Jalopnik: Trucks

International Discontinues CXT, MXT And RXT Civilian Truck Line

Wes Siler — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:40:00 EDT

International, makers of the stupidly huge and awesome CXT, MXT and RXT $90,000+ luxury consumer trucks, has killed its consumer products division. You can guess why: The rise of green fashion, gas prices and the whole "America doesn’t have money anymore" thing. The company will now focus exclusively on their commercial and military ranges. [Kicking Tires]

PUTC Gets First-Ever Speeding Ticket In 2009 Dodge Ram R/T

Andrew Stoy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:45:00 EDT

The guys over at PickupTrucks.com may have to keep their 2009 Dodge Ram R/T truck review under wraps until August 31, but they can give you one drive impression: That of the California Highway Patrol. Apparently, during testing on public streets, PUTC happened to exceed the speed limit — allegedly, of course — and was nabbed by the boys in blue. So how fast were they going? Taking a page from the White House playbook, Mike Levine of PUTC says he's not going to comment on an ongoing investigation. [PickupTrucks.com; Photo Credit: SeriousWheels]

Mexico Seizing Pickups Crossing The Border For Cheap Diesel

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:20:00 EDT

Some American truck owners crossing the border for cheap fuel have had their trucks confiscated, according to PickupTrucks.com. While it's completely legal to enter Mexico and fill up your truck with the Mexican diesel, which is often more than $2.00 cheaper per gallon, drivers run afoul of the country's laws if they put any in an auxiliary tank. An official told PickupTrucks.com the law was created to prevent the transportation of large amounts of fuel over international bridges in vehicles not properly equipped for such duty. Anyone busted filling an extra tank will have to wait at least four days to get their truck back, in addition to paying a fine. Thankfully, the law doesn't apply to transporting cases of cheap Mexican tequila. [PickupTrucks.com, Photo: Getty/AFP]

Five Ugliest Concept Trucks

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:20:00 EDT

The suddenly plural folks at PickupTrucks.com have singled out five concept trucks that made great strides in awfulness and, thankfully, never saw the light of day as production vehicles. Given how enthusiastic they are for concept trucks over there, you can be assured that these haulers, mainly from the 2000-01 "cheap gas, secure borders" period, are gleefully hideous. Though we actually like the Nissan XIX concept truck, which is basically a stretched, Camino'ed Sentra. What's your favorite "ugly" conceptual mother-trucker? [PickupTrucks.com]

Truck Antlers Provide Outlet For Censored Truck Nutz Owners

Travis Hudson — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EDT

Listen up, hunters. You no longer have to wait for Easter or Christmas to dress up your ride: There are finally stupid accessories for you, too! Meet Trunk Antlers. As the slogan goes, "They turn your truck ... into a buck." You stupid fu...oh, wait, that was it.

You may also want to throw on a giant neon orange vest on your truck as well, since we'd hate to see a confused brother-in-arms shoot at your dually just because it has horns. Truck Antlers are available for $30 and come with an official Ted Nugent seal of approval. [Product Page via CG]

Used Truck Dealers Reporting Pickup Prices Plunging 25% Over Past Three Months

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:20:00 EDT

Not surprisingly, the implosion of the new pickup/SUV market now means that your '06 Silverado doubles in value every time you fill the tank. Large retail groups such as CarMax are reporting wholesale prices for big pickups have plunged 25% in the last three months alone. With trade-in values making up a significant factor in many new car transactions, dealers are finding themselves squeezed by more truck owners "upside-down" in their loans. With dealers unable to finance new purchases, they've resorted to desperate tactics — like leaving truck owners sitting their with their manhood replacements hanging out, unable to trade it in.

In a remarkably candid statement revealing where dealerships actually make their money, Poncho Redfern, president of San Francisco-based Thomason Auto Group, said

"...you can't outrun it in F&I. There's only so much you can honestly earn in that department. This wreaks havoc on the bottom line. We see people with $10,000 in negative equity.
A dealer does not have enough room to help the customer out of it."

Thus the refusal to take full-size trucks and SUVs on trade at all by 10% of dealers nationwide (reportedly). Nor is the market shift limited to domestic offerings: In fact, four of the top six biggest value losers were imports, with the 2005 BMW X5 4.4i leading the way. Bruce for the loss! [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

Official Car Pundit Drinking Game: 2012! 2012! 2012!

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:40:00 EDT

With news that GM may be halting new truck development, our good friends at the Fox Business Network just had to have us back, which means another episode of the official car pundit drinking game. We get more name love (drink) from Stuart Varney and even argue a bit with the lovely Tracy Byrnes. Though she doesn't want the Civic, it was the best selling car in May. Just saying. And to Buckster, I took your advice and gave "1984 Tom Cruise" his hair back.

Robbing A Bank While On A Test Drive Is A Great Idea!

Travis Hudson — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:40:00 EDT

If you're worried about a getaway vehicle during a bank heist, the obvious solution is to use something with no legal connection to you, right? One solution might be to take a dealership test drive, but perhaps leave the salesman behind. In this real-life example, the suspect, Marcel Perrot, took a used truck and salesman to a bank under the guise of withdrawing cash to pay for the vehicle. He slipped the teller a note demanding the money, then returned to the truck and told the salesman he wanted to show the vehicle to a friend before buying. After stopping at a gas station, the salesman took the keys and called 911. Perrot then fled on foot and is still on the loose, likely preying on poor, innocent used car dealerships and unsuspecting banks.

The story would have been even better if the guy tried to pay for the truck with the cash he stole, on the spot, with the salesman. [Edmonton Journal]

This Is Our Country, This Is Our Truck...And It Will Be For Quite Some Time

Andrew Stoy — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:20:00 EDT

General Motors is planning to extend the current product cycle on its full-size trucks and SUVs, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. New designs had been expected to come in time for the 2012 model year. However GM spokesperson Tom Wilkinson told the Journal that GM was "looking at the whole product portfolio" in an effort to bring more fuel-efficient vehicles to the U.S. market. While the change in product planning should free up much-needed R&D funds, there's little doubt the lukewarm launch of the latest Toyota Tundra and the gas prices-induced slow-motion 2009 Dodge Ram and 2009 Ford F-150 launch train-wrecks influenced top brass at the Ren Cen.

The report also mentioned cancellation of a future Hummer product and the potential shuttering of a brand, though no concrete evidence has emerged to clarify whether the Hummer product cancellation and brand closure were one in the same (Hummer) or whether Hummer might be allowed to die on the vine while another weak brand, such as Buick, was closed outright or moved off-shore. [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

Rear Engine '37 Plymouth Pickup

Ray Wert — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:10:00 EDT

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

This was the craziest thing I saw Sunday at the All Mopar Spring Round-Up in Issaquah. It's a '37 Plymouth pickup with a 500 cubic inch Cadillac engine out of a FWD Eldorado—in the bed. Just check out that exhaust. Gary, who built this radical rod, has had it up to 120 mph and has plans to take it out to the Salt Flats later this year. More pics after the jump.

