In the work truck fleet industry, downtime means losing money. But, it takes a lot to power a reliable work truck—specifically, a capable engine. Well, good news. There are two new engines on the block. Already a leader in the heavy-duty market, Detroit is now setting its sights on the medium-duty market. Detroit’s DD5™ and DD8™ cater to the expanding medium-duty market, bringing all the innovation and quality for which the company is known. Ed Byk, Detroit Engine product marketing manager, discusses Detroit’s introduction of the two new engines and what they bring to the table.
MWS: WHAT MADE DETROIT DECIDE TO INTRODUCE MEDIUM-DUTY ENGINES INTO ITS ENGINE LINEUP?
BYK:
The mid-range segment makes up a significant portion of the truck market and our intention is to provide customers in this market the latest in engine technology with the DD5™ and DD8™. By leveraging the same resources that have helped make our lineup of Heavy-Duty engines industry leaders, we intend to make our new medium-duty offerings the engine of choice for our customers. In addition to this, both our dealer network and existing customers have encouraged us over the past few years to reestablish our presence in this segment. Not only will the DD5 and DD8 be alternatives to other products, they allow us to widen the scope of vocational trucks we are available in. At the same time, the DD5 and DD8 will offer our customers some distinct advantages and benefits.
MWS: WHAT SETS THESE ENGINES APART FROM OTHER MEDIUM-DUTY ENGINES ON THE MARKET, SUCH AS THE CUMMINS ISB AND ISL, AND WITH WHAT ADDED VALUE DO THEY PROVIDE CUSTOMERS?
BYK:
In addition to longer maintenance intervals and the durability that comes with a B10 life of 400,000 miles, both the DD5 and DD8 will provide the versatility, performance, and reliability that customers in the vocational market expect. The DD8 is available with front- and rear-engine power take-off options and both engines feature our innovative variable cam phasing technology, which helps improve aftertreatment performance and efficiency. All this is expected to provide our customers with some significant advantages when it comes to their Total Cost of Ownership.
MWS: UPTIME IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN ANY VEHICLE-DRIVEN INDUSTRY, ESPECIALLY FOR PICKUP AND DELIVERY CREWS, CONSTRUCTION, UTILITY, ETC. HOW HAS DETROIT MAXIMIZED UPTIME FOR CUSTOMERS WHO USE ITS MEDIUM-DUTY ENGINES?
BYK:
Detroit engines have always been known for their performance efficiency and reliability. But, with the medium-duty engine market becoming more competitive, we feel that our proven Detroit Connect™ Virtual Technician℠ remote diagnostics will be a game-changer. It has been making a difference for a few years now in the heavy-duty side of the market. Virtual Technician will provides our customers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions on what it takes to help maximize their uptime.
MWS: WHAT NEW PRODUCTS CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING FROM DETROIT IN THE NEXT YEAR OR SO?
BYK:
As the industry changes and evolves, new product introductions seem to be making headlines on a weekly basis. The industry is focusing more and more on vehicle connectivity, which is becoming increasingly important. We intend to maintain our leadership position as an innovator.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Detroit™ is the industry-leading original equipment manufacturer of state-of-the-art engines, axles, and transmissions specifically designed for integrated, optimized performance and efficiency inside Freightliner and Western Star Trucks. The Detroit product portfolio has expanded to include advanced safety systems and telematics, delivering a total trucking solution. Find out more about Detroit, visit www.demanddetroit.com.
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: JULY 2017 ISSUE
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