Kinard Trucking, Inc., started hauling potatoes in 1926 with two trucks. The York, Pa.-based trucking company transports dry goods and commodities throughout the lower 48 states and Canada with a fleet of 200 trucks, mostly Kenworths, and 1,100 vans and specialized trailers.
“My highest priority is finding ways to be more efficient,” said Director of Fleet Maintenance Steve Altland, who has spent the last several years focusing on fleet-wide improvement programs incorporating industry-leading technologies. “I’m always looking for an advantage that my competitors haven’t found.”

When it came time to upgrade the fleet last year, Altland selected the Kenworth T660 with 455-hp PACCAR MX engine. With fuel economy a big concern, along with driver comfort, engine performance and overall dependability, Altland said the Kenworth T660 with PACCAR MX engine is the complete package. The new 50 T660s are running between 6.5 and 7.2 mpg,” said Altland. “Fuel efficiency is something we really look at. We’re getting away from the big hoods and moving toward an aerodynamic, fuel-efficient fleet. We want to provide our drivers with the best comfort and productivity features available.

With the T660s, Altland also specified 62-inch AeroCabs , 10-speed transmissions, and disc brakes all the way around. Drivers like the stopping power of having both front and rear disc brakes, said Altland. Drivers like everything about the Kenworths. I often talk to the recruiter and he said he get calls all the time from drivers who see our trucks out by the road. They want to know if we’re hiring because we run Kenworth trucks. Those drivers are bouncing around in cookie-cutter trucks and would love to get into a Kenworth. Altland has logged more than 27 years in the trucking industry and he’s tried just about every truck. We keep coming back to Kenworth because we don’t have issues that we’ve seen in other trucks. Kenworth builds a quality truck and it shows. For Altland, the value of Kenworth is confirmed during the entire life cycle of ownership, including trade-in time. “Our regular trade-in cycle is five years, or 500,000 miles, said Altland. “Kenworth definitely holds a higher value over other trucks. The quality and image of owning a Kenworth makes the difference.

As Kinard’s new T660s get broken in, Altland believes fuel economy can improve even more. We’re buying 20 more this year, and another 20 next year. We like the aerodynamics and are pretty much standardizing our fleet around the T660 and PACCAR MX engine.
Kinard Trucking has been delivering award-winning service to customers for decades. Its choice of operating a Kenworth fleet has as much to do with reliability as it does with fuel efficiency and driver satisfaction. “For dependability, said Altland, I’m a firm believer that Kenworth is the best truck out there.

Source: http://www.kenworth.com/news/news-releases/2012/may/kinard-trucking-gains-competitive-advantage-with-kenworth

Japan Automobile Directory

Automobile Dealers in Japan, Automobile Distributors in Japan, Automobile Exporters in Japan, Automobile Importers in Japan, Automobile Manufacturers in Japan, Automobile Suppliers in Japan, Autos for Sale from Japan, Mitsubishi Autos for Sale from Japan, Nissan Autos for Sale from Japan, Isuzu Autos for Sale from Japan, Toyota Autos for Buy from Japan, Mazda Autos for Buy from Japan, Scania Autos for Buy from Japan, Honda Autos for Buy from Japan, Subaru Autos for Buy from Japan, Suzuki Autos for Buy from Japan, Alfa Romeo Vehicles for Sale, Chrysler Vehicles for Sale, Daihatsu Vehicles for Sale, Mercedes Vehicles for Sale, BMW Vehicles for Sale from Japan, Iseki Vehicles for Sale from Japan

Mean Green achieved the following world record speeds: Flying Kilometre -236.577 km/h (147.002 mph) and Standing Kilometre – 153.252 km/h (95.245 mph).

“We are very pleased with Mean Green’s performance, especially at such a high altitude,” said Boije Ovebrink, Mean Green driver and owner. “We knew Wendover would present challenges because it’s more than 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) above sea level.”

The speed record attempts were sanctioned by the United States Auto Club, an extension of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), motoring’s international governing body. The new world records are subject to FIA recognition, which will occur in about 30 to 60 days.

Mean Green eclipsed its previous records – 218.780 km/h (135.943 mph) in the flying kilometre and 152.253 km/h (94.605 mph) in the standing kilometre – established in June 2011 at Hultsfred Airport in Sweden.