Truck Bed Cargo Net Secures Your Junk, Sans Bungee Mess

Travis Hudson — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 EDT

Every truck owner has been there: you have an unnecessary amount of ~~Earl Warren memorabilia~~ random junk in the bed that all needs to be secured down in some way or another. The obvious answer is to bust out that mess of bungee cords and get to work strapping everything down with knots and configurations that would make a boy scout blush. A better solution to that problem is to just net everything down with this heavy duty cargo net. The net measures 55 inches by 74.5 inches and can withstand extreme weather conditions as well. The six attachable anchor points make it seemingly easy to install. The net is available for $22. [etrailer via Toolmonger]

UPS Going From Brown To Green

Travis Hudson — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:40:00 EDT

UPS, the company known for offering it services under the color brown, is now taking a green route by adding a whole bunch of alternative energy vehicles to its fleet. Unlike other companies that declares greenness by adding a couple vehicles, UPS has ordered 200 hybrid-electric and 300 compressed natural gas vans. The HEVs will have a standard hybrid battery system as well as regenerative braking. Check out the UPS talking head in the video above for more details about how these vehicles will save the world while delivering your cheap meds from Canada. Click through for the full release.

UPS "Green Fleet" to Expand with 200 Hybrid Electrics in Addition to 300 Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles
ATLANTA, May 13, 2008 - UPS (NYSE: UPS) today announced it has ordered 200 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) - the largest commercial order of such trucks by any company - in addition to another 300 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles for its U.S. delivery fleet.

The purchase of the 500 additional vehicles means the UPS alternative fuel fleet - already the largest such private fleet in the United States - will grow 30 percent from 1,718 to 2,218 low-carbon vehicles.

"Alternative fuel research and development is just one of the ways that UPS is mitigating climate change risks," said Bob Stoffel, UPS's corporate sustainability officer. "We also are focused on aggressive conservation programs and improving network efficiency to cut fuel use."

UPS's "green fleet" operates in the United States, Germany, France, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom and has traveled nearly 144 million miles since 2000. The fleet includes electric, hybrid electric, CNG, liquefied natural gas and propane-powered vehicles. The company also is continuing work with the Environmental Protection Agency on a hydraulic hybrid delivery vehicle.

"UPS has been utilizing alternative fuel vehicles for more than 70 years and is clearly the industry leader in hybrid electric and CNG vehicle purchases," said Robert Hall, director of UPS's ground fleet. "At UPS, it's very important to us to demonstrate our commitment with action, which is why we have the largest private 'green' fleet in the industry. And both CNG and HEV vehicles provide substantial reductions in carbon emissions, which supports our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment."

The 200 hybrid electric vehicles will be deployed in 2009 and join 50 HEV delivery trucks already in operation. The 200 trucks are expected to save 176,000 gallons of fuel annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 1,786 metric tons each year. That is the equivalent of removing almost 100 conventional UPS trucks from the road for a year.

The HEV's hybrid power system allows UPS to save on fuel and pollution-causing emissions. A battery pack, motor/generator and power control system are added, which allow electric power to be fed into the powertrain when conditions demand it, providing further savings.

The HEVs also use what is known as regenerative braking, meaning the energy produced in stopping the moving vehicle is captured and returned to the battery system as electrical energy. The efficient, computer-controlled combination of clean diesel power, electric power and regenerative braking produces dramatic improvements in fuel savings and emissions reductions.

The 300 CNG vehicles will be deployed later this year and join more than 800 such vehicles already in use in the United States. CNG vehicles run on natural gas, a cost-effective, clean-burning and readily available fuel. These vehicles are expected to yield a 20 percent reduction in emissions over the cleanest diesel engines available today.

The CNG/HEV vehicle order follows the April 2008 deployment of 167 new CNG vehicles in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Ontario, San Ramon, Fresno and Sacramento. In addition, UPS added 50 next-generation hybrid electric delivery trucks in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Phoenix in May 2007.

The chassis for the CNG and HEV trucks are being purchased from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, with Eaton Corporation supplying the hybrid power system for the HEVs. The truck bodies are identical externally to the signature-brown trucks that now comprise the UPS fleet with additional script markings that will identify them as CNG and HEV vehicles.

Jackknifed Truck Spills Load Of Jello, Billy Cosby Sheds Lone Tear

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:20:00 EDT

When first responders made it to the scene of a flipped truck in St. John's County, Florida, they probably thought the worst. The interstate was covered with blood, gelatinous blood. Oh, the humanity! Wait. Blood isn't usually gelatinous. It's Jello. And not just any Jello, that's a truckload of strawberry snack packs. Oh, the hilarity! Well, maybe not so much hilarity for the driver who flipped the truck. He's in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is likely to face charges when he recovers. A semi-driver passing through the area noted that it was a delicious smelling accident. Conveniently, two busloads of elementary students returning from a day spent visiting the oldest wooden schoolhouse were trapped behind the accident and were able to clear the scene. [First Coast News via Motive Forums]

Chinese Ripoff Beijing Olympics in Kung Fu Truck Push

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:20:00 EDT

Lai Yingying, a 47-year-old resident of Quanzhou city, works as a security guard for a shoe factory. Recently he competed and placed first in the "Push a truck with 9 people in it 15 meters while wearing heavy steel shoes" event. Lai completely dominated the event as he was the only one participating, but was more than happy to speak about his accomplishment saying "It takes coordination". Such noble words from a student of Kung Fu who so managed to wear a pair of 165 lb shoes while pushing a truck. [Ananova]

Since You've Been Extra Good This Week: Pakistani Dekotora

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST

You know a meme has reached its defining moment when it transcends itself. Like a jukebox hero with stars in his eyes, these Pakistani Dekotora have reached for the mic of fate and while displaying mastery of the material, achieved their own awesome spin. These trucks are a result of nearly the same phenomenon which spawned the Japanese Dekotora: single guys, driving trucks, with nothing else to spend their money on.

Using all manner of detritus from paint to reflectors, sheets of steel, rugs, and forsaken bedazzlers, the trucks are fully decked out for all to see. There are even truck competitions, sponsored by fuel companies, in which owners can win free fuel. Because of the truck market in Pakistan, the vehicle of choice is usually an old Bedford or GMC, outfitted with a high cargo hold to maximize capacity. It also provides a supersized canvas to get crazy on. There's a pretty good write-up about the customs and traditions surrounding the style here, and as you can see, we dug our teeth into this one and went a little nutty with the gallery. We just can't get enough of that Hindu-Kush goodness.

Monster Trucks and Motorcycles Stage Hard Rock Aerial Ballet

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:15:00 EST

Okay, enough pussy-footing around with these bastardized Corvettes. Let's slide some proper monster trucks into the day. Nitro Circus provides what may be the most well- choreographed extreme stunts and general displays of insanity. To make things even better, they set their work to excellent soundtracks. This is a massive multi-level, multi-discipline super stunt, which makes you wince at a few points. We counted four different levels of stunt drivers stacked over each other—five if you include the helicopter. Add AC/DC, throw in The Man trying to disrupt the filming, shake well and that's some seriously spectacular hoonage. Hoonage is performance art, it's a fact. FUll video below the jump.

