THE NATIONAL TRUCK EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION held its annual Truck Product Conference September 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan.
Engineers from six leading chassis manufacturers — including Dodge, International Truck & Engine Corporation, GM/Isuzu Commercial Trucks, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc, Freightliner Trucks, and Ford Trucks — discussed specifications, changes, and technical details.
Participating OEMs also displayed their newest truck and chassis product offerings in measuring sessions.
- Dodge
The 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab — “the most spacious and versatile pickup cab on the planet” — adds a dual-rear-wheel model that takes towing and hauling capability to new levels of performance.
- International Truck and Engine Corporation
The International 4100, a new Class 5 conventional truck, is being targeted for construction, landscaping, flatbed operations, service body, dry van, and utility service needs, and the 4200 4×4, a fully integrated and factory-built vehicle that extends the company's 4×4 offering into a lighter GVW rating.
- GM/Isuzu Commercial Trucks
GM has introduced a new 6.6L Duramax 6600 turbodiesel V-8 (RPO LBZ) for the 2006 model year Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD with class-leading horsepower (360 at 3200 rpm) and class-leading torque (650 lb-ft at 1600 rpm).
- Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc
The Class 4 FE 140, a medium-duty cabover with 14,050-lb GVWR, is the newest addition to Mitsubishi Fuso's 2006 fleet, replacing the FE 120 (12,000 GVWR).
- Freightliner Trucks
Cary Coverdill, Freightliner's engine multiplexing expert, provided a detailed look at the Business Class M2's multiplexing system.
- Ford Trucks
The new Ford LCF was introduced. Although a relatively “quiet year” for F-250 through F-550 and F-650/F-750 product changes, there are some changes that affect body builders.