Bering extends line to Class 3 & 4 At the recent Southern Trucking Expo in Atlanta, Bering Truck Corp. previewed its new VT12 Class 3 and VT15 Class 4 cabover models. The VT12 carries a 12,000-lb.-GVW rating and the VT15 has a gross rating of 15,000 lb.
The VTs are distinguished by extended cabs that provide drivers with extra storage behind the seats. According to William Anderson, Berings president & CEO, both models also boast standard driver-comfort features unavailable on comparable competitive trucks.
These include suspension seat, air conditioning, power windows, central locking system, and an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD audio inputs. The trucks are powered by Detroit Diesel engines and can be specd with either manual or Allison automatic transmissions. Jay Sandler, vp-sales & marketing, noted that the most popular configuration for both VTs will likely be a 14-ft. van body.
Like all Bering trucks, the VTs will use cabs and chassis produced by South Koreas Hyundai Motor Corp. and will be fitted with major components sourced from North America.
We believe our VT12 and VT15 brands reinforce our commitment to driver comfort and truck reliability, Anderson stated. The features of these trucks are the first of their kind in these classes and demonstrate that Bering is standing by its pledge to manufacture a new breed of trucks.
Anderson announced the naming of Berings first dealer, Jim Burgess, president of Central Truck Center in Landover, Md. His new standalone Bering store, adjacent to his existing dealership, will cover a sales territory encompassing metropolitan Washington, D.C., including the surrounding parts of Maryland and Virginia. Anderson said the truck OEM was in negotiations with other prospects and expects to release an expanded dealer roster by years end.
Bering also reported breaking ground on its Front Royal, Va., manufacturing plant. According to Anderson, the first part of the three-phase project will be completed by the fourth quarter of next year on the 78-acre site.
Phase I will include a 210,000-sq.-ft. semi-knockdown assembly facility devoted initially to Class 7 and 8 models. First years production will be 2,000 trucks, but the schedule can be expanded to produce up to 10,000 trucks per shift annually.
Truck-Lites Diamond Shell line Using what it describes as a new space-age coating technology, Truck-Lite Co. has introduced the Diamond Shell line of truck lamps, which have been designed to bring durability in truck lighting to the next level.
The entire lens and housing component of the sealed polycarbonate Diamond Shell lamps are covered with a clear, protective silicone hard coat that provides the following advantages:
* Protection against chemicals and solvents such as gasoline, oil, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, waxes, and detergents;
* Greater resistance to ultraviolet rays;
* Reduction in the deterioration caused by exposure to extreme weather conditions;
* Less scratching.
The bottom line is a lamp that maintains a high level of clarity over time, says Truck-Lite. Robert Ives, vp-marketing, adds: Diamond Shell lights are best described as taking tough to a new level of durability for which lighting products will be measured.
An option for replacing or converting existing underground storage tanks is available from Xerxes Corp. The XTank is a UL-listed, factory-made, and field-assembled tank within an existing tank. With an internal open-rib design, volume loss is minimal and structural integrity is maintained. Different tank-end configurations are available, so the XTank can be installed in fiberglass or steel tanks.
The corrosion-resistant Xtank is particularly suited to applications where site conditions make removal and replacement of an existing tank difficult and/or expensive.
Kenworth Truck Co. dealers are now offering their fleet customers and heavy-duty parts and service facilities an inventory management program designed to connect the customers parts inventory to the dealers parts departments through an online computer connection.
The program, PremierCare Connect, offers a comprehensive package to manage customer inventory replenishment as well as offer essential shop management tools, says Peter Christoffersen, PACCAR parts market development manager.
After the customer is equipped with a PC system that connects to the dealers computer, the dealer loads the customers on-hand inventory balance and specific part information. Labels are then printed and attached to each part. As parts are removed from inventory, the label is scanned. Work-order numbers and unit numbers are generated through use of the Service Preventive Maintenance and Scheduling software program. When a new transaction is added, parts are allocated to specific jobs. PremierCare Connect also allows for the inclusion of labor and other materials to calculate the complete cost of the job.
Every morning, the dealer PC automatically retrieves all customer changes in inventory status from the previous day; this serves as the basis for the daily replenishment of orders. The dealer then selects, invoices, and labels parts for delivery to the customer, at which point the customer scans the parts into inventory.
In addition, the system contains key drawings and illustrations to help guide fleets with identification and installation procedures.
For more information, contact your local Kenworth dealer or circle 302 on reply card.
Comfort Ride USAs new Big Daddy seat is available exclusively through Freightliner Trucks. Standard features on the MF 8500 model include an extra-wide cushion design, Schukra mechanical lumbar support, a wide adjustable headrest, and skirting.
A pulsar massage/heat control unit, adjustable armrest, Classic and Classic XL embroidery are optional. Upholstery options include Freightliners Classic and Classic XL Chaparral interiors, as well as premier interiors.
The Big Daddy is the beneficiary of Comfort Rides maintenance-free pedestal, which includes a captured air strut-type shock absorber to minimize topping and bottoming out; a double locking pedestal slide that allows optimum stability and protection regardless of driver leg length; and an easily accessible fingertip control for adjusting ride and height. Air-assist on the fore-aft isolator is said to give the driver an easy-to-reach control to lock out either forward or back, and the seats three-point suspension assures maximum strength, stability, and endurance, according to the company.
The Comfort Ride seat has a 1 million-mile warranty.
Dialight Corp. introduced a line of LED recessed amber roof marker lights, the DiodeLite 20 series. The lights are designed to fit cabs for Freightliner, Mack, and Navistar Class 8 vehicles.
Rated for 12-volt operation, the DiodeLite 20 features reduced current draw, extended service life, and a lifetime warranty. According to Dialight, the long service life means less frequent replacement in areas that are hard to reach. The company also says that the Model 20 series provides a smooth exterior lens that resists dirt and debris buildup.
For aftermarket purposes, DiodeLite LED lights can be obtained through Federal-Mogul Corp. service centers.