Tata Xenon Is Rugged, Diesel Equipped

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:15:00 EST

Tata recently came out with its latest light truck offering for the South African Market, the Xenon. Compact pickups in South Africa are called bakkies, a term we think is the bees knees, and this one is Tata's second bakkie for that market. The Xenon rides on a double wishbone front suspension with a solid axle and leaf spring setup in the back. Shift-on-the-fly all wheel wheel drive can be accomplished up to 65 kph by way of a knob on the dash - four wheel low has to be engaged at a stand still. The truck has only one power option, a 3 liter four cylinder turbo diesel with direct injection good for 114 hp and 220 lb.ft. of torque routed through a 5 speed manual. All that is well and good, but the tubular bumpers and roll over bars are the real winners here. When and why did that go out of style?

Adult Swim Raises Bar with V6 and Jet Powered Firetruck

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST

If you've never seen the show, 12Oz. Mouse on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim runs a story line roughly based on intoxication, blowing things up and being as confusing as possible. Not that it makes sense, but we were impressed to see a firetruck with a possibly supercharged V6 in the front, jet engine in the back, skis for wheels and a ghetto blaster on the side in this episode. Your employer may feel differently than we do about a drunk peanut shaped fireman driving a jet powered fire truck into a baby carriage full of alcohol, while swearing, so this might be NSFW. We can't tell, we're confused.

Are You the 2009 Dodge Ram?

Ray Wert — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 10:27:48 EST

This press shot was picked off the SRT Forums, where the poster claims it's the new 2009 Dodge Ram. We've no idea whether or not that's true, but what we do know is that since we didn't have access to embargoed press shots before the unveil expected to come at the Detroit Auto Show in 2008, it certainly wasn't us that posted it over there. Hey, maybe next time Chrysler will actually decide our readers are deserved of embargo access, eh? We're expecting the new Ram to be coming to market with a light-duty V8 Cummins turbodiesel will have about 260-300 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, with gas mileage supposedly to hit 20 mpg city and 25 on the highway (compared with the Hemi's 13/17). Acceleration is about 1 second longer on the 0-60 (9.6 seconds rather than 8.6 seconds). Whatever, we look forward to watching the stampeding bulls make their way through the city of Detroit in January. What the up-charged Mopar forum fans have to say after the jump.

veritas: "I hope that's horribly inaccurate."

georgejetson: "I think it looks good. Way better than the hideousness that is the current truck."

[via SRT Forums]

Municipal Hoonage: 2007 Elgin Pelican P

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:45:14 EST

The mighty Mike Austin, former of MPH as well as ours truly, now spends his time at the head of the class, long-lead testing such automotive n00bs as the Jaguar XF and Mitsubishi Evo X. Of course the key benefit to such a gig is getting on the horn to a supplier of municipal maintenance vehicles and barking something like, "bring it over," and having them jump to do so. That's power. Of course, when they bring over the Pelican P — the classic street sweeper — instead of the Road Wizard or the named-after-a-70s-prog-rock-trio Crosswind Fury, you have to be gracious. [Car and Driver]

SEMA 2007: Dodge Baja Trucks

Ray Wert — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:30:00 EDT

Chrysler just revealed some Baja love with a couple of Dodge Ram pickups that'll be hitting the Baja trails. The first is a Mopar-sponsored Dodge Ram Off-Road Trophy Truck for Collins Motorsports to field in the SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series. The second's a stock 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 also for Baja truckin'. Full press release after the jump.

Mopar® Announces It's Ready to Blaze a Brand New 'Trail' at the 2007 SEMA Show
• Mopar® introduces Jeep® Performance and Dodge Off-road parts for new 'Trail' marketing initiative
• A new Mopar team will play a key role in connecting with the off-road market
• Mopar returns to off-road competition with the Collins Motorsports team

Center Line, Mich. —

Mopar®, Chrysler LLC's original equipment parts manufacturer, embarks on a new frontier with its new 'Trail' initiative. Mopar will offer authentic performance parts to Jeep and Dodge enthusiasts who want to go anywhere and do anything. For years, Mopar set the standard in the 'Muscle,' 'Street' and 'Speed' scenes. The next logical step was to add 'Trail' to the Mopar portfolio and go off-road.

To be authentic in this market segment meant having the right combination of durable and reliable high-performance parts. For development and testing, Mopar will dive into off-road competition with a new Mopar-sponsored team set to debut at the SCORE International Baja 1000 on Nov. 10.

Mopar introduces Jeep Performance Parts for new 'Trail' marketing initiative
Off-road enthusiasts will be able to rely on genuine Jeep parts and accessories from Mopar when performance and the off-road experience matter.

Modified beyond factory specifications, the initial line up of Jeep Performance Parts will include:

• Long-Arm Suspension Kit - 4.5-in. lift kit for the Jeep Wrangler - A comprehensive kit that delivers the highest ride quality of any comparable height lift kit for the Wrangler. Featuring revised, long-arm control arms, retuned coil springs, tuned shocks, front and rear track bar relocation brackets, drive shafts and more. Engineered to package massive 37-in. tires underneath a 2007 Wrangler two- or four-door.
• Two-wheel-drive low-range kits for Jeep and Dodge transfer cases - Jeep and Dodge owners with vehicles fitted with new process gear 241OR, 242 or 231 transfer cases can enjoy even more rugged aspects of the great outdoors. Uses a new "low" range in two-wheel-drive mode with these transfer case upgrade kits.
• Lowering Kit (P5155066) 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500 lowering kit (5.7-liter HEMI, two-wheel-drive, Regular Cab Short Bed) front drop: 1.5-in. rear drop: 4.3-in. This comprehensive lowering kit includes: front springs, rear flip kit, new bump stops, new shocks tuned for ride and handling
• Dana 44 Axle Assemblies (multiple part numbers) — locking and limited slip axles with 4.10:1 ring & pinion gear sets installed. Front and rear assemblies allow enthusiasts to upgrade the entire rolling stock of their classic Jeep with all-new hardware.
*Not legal for use on pollution-controlled vehicles or vehicles registered for highway use.
A new team to play key role in new Mopar 'Trail' initiative
Mopar knows that performance doesn't end where the road ends. Off-road enthusiasts can choose from a full line of performance parts when they hit the "Trail." Two new key Mopar team members, Steve Houtman, Jeep Performance/Dodge Off-Road Powertrain Manager, and Keith Montone, Jeep Performance/Dodge Off-Road Suspension/Steering Manager, will work to expand Mopar's line up of "Trail" performance parts.

Houtman will develop a full line of products for Jeep and Dodge truck off-road enthusiasts. His previous role was as development engineer for Jeep Vehicle Development. Houtman was responsible for drivetrain, chassis and off-road performance on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander models. A Jeep and Dodge truck owner himself, Houtman attends Camp Jeep® and Easter Jeep Safari [Moab, Utah] events as part of the informal "Jeep Lunatic Fringe" group.

