If you’ve been a loyal Modern WorkTruck Solutions reader for very long, you know how important NTEA’s The Work Truck Show is to us and a good number of our readers. It’s arguably our industry’s biggest show, so it’s no wonder we like to play the role of the show’s hype man.
We showcased must-see exhibitors in our February issue. Did you go see any of them while in Indy? We also gave you a few show tips from experts in the industry, tips from the MWS team, and a few jokes in between. Now that the show has come to a close, we want to update all of you who didn’t get a chance to make it out.
WHAT’S NEW: VEHICLES
MACK TRUCKS
As we’ve shared before, Mack has a new truck in town. It’s the brand’s answer to medium-duty applications and appropriately called the Mack MD Series (MD for medium duty). The series includes the Class 6 Mack MD6 and the Class 7 Mack MD7. Mack expects to deliver the first MD trucks in three to six weeks with full production beginning in the summer.
www.macktrucks.com
RAM TRUCKS
Ram Trucks has a new snow plow prep package for its light-duty trucks. This package automatically disables safety features such as forward collision when a snow plow is engaged, allowing for a more seamless integration. The brand also announced a few new features for its ProMaster. These features are heavy on safety and are comparable to consumer vehicles’ existing features—think: forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, etc. But perhaps the coolest thing from Ram this year is the ProMaster’s digital rear view mirror that works with a high-resolution, rear-mounted camera. The camera view is digitally fed to the rear view mirror, making the rear view mirror useful for van drivers.
www.ramtrucks.com
ISUZU
Isuzu introduced two new gas engines for its NPR and NPR-HD and its NQR and NRR models. The new NPR/NPR-HD engine is a 6.6-L V8 with 350 hp, 425 lb-ft of torque, and a design life of 200,000 miles. The engine for the NQR and NRR is the first gasoline engine in a 19,500-lb GVWR low-cab forward truck. It provides 311 hp, 353 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with a 6-speed Allison 1000 RDS transmission with PTO.
www.isuzucv.com
CRANE CARRIER COMPANY
Crane Carrier Company brought a new chassis to the market. It’s a Class 7/8 vocational model with a focus on operator safety, seating for three “large” workers, a fabricated steel shell, flat floor, quiet cab environment, and more. It features a Cummins B6.7-L engine with an Allison 3000 transmission.
www.cranecarrier.com
WHAT’S NEW: UPFITS
UTILIMASTER
Utilimaster has something new in its Velocity M3. The M3 walk-in van is built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. This is a lighter model, resulting in a more fuel efficient vehicle with higher payload capacity. It also features a 360-degree camera system, collision mitigation, blind spot detection, and rear radar sensors among other safety features. Additionally, Utilimaster showcased a Ford Transit upfit package specifically designed for telecommunications and utility applications.
www.utilimaster.com
XL FLEET
XL Fleet wouldn’t be left behind. It showcased its hybrid electric solution for the 2020 Silverado HD series at the show. The XL Fleet solution is perfect for a wide range of applications; an upfitted hybrid electric Silverado 3500 HD with an installed Knapheide service body was showcased in the booth, representing the latest expansion of XL’s solutions for commercial and municipal fleets. The Silverado HD upfit will be available starting in April 2020.
www.xlfleet.com
WHAT’S NEW: ACCESSORIES
RANGER DESIGN
Ranger Design is always innovating new cargo solutions. This year was no different with the brand’s new generation of Fold-Away shelving. The shelving is designed specifically for delivery applications. The folding shelves allow the operator to quickly and easily add or remove shelving space depending on their need for that day/delivery. Each unit features a 250-lb weight capacity and is designed with operator safety in mind with plastic corner caps and a pinch guard. www.rangerdesign.com
WELFORMED
Welformed, manufacturer of custom composite products, showcased its Welfit Cargo Liners. The kits feature Welfit Composite Flooring, lightweight flooring solutions that are great for last-mile or electrical applications. The kits are domestically produced, 50% lighter than the competition, and feature a customizable wear surface (anti-slip, smooth, etc.). The kits install using factory hole locations; no drilling necessary. Easy installation is simple enough for one person.
www.welfitkits.com
WALTCO
Waltco showcased a new final-mile delivery liftgate, the FM1000. The gate is already used in the European market, and the brand is anxious to get it on American box trucks. The gate features a three-piece construction: rear frame, top door, and platform. The gate replaces the rear end of the body and brings weight savings, weighing in at only 1,000 lbs. It features integrated cart stops, is made of anodized aluminum, and features water-tight operations.
www.hiab.com/en-US/waltco
ROUNDUP
The 20th anniversary show of NTEA’s Work Truck Show was such a great experience. From educational sessions to new products to networking, this is truly one of the most valuable shows for the work truck industry. Many brands and manufacturers wait on this show year after year to publically reveal new products and advancements, and you don’t want to wait on Modern WorkTruck Solutions to give you the scoop. You should be there to see it unfold right before your eyes. See you next year!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Find out more about what happened at The Work Truck Show from products, OEMs, and innovations, visit www.worktruckshow.com.
