Saturday, April 29, 2017

GM Hands Over Colorado ZH2 Fuel Cell Vehicle to U.S Army


General Motors Global Fuel Cell Activities Executive Director Charlie Freese (center) talks about the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, GM's extreme off-road-capable fuel-cell-powered electric vehicle, with U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) as U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC) director Dr. Paul Rogers looks on April 10, 2017, in Milford, Michigan. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The physically imposing Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, the most extreme off-road-capable fuel-cell-powered electric vehicle ever from General Motors, was revealed today at the fall meeting of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
Standing more than 6½ feet tall and more than seven feet wide, the Colorado ZH2 was built on a stretched midsize pickup chassis. Reinforced inside and out, the ZH2 rides on 37-inch tires and a specially modified suspension that helps the vehicle climb over and descend all manner of terrain.

The U.S. Army will test the Colorado ZH2 in extreme field conditions next year to determine the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles on military missions.
The Colorado ZH2 features an Exportable Power Take-Off unit (EPTO) that allows the fuel cell to power activity away from the vehicle, such as remote locations where electric power may otherwise be unavailable.
GM and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) collaborated to develop the Colorado ZH2 from contract to concept in less than a year.
GM is leveraging a range of advanced technologies for multiple applications, including military.
“The speed with which innovative ideas can be demonstrated and assessed is why relationships with industry are so important to the Army,” said Paul Rogers, director of TARDEC. “Fuel cells have the potential to expand the capabilities of Army vehicles significantly through quiet operation, exportable power and solid torque performance, all advances that drove us to investigate this technology further.”

The Army will evaluate the ZH2 fuel cell for:
  • Near-silent operation enabling silent watch capability
  • Reduced acoustic and thermal signatures
  • High wheel torque at all speeds via electric drive
  • Low fuel consumption across operating range
  • Water by-product for field uses
GM and TARDEC have fuel cell development laboratories located 20 miles apart in southeast Michigan. Most of the Colorado ZH2 was assembled in GM’s Advanced Vehicle Integration facility in Warren. Calibration testing at GM’s Milford Proving Ground will continue into early 2017, when the vehicle will be turned over to the Army for a year of field testing.
“The Colorado ZH2 is a terrific example of GM’s engineering and design skill in creating an off-road vehicle relevant to a range of potential users,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Global Fuel Cell Activities. “Over the next year, we expect to learn from the Army the limits of what a fuel cell propulsion system can do when really put to the test.”
The Colorado ZH2 contract is GM’s second vehicle development with a U.S military branch announced this year. In June, the U.S. Navy unveiled a GM fuel cell-powered Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) that is currently in pool testing before eventual deployment. The UUV leverages GM fuel cell technology common with the Colorado ZH2, demonstrating the flexibility to power a range of mobile and stationary devices.
GM has accumulated 3.1 million miles of hydrogen fuel cell testing via Project Driveway, a 119-vehicle fleet driven by more than 5,000 people in a multi-year fuel cell experience program.
About General Motors
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com
About TARDEC
Headquartered at the U.S. Army Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan, TARDEC is a major research, development and engineering center for the Army Materiel Command’s Research, Development and Engineering Command and an enterprise partner in the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. TARDEC is the Nation’s laboratory for advanced military automotive technology and serves as the Ground Systems Integrator for all Defense Department manned and unmanned ground vehicle systems. With roots dating back to the World War II era, TARDEC develops and integrates the right technology solutions to improve current force effectiveness and provides superior capabilities for future force integration. More information can be found at http://tardec.army.mil

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Innovations at Work Truck Show '17


NTEA Managing Director Doyle Sumrall shares opportunities to see innovation in action at WTS17, including lightweighting, Ride-and-Drive, Green Truck Summit, and exhibitors featuring green products and technologies. http://www.worktruckshow.com

WTS18 will be held March 6-9, 2018, in Indy. Sign up to be notified when registration opens at https://www.worktruckshow.com/wts18si....

Friday, April 21, 2017

DURAMAX DIESEL, ALLISON TRANSMISSION WILL POWER CHEVROLET’S ALL-NEW MEDIUM DUTY COMMERCIAL TRUCK

An employee at the DMAX, LTD engine plant assembles Duramax diesel engines in Moraine, Ohio on Monday, March 6, 2017.