Montone will also focus on creating a line of products tailored to the off-road market for both past and current vehicles. Another recruit from Jeep Vehicle Development, Montone concentrated on powertrain matters. His area of focus during the previous four years was working to ensure that the 2007 Jeep Wrangler met customer needs for off-road and performance. Montone is no stranger to the "Trail" — he served as engineering team leader for the 2007 Jeep Rubicon® press event in Africa which covered 1,600 miles in four weeks across South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.

Mopar returns to off-road competition with Collins Motorsports team
Mopar will look to extend it motorsports dominance from the circle track and drag strip to the off-road course with a return to off-road competition. Collins Motorsports will field a Mopar-sponsored Dodge Ram Off-Road Trophy Truck in the SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series.

Brian Collins, Larry Ragland and Chuck Hovey will share driving duties on the off-road truck. The trio will add to Mopar's off-road heritage that includes legendary names and champions such as Rod Hall and Walker Evans, who competed under the Mopar and Dodge banners in the 1980s.

The Mopar Dodge Ram Off-Road Trophy Truck takes to the desert and rigors of off-road racing in the upcoming 40th annual Tecate Score Baja 1000 that is scheduled for Nov. 10 - 16, 2007.

70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s - the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, Chrysler LLC's Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.

# # #

Terramax Prepares for Driverless Takeoff

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:00:58 EDT

The Oshkosh TerraMax unmanned truck hasn't quite rocked the DARPA Grand Challenge in the past, so the company has a lot to prove this year in Victorville, California, where the grand spectacle of mecha robots takes place later this month (we'll be there). That means the company has a lot to prove, considering it wants a piece of the US defense budget atop a congressional mandate stating one in three ground combat vehicles must be self-driving by 2015. The maker of airport firetrucks and other large industrial vehicles has invested tens of millions of dollars in the project, and says the TerraMax is competitive this year, with lasers, high-tech camera gear and global positioning systems to guide it through the punishing desert course without wandering off into a cactus-filled netherland. We'll see. [Yahoo!]

This is not our country, these are our job ...

Ray Wert — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:45:00 EDT

This is not our country, these are our job cuts? GM's cutting 1,100 jobs from the Oshawa truck plant in Canada. [Reuters]

The Trucks And SUV's Of The Woodward Dream Cruise

Ray Wert — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:45:00 EDT

We've got so much car-love on film from Saturday's Woodward Dream Cruise it's going to be hard for us to get it all up. But let's muster on anyway, and start off with the trucks and SUV's spotted along Woodward Avenue by the Jalopnik team and our helpful and quick-to-the-shot readers. From old school trucks by Chevy and Ford to new school SUV's with some fun custom work and big ol' tires — here's the best of what was around. Keep our Woodward Dream Cruise tag refreshed throughout today as we give you all the pictures we've got to sate your automotive McLovin' needs.

Who knew Jerry Garrett was a Ford truck man? ...

Ray Wert — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:45:00 EDT

Who knew Jerry Garrett was a Ford truck man? [NYT Wheels Blog]

Volvo AB seeing shares drop along with the ...

Ray Wert — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 09:30:00 EDT

Volvo AB seeing shares drop along with the truck market. [Canada.com]

States pushing for truck-only lanes. [USA ...

Ray Wert — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:10:00 EDT

States pushing for truck-only lanes. [USA Today]

New York Times Drives Toyota Tundra, Falls Flat On Face

Ray Wert — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:30:00 EDT

Now don't get us wrong — we love it when we get the opportunity to tweak the Old Grey Lady once in a while, especially when they forget things like checking the weather report (as opposed to the weather forecast) or revamp their efforts in the brave new world that is the blogosphere. But it's hard for us to make fun of Micki Maynard for her attempt at a review of the new Toyota Tundra falling, quite literally, flat. I mean, it's not like the Times has much in the way of experience in heavy (or even light duty) trucks — what with New Yorkers predisposition towards hatred of anything that's meant to carry. Well, maybe not everything — I mean, they do love those little cozy coffee carriers from Starbucks. – Ray Wert

Dancing With The Tundra [NYT Wheels Blog]

Huffing Diesel Fumes: Ford Earth Day Press Release Boldly Claims Diesel Emissions Leadership...From Behind

Ray Wert — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:30:00 EDT

FoMoCo made a real big show of their bold environmental moves this past weekend in a press release they titled "EARTH DAY 'TOP TEN' - A SAMPLE OF FORD'S 'GREEN' INITIATIVES." Obvs, we expect that type of trumpeting bold declaration, especially as it happens every Earth Day — and usually they're overblown as all get out. I mean what do you expect, a Greenpeace award for patching the hole in the ozone layer? Come on, these are automakers we're talking about. And we know this year's list's going to be more overblown than most when "Use of Sustainable Fabric" is at the top o' the heap. But the item that I'm most interested in is the claim

"Ford is leading the diesel revolution with the 2008 Super Duty, offering the segment's first clean diesel engine."

No doubt the addition of the word "revolution" is meant to be a slight jab at the 'merican revolution and their new-for-2007 line-up of heavy haulers, but they're claim of "leading" the segment may be a tad bit disingenuous considering they may have forgotten another automaker in the rush to make sure they're protecting the right flank from the General. What about the 'merican side of the German-American hybrid? The big Dodge heavy haulers appear to be (after quick calls to GM, FoMoCo and Dodge) the only manufacturer HD's able to meet not only the current 2007 emissions standards here in the US, but also the 2010 standards for their big diesel — the Cummins 6.7-liter turbo. Maybe FoMoCo thinks it's in the diesel emissions lead because they've been huffing Dodge tailpipe — because although they're correct in stating their first-to-market status on the clean diesel engines, I don't think that necessarily defines "leadership." Full press release below the jump. – Ray Wert

EARTH DAY 'TOP TEN' - A SAMPLE OF FORD'S 'GREEN' INITIATIVES
In recognition of Earth Day, April 22, this week's 'Top Ten' list focuses on some of Ford's latest 'green' initiatives. Ford's comprehensive global sustainability strategy includes a focus on the development of environmentally friendly vehicle technologies, including hybrids, diesels, bio-diesels, advanced engines and transmissions, E85 ethanol, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen internal combustion engines and fuel cells. In addition, Ford is introducing sustainable efforts throughout the company in manufacturing, materials and facilities management.

Ford's commitment to 'green' vehicle technologies will result in improved fuel economy for our customers and reduced CO 2 emissions. Other 'green' efforts will help us minimize our environmental impact through the conservation of energy and a reduction in pollution, while saving the company and customers money.

1. Use of Sustainable Fabric - The 2008 Ford Escape is believed to be the first U.S. automotive application of 100 percent recycled fabric seating surfaces. The new fabric, supplied by Interface Fabrics, Inc., is produced from 100 percent post-industrial waste. Post-industrial waste is something originally intended for retail use that never makes it to the consumer. It can include anything from plastic intended for pop bottles to un-dyed polyester fibers that don't make the cut for consumer use.

