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Mack focuses on fuel efficiency, uptime as it targets linehaul market
Fuel efficiency and uptime remain top priorities for Mack Trucks, executives with the company said March 27 at the 2014 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. This ongoing focus to help reduce customer operating costs, along with recent investments in products, support solutions, facilities and the brand, has Mack well-positioned for success as it expands its marketing efforts to include more of the on-highway market.
“Customers need trucks that maximize their ROI (return on investment),” said Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks North American Sales and Marketing. “The best way to do that is to provide products that increase fuel efficiency and aftermarket services that keep trucks on the road generating revenue. It also means offering uptime solutions that go beyond the industry norm to support our customers when they need it.”
Mack’s focus on fuel efficiency includes a wide range of high-performing proprietary engines and the Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmission (AMT). Mack engines are GHG 2014-certified and offer up to a 2.4% increase in fuel efficiency. The mDRIVE improves drivability and boosts fuel efficiency by up to 5% over a manual transmission.
A Mack Pedigree Powertrain combines a proprietary Mack engine, transmission, and axles. A recently introduced version of the Pedigree Powertrain, the Mack Super Econodyne, seamlessly integrates a Mack MP8-445SE engine, mDRIVE AMT, and proprietary axles to increase fuel efficiency by up to 3% compared to similarly spec’d vehicles.
All of these fuel saving features are available in the versatile Mack Pinnacle model. Offered in both axle-forward and axle-back configurations, the Pinnacle easily handles the rigors of the road, while providing the power and performance expected of a Mack. An optional 6x2 version, as well as drag-reducing roof, chassis, and side fairings, make this king of the road even less inclined to spend time at the pump.
“We’ll put our fuel efficiency up against any other OEM’s products,” Roy said. “For Mack, it’s all about positively impacting our customers’ bottom lines. That’s the commitment we’re making to them every day.”
Living up to this commitment means not only industry-leading products, but superior service and support as well. Mack’s GuardDog Connect telematics-based solution quickly diagnoses potential issues, proactively schedules repairs and confirms that required parts are in stock and ready to install, all while the truck is still on the job.
As soon as a potential issue is detected, an automatic alert is sent to Mack OneCall, Mack’s 24/7 customer support center staffed by trained specialists. The Mack OneCall team immediately evaluates the situation, a case is opened in the Mack ASIST web-based fleet service management platform, the owner or fleet service manager is contacted and the repair planning process begins through a customer-chosen dealer. The process includes verification that a bay and the necessary parts are available. Mack OneCall also electronically sends repair instructions to the dealer. The end result is that technicians are fully prepared when the truck arrives, getting the customer back on the road faster.
GuardDog Connect is part of Mack Pedigree Uptime Protection, an industry-leading integrated suite of service and support solutions including Bulldog Service Management, Bulldog Parts Purchasing, Bulldog Financing, and Bulldog Asset Protection. Mack also installs QR codes on the driver’s side doorframe of all models during assembly. QR codes can be quickly scanned with a tablet or other mobile device when a truck arrives for service at a Mack dealer, allowing rapid access to the truck’s information and service history. It automatically launches Mack ASIST, further expediting the dealer check-in process.
Mack’s extensive service and support network, consisting of 428 Mack dealer locations and more than 5,000 additional service locations in North America, is a critical piece to the success of Mack’s aftermarket support. Since 2010, dealers have invested $325 million, increasing bay capacity by 32%, Master Technicians by 150%, spare parts availability by 35%, hours available for service by 44%, and parts department employees by 65%. ♦
