Mack Trucks positioned for long-term success
May 1, 2010 12:00 PM
MACK Trucks Inc is well positioned for success as economic and market conditions improve, according to Kevin Flaherty, senior vice-president, US and Canada. Flaherty spoke at a March 25 news conference during the 2010 Mid-America Trucking Show where Mack introduced several new products, including the mDRIVE automated manual transmission.
Customer response to Mack's ClearTech selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and EPA 2010-certified engines has been very positive. The engines are in production, and customers are ordering them in new trucks.
“We've got the best mousetrap for EPA2010, plain and simple,” Flaherty said. “It features highly proven engines and SCR technology. We got the systems into customer hands for testing early and often. We were the first to receive EPA certification and we're already producing and delivering EPA'10 trucks. At the end of the day, we're going to be standing tall and well-armed with an EPA'10 product that we're sure is the best option for our customers.”
Flaherty also cited the strength of the Mack dealer network, growing demand for the company's natural gas trucks, the company's leadership position in export last year, and successful execution on military contracts as harbingers of future success.
All of the company's trucks sold in North America are now built in the same facility — the Mack Macungie Assembly Operations near Allentown, Pennsylvania. “We take great pride in the fact that every truck we sell here in North America is built right here in the United States,” Flaherty said. “We think there's value in that, and believe our customers share our view. We export trucks, not jobs.”
The latest generation of the Econodyne engine family for highway applications was on display at MATS. The Econodyne system is available with the MP7 and MP8 series engines in the Pinnacle model highway tractor.
The new Econodyne offering uses an intelligent torque management strategy, called EconoBoost, that gives drivers the extra muscle to keep vehicle speed constant under full engine loads to avoid downshifts. EconoBoost initiates at 1300 RPM, after four seconds of full throttle in the transmission's top two gears, opening up another 200 lb-ft of torque for as long as needed. It disengages once the driver lifts off the throttle and driveline torque drops to negative, such as when a hill is crested. EconoBoost delivers more than 90% of power after an upshift, without a “kick in the pants” experience or driveline shock.
Mack also expects success with mDRIVE, its new automated manual transmission (AMT). The mDRIVE AMT gives customers up to 1.5% improved fuel efficiency, better drivability, and enhanced driver satisfaction by automating gear shifting, while improving safety.
The Mack mDRIVE is designed and engineered to work exclusively with Mack MP series engines. It will be available on Pinnacle model highway tractors powered by the MP7 and MP8 engines. Customers may order mDRIVE now, with deliveries to begin early in the fourth quarter of this year.
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