Meritor Adds Deep Drop-Axle Option to MFS Front Axle Series

Meritor has expanded expanded availability of its MFS Series lineup of front non-drive axles to include a deep-drop axle option that offers greater flexibility in packaging vehicles.

The new option, which includes deep axle drops of 4.76 and 5 inches, is ideal for auto hauling and refuse applications where lower vehicle ride heights are needed, according to Joe Muscedere, general manager, Front Drivetrain. The deep-drop axle, which includes a new universal knuckle compatible with Meritor EX+ air disc brakes and Q+ drum brakes, improves brake serviceability and vehicle packaging.

The one-piece forged knuckle design improves reliability and offers a longer service life. MFS Series axles also optimize performance such as sharper wheel cut to increase maneuverability. The deep-drop MFS non-drive steer axle is available in standard and wide track with gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) of 13,000 to 14,600 and 18,000 to 22,800 pounds.

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Freightliner debuts all-new 2018 Cascadia

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. Daimler Trucks North America introduced its all-new 2018 Freightliner Cascadia by delivering 12 tractors carrying the colors and logos of its largest fleet customers during a kick-off event staged at the World Arena here.

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New Look for Imron Coatings Brand

Image: Axalta Coating Systems

Philadelphia-based Axalta Coating Systems is bringing a new visual identity to its iconic Imron brand of polyurethane coatings, which are used by OEMs and, in selected markets, for the aftermarket repair of commercial vehicles.

Axalta said that Imron polyurethane enamel has been for decades the number-one finish of choice for leading heavy-duty truck, bus, and rail manufacturers.

The company said Imron boasts excellent durability, outstanding graffiti-resistant performance on topcoats and clears, reliable corrosion protection, and excellent resistance to chemicals and weathering, as well as shock and impact.

“I am excited to launch the new global branding for one of the most recognized commercial paint brands in the industry,” said Joseph Wood, Axalta's vice president for Commercial Vehicle Coatings. “The new look and feel represents the superior qualities of Imron. Plus, this year as we celebrate Axalta's 150th anniversary in the coatings industry, Imron will carry a new identity that we're confident will continue to inspire the trust that our customers have placed in the brand for so many years."

The new logo for Imron incorporates three elements-- a diamond, a road, and a shield– which when combined reflect the attributes that customers have come to value in the Imron name, Axalta said.

The diamond represents Imron's durability and toughness while the road conveys the tough environments where Imron is used and the shield conveys Imron's promise to protect vehicles against the elements.

“For five decades, Imron has delivered beautiful finishes to commercial vehicle manufacturers and owners,” added Vanessa Navarro, Global Marketing Manager at Axalta. “The new, bold logo will help our customers identify the Imron brand around the globe and recognize it as the symbol of a superior quality finish for their vehicles.”

Axalta Coating Systems was created in 2013 after The Carlyle Group acquired DuPont Performance Coatings. Imron was introduced by ...Read the rest of this story

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Share the Road Rolls Out Comprehensive Truck Safety Video

The American Trucking Associations and its Share the Road highway-safety program has launched the Share the Road Instructional Video to demonstrate safe-driving techniques ahead of the busy Labor Day weekend.

ATA said the video addresses today's most prevalent dangerous driving habit– distracted driving– and explains the various ways that drivers may become distracted while driving. According to Share the Road professional truck drivers, eating, drinking or watching videos are activities that can be just as hazardous as texting and are done by motorists of all ages.

“This video will be shown in schools and drivers' education classes throughout the country,” said ATA COO and Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs Elisabeth Barna. "It's one of the tools that ATA and ATA's Share the Road program are using to save lives. The most highly-trained professionals on the road, truck drivers, have a lot of knowledge and experience with safety and they are all willing to share that advice if it means an accident can be prevented.”

The primary focus of the Share the Road safety campaign is to share information about blind spots and the Share the Road Instructional Video takes viewers through each of the four truck blind spots, explaining what a truck driver can and cannot see from the cab of his or her truck.

Incorporating seamless motion graphics and high-definition footage from various angles, the video aims to appeal to a younger, more technologically savvy audience to “equip future generations of drivers with strong safe-driving practices,” ATA noted.

“Making our nation's roads safer through targeted highway safety information is the reason Share the Road exists,” said John Walsh, vice president of global marketing and brand management for Mack Trucks. “We at Mack want every student in the U.S. to have the chance to see this video, and learn from it. ...Read the rest of this story

TomTom Launches Trucker GPS Device

TomTom has introduced a GPS device designed specifically for truck drivers. The company said the new Trucker 600 provides accurate, vehicle-relevant navigation, map updates and traffic analysis – for the lifetime of the device – all in one package.

According to TomTom, the device allows truckers to now plan a journey before leaving, and when they climb into their cab the navigation device will be programmed, ready and waiting. Planning a journey from the office, the truck stop, or a stayover, can be done using the MyDrive web app. The company said this even takes into account truck weight, type, size and cargo to find the perfect route.

“We are excited to be able to deliver a GPS designed specifically for truckers, giving them all the relevant truck-specific information such as bridge heights, relevant truck routes and road restrictions they need to complete their routes in a timely and hassle free manner,” said TomTom Inc. President Jocelyn Vigreux.

The device has a 6-inch touchscreen with tablet style pinch, zoom and swipe controls. It can be docked and undocked easily with its Click & Go magnetic mount, increasing security.

The company noted the Trucker 600 can also be used in a driver's personal vehicle and will be available in September on tomtom.com.

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