DETROIT — General Motors, which fields the industry’s most expansive portfolio of diesel-powered passenger cars, crossovers, pickups and vans, confirmed today that Chevrolet’s highly-anticipated, all-new Class 4/5 commercial truck will be powered by a Duramax engine and Allison transmission – a legendary combination that has powered close to two million trucks.

Chevrolet made the announcement today at The Work Truck Show 2017, and confirmed the truck is on track to launch in 2018. It is being jointly developed by Chevrolet and Navistar.

“Our new Chevrolet medium-duty will be the flagship of our truck portfolio for fleet and commercial customers, and we believe the strength of Duramax/Allison powertrain combination will be able to tackle various jobs – from general contracting to urban delivery to bucket loaders and wreckers,” John Schwegman, U.S. director of Commercial Product and Medium Duty for GM Fleet said. “To win customers, we’re marshalling the best diesel and heavy-duty transmission engineers in the world and offering more choices than any other manufacturer.”

Allison Transmission, based in Indianapolis, is the largest designer, developer, manufacturer and distributor of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions, and is a leader in hybrid-propulsion systems. Their designs have been used in a variety of applications, including refuse, construction, fire, distribution, bus, motorhomes, defense and energy. They have helped drive Chevrolet’s hardest-working trucks since the 1950s.

The first Duramax diesel engines were introduced in Chevrolet and GMC trucks in 2001, and they have accumulated more than 100 billion miles of real-world experience. Since then, the engines have been continually refined, introducing first-in-class technologies such as aluminum cylinder heads, the quick-start system and the Venturi Jet Drive Oil separator.

Technical specifications for Chevrolet’s new medium-duty truck, including cab and frame dimensions, horsepower and torque, GAWR, GVWR, payload and other ratings, will be released close to launch.


Chevrolet’s industry-leading portfolio of diesel-powered vehicles also includes:

The 2017 Silverado HD offers a newly-redesigned Duramax 6.6-liter V-8 turbo-diesel, the most powerful engine ever installed in a GM pickup truck with 910 lb./ft. of torque and a class-leading 445 hp.
The Cruze sedan and hatchback, which offer up to an EPA-estimated highway mileage of 52 mpg — the highest highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid/non-EV in America and an estimated range of up to 702 highway miles.
The Equinox compact crossover, available this summer, is expected to achieve a GM-estimated 40 mpg on the highway (EPA estimates are not yet available).
The Colorado mid-size pickup, which is the industry’s most fuel-efficient pickup, according to the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov website.
The Express full-size van, which is available in both passenger and cargo variants, with either the short or long wheelbase.
The Low Cab Forward commercial truck, which offers two turbodiesel engines. A 3.0-liter engine paired with a 6-speed double overdrive transmission is available in 3500HD models.  Larger 4500HD, 4500XD, 5500HD and 6500XD models are available with a 5.2L engine.


ABOUT CHEVROLET
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.


Wednesday, April 19, 2017

VMAC - Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors UNDERHOOD Demo


Demonstration of VMAC's VR70 and VR140 UNDERHOOD air compressors. Learn More: http://vmacair.com/product/underhood-...

VMAC is a world-leader in the development of truck mounted mobile air compressor solutions used for service trucks, public works, utilities and highway/heavy construction. 

VMAC engineers and manufactures 70cfm and 150cfm UNDERHOOD Air Compressor Systems, 40cfm and 60cfm PREDATAIR hydraulic driven Air Compressor Systems and THROTTLE COMMANDER 3-speed engine throttle controls. UNDERHOOD and PREDATAIR Air Compressors feature high-powered rotary screw air-on-demand technology. Both systems are ideal for use on work trucks in applications such as mining, construction, tire-service, fire-apparatus and municipal operations. THROTTLE COMMANDER throttle controls are easy to install idle up speed controllers activated with a 12-volt signal. Designed for electronic engines, these load sensing throttle controls will follow a preset programmed rpm setting. 

VMACs success comes from working with customers to determine what their air compressor needs are and then surpassing those needs with unparalleled product quality, innovation and customer service. By regularly introducing new and innovative products to the market, VMAC ensures it remains the leader in truck mounted mobile air compressor technology. 

Monday, April 17, 2017

Recap: Knapheide at the Work Truck Show 2017


This year's NTEA Work Truck Show was held March 15-17 in Indianapolis, IN. Learn more about the exciting new products and updates we announced.

