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Dodge
 In
addition to a design that amplifies the Ram look, the 2002 Dodge Ram
1500 also offers two new Magnum engines, a new automatic transmission,
and a host of customer convenience features.
An all-new Quad Cab model boasts four standard doors, while regular-
and extended-cab models are considerably larger than their predecessors.
Dodge says this is the start of a renaissance since all-new versions of
the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models will follow for the 2003 model year.
“With the all-new 2002 Ram 1500, we amplified the Ram Package in
every conceivable way, making it more comfortable, roomier, quieter, and
more user-friendly,” says Jim Julow, vice president, Dodge Global
Brand Center. “We did all this while improving power and capability,
two hallmarks of Ram since its distinctive redesign eight years ago.”
Production will begin this summer, and the truck will be available in
two cab choices — Regular and Quad Cab — and in both 2WD and 4WD.
The base model is the ST, with Sport, SLT, and SLT+ packages available.
Production of the current 2500 and 3500 models will continue for one
more model year.
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Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi
Fuso says it has the only 4WD, medium-duty cabover on the market. The
Class 3 FG is available with a manual five-speed transmission that
offers a 145-hp, intercooled, turbocharged diesel engine. It can handle
bodies up to 14-ft. long and is available in a 109.4-in. wheelbase. An
optional four-speed automatic with heavy-duty transmission cooler is
available with a 133.1-in. wheelbase. The company’s complete line of
2001 models range from 12,000 to 32,900 lbs.
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H&H
H&H
Sales Company is now designing and building custom service, utility, and
crane truck bodies with aluminum side boxes in custom sizes and
configurations. The company says it creates the optimum layout with
options to meet a customer’s specific applications or needs.
Options include slide-out shelves, slide-out hose and
cord reels, and bottled gas compartments. Special crane base
reinforcements are available, as are custom bumpers with built-in
outrigger or storage compartments.
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Chevrolet/GMC
 Building
on the success of the regular-duty pickups, Chevrolet and GMC are out
for the heavy-duty pickup market this year with a powerful lineup of
all-new 0.75- and 1-t. pickups and chassis cabs. The Chevrolet Silverado
and GMC Sierra both offer a wide selection of 32 heavy-duty models,
including 2500HD (0.75 t.) and 3500 Series (1-t.) regular cabs,
four-door extended cabs, crew cabs, and chassis cabs.
“The superlative power of our new heavy-duty Silverado and Sierra,
coupled with their best-in-class capabilities, durability, and improved
efficiency, nail every customer requirement and then some,” says Tom
Stephens, GM vice president and group director of the Pontiac Vehicle
Engineering Center.
Powerful gasoline and diesel engines drive the 2500HD/3500 Series,
and the new powertrains were all validated for an extended operating
life of at least 200,000 mi. without major component failures. A totally
new Duramax 6600 diesel V8 replaces the previously available 6.5-liter
turbo diesel. It’s a state-of-the-art, 90-degree, direct-injection,
overhead valve, four-valve-per-cylinder, turbocharged, and intercooled
V8. An optional Vortec 8100 V8 gas engine replaces the previous Vortec
7400, and the Vortec 6000 V8 replaces the Vortec 5700.
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Ford
Ford’s Super Duty is designed to handle the heaviest workloads with
standard Triton engines delivering power and torque. You can also choose
the Power Stroke diesel engine if you crave even more torque. Standard
four-wheel anti-lock brakes help provide straighter stops and greater
steering control, and available telescoping trailer tow mirrors allow
you to adjust their position according to your trailer’s width.
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Nissan
The seven models of UD Trucks from Nissan Diesel America, Inc. are
all medium duty, from a Class 5 with 17,995 lbs. GVWR to a Class 7 at
32,900 lbs. GVWR. The turbocharged, intercooled, dry-sleeved in-line
6-cyl. FE6TA diesel engine is the heart of the UD truck. With 225 hp and
492 lbs.-ft. of torque, it delivers performance during both stop-and-go
and longer-range trips.
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Mack
A new medium-duty truck by Mack Trucks, Inc., slated to unveil last
month, premiered too late for inclusion in this article. The new truck
will replace Mack’s Mid-Liner model. For more information, complete
our online ROADFAX card - link below.
Write 7063 on ROADFAX card
Freightliner/Sterling
The
Sterling Acterra (left) is a modern line of stylish Class 5 to 8 trucks
with a premium cab that offers the same operating efficiency, strength,
and durability as the cabs on heavy-duty Sterling models. It’s a
modern cab with styling, yet designed to be tough and flexible.
The Acterra offers the cost-saving fuel economy of the
latest electronic diesels from Caterpillar, Cummins, and Mercedes-Benz.
Medium-duty Acterras include: the 5500 for Class 5 jobs at GVWs to
19,500 lbs., especially ideal for landscaping, daily rental, and
excavating; the 6500 for Class 6 jobs of 26,000 lbs. or less, and a
natural for construction, municipal, and utility applications; and the
7500 for Class 7 jobs in all the aforementioned vocations, with GVWs as
high as 33,000 lbs.
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Ford/Navistar
Ford Motor Company and Navistar International Corporation intend to
form a joint venture — as yet, unnamed — to build commercial trucks.
They also intend to explore opportunities for greater cooperation in
diesel engines for potential applications in Ford’s full range of
truck products.
The alliance will include production of Class 6 and 7
medium-duty/commercial trucks that will be marketed separately under the
Ford brand and Navistar International brand. Other possibilities include
smaller commercial vehicles and diesel engine applications. It’ll be a
50-50 joint venture — both companies will have equal representation on
the venture’s board of directors, and neither company will have an
equity stake in the other’s parent company.
Initially, the venture will produce a common chassis for Class 6 and
7 commercial trucks (from 19,501 to 33,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight)
for sale in North America. Navistar will provide product design and
engineering, vehicle assembly operations, and expanded diesel engine
programs. The trucks’ cabs, interiors, nomenclature, and vocational
focus will be distinctly Ford or International and will be sold
separately.
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Hino
Hino Diesel Trucks (USA), Inc has responsibility for the Hino diesel
truck and bus product distribution activities within the United States,
including vehicles, parts, and service support networks. The company
distributes a full-line of medium-duty trucks, from the FA at 15,000
lbs. GVW to the air-braked SG models at 32,900 lbs. GVW.
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See Manufacturer
Links Page for web links to suppliers.
Reprinted from Better Roads Magazine
July 2001
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