMC in Yuba City CA shows off a great solution for many contractors who want storage, but also want the benefits of a flatbed truck. This body, mounted on a 2014 GMC 1-ton Dually chassis is a Harbor Contractor II Body. The twist with the Contractor II Body is the tall and deep compartment at the front of the body. The open lid typical upper box is retained, but the real value of this body is the combination of the two types of boxes.

You can see how much more storage capacity there is in the Contractor II arrangement. The shelves are moveable or removable and the compartment is deep enough to carry a wide variety of items, including tall items.

This unit also has a removable forklift loadable rack, fold-down contractor style gates in the rear, and a class IV receiver, and 7-pin trailer connector. It also has a great full-length step for easy rear access.

See more at http://DowLewisTrucks.com

   

2/11/16

VMAC - Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors Company Profile



VMAC (Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors), founded in 1986, is the world-leading manufacturer of truck mounted mobile air compressors, used in a wide spectrum of industries: oil and gas, mining, transportation, mobile tire service, municipal operations and public works.

Our success comes from designing and manufacturing the most compact mobile air compressors available, which provide high power and demonstrate extraordinary quality, durability and fuel- efficiency.

The company operates globally and has a wide international network of 400 dealers, distributing VMAC’s products to the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Australia.

We attribute our success to our people - highly professional, passionate and ambitious engineering and design team, manufacturing and service specialists. Thanks to them the company can surpass customer needs with leading edge technology and exceptional customer care.

2/09/16

Ron Sadler Explains How the Harbor Service Body with a Cargo Bed Enclosure Keeps Stuff Out-Of-Sight



This is an example of a new GMC 2500HD chassis upfitted with a Harbor 8' Service Body with a Forklift-Loadable Rack, Class IV Receiver, and a 3-Piece Cargo Bed Enclosure. It's a great way to keep your stuff accessible and yet out of sight. Ron Sadler is the Fleet/Commercial Manager at Lehmer's Buick-GMC in Concord CA. See more at http://www.lehmersgmc.com

2/07/16

Harbor Lo Pro Workmaster for a Single Rear Wheel


The Harbor Lo-Pro Workmaster on a SRW Cut-Away

The Harbor WorkMaster is a Service Body with a roof and additional useful features. Available in a 10' (10' 4") for the single rear wheel cutaway chassis, perfect plumbers or HVAC truck, and is also useful in any number of different professions such as remodeling, mobile mechanic, locksmith, and other service industry uses to name a few. If you could use a truck that has storage for tools and parts and want a space that you can stand up in and is enclosed to do your work in or keep larger items out of the weather and public view, the WorkMaster is your truck.

Interior Ladder Rack keeps them out of sight. Standard with Rear Grab Handles, Interior Dome Lamp and a Rear Access Panel that is flush with the first shelf to handle occasional longer cargo. The Master Lock System is standard. A Florescent upgrade package is available.

See more beautiful hard working Harbor bodies at our website at http://www.htbi.net or give us a call at 800-433-9452.

2/05/16

GMC Sierra 1500 is PickupTrucks.com Towing Champ

Strong performance, efficiency pulls Sierra to front 
of light-duty truck segment




DETROIT – The GMC Sierra 1500 today was named the 2016 Texas Truck Showdown Towing Champion, in a head-to-head capability test conducted by editors from Cars.com, PickupTrucks.com and MrTruck.com.

They praised their Sierra 1500 SLT test truck, which was equipped with the available 6.2L V-8 engine – the segment’s most powerful gas engine – and eight-speed automatic transmission, for its effortless performance. It offered a max trailering rating of 12,000 lbs.

“This is a mild-mannered pickup that is ready to don its cape and do some heavy lifting, saving the day from a long list of work chores,” said Mark Williams, PickupTrucks.com editor. “The engine and transmission are synced up like a smooth-flying jet rocket.”

And while it had the largest, most powerful engine in the test – 420 hp and 460 lb-ft – the Sierra also ranked first in fuel economy with a trailer. The other competitors included:

•    Ford F-150 Lariat with the 3.5L V-6 EcoBoost
•    Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ with the 5.3L V-8
•    Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn with the 5.7L V-8
•    Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition with the 5.7L V-8.

“This recognition validates everything GMC stands for: powerful truck capability uniquely coupled with premium appointments and refinement,” said Sierra Marketing Manager Stuart Pierce. “Combined with bold new styling for 2016 and its crafted interior, the Sierra handles the toughest tasks in the utmost comfort.”

A five-part series outlining the evaluation begins today at www.pickuptrucks.com. As one of their most extensive comparison tests, which was conducted over a weeklong period in the Houston area, it included 20 objective tests, as well as six additional categories.

Technology was one of the categories and the Sierra scored high for its new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

“Apple CarPlay simplifies using an iPhone in the truck easier than any other multimedia system,” said Joe Bruzek, Cars.com.

The 2016 Best Light-Duty Truck for Towing award is the third recent accolade for GMC from PickupTrucks.com. The Canyon took the crown in their 2015 Midsize Truck Shootout and the 2015 Sierra 3500HD claimed the top spot in the Ultimate Heavy Duty Challenge.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

2/03/16

Inside Cummins: This is CMEP (Columbus MidRange Engine Plant)



Take a look inside the Columbus MidRange Engine Plant in Walesboro, Indiana. See the production process for the legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, and hear from real people who work there. If you drive a Cummins-powered Ram truck, this is the birthplace of your engine.

2/01/16

We Own Work: Customers And The Making of the New 2017 Ford F-Series Ford Super Duty



Five F-Series Super Duty customers will witness all-new F-Series Super Duty development, testing and capabilities before anyone else and share their stories through We Own Work video series.



Five Ford Super Duty customers, chosen at random, will participate in the durability testing of the next-generation 2017 Super Duty F-Series pickup truck. First shown at the 2015 State Fair of Texas, the new Ford heavy-duty pickups will have aluminum bodies (exactly like little brother F-150); heavier-duty axles, brakes and driveline components; and they will get better fuel economy.

Ford will take these customers to the factory, the proving grounds and on the road to see exactly how these trucks are pushed, punished and put through their paces. Each of the participants — professionals from business sectors that rely on HD pickups — will have a chance to question engineers and designers as the pickups work their way through each stage of testing and fine-tuning.
Ford is making a video series that follows these construction, forestry, oil, sanitation, private business and manufacturing professionals as they observe the new Super Duty work its way to its debut in late summer or early fall.

The first of the "We Own Work" videos will come out in February, and will introduce the five participants and describe their businesses. Later episodes will focus on the new technology and features in the new Super Duty.

Source:  http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/01/ford-customers-go-behind-the-scenes-on-super-duty-testing.html