This plastic and polyester is processed, spun into yarn, dyed and woven into seat fabric. Recycling waste otherwise destined for landfills has obvious environmental benefits. Interface Fabrics estimates that Ford's use of post-industrial recycled materials, rather than virgin fibers, will conserve up to:

o 600,000 gallons of water
o 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO 2) equivalents
o The equivalent of more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity

2. Leader in Fuel-Efficient 6-speed transmissions - Ford, Lincoln and Mercury offer 15 models that are available with fuel-saving 6-speed transmissions. Ford plans to produce about 1.3 million 6-speed transmissions annually by 2008. Two out of every three vehicles will be offered with 6-speed transmissions by the end of next year. Fuel efficiency is improved up to 7 percent in highway driving over typical 4-speed transmissions while offering better performance and smoother, more precise shifts.

3. Ford Introduces First Clean Diesel in Heavy-Duty Pickup Segment - Ford is leading the diesel revolution with the 2008 Super Duty, offering the segment's first clean diesel engine. The new 6.4-liter diesel utilizes Ford Clean Diesel Technology and meets the most stringent emissions standards in the world while increasing power and torque in an engine that is smooth and quiet. The 6.4-liter PowerStroke clean-diesel makes an impressive 350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 650 foot-pounds of torque starting at 2,000 rpm while reducing particulate output by up to 97 percent to a level on par with gasoline engines.

4. Sustainable Landscaping Preserves Environment and Looks Good - In an effort to conserve natural resources, improve habitat and lower costs, Ford has installed nearly 200 acres of sustainable landscaping around its corporate properties in Dearborn and Allen Park, Mich. The comprehensive grounds maintenance plan incorporates fields of wildflowers, natural prairies and fallow fields. Several prairie fields are designated 'Grow Zones,' meaning they contribute to a sustainable environment by preserving natural resources, providing wildlife habitat, absorbing rainwater, reducing erosion and saving maintenance costs.

5. First Two-Time Winner of EPA's ENERGY STAR Award - Ford's actions to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities have earned it the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's coveted ENERGY STAR 2007 Partner of the Year Award in Energy Management. Ford is the first automaker to receive the award two years in a row. In 2006, Ford improved energy efficiency in the U.S. by 5 percent, resulting in savings of approximately $25 million. Since 2000, Ford's U.S. facilities have improved energy efficiency by 25 percent, equivalent to the amount of energy consumed by 220,000 homes.

6. Ford Escape and Focus Are Over 80 Percent Recyclable - Dismantlers and shredders process more than 94 percent of all salvaged vehicles. They collect parts and materials for reuse, remanufacturing and recycling. Usually, 75 percent of an automobile's content is recycled - including steel, iron, aluminum, copper and other non-ferrous metals. The Ford Escape and Focus exceed the norm, being over 80 percent recyclable.

7. Paint Fumes Become Fuel at Michigan Truck Plant - Ford's innovative Fumes-to-Fuel system burns paint fumes in a process that produces electricity at the Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Mich., home of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. The patent-pending Ford system uses a Stirling cycle Engine to burn the fumes from solvent-based paint used to paint cars and trucks. Not only does the process virtually destroy the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the fumes, it also produces electricity for the plant. The program burns one-third of the fumes in one paint booth, yet 45-50 kilowatts of electricity are produced - enough to meet the typical demand of an average suburban block of houses. Currently, Ford's North American assembly plants incinerate the VOCs in solvent-based paint fumes, but the process requires a significant amount of energy, substantial floor space and produces some carbon dioxide (CO 2). The only by-products of Ford's Fumes-to-Fuel system are small amounts of water vapor, CO 2 and nitrogen oxides.

8. Keeping Cool With Geothermal Cooling System - The Lima (Ohio) Engine Plant, home of production for Ford's award-winning Duratec 35 engine, uses cold water from two abandoned limestone quarries on the property to cool a portion of the plant and its equipment. The geothermal system saved Ford $300,000 in installation costs - compared with the cost of installing a traditional cooling tower - and saved more than $300,000 in annual operating costs. Although actual cost savings are difficult to determine at this point, the system is capable of providing chilled water using 0.1 kw/ton of cooling versus traditional chiller systems with cooling towers, which consume around 0.7 kw/ton or more. In addition, several hundred thousand gallons of domestic water have already been saved due to the elimination of some existing cooling towers.

9. Police Go Green with the 2008 Crown Victoria Interceptor - The 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor will be the first and only police fleet vehicle offered with flexible fuel capability, allowing it to operate on E85 ethanol or gasoline. Ford is the largest producer and seller of police vehicles, with more than 80 percent of the market. As police and government agencies move toward becoming more environmentally conscious and seek alternative fuel vehicles for their fleets, Ford is in the position to fill this need for its police customers. Ford's current lineup of flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) includes the Ford F-150, Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis models.

Ford has placed more than two million flexible fuel vehicles on the road and has pledged to make half of its production capable of running on alternative fuels by 2012, provided the necessary fuel and infrastructure are in place. The company recently announced it has achieved 50-state certification for all of the Ford and Mercury 2008 flexible fuel passenger car models. In an effort to differentiate its FFVs from standard gasoline vehicles, Ford will begin equipping the E85-capable vehicles with yellow gas caps by the end of this year.

10. World's Largest Green Roof - Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant has the World's Largest Living Roof, according to Guinness World Records TM. The 10.4-acre living roof is part of Ford's redevelopment of the Ford Rouge Center, which includes a number of progressive environmental initiatives. The roof is composed of a drought-resistant perennial groundcover called sedum which is planted into a specially layered bed. Virtually maintenance-free, it can absorb up to 4 million gallons of rainwater annually and is part of a broader storm-water management system installed at the Rouge. In addition to absorbing rainwater and carbon dioxide, the sedum roof produces oxygen and provides natural overhead insulation for the final assembly building, thereby reducing energy costs. It also is expected to last twice as long as a traditionally constructed roof.

Huffing Heavy Dongfeng!

Davey G. Johnson — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 00:59:00 EDT

One of our favorite bits about the Shanghai show is the sheer volume of heavy trucks parked in the outdoor courtyard. Dongfeng, China's second-largest automaker (founded at the behest of Mao hisowndamnself back in '68), had a googolplex of heavy truckage on display. It also featured spokesmodels wearing what appeared to be the exact dress our stupid-hot 1993 Homecoming date wore. Sadly, they were attempting to beat the heat by holding press materials over their heads. Meanwhile, check the gallery for the amazing splitting cab display, an econo leaping cheetah door graphic and the crumpet in the Phillies minidress with the tiara. – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Nissan, Dongfeng Open R&D Center in China [Internal]

Spy Photos: 6-Door Ford F-150 Mule

Ray Wert — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 08:15:15 EST

The boys and girls over at PickupTruck.com believe this mule's showing off a potential next-gen 2009 feature of the F-series truck — a tertiary set of doors into the cargo bed. It wouldn't be the first time an automaker's shown off a feature like this, as ~~they've~~ Chevy's shown the Cheyenne concept before. But given the very public setting these shots were supposedly taken, it certainly would be a weird way to show the world how the next-gen pickup's going to be built Ford tough. Click through for more pics and more deets from the experts. We're going to go and try to figure out what could be more suburban mom than a set of grocery doors in the side of a pickup truck. – Ray Wert

