First Ever ATD Commercial Truck of the Year Award to be Presented April 19

The nominees for the Class 8 commercial trucks sold in the United States are: Freightliner Cascadia, International LoneStar, Kenworth T660, Mack Titan and Peterbilt Model 386.

“Commercial truck manufacturing continues to make strides in innovation, advances in exterior and interior design and engine development that improves fuel economy and reduces emissions,” says Kyle Treadway, ATD chairman. “An award that recognizes the top commercial trucks as the best in the industry is long overdue.”

The winner will be announced April 19 at the ATD Convention & Expo, which will be held at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington, D.C., April 18-20.

The judging panel consists of journalists from leading truck publications in North America. Judging criteria includes innovation, design, fuel economy, driver and owner satisfaction, ease of maintenance and safety.

In 2010, two “ATD Commercial Truck of the Year” awards will be presented: a heavy-duty truck (Class 8) and a medium-duty truck (Classes 3-7).

About Freightliner Cascadia The Cascadia’s exterior reduces aerodynamic drag. It exceeds the EPA Smartway voluntary specifications that improves fuel economy and reduces emissions. The ultra-efficient DD15 engine can reduce fuel consumption by 10-20 percent. The Cascadia was designed to accept EPA 2007 and 2010 emission engines. Like all Freightliner highway trucks, the Cascadia cab is made from aluminum that weighs less than steel. And the less the cab weighs, the more payload the truck can haul. The Cascadia cab is roomy with 75 inches from arm rest to arm rest, 84 inches of headroom in the cab and 90 inches of headroom in the raised roof sleeper. The hood opens wide for easy engine access and fluid reservoirs can be checked at a glance.
About International LoneStar The LoneStar provides comfort, serviceability and aerodynamics that delivers improved fuel economy. Inside, the LoneStar offers a work environment that converts to a living space. A fold-down Murphy bed-style bunk allows conversion from a sofa to a full 42-wide bunk with a one-piece spring mattress. The living area is defined by optional hardwood flooring or carpeting and driver’s seat with an optional massage feature. Automotive-style features include: Standard ABS, roll stability, traction control and Bluetooth integration for hands-free phone use. The truck can be equipped with 42 different accessories, ranging from lights to shift knobs to chrome.
About Kenworth T660 The Kenworth T660, which quickly achieved status as an EPA SmartWay certified vehicle, features aerodynamic styling, improved fuel economy, advanced forward-lighting, state-of-the-art technology and a new interior. The Kenworth T660 features a 72-inch AeroCab AERODYNE sleeper and Kenworth Clean Power no-idle system. To enhance a low cost of repair, the hood was divided into three parts and the bumper was separated into two pieces. Inside, the Kenworth T660’s advanced technology includes the Kenworth Driver Information Center, Kenworth Navigation System and state-of-the-art instrumentation system for enhanced performance and serviceability.
About Mack Titan The Mack Titan is the most powerful truck in the 109-year history of Mack Trucks, Inc. The Titan is designed for heavy transport and heavy construction applications, and is powered by a 16-liter Mack MP10 engine, with a top rating of 605 hp and 2,060 lb-ft of torque. The Titan incorporates advanced engineering for visibility, productivity and driver comfort. One of the most visually distinctive elements of the Titan is the twin cowl-mounted “Growler” air intakes. The MP10 engine is matched to the Mack T300ES series 10-, 13- and 18-speed transmissions, to deliver triple countershaft performance for the vocational applications. Drivers will experience a “highway ride” even when off-road because of its new air-ride cab mounting.
About Peterbilt Model 386 The Peterbilt Model 386 tractor was enhanced to include new aero improvements, optimized for efficient operation, customer value and equipped with new interiors. The EPA SmartWay certified Model 386 has proven its environmentally friendly prowess by becoming the industry’s first Heavy-Duty Hybrid Electric platform placed into service, its first entry into the LNG market, and the industry’s first truck equipped with an experimental fuel cell powered APU. The Model 386 all-aluminum-cab is lighter and more corrosion resistant than conventional stamped steel cabs. Its modular design makes it easier to repair. The Model 386 hood opens a full 90 degrees to allow easy access to the engine and all key service points.