Ford
Shipping has begun for the full line of Transit vans is now underway. Vehicles will be arriving at dealers shortly.
While all models are being produced, Ford has a round of options that will be offered shortly as “Job #2.” They include a safety system designed to alert the driver when they Transist leaves its lane, spray-in cargo floor liner, backup alarm, and 250-amp alternator.
E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis continue to be produced. E-Series vans and wagons ended in June.
The big news for 2016 Super Duty is that new 650 and 750 models will be introduced. The lineup will consist of eight models, including a dedicated tractor model. Regular, Super Cab, and Crew Cab models will be offered, powered by gasoline engines and the Ford Power Stroke diesel.
Western Star
Western Star rolled out a new aerodynamic tractor—the 5700 XE. It will be available with a choice of three sleeper sizes and also will be offered in a day cab.
For vocational applications, the 4700 is the company’s newest truck. John Tomlinson, heavy vocational sales for North America, provided an update on new features that are being offered:
• New suspension and lift axle choices are being offered from Neway ADZ, and Hendrickson.
• New air tank featuring three chambers will be offered. The triple-chamber tank combines air capacity into one tank for cleaner chassis and less routing.
• Electronic stability control will be available on the 4700, 4800, and 4900 models.
Tomlinson also showed a new dash mount device prep feature designed to speed upfitter installation of navigation systems, cameras, and other dash-mounted equipment. With three pre-drilled mounting holes and a center hole to accommodate wiring, the feature takes time out of the installation without adding liability to the upfitter.
Hino
Hino is expanding its model lineup with a 35,000-pound GVW version of its Model 338 conventional cab. This will give Hino a Class 8 version of the Model 338 to go with the Class 7 version that is rated at 33,000 pounds.
The company enjoyed a record year and record market share in 2013, said Spencer Nicol, senior manager of strategic product applications for Hino Trucks. Sales volume this year is up 13% YTD, compared with 11% for market in general, Nicol said.
Product announcements included:
• No plans for natural gas model, but it hybrid is doing well.
• New 21,000- and 23,000-pound rear suspension updgrade options for the 268 and 338 models will make these vehicles better suited for tankers, reefers, and high-CG applications.
• PTO clearance will be a little better due to motor mount changes. A special Chelsea 277H series PTO is designed for the right side. Nicol said to be sure to specify the H because the housing of this model has been modified to provide better clearance.
• New air tank drain valves will have ring pulls, rather than a conventional threaded release to make draining tanks easier and more accessible.
Details on these and other Truck Product Conference presentations will be included in the November edition of Trailer/Body Builders.
