parts & service
Driving change
DT12 transmission available with DD13
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fficiency is becoming a far more critical and encompassing watchword in the full-size commercial van segment—and not just as it applies to fuel economy. According to Mark Mallie, head of commercial product planning for Chrysler’s Ram Trucks division, efficiency is driving van improvements ranging from enlarged cargo-carrying capacity, lower step-in heights, and improved cab functionality to more engine options for boosting both fuel economy and overall van performance. “We surveyed our van customers and found that while fuel economy ranks number one on the list of their demands in the small cargo van segment, it’s only ranked fourth in the full-size segment,” Mallie explained. “It’s not that they don’t want better fuel economy; they want greater efficiency first,” he stressed. “For example, they want a wider cargo area not only so delivery operators can load palletized cargo between the wheel wells, but also to provide a wider center aisle when the van is set
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Customers are looking for more than fuel economy from vans. up with shelving in order to improve interior working space.” For that reason, the Ram ProMaster body is shaped in what Mallie called a “shoe box” style. This allows the OEM to maximize both the height and width of the van’s interior, creating greater and more efficient interior space. Ram is also in the process of rolling out a 3L inline I-4 4-cyl. diesel engine option to complement the standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 gasoline power plant. Depending on their duty cycle, these options can provide greater efficiency to van operators. —SEAN KILCARR
Friction line to meet varied needs
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endix Spicer Foundation Brake is introducing a new aftermarket friction line that will offer products across three levels to meet every customer need for safety, performance and value. The three performance levels are Bendix Basic Friction, Bendix Advanced Friction, and Bendix OE Friction. Bendix Basic is an economy-grade friction designed to meet the market need for a product offering safety and performance at a lower price.
Bendix Advanced Friction includes the new Bendix Advanced RSD, the industry’s first aftermarket friction certified to maintain compliance with the federal mandate for reduced stopping distance (RSD). It is approved for vehicles with GVWRs of up to 52,000 lbs., which is 80% of RSD-impacted vehicles, the company said. Bendix OE Friction is the highest performing friction offering. www.foundationbrakes.com
12 American Trucker/December 2013
riginally introduced for Freightliner Cascadias with the Detroit DD15 15L engine, the Detroit DT12 automated mechanical transmission can now be spec’d with the DD13 13L. According to Daimler Trucks North America, the lighter pairing is suited for regional haul applications. Said to combine the efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience and potential fuel savings of automated shifting, the DT12 features a creep mode for low-speed maneuverability and will automatically skip shift to bring the vehicle up to cruising speed quickly. www.demanddetroit.com
Special financing options on Fuso trucks
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urchasers of new Canter FE Series trucks from Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America (MFTA) are now eligible for 1.6% APR financing for 36 months and an option to delay the first payment for up to 90 days, the company announced. Mitsubishi’s Year-End Savings sales event also includes a number of additional financing options for those who do not qualify for the 1.6% rate. The program is available on the purchase of a new 20122014 model-year Canter FE Series truck. “The economy is rebounding in many sectors and interest rates have been rising in recent months. [In spite of that], we are pleased that we’ve been able to maintain a very attractive financing package,” said Mike Rumsey, MFTA’s vice president of sales operations. www.mitfuso.com
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