Fleetowner 2697 Western Star

Western Star adding lightweight specs, adding second shift

March 22, 2012

LOUISVILLE, KY. Western Star Trucks, brother to Freightliner LLC and a fellow division of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), said demand for its models has increased to the point where a second shift is being added to the Portland, OR, production facility that builds its trucks.

During a press event here at the 2012 Mid America Trucking Show, Western Star general manager Mike Jackson said demand in particular is up for its 4700 SB vocational truck model, which is helping spur the addition of a second production shift.

(Photos: Western Star celebrates 45 years at Mid America)

“We’ve seen sales increase for all of our models but the 4700 SB is doing particularly well,” he told Fleet Owner.

Weight-sensitive customers are also getting new lightweight spec options to help them increase payload capacity and improve fuel efficiency, Western Star noted, which include: various sizes of fuel and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tanks to optimize fuel tanks size; aluminum clutch housings, air tanks, fifth wheels, and front drop castings; plus an air ride front suspension option with tubular axle.

The company added that it is also offering a new custom vinyl graphics package for its complete product line, available in black, white, viper red, blue or green.

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