Automotive Trucks information on net.

The nation's highway network and transportation industry are the engines of the American economy, according to the American Trucking Associations, based in Alexandria, Va. And this year, as usual, the cost of the truck component of that "engine" is heading up--between 2.5 and 5 percent for most 1993 models over 1992 models.

Those percentages for 1993 models are about the same as the rate of price increases posted last year for 1992 trucks, and those increases did not hurt the sales of light, medium, or heavy trucks. In fact, sales in all three weight categories were up for 1992 models.

One explanation for the strength of truck sales is that many firms are replacing their fleets' vehicles at shorter time and mileage intervals than before, according to Runzheimer International, A Rochester, Wis., firm that tracks transportation costs. The reasons, Runzheimer says, are mainly to minimize maintenance costs, emphasize a modern corporate image, and maintain driver morale.

In the light-truck category, minivans--classified as trucks--are growing in popularity for business fleets, while the number of full-size vans in use is decreasing.

Rear-wheel anti-lock braking systems are standard or optional on most 1993 light trucks. More medium and heavy trucks are now available with safety devices that make jack-knifing less likely.

Continued price rises are almost inevitable, largely because of new federal regulations pertaining to safety, fuel economy, and exhaust emissions. According to experts, trucks of all sizes are much safer, more fuel-efficient, and less likely to emit air-polluting substances than previous models.

The Clean Air Act of 1990 tightens emissions standards for fleets of 10 or more vehicles that are fueled in a hub where air pollution is a problem. The requirements are achievable only with alternatively fueled vehicles--those that don't run on diesel fuel or gasoline.

This and other government rules have prompted some truck makers to devote huge resources to developing alternatively fueled vehicles. Some are fueled with compressed natural gas (CNG), others with liquid propane gas (LPG).

Ford Motor Co. has spent $1.7 billion developing alternative-fuel vehicles and recently introduced LPG-run trucks--the medium-heavy F-600-G and F-7--G.

In the 1992 model year, GMC Truck sold 2,000 of the full-size 2500-series 3/4-ton Sierras operating on CNG. They have three 8.75-foot-long natural-gas tanks concealed beneath their bodies, and their range is about 200 miles. For 1993, GMC is adding natural-gas-fueled models of its Sierra 1500 series. Both the 2500 and 1500 vehicles use a natural-gas version of the 5.7-liter V-8 engine.

Chrysler offers a natural-gas-powered, full-size Dodge B-250 van converted in factory production to run on CNG. It features the 5.2-liter V-8 engine

Light Trucks

Here is what's new in the light-truck field of Class 1 (up to 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, or GVW), Class 2 (6,001 to 10,000 pounds), and Class 3 (10,001 to 14,000 pounds):

Chevrolet. The addition of a new gasoline engine in Chevrolet Motor Division's Class 3 low-cab-forward Tiltmaster makes it the only vehicle of its kind with a gasoline engine. (The low-cab-forward configuration seats the driver ahead of the front axle, provides more cargo space for comparable length of truck, has a shorter turning radius, and offers better visibility as well as easy entrance and exit). The vehicle is nearly identical to Isuzu's NPR EFI, described below.

Dodge. Sales of the full-size Ram 3/4-ton and one-ton pickups zoomed to 30 percent of its diesel market after Dodge offered these vehicles with a 5.9-liter, six-cylinder turbodiesel manufactured by the Cummins Engine Co., in Columbus, Inc. For 1994, Dodge plans to introduce an all-new Dodge Ram powered by a version of the V-10 gasoline engine that makes the new Viper sports car so hot.

Ford. A face-lifted compact Ranger arrives for 1993. The hot-selling vehicle has new sheet metal with aerodynamic styling and a rounded front end. New limousine-style doors improve sealing and reduce wind noise, making the Ranger's interior pleasantly quiet at high speeds. The payload is increased on Regular Cab models, and an optional payload package is available on the SuperCab models.

Ford is readying a midsize pickup for the market, and the company expects to make available turbocharged versions of its 7.3-liter diesel engine.

GMC. In addition to its two factory-produced natural-gas-powered Sierra pickups, GMC's 1993 lineup also includes specially prepared alternative-fuel vehicles in three gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) categories of the Sierra and the 3500-series Rally/Vandura full-size vans with the 5.7-liter V-8. Customers may choose the specific type of fuel or a combination of gasoline and natural gas or propane if they need multifuel capabilities.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:22 AM