Newly Equipped: Updates on Mack Anthem, Cummins X10 HPD engine brake, and Ex-Guard grille guards

Mack opens orders for the all-new Anthem with updated cab and safety features

Mack Trucks has opened customer orders for the new Mack Anthem, a redesigned truck aimed at applications requiring improved maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort and safety. The truck features a 113.5-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab length for navigating tight spaces, a redesigned hood that improves forward visibility by approximately 12%, and is available in day cab, 44-inch sleeper, and 64-inch sleeper configurations with a cab nine inches wider than the previous model.

“This week marks a pivotal moment as we officially opened our order book for the all-new Anthem,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Since unveiling the truck in June, customer response has been tremendous. Fleet managers and owner-operators can now order this game-changing truck that truly represents the new standard in the industry. This is an exciting milestone as we prepare to deliver the practical innovations that will help our customers tackle today's transportation challenges while building for tomorrow's demands.”

The Anthem also incorporates Mack Connect telematics with GuardDog Connect integration, demonstrating a 37% reduction in overall downtime and a 20% reduction in unplanned stops, and targets industries including bulk hauling, food and beverage distribution, general freight, and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, with serial production scheduled to begin in January 2026. Learn more…

Cummins introduces High Power Density engine brake for X10 medium- and heavy-duty trucks

Cummins recently introduced the High Power Density (HPD) engine brake in its X10 engine, marking the first market application of this technology. The X10 engine is designed for heavy and medium-duty vehicles, including vocational, regional haul, and transit bus applications, and replaces the L9 and X12 engines in Cummins' HELM fuel-agnostic engine lineup.

“The HPD engine brake is both a unique and ideal braking solution for the wide displacement coverage of the new X10 engine, as well as the variety of duty cycles to be served,” said RaNae Isaak, program leader of the X10 at Cummins. “Feedback from both OEM and end-user customers who have test-driven the new X10 with the HPD engine brake attest to its ability to offer the braking power of up to a 13-L truck, via a 10-L displacement engine.”

The HPD engine brake is available in 3-cylinder and 6-cylinder versions, providing up to 320 hp and 475 hp at 2,300 rpm, and delivers up to 40% more braking power at high engine speeds and up to 100% improvement at lower cruise speeds compared to traditional compression release braking. It uses a 1.5-stroke mechanism with cylinder deactivation to enable two compression release events per camshaft revolution, supporting improved braking efficiency, fuel savings, and reduced total cost of ownership. Learn more…

Ex-Guard launches new grille guards for Mack Anthem and Pioneer trucks

Ex-Guard recently launched a new line of grille guards designed specifically for the Mack Pioneer and the all-new Mack Anthem, providing options for front-end protection in commercial trucks. The lineup includes five models ranging from full extreme-duty coverage for the bumper, grille, radiator, hood, and headlights to low-profile full bumper protection, and is also compatible with Volvo’s all-new VNR and VNL models.

“Mack is an iconic brand in the North American trucking industry, and their new Pioneer and Anthem models continue that legacy,” said Jeremy Drever, director of engineering for Ex-Guard. “We’ve designed a lineup of guards that not only complements these new models but also delivers exceptional protection per pound of guard while preserving the collision mitigation functionality and aerodynamic styling of the trucks.”

The guards incorporate features such as ClearZone CMS compatibility, XERO-G lift assist, 8-gauge high-tensile steel with 3mm EVRCoat PVC finish, LEVRLock dual latches, an additional cross bar for grille coverage, and a license plate bracket on XG series guards. Ex-Guard collaborated with industry partners, customers, and Mack on real-world testing to validate the design and strength of the guards. The VM series guards are now available for order through Ex-Guard’s 2,500 dealers in the U.S. and Canada. Learn more…