Though Mean Green’s modified aerodynamic body design bears little resemblance to a freight-hauling tractor, the truck is comprised almost entirely of production components from the Volvo vehicle family, including a Volvo VN cab and frame. Mean Green features a highly tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid’s electric motor. The combination of an electric motor and Volvo D16 diesel engine delivers 2,100 horsepower and nearly 6,780 Nm (5,000 lb-ft.) torque – of which, 200 horsepower and 1,200 Nm (885 lb-ft.) of torque come from the electric motor.

Source: http://www.volvotrucks.com/trucks/global/en-gb/newsmedia/pressreleases/Pages/pressreleases.aspx?pubId= 12873

Japan Automobile Directory

Automobile Dealers in Japan, Automobile Distributors in Japan, Automobile Exporters in Japan, Automobile Importers in Japan, Automobile Manufacturers in Japan, Automobile Suppliers in Japan, Autos for Sale from Japan, Mitsubishi Autos for Sale from Japan, Nissan Autos for Sale from Japan, Isuzu Autos for Sale from Japan, Toyota Autos for Buy from Japan, Mazda Autos for Buy from Japan, Scania Autos for Buy from Japan, Honda Autos for Buy from Japan, Subaru Autos for Buy from Japan, Suzuki Autos for Buy from Japan, Alfa Romeo Vehicles for Sale, Chrysler Vehicles for Sale, Daihatsu Vehicles for Sale, Mercedes Vehicles for Sale, BMW Vehicles for Sale from Japan, Iseki Vehicles for Sale from Japan

The American Transportation Research Institute released findings from the first phase of a three-part research effort aimed at identifying patterns in large truck rollovers and mitigating the frequency of such events.

The first phase produced a database of locations with the highest frequency of large truck rollovers in the U.S. using records from a nine-year period.

The database, which covers 31 states, provides valuable insight into the location of high frequency rollover locations to both public transportation officials and the trucking industry, says ATRI.

“This research is not only important to the trucking industry, as it informs drivers of potentially dangerous locations, but it should also jumpstart the dialogue between industry and government to work together to improve safety at these sites,” said Steve Niswander, VP of Safety Policy and Regulatory Relations for Groendyke Transport.

The rollover locations are identified through an online interactive map (click here).

ATRI will continue investigating the identified locations further to better understand rollover causal factors. Subsequent phases will focus on rollover mitigation strategies, such as a real-time in-cab notification system and outreach to public sector officials who have the ability to address potential problems related to roadway design and signage.

Source:http://www.ontruck.org/imispublic/Home/AM/ContentManagerNet/ContentDisplay.aspx?Section=Home&ContentID= 11195

Japan Automobile Directory

Automobile Dealers in Japan, Automobile Distributors in Japan, Automobile Exporters in Japan, Automobile Importers in Japan, Automobile Manufacturers in Japan, Automobile Suppliers in Japan, Autos for Sale from Japan, Mitsubishi Autos for Sale from Japan, Nissan Autos for Sale from Japan, Isuzu Autos for Sale from Japan, Toyota Autos for Buy from Japan, Mazda Autos for Buy from Japan, Scania Autos for Buy from Japan, Honda Autos for Buy from Japan, Subaru Autos for Buy from Japan, Suzuki Autos for Buy from Japan, Alfa Romeo Vehicles for Sale, Chrysler Vehicles for Sale, Daihatsu Vehicles for Sale, Mercedes Vehicles for Sale, BMW Vehicles for Sale from Japan, Iseki Vehicles for Sale from Japan

A NSW-based specialist manufacturing company has acquired a Hino 300 Series Hybrid to reduce its carbon footprint, save costs and benefit its clients.

SICO South Pacific, whose head office is in the US, purchased the 300 Series Hybrid 616 IFS as its first company-owned truck in Australia.

Purchasing manager Andy Lovis said the arrival of the new 300 Series Hybrid meant SICO could transport its own products to Wollongong and Port Macquarie rather than using external carriers, leading to a new level of operational efficiency.

“The additional benefits of the Hino Hybrid meant we could transport our products more quickly, which is good for our business,” he said.

“The Hino truck offers a significant suite of safety features – like its dual SRS airbags and vehicle stability control – something very important to fleet operators these days.

“As a company, SICO is working hard to bridge the gap between supplying sustainable, earth-friendly product solutions and constructing products that represent good value for our customers – and the Hino Hybrid is a perfect fit for our operations,” he said.

Mr Lovis said the purchase of a Hino Hybrid tied in with the company’s commitment to minimising its impact on the environment.

The Hino Hybrid has an auto stop-start system to save fuel by shutting down the engine when the vehicle is stationary (which the driver can choose to switch off).