Spied: 6-Door Ford F-150 Mule [PickupTruck.com]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2009 Ford F-150 Mules [internal]

Ad Watch: Selling Ford Trucks Is A "Dirty Job"

Ray Wert — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 16:59:25 EST

FoMoCo's really pushing this "Ford Challenge" tagline and we're sort of digging it. It's certainly a helluva lot better than "Bold Moves" at describing what the Dearborn-based automaker's looking to prove. I mean, it's no Iacocca-esque "If you can find a better car..." but then again, they sell more trucks than they do cars anyway. So that explains why Henry Ford's baby is all over Mike Rowe, the host of "Dirty Jobs." The man personifies the play-in-the-mud type. And playing in the mud is what at least one of these commercials is doing. The first one above is called "Leaf Springs" and yes, that's the technical term for it, but the one below the jump called "Boxed Frame" seems to insinuate other automakers use "un-boxed" frames on their competing trucks within the line-up. Interestingly enough, FoMoCo doesn't mention another automaker that uses "un-boxed" frames in their competitor to the F-150 for the 2007 model year. Which makes us wonder — does any automaker use "un-boxed" frames? We know Chevy doesn't in the new Silverado (which look to be the trucks they've got in the video), and we're pretty certain the new Toyota Tundra doesn't either. What about the others? Check out the ad and then leave your comments below 'cause well, we'd like to know. – Ray Wert

[FordChallenge]

Ford Dealers Struggling With Excess Truck Inventory?

Ray Wert — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 13:31:00 EST

Reuters is reporting Ford's second-largest Ford dealer, Group 1 Automotive

"is struggling to lower its inventory of the No. 2 U.S. automaker's vehicles following the dramatic slide in sales of Ford F-Series pickup trucks...the company had 113 days' supply of Ford vehicles at the end of the fourth quarter, far higher than the 97 days' supply of vehicles from General Motors or 68 days' supply of DaimlerChrysler..."

Doesn't sound like things are getting much better after January's 19% decline in sales, and probably doesn't bode well for the rest of FoMoCo's dealers. Is it time for a new Way Forward(TM)...again? We dunno — but we do know if FoMoCo doesn't do something quickly, it'll have the American Revolution's new truck nipping at its heels, singing "Our Country" as it takes over the top truck spot. – Ray Wert

Key Ford dealer Group 1 struggles to cut inventory [Reuters via GMInsideNews]

"That's Not A Vol-vo," AB Volvo Offers $1 Billion For Nissan Diesel

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 16:30:00 EST

Too busy to bid on Chrysler, AB Volvo (the Volvo company that makes trucks) offered to purchase Japan-based Nissan Diesel for $1.1 billion, or 5.5 billion ramen noodle packs at the current rate of exchange. Volvo already has a 19% stake in the company and hopes to close the deal soon to prepare for new Japanese emissions standards. Both companies support the deal and analysts give the deal a Big Thumb up since Renault/Nissan gets to focus on making money with cars and Volvo gets to maintain control of its own technology and expand its operations in Asia. – Matt Hardigree

Volvo Bids $1 Billion For Nissan Diesel [Bismark Tribune]

Related:
Volvo Buys Stake In Nissan Diesel [Internal]

Chicago Auto Show: Dodge Rolls Heavy Duty in 2008

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 15:30:00 EST

Dodge has good news from the big show in Chicago for those wanting to become repo men, or just need fill the convertibles of their enemies with paving stones. The new and tougher than ever before Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 sport an improved 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel that kicks out 610 ft lbs of torque at a mere 1600 RPM. A choice between a six-speed manual or automatic puts all that twist to the wheels and gives this series best in class first gear acceleration. The largest brake rotors in the class help put on the whoa. Best of all you can tow around that puny consumer Dodge Ram on the back of this commercial tougher brother for 350K before major service is required. Full press release after the jump. – Mike Bumbeck

Dodge Expands Commercial Presence, Charges into Class 4-5 Segment with All-new 2008 Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs

All-new chassis cabs showcase dominant commercial capability, durability and dependability

· Legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel in 6.7-liter displacement (610 lb.-ft. of torque)
· Six-speed automatic or manual transmission with Power Take Off (PTO) capability
· Largest standard fuel tank in segment (52 gallons)
· Best-in-class first-gear launch provides optimum acceleration on vehicle take-off
· Largest brake rotors in segment (390 mm)
· Largest caliper piston size in segment (66 mm)
· Life-to-overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles
· Standard diesel exhaust brake system, together with class-leading brakes and pistons, extends brake life while giving driver increased control
· Commercial-grade frame (50,000-psi steel) to maximize strength and reduce weight
· Flat, "clean" frame rail — all chassis components below top-of-frame surface to facilitate after-market upfits or retrofits

· To ensure quality, more than 1.5 million test miles by Dodge truck engineers
Extending bold, tough, in-your-face Dodge Ram heritage to the Class 4 and 5 commercial market, Dodge expands its commercial presence and sets another commercial standard with the launch of the all-new
2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs.

"We built the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs for heavy-duty chassis cab buyers who want a powerful, capable and versatile commercial-quality vehicle," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President - Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. "With commercial performance, durability and capability, the 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs offer dominant powertrain packages, a commercial-grade upfit-friendly chassis, and bold, 'big-rig' Ram styling."

Delivering maximum uptime, the 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs are the ultimate chassis for the commercial customer looking for a dynamic, capable work-truck. Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs feature numerous class-leading attributes including largest standard fuel tank (52 gallons), largest brake rotors (390 mm), largest caliper pistons (66 mm) and best-in-class first-gear launch for optimum acceleration on vehicle take-off.

With industry-standard 34-inch frame rail spacing and flat, clean frame rails on a one-piece C-channel rear-frame rail (50,000-psi steel), upfit-friendliness is a primary theme of the Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. Showcasing an unrivaled upfit-friendly design that reduces costs for body-builders and customers, all chassis components are below the frame surface assuring easy adaptability and versatility for virtually any upfit application. Offered in dual-rear-wheel models, four cab-axle lengths (60, 84, 108 and 120 inches) are available.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs offer leading commercial performance with a dominant powertrain package. The standard 6.7-liter Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel is loaded with 305 horsepower and 610 lb.-ft. of torque.

Bigger Commercial Presence Extends Dodge Truck Leadership

Expanding the Dodge Ram portfolio while building on Dodge's leadership position in the truck market, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs conquer new territory as they charge into the Class 4 and 5 chassis cab segments creating a greater commercial presence for the Dodge brand.
"The commercial vehicle market is essentially white space for the Dodge brand," said Murphy. "We will continue to fill it with bold, powerful and capable vehicles."
The Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs will compete within the Class 4 and 5 segments with a gross vehicle weight range of 14,000 to 19,500 lbs. Overall industry forecasts for this range of chassis cab vehicles were 140,000 units in 2006 with growth expectations to 156,000 units by 2012. The Class 4-5 chassis cab segment is expecting further growth to 18 percent by 2015.