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Jason's Story: Part 2


After Jason was announced as our Win-A-Truck Sweepstakes winner, he went to work right away spec'ing out his new work truck, a Knapheide 696 Flip Top Service Body. Watch as his body is upfitted and delivered at Dealers Truck Equipment in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

A Day in the Life - Aaron and his New Knapheide Aluminum Gooseneck Body


When we set out to build something, we build it right. With Knapheide's new Aluminum PGNB Gooseneck Body, you'll be able to carry out your day-to-day tasks without any worries. Watch how Aaron Ball, Farm Manager, utilizes his Knapheide AL-PGNB on the job.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Quiet Diesel Commercial Mobile Generator Product Line



Sometimes it can be hard to see the difference between Genuine Cummins parts and non-genuine parts, but it’s the little details that make a difference. Non-genuine parts may fit a Cummins engine – but they aren’t built or remanufactured using the same procedures or materials, to Cummins exact specifications. This video takes a look at some of the critical differences in quality and performance between Genuine Cummins parts versus non-genuine parts. To learn more about Genuine Cummins parts, visit http://cumminsgenuineparts.com or contact your Cummins dealer or distributor.

Monday, April 3, 2017

Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission Will Power Chevrolet’s All-new Medium Duty Commercial Truck


DETROIT — General Motors, which fields the industry’s most expansive portfolio of diesel-powered passenger cars, crossovers, pickups and vans, confirmed today that Chevrolet’s highly-anticipated, all-new Class 4/5 commercial truck will be powered by a Duramax engine and Allison transmission – a legendary combination that has powered close to two million trucks.

Chevrolet made the announcement today at The Work Truck Show 2017, and confirmed the truck is on track to launch in 2018. It is being jointly developed by Chevrolet and Navistar.

“Our new Chevrolet medium-duty will be the flagship of our truck portfolio for fleet and commercial customers, and we believe the strength of Duramax/Allison powertrain combination will be able to tackle various jobs – from general contracting to urban delivery to bucket loaders and wreckers,” John Schwegman, U.S. director of Commercial Product and Medium Duty for GM Fleet said. “To win customers, we’re marshalling the best diesel and heavy-duty transmission engineers in the world and offering more choices than any other manufacturer.”

Allison Transmission, based in Indianapolis, is the largest designer, developer, manufacturer and distributor of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions, and is a leader in hybrid-propulsion systems. Their designs have been used in a variety of applications, including refuse, construction, fire, distribution, bus, motorhomes, defense and energy. They have helped drive Chevrolet’s hardest-working trucks since the 1950s.

The first Duramax diesel engines were introduced in Chevrolet and GMC trucks in 2001, and they have accumulated more than 100 billion miles of real-world experience. Since then, the engines have been continually refined, introducing first-in-class technologies such as aluminum cylinder heads, the quick-start system and the Venturi Jet Drive Oil separator.

Technical specifications for Chevrolet’s new medium-duty truck, including cab and frame dimensions, horsepower and torque, GAWR, GVWR, payload and other ratings, will be released close to launch.

Chevrolet’s industry-leading portfolio of diesel-powered vehicles also includes:

The 2017 Silverado HD offers a newly-redesigned Duramax 6.6-liter V-8 turbo-diesel, the most powerful engine ever installed in a GM pickup truck with 910 lb./ft. of torque and a class-leading 445 hp.
The Cruze sedan and hatchback, which offer up to an EPA-estimated highway mileage of 52 mpg — the highest highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid/non-EV in America and an estimated range of up to 702 highway miles.
The Equinox compact crossover, available this summer, is expected to achieve a GM-estimated 40 mpg on the highway (EPA estimates are not yet available).
The Colorado mid-size pickup, which is the industry’s most fuel-efficient pickup, according to the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov website.
The Express full-size van, which is available in both passenger and cargo variants, with either the short or long wheelbase.
The Low Cab Forward commercial truck, which offers two turbodiesel engines. A 3.0-liter engine paired with a 6-speed double overdrive transmission is available in 3500HD models.  Larger 4500HD, 4500XD, 5500HD and 6500XD models are available with a 5.2L engine.

ABOUT CHEVROLET
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Innovations at the Work Truck Show 2017


NTEA Managing Director Doyle Sumrall shares opportunities to see innovation in action at WTS17, including lightweighting, Ride-and-Drive, Green Truck Summit, and exhibitors featuring green products and technologies. http://www.worktruckshow.com

WTS18 will be held March 6-9, 2018, in Indy. Sign up to be notified when registration opens at https://www.worktruckshow.com/wts18si....