Peterbilt Unveils Limited-Edition Model 387 To commemorate the first anniversary of its Model 387, Peterbilt is, for a limited time, offering the Premier Edition Model 387. Only 387 units of this special-edition vehicle will be built. Each will be specially badged and individually numbered, inside and out, with a Premier Edition emblem.
All Premier Edition units will feature either Caterpillar's 550-horsepower C15 or 600-hp C16 engine and Peterbilt's sleeper and cab interior. Features include:
- Specially formulated Premier Edition black metallic DuPont Imron 6000 paint with galaxy silver trim.
- Peterbilt leather seats with the Model 387 Premier Edition logo stitched into the headrest.
- A black leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- A Panelite chrome and light package featuring stainless steel battery box and toolbox doors, an end-frame filler panel, and LED stop/tail light bars, as well as custom, chrome-trimmed mudflaps.
- Chrome housings on the aerodynamically styled rear-view mirrors and chrome inserts inside the truck on the gearshift housing and door kick panels.
- A three-year/350,000-mile basic limited warranty.
The truck also will come equipped with PNV connection ports for cable TV and telephone service, a Concert Class Delphi sound system, and Alcoa aluminum wheels.
Western Star Expands Dealer Organization Western Star Trucks has added four new dealerships to its North American dealer organization.
Rocky Mountain Western Star in Billings MT is authorized as a dealer offering sales, service, and parts. Heading this dealership is Joseph Hoppman, president. Modesto Truck & Trailer of Modesto CA joins Western Star as a dealer with Don Bonander as president. Palmetto Truck & Trailer Inc of Timmonsville SC joins the organization with Gordon Cantey as president. Mid-West Truck Center Inc in Cincinnati OH also joins Western Star with Dan Ruhe as president.
Volvo, Volkswagen Near Scania Deal Germany's Volkswagen AG (VW) and Sweden's Volvo AB are discussing VW's possible acquisition of Volvo's 45.5% stake in fellow Swedish truckmaker Scania AB, Volvo said.
Volvo is selling the stake, worth about 2.35 billion Euros ($1.99 billion US), as part of its efforts to win European Competition Commission approval for its purchase of Renault SA's Mack/RVI unit. VW owns 34% of Scania's voting stock and 19% of its capital.
The European Commission approved Volvo's RVI/Mack purchase Sept 1, 2000, but ordered it to sever its links with Scania. Volvo acquired its Scania stake as part of a $6-billion takeover attempt that the commission rejected in March, saying it would create a regional monopoly.
Accuride, Gianetti Partner Accuride Corp has agreed to form an alliance with Gianetti Route SpA to provide worldwide sourcing of heavy wheels to the commercial trucking industry and to exchange wheel manufacturing technology. Accuride manufactures and supplies both steel and aluminum wheels to the trucking industry, while Gianetti manufactures steel wheels for trucks, buses, and off-road vehicles.
Honeywell Plans to Sell Brake Businesses Questor Partners Fund II LP and Honeywell have reached an agreement in principle for Questor to acquire Honeywell's Friction Materials business, which supplies brake products to transportation industries.
Brand names involved include Bendix, JURID, and RoadTuff. Products are used in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and other transportation applications.
The friction materials operation is a separate business unit from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, which will remain a part of Honeywell.
Terms of the transaction, which is expected to be completed this year, were not disclosed.
Joint Venture to Finance Trailers in Europe Semitrailer supplier Schmitz Cargobull AG (Horstmar, Germany) and the Dutch leasing and financing specialist De Lage Landen International BV (Eindhoven, Netherlands) have founded a joint venture called Cargobull Finance BV. This joint venture will provide financing for Schmitz Cargobull trailers throughout Europe. As of Aug 22, 2000, Cargobull Finance will start offering financing for hire purchase, leasing, and full-service leasing (contract hire) in Germany, France, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
De Lage Landen International BV will hold 51% of the shares in the venture and Schmitz Cargobull AG 49%. Besides its own workforce of 30 people, Cargobull Finance will be able to use personnel and know-how of both joint-venture partners.
Rene Roelfsema has been appointed managing director of Cargobull Finance. Roelfsema previously was managing director of DAF Financial Services in the Netherlands.
Isuzu, GM Merge Medium-Duty Businesses American Isuzu Motors Inc and General Motors Corp (GM) have merged their United States medium-duty commercial vehicle businesses. The new venture will be known as General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck LLC (GMICT).
James C Underwood, president and chief operating officer of the merged company, says GMICT is designed to meet dealer and customer needs better, ensuring long-term growth and profitability in the medium-duty commercial vehicle segment.
GMICT is based in Cerritos CA and will have a business center in Pontiac MI and regional offices around the nation.
The merger involves Isuzu's and GM's medium-duty commercial vehicle sales, service, and marketing functions. Chevrolet, GMC, and Isuzu brands will remain intact, although advertising and sales promotion will be developed and implemented by GMICT.
Ownership of the venture will be shared 51% by Isuzu and 49% by GM and managed by a five-person board consisting of two Isuzu representatives, two GM representatives, and Underwood.
Legislation that would allow states to adopt a weight limit of up to 97,000 pounds on their interstate highways if trailers are equipped with a sixth axle was the focus of the Americans For Safe & Efficient Transportation (ASET) Spring Fly-In.
Participants from across the nation showed their support for HR 1667 during an afternoon session April 4, 2000, in the United States Capitol marked by speeches and presentations from industry leaders and members of Congress.
HR 1667 would allow states to increase the weight limit from 80,000 to 97,000 pounds safely due to better braking and load handling made possible by a sixth axle. ASET Fly-In participants heard that HR 1667 would lead to billions of dollars saved for shippers and motor carriers, besides decreasing the number of trucks on the road.
Speakers included Reps Collin Peterson (D-MN), an original sponsor of the bill; and Bob Ney (R-OH), who recently co-sponsored the legislation. Other speakers were:
- John McQuaid, president and chief executive officer, National Private Truck Council.
- Jim March, team leader for Truck Size & Weight Study, Federal Highway Administration.
- John Smith, president and CEO of CRST International.
- Eric Davis, chairman, Policy Division, National Cattlemen's Beef Association.
- Martin Labbe, transportation information consultant, Martin Labbe Associates.
- Dick Riederer, CEO, Weirton Steel.