U.S. sales of Class 3-5 trucks grew 42 percent in 2005 to 261,627. Class 3-5 vehicles have a gross vehicle weight range between 10,001 lbs. to 19,500 lbs.
Targeted at small-business tradesmen, fleet customers and traditional chassis cab users, the Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs expand on a solid commercial foundation and lineup of full-size van, minivan and body-on-frame commercial vehicles joining the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Box-Off models, Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, Dodge Sprinter, Dodge Ram pickup, and Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan cargo vans in the Dodge commercial vehicle lineup.

Powertrain Options Ensure Powerhouse Performance

Dominant commercial performance is assured with the 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs as commercial customer specialty needs are met with superior capability, durability and performance.
"Delivering premium commercial performance, capability and durability, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs offer the segment's most potent powertrain combinations in work trucks that get the job done," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President — Body-on-frame Product Team.

Maintaining its reign at the top of the heavy-duty diesel pickup segment, the standard Cummins engine generates 305 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 610 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm. The legendary engine also delivers superior fuel economy while ensuring durability and low cost of ownership for the commercial customer.

Providing superior trailer towing, acceleration, throttle response and drivability, the 6.7-liter engine is not only more powerful, it's also cleaner with B5 biodiesel compatibility and a reduction in particulates and nitrogen oxide (NOx) that comply with the 50-state 2007 heavy-duty emission standards. As durable as it is powerful, the Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine also has life-to-major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles.

Completing the dynamic powertrain package, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs offer a six-speed automatic transmission with Power Take Off (PTO) capability or a six-speed manual transmission with PTO capability. An available electronic-shift transfer case is offered and a factory-installed exhaust brake contributes to both safety and superior brake life.
"Job Rated" Commercial-grade Chassis with Superior Suspension System

The Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs lineup of 4x2, 4x4, dual-rear-wheel, regular and Quad Cab models are "Job-rated," meaning they are designed, engineered, tested and built to meet the rigid standards of commercial truck buyers.

Armed with Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's superior suspension system, beefed up even more for commercial applications, Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs provide expanded capability and durability with a commercial-grade chassis mated to a one-piece C-channel rear-frame rail (50,000 psi steel).

Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models feature a recirculating ball system that provides precise response and an on-center steering feel through lower internal friction. Improved power steering lines contribute to the delivery of precise feel and response for better handling. Featuring solid-beam front and rear axles, and a five-link, coil-spring front suspension with beam axle, a front and rear link-type sway bar and heavy-duty tubular shock absorbers are standard.

The rear suspension on two- and four-wheel-drive models is equipped with leaf springs and includes standard two-stage springs as part of the spring design for greater load-carrying capability.
Four cab-axle lengths (60, 84, 108 and 120 inches) are available. Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for 4500 models is 16,500. For 5500 models, the maximum GVWR is 19,500 lbs. The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for both 4500 and 5500 models is 26,000 lbs.

The standard diesel exhaust brake system, together with class-leading brakes and pistons, provides extended brake life and increased driver control while contributing to enhanced safety performance. Standard four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS) ensure superior safety and crash-avoidance capability.

Unmatched Versatility and Upfit-Friendliness

Meeting all cab-axle and industry upfitter specifications, the 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs bring unmatched versatility and upfit-friendliness with an enhanced commercial-grade, user-friendly chassis to the Class 4 and 5 chassis segments. Flat, "clean" frame rails with industry-standard 34-inch frame rail spacing provide versatility for virtually any upfit application. All chassis components are below the frame surface to facilitate after-market upfits or retrofits.

Bolt-on and riveted-on exhaust hanger brackets provide increased upfitter flexibility, and riveted cross-members behind the cab allow for easier modification. The one-piece C-channel frame, shear plate or u-bolt access along the length of the frame, and shear plate mounting locations identified along the frame contribute to the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs' upfitter friendliness.

The fuel filler is routed through the frame and an optional mid-ship fuel tank frees up more space behind the rear axle for special upfit applications. Fuel and brake lines are routed together on the frame's left side to make better use of space along the frame, which also has clearance for rear-exhaust routing.
Electrical connections are user-friendly thanks to three-fused battery feeds routed into the cab and on to the rear of the chassis. A high-current 50-amp ground stud is located at the rear of the frame. Upfitter wire circuits and electrical schematics are identified in the body builder guide.

Together, these unique upfit-friendly enhancements provide a streamline assembly process that reduces costs for upfitters, second-stage manufacturers and customers.

Bold, Tough, Dodge Design

Conveying commercial power and vigor, along with instantly recognizable, unmistakable bold Ram styling and design, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs stand out in the Class 4-5 chassis cab segments.
Robust and loaded with a "big-truck" look and feel, its enormous crosshair grille and large headlamps are the dominant focal point of a vehicle that retains the most recognizable design signature of any mid-size truck on the market.
Reinforced by an equally bold hood and fender combination, the dynamic front appearance is anchored by twin, large 7- x 10-inch trailer tow mirrors as standard. Beneath each fender are 19.5-inch wheels. The Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs are available in three trim lines: ST, SLT and Laramie.

Comfortable and Convenient Interiors

The 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs successfully blend full-size interior comfort with commercial convenience. Showcasing an easy-to-navigate instrument panel cluster, the user-friendly wide center stack contains air conditioning, heating, ventilation and audio system controls. Comfortable, oversized seats, including available bucket seats with leather trim, provide relaxing support while adding both a rich appearance and upscale atmosphere to a commercial truck.

Quad Cab models provide seating for six passengers and are equipped with four standard doors and 60/40 folding rear seats. Demonstrating interior functionality and capability, seat cushions fold up to create a tall storage area from floor to ceiling. An optional floor section under the back seat folds open to form a flat-load floor with additional storage in each of the foot wells.

Delivering just as much versatility and flexibility, regular cab models provide generous storage behind the seat and allow for considerable travel use and ease in reclining for both driver and passengers.

More Than 1.5 Million Test Miles Logged by Dodge Truck Engineers

Commercial customers expect to put their trucks to work and get exceptional performance, capability and durability. In placing an extraordinary emphasis on quality, heavy-duty results were achieved as the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs take full advantage of modern technology and deliver quality by the ton with more than 1.5 million customer-equivalent miles logged by Dodge Truck engineers during the vehicle's development.