The Hino 300 Series Hybrid features SRS airbags, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and vehicle stability control – all as standard equipment (as per Hino’s entire 300 Series range).

The Hino 300 Series Hybrid’s exhaust emissions easily exceed the requests for Euro 5 and actually meet the EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle) standard which, combined with the Hino Hybrid fuel consumption and subsequent emissions-reducing technology, makes it arguably the cleanest light duty truck on the Australian market.

Source:http://www.ontruck.org/imispublic/Home/AM/ContentManagerNet/ContentDisplay.aspx?Section=Home&ContentID= 11195

Japan Automobile Directory

Automobile Dealers in Japan, Automobile Distributors in Japan, Automobile Exporters in Japan, Automobile Importers in Japan, Automobile Manufacturers in Japan, Automobile Suppliers in Japan, Autos for Sale from Japan, Mitsubishi Autos for Sale from Japan, Nissan Autos for Sale from Japan, Isuzu Autos for Sale from Japan, Toyota Autos for Buy from Japan, Mazda Autos for Buy from Japan, Scania Autos for Buy from Japan, Honda Autos for Buy from Japan, Subaru Autos for Buy from Japan, Suzuki Autos for Buy from Japan, Alfa Romeo Vehicles for Sale, Chrysler Vehicles for Sale, Daihatsu Vehicles for Sale, Mercedes Vehicles for Sale, BMW Vehicles for Sale from Japan, Iseki Vehicles for Sale from Japan

The Intermat exhibition taking place from 16 to 21 April in Paris, Renault Trucks is the occasion for Renault Trucks to launch a new configuration for worksite supply applications: the Premium Lander Tridem 8×4*4. Featuring a retractable rear steering axle with a load capacity of 10t, the Premium Lander 8×4*4 Tridem is the ideal platform for carrying complex equipment and carrying out manoeuvres in restricted or hard-to-access areas. This vehicle is first introduced onto the French market and will be made available in Europe to match customer demand.

Renault Trucks will be taking advantage of the Intermat exhibition (focused on Equipment and Techniques for the Construction and Materials Industries) to present a new 8×4*4 configuration of its Premium Lander vehicle. It is designed to meet the needs of some worksite supply applications which have to cope with specific restrictions. For there is often a need to carry very heavy loads of equipment or materials to worksites where space for manoeuvring is limited, while at the same time optimising on-road fuel consumption. The Premium Lander Tridem, a new 8×4*4 rigid sold in France by Renault Trucks, is the ideal tool for this kind of operation.

Built on a particularly light 6×4 chassis, the Premium Lander Tridem also features a fourth, retractable, rear steering axle. This makes reverse manoeuvring, often required to access building sites in urban areas for example, much easier. Compared with a conventional 8×4 vehicle, the turning radius is reduced by 10 to 15%, depending on the wheelbase. Once the vehicle is back on the road, the driver can raise the third axle to reduce tyre wear and the vehicle’s fuel consumption.

The Premium Lander Tridem 8×4*4 is the only vehicle on the market with a rear axle capable of carrying a 10 t load. This has been made possible by close collaboration between Renault Trucks and the Michelin and Goodyear tyre manufacturers who have developed specific 385/65 tyres that can be fitted to both front and rear axles. This characteristic allows the Premium Lander 8×4*4 Tridem to carry all kinds of equipment, even the heaviest such as hydraulic cranes, sewer flushers, bodies for delivering bulk foodstuffs, as well as industrial vacuum units or cranes positioned on the rear overhang.

Source: http://corporate.renault-trucks.com/en/press-releases/2012-03-26-intermat-renault-trucks-se-met-en-8×44.html

Japan Automobile Directory

Automobile Dealers in Japan, Automobile Distributors in Japan, Automobile Exporters in Japan, Automobile Importers in Japan, Automobile Manufacturers in Japan, Automobile Suppliers in Japan, Autos for Sale from Japan, Mitsubishi Autos for Sale from Japan, Nissan Autos for Sale from Japan, Isuzu Autos for Sale from Japan, Toyota Autos for Buy from Japan, Mazda Autos for Buy from Japan, Scania Autos for Buy from Japan, Honda Autos for Buy from Japan, Subaru Autos for Buy from Japan, Suzuki Autos for Buy from Japan, Alfa Romeo Vehicles for Sale, Chrysler Vehicles for Sale, Daihatsu Vehicles for Sale, Mercedes Vehicles for Sale, BMW Vehicles for Sale from Japan, Iseki Vehicles for Sale from Japan