Chrysler’s fleet moving to Mack tractors

[rickaren]

Chrysler’s fleet moving to Mack tractors

Jul 12, 2010

Chrysler Group Transport, the auto company’s private fleet operation for parts distribution, is replacing its entire fleet of 325 Class 8 tractors with Mack Pinnacle DayCab models, according to the truck maker.

The first Mack tractors have already been delivered to Chrysler’s Detroit terminal, and all 325 are expected to be in service by November, according to Mack. The trucks are powered by Mack’s proprietary MP diesels equipped with SCR aftertreatment systems that meet the EPA 2010 emissions standards.

The new truck order is part of a complete package that includes service support, parts support, financing, and technical training, according to Mack.

“When we decided to refresh our entire fleet, quality, ease of maintenance and fuel economy topped our list of requirements,” said Jean-Paul Barrette, head of Chrysler Group Transport. “We are very pleased with the partnership we have developed with Mack and look forward to the deployment of the entire fleet.”

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[rickaren]

Chrysler orders engines from local Volvo Powertrain plant

July 12, 2010

HAGERSTOWN — Volvo Powertrain North America’s plant north of Hagerstown will produce engines for 325 new Mack highway tractors ordered by Chrysler Group Transport, a Mack Trucks official said Monday.

The Mack Pinnacle Model DayCab tractors will replace Chrysler’s previous fleet operating in the United States and Canada, Mack Trucks spokesman John Walsh said in a press release.

Chrysler Group Transport uses its Class 8 fleet to deliver parts to auto assembly plants and parts distribution centers.

The new tractors will be equipped with Mack MP series engines, the press release said.

Belinda Vinson, spokeswoman for Volvo Powertrain in Hagerstown, said an order of that size wouldn’t necessarily mean any changes to employment levels, but she said the large order is good news for the local plant.

“Those trucks get our power, so we’re real excited about that,” Vinson said.

The plant off Pennsylvania Avenue employs about 1,115 workers, and manufactures diesel engines and transmissions for Volvo brands. The plant laid off about 142 workers in January 2009.

The first of the new Mack Pinnacle DayCabs have arrived at Chrysler Group Transport’s Detroit terminal, the press release said. All 325 are expected to be in service by the end of November.

The tractors will be equipped with ClearTech selective catalytic reduction technology for improved fuel efficiency, the press release said.

They will also deliver near-zero emissions, the release said.

“When we decided to refresh our entire fleet, quality, ease of maintenance and fuel economy topped our list of requirements,” Jean-Paul “JP” Barrette, head of Chrysler Group Transport Inc., said in the press release. “We are very pleased with the partnership we have developed with Mack and look forward to the deployment of the entire fleet.”

David Barletta, Mack central region vice president, said in the release that closing the sale was a team effort, with key contributions from multiple company divisions and groups, including the Hagerstown-area plant.

LINK: News: Chrysler orders engines from local Volvo Powertrain plant