All-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs Safety and Security Features

The all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs provide commercial vehicle customers a high level of safety and security technology.
Following is a list of safety and security features found in the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs:
· BeltAlert - Enhanced seat belt reminder system. If a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted, the system will periodically activate a chime and illuminate an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up
· Child-Protection Rear-door Locks - Allow customers to disable the rear-door, inside-release handle. A small lever on the door-shut face operates this feature
· Energy-absorbing Steering Column - Steering column utilizes two coaxial tubes that move relative to each other in order to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during an impact
· Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS) - In the event of an impact, this system makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking doors after air bag deployment
· Four-wheel Anti-lock-brake System (ABS) - Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
· Integrated Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter and Ignition Key - The remote keyless entry locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
· Knee Bolsters - The steering column lower instrument panel and the glove-box door are reinforced to further protect occupants during frontal impacts. They both restrain and position the occupant properly and enable air bags to work effectively
· Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) - This system helps ease the installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
· Multi-stage Air Bag System - Offering enhanced protection, this system is designed to deploy based on the severity of an impact
· Security Alarm - Arms and disarms alarm feature through remote control, flashes lights and sounds horn upon unauthorized entry
· Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer Theft Deterrent System - This utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security key code. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If the correct key is not used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds
· Three-point Seat Belts - Front outboard seating positions and all rear seating positions in the Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs have lap and shoulder belts

Balanced Production Thanks to Flexible Manufacturing Process

The all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs will be built at Chrysler Group's Saltillo Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico. One of the company's most flexible plants, the Saltillo Plant — which also produces the all-new Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, Dodge Ram Mega Cab, Dodge Ram Power Wagon, and Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 models — takes on production of the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs as part of the company's Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS).

The FMS approach allows the company to not only balance production with demand, but to also efficiently build low-volume vehicles that take advantage of market niches, and to quickly shift production volumes between different models within a single plant or among multiple plants.
"FMS is a key enabler in our ability to bring the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs to market," said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President - Manufacturing. "It not only allows us to produce a high-quality product, but to do so faster and at a lower cost."

For production of the Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs, Chrysler Group recently invested an additional $48 million into the plant, which follows a $210 million investment in 2005 for production of the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab. Enlarging the facility by 120,000 square feet enables the plant to produce commercial vehicles and accommodate new frame configurations. In addition, the expansion increases production capacity and enables the plant to manage the added complexity of the Dodge Ram 4500/5500's all-new commercial-grade chassis and suspensions, including two cab-axle lengths, regular and Quad Cab versions, 4x2 and 4x4 variants, and single- and dual-rear-wheel models.

The Saltillo Assembly Plant has 2,100 employees working on two shifts and is one of five Chrysler Group production facilities in Mexico.

Dodge Commercial Vehicles

As part of DaimlerChrysler, the world's leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles, Dodge continues to increase the breadth of its commercial products and offers a comprehensive array of vehicles and services designed with business customers in mind. Along with the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Box-Off models and the Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs — the Class 3-5 segments' most powerful, capable and upfit-friendly work trucks — Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan cargo vans complement a growing Dodge commercial lineup that includes the class-leading Dodge Sprinter, which continues its legacy and leadership as the top-performing commercial van in the marketplace.

Dodge BusinessLink

Launched in 1999 and offering no-cost enrollment, Dodge BusinessLink is a full-service commercial program comprised of a select network of Dodge dealers who know and understand the unique vehicle needs of small businesses, fleet managers and other commercial vehicle customers. Providing exclusive benefits, BusinessLink dealers offer unprecedented business assistance including dedicated commercial account managers and sales teams, dealer inventories representing a higher mix of work-truck and other commercial vehicles, next-day service and technicians, extended hours to minimize downtime, free loaner vehicles and more. BusinessLink also includes our "On The Job" program which offers discounts on upfits and direct cash incentives and savings on almost all Dodge commercial vehicles.

Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments.

Surfer Rosa: Fuso Minibus Crispness

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 19:30:00 EST

Mitsubishi Fuso is simply one of the most entertaning companies on the planet. Plus, it's just really fun to randomly exclaim "FUSO!" followed by some sort of completely arbitrary Engrish statement. What's more, the website encourages prospective purchasers to "Rely on the Rosa take your valued guests to the next stage in riding pleasure." Do with that statement what you may. Also note that is available in a "Super Long Body" style. Luxurious! Amusing! – Davey G. Johnson

Product [Mitsubishi Fuso]

SUPER GREAT POTENTIAL! Can This Truck Solve the Woes of DCX? [Internal]

Double-Radder Than Anything You Could Possibly Imagine: The DAF Turbo Twin II!!!

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 14:26:26 EST

We have found the 2007 Jalopnik Bullrun vehicle (we'll run the Justy in 2008, Bumbeck). You are looking at the truck that quirky Dutch brand DAF used to win the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1987. Long story real short, this monster rig is a semi-truck filled with spare tires, navigation equipment and an 11.6-liter turbo-diesel engine for each axle! These DAF juggernauts were so potent that they overtook most cars during the race and handily won the truck class. More big rig madness after the jump.

At one point during the 1987 contest, the Turbo Twin II had overtaken the eventual winner, the Works Peugeot 405 Turbo 16. The next year DAF launched the Turbo Twin X1, an even more insane racing truck featuring an aluminium chassis and twin engines each developing 1,200 horsepower. Sadly, while in the number one overall spot, an X1 crashed and killed the driver. Restrictions were put in place the following year. – Jonny Lieberman

DAF Trucks [Wikipedia]

Our Country, Our Overcompensation: Pictures of Really Laughable F-650s

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 18:15:07 EST

I just asked a FoMoCo-PR-Bro how a scrappy writer like me could get into a truck like the one pictured above. His response? "A ladder." I've been sparring deep into the comment section of Mr. Mehta's screed (it was a screed, right?) concerning our country's truck. Readers appear upset that Sajeev refused to simply call the new Chevy apple pie and be done with it. Tempers have flared and teh internets tough guys are out in force. As I have stated many times, unless you are hauling cords of wood or removing trees, here in our country, pickups are much more frequently a lifestyle statement than they are useful, practical and/or responsible. Look, if you got your dirt in Boss Kean's ditch then by all means grab a dirt-hauler and git-r-done. But if you just have a tremendously small penis, dude, no one cares but your wife. – Jonny Lieberman

[Ford F-650 Extreme Pick Up Truck]

Related:
TTAC On The New Silverado [Internal]

A 'Danny Thomas' For Bumbeck: The Mitsubishi Canter

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:00:00 EST

That's it. We're finding us a gray-market RHD Mitsubishi Fuso Canter box van, picking it up at the Port of Los Angeles, rolling up the 110 to Mt. Washington, distracting the Loverman from his brewing and then hopping up the 5 to the 2 to Montrose, where we will acquire ourselves a Bumbeck. With Johnson in Tigers cap and 'stache, Bumbeck suitably porkpied and chickenskinned, and Jonny totally fezzed out, Los Los Angeles Jalops shall descend upon Canter's Deli in their Canter (replete with retro Lollipop Boy emblazoned on the side). And then we'll all bitch about how lame it was that we couldn't score a Super Great. – Davey G. Johnson

Mitsubishi Fuso Canter [Wikipedia]

SUPER GREAT POTENTIAL! Can This Truck Solve the Woes of DCX?

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 01:45:00 EST

We were not aware of this truck until just a few moments ago, but it is officially the greatest heavy truck ever invented. It's the Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great, which is the successor to the apparently not-quite-super-enough-yet-rather-great Mitsubishi Great. DaimlerChrysler owns 85 percent of Fuso, and we're thinking that if they could give us a Freightliner Super Great, the potential would be great. Super, even. – Davey G. Johnson

Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great [Wikipedia]

Related:
Super Amateur Dorifto Crash Potential! [Internal]