November 2017 Volume 37, Issue 10
TRUCK NEWS Eastern Canada’s Trucking Newspaper Since 1981
Delivering daily news at trucknews.com
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A look ahead
A special convoy
It’s a wrap
Creature comforts
Volvo’s top tech guru provides some insight into the future of trucking.
The World’s Largest Convoy for Special Olympics rolled down Ontario highways.
Comprehensive coverage of the first ever North American Commercial Vehicle show.
How sleeper designs are evolving to provide a more comfortable living environment. ment.
Bullish outlook
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Stronger economy, “logical” NAFTA outcome in store: STS By James Menzies MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO The economy should continue to grow in Canada, the U.S., and globally, and logic should prevail during the renegotiation of NAFTA. Those were some of the key messages from leading economists, analysts, and a motor carrier executive speaking at the Surface Transportation Summit on Oct. 11. Carlos Gomes, senior economist with Scotiabank, said the global economy should accelerate to 3.6% growth in 2018, slightly better than the 3.5% growth it will show this year. Strong consumer activity is now being joined by improving business investment to drive this growth. The recovery of the oil and gas industry means business development spending is on the rise in Canada, as well as globally. Here, the energy sector accounts for 24% of overall business development – nearly four times as much as in the U.S. Continued on page 7
PM40063170
Careers: 27-39 Ad Index: 49
The new Mack Anthem was rolled out before dealers and industry press Sept. 13.
Mack introduces Anthem highway model New model strikes balance between traditional Mack styling, aerodynamics By James Menzies ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA In designing its new Anthem highway tractor, Mack Trucks set out to challenge the idea that an efficient truck has to be shaped like a “jelly bean.” And the Anthem, to be sure, will throw a different shadow on the ground than any of its competitors. The Anthem, according to Mack, will produce 3% better fuel economy than the Pinnacle in a 70-inch sleeper configuration, and a 1.5% improvement as a day cab. This despite its large square headlights, many sharp edges, and bold, angular design. The much-anticipated truck was shown to dealers and truck press for the first time at an unveiling here Sept. 13. It looks nothing like the new models bro-brand Volvo introduced earlier this year, and has managed to capture the distinct styling befitting a Mack, in a package that the company says will be competitive in terms of fuel economy.
“Our main goal was to design something that looks like a Mack,” said Stu Russoli, on-highway product manager with Mack Trucks. “It’s gotta be bold, it’s gotta look like a Mack.” The company spent five years designing the new Anthem, beginning the process with visits to truck stops, where designers traded meal vouchers for truck tours, to see exactly how drivers were living in and utilizing their trucks, regardless of make. “We asked if we could go into their truck, look around, see how they lived,” Russoli recalled. “We needed to make it look like a Mack, that was our request to designers. It also needs to be aerodynamic, and then we go into driver comfort.” Russoli noted the strong vertical and horizontal lines on the front end of the truck, designed to be “structural.” A bold MACK across the grille has been dubbed the bridge. “It’s very structural, very strong, very Mack,” explained Russoli. But despite the departure from the traditional slippery truck design, Mack says the new truck is also fuel Continued on page 30