Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
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DTNA announces Detroit axles, updates to Virtual Technician A s the next step in bringing a fully integrated powertrain to market since announcing the rebrand- ing of its Detroit brand – formerly Detroit Diesel – Daimler Trucks North America last month introduced a full line of Detroit axles for on-highway and vocational applications. The axle lineup – including steer, single rear and tandem rear axles – now is available to order for Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Thomas Built Bus and Freightliner Custom Chassis vehicles. Steer axles are available with ratings from 6,000 to 20,000 pounds and use needle bearings rather than bushings that the company says allows for better maneuverability and less maintenance. "With 12 ratings, we're able to bet- ter match the customer's needs," says Brad Williamson, manager, engine and component marketing for DTNA. "A new 12,500-pound rating allows customers that might be between the 12,000- and 13,000-pound rating to narrow the trailer gap by putting a little more weight on the front axle." Detroit's tandem rear axles feature a Topoid offset design and are available from 34,000 to 46,000 pounds, includ- ing a 40,000-pound option that allows fleets to switch between wide-based single and standard dual-tire configura- tions. Single rear axles are available from 13,000 to 23,000 pounds. To complete its vehicle integration strategy, DTNA also is evaluating bring- ing an automated mechanical transmis- sion to the North American market under the Detroit brand. DTNA also announced that its Virtual Technician diagnostic system has joined the Detroit brand family, which now includes an optional Detroit Visibility package that provides fleets the ability to track critical driver performance data such as idle time, speed, location, fuel consump- tion and stop time. DTNA also announced plans to ramp Detroit's tandem rear axles feature a Topoid offset design and are available from 34,000 to 46,000 pounds. up production and the addition of a second shift at its Freightliner Trucks manufacturing plant in Cleveland, N.C. – creating more than 1,100 new jobs by the end of 2012, the majority of which are recalled workers laid off in 2009 – in response to demand growth for the Cascadia model. – Jeff Crissey 26 COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | FEBRUARY 2012 Write 237 on Reader Service Card or visit ccjdigital.com/info