Autoblog

US truck fleets turning towards CNG, LPG

John McElroy — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:29:00 EST

Fleets can save well over $150,000 in fuel costs over the six-year life of a truck.

The electric vehicle market is turning into a financial nightmare for many of the automakers and suppliers that invested in the technology. Hybrids only comprise three percent of total new car sales, despite there being over 40 different models. And fuel cells are still more science lab experiment than mass-production reality.

But in a different part of the market, the green revolution looks a lot more promising. Commercial truck fleets in the United States are now keenly interested in converting their trucks to nun on natural gas or propane.

Thanks to the precipitous drop in prices for compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid propane (LPG), fleets can save a fortune by switching over to these fuels. OEMs such as Freightliner and Thomas Built Bus have jumped into the market. International now offers the Transtar Class 8 semi (above) that runs on CNG. A cost calculator on the truck maker's website shows that a fleet can save well over $150,000 in fuel costs over the six-year life of a truck. For fleets that run their per-mile operating costs to the penny, this is a financial windfall.

Continue reading US truck fleets turning towards CNG, LPG

US truck fleets turning towards CNG, LPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blue Oval's new Cargo cab-over rig is largest "One Ford" initiative yet

Chris Paukert — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Work, Ford, South America

The imposing commercial truck above has a feature that might be surprising to most Autoblog readers - a Blue Oval emblem on the front. Here in North America, Ford simply doesn't play in the eighteen-wheeler sandbox, but that doesn't mean that the Dearborn-based automaker is absent in the heavy hauling space in other parts of the globe. In fact, Ford presently fields two completely different big rig ranges under the Cargo moniker - one a product of an Eastern Europe/Turkey joint venture, and another from Brazil. But that's about to start changing with the advent of this new cab-over model seen here.

Unveiled in São Paulo, Brazil, this new generation of Cargo is perhaps the largest physical embodiment of CEO Alan Mulally's "One Ford" global streamlining strategy. Instead of multiple models, company engineers have developed a new single truck that it says will better meet the needs of truckers in all markets. Designed to compete in what's known as the "extra heavy-duty segment" elsewhere in the world, this Cargo was developed jointly by Ford engineering teams in Brazil, Turkey and Europe.

Specifics remain hard to come by (read: unreleased), but Ford is promising an all-new engine enabling hauling capability of up to 56 tons while still returning excellent fuel economy. Ford's global Cargo lineup will henceforth consist of a dozen models, but Ford tells Autoblog has no plans to bring this hot and heavy-duty action to North America.

Blue Oval's new Cargo cab-over rig is largest "One Ford" initiative yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW looking to MAN up, ditch Mercedes van deal

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen

Unlike the US, the commercial truck market throughout the rest of the world is chocked full of competitors from many different automakers. Since 2006, Volkswagen has had a fullsize van called the Crafter that was a result of a partnership with Daimler AG and based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This partnership is supposed to last through 2016, but Reuters is reporting that VW might be looking to end its relationship with Daimler and create its own van in cooperation with German truck and bus maker MAN.

The article says that VW AG has more than a 75-percent stake in MAN, which would essentially be keeping the new commercial vehicle in-house. Even if VW bolts, Daimler still has a deal worked out in the commercial truck industry between its subsidiary Mitsubishi Fuso and Renault-Nissan to supply the other with different trucks.

VW looking to MAN up, ditch Mercedes van deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UD commercial trucks to vacate North American market

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work

The overpowering Japanese yen, currently so strong against other currencies that Japanese automakers are calling on their government to do something about it, has claimed a victim in UD trucks' North American operations (UDNA).

A decline in UD market share over the past few years has been further troubled by the strength of the currency, which caused the price of the trucks to climb above that of the competition. The president of UDNA notified dealers by letter that the 300 or so trucks remaining in inventory will be sold and that orders could be placed for 2013-model-year vehicles until October 15, but production capacity was limited and orders would be built on a first-come first-serve basis.

The move puts an end to 27 years of medium-duty cab over engine (COE) haulers from the company, begun when Nissan Diesel America set up shop here in 1984 to sell its Uniflow Diesel-powered trucks. UDNA was hit especially hard by the financial crisis, and importing its trucks from Japan meant its offerings carried five-digit price premiums over rival trucks; two comparisons yielded differences of $11,000 and $18,000 in favor of competitors.

UDNA's move comes toward the end of a long retreat of Japanese truck makers from the North American COE market. The remaining players in COE Classes 6 and 7 are Kenworth and Peterbilt, but their trucks are rebranded vehicles made by a European company and built in Mexico. As for UDNA truck owners, the president did state that warranty and parts service will not be affected by the departure.

UD commercial trucks to vacate North American market originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW mulling stake in U.S. truckmaker Navistar

Zach Bowman — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Europe, Work, Earnings/Financials

Volkswagen is reportedly looking into taking a stake in heavy truck maker Navistar International in an attempt to gain ground on rival Daimler. Reuters references a Financial Times Deutschland report as saying such a move would give VW a leg up on Daimler Trucks, which holds the keys to U.S.-based Freightliner.

Navistar International hasn't performed particularly well in recent months. Last quarter saw the truck maker post a second quarter loss tied to warranty costs. The news sent the company's stock down by 28 percent to its lowest level since 2008.

The current Volkswagen portfolio includes both MAN and Scania, though neither of those commercial truck brands offer any presence in the sizable U.S. market. But Navistar has other suitors beyond Volkswagen. Investor Carl Icahn has voiced his desire for the company to merge with Oshkosh Corporation. Icahn increased his stake in Navistar by 12 percent last Friday. Meanwhile, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has made it clear he wants to delve into the U.S. big rig market as well.

VW mulling stake in U.S. truckmaker Navistar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz gets sketchy with Citan urban delivery van

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style

Though the Ford Transit Connect may be a niche player in the North American market, the small van market is big business in Europe. According to Mercedes-Benz, it accounts for some 700,000 units annually, and that's a pie of which Daimler wouldn't mind getting a bigger slice. And so it has announced its new Citan.

Taking its name from a combination of City and Titan, the Citan will slot in below the Vario, Sprinter and Vito in order to meet the needs of workers who need to get around crowded city streets and take their gear with them. Mercedes plans to offer it in a broad range of configurations, lengths and engine options once it hits the market in the fall.

The concept was unveiled at a logistics symposium held at the Mercedes-Benz Design Center in Sindelfingen, and will be presented for the first time in public next September at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show. In the meantime, you can check out the details in the press release after the jump and the renderings in our high-res image gallery below.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz gets sketchy with Citan urban delivery van

Mercedes-Benz gets sketchy with Citan urban delivery van originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz Actros semi fitted for taxi duty, picks up humorous fares

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Humor

The new-generation 2012 Actros big rig has already won Truck of the Year - for the fourth time - and Mercedes-Benz figured it would have some fun letting other truck people know about its semi. It kitted an Actros out in the eggshell hue and black-and-yellow sign that's standard-issue German taxi livery, then sent it out to pick up passengers.

The hook? Some of these passengers were waiting outside competing truck companies like MAN and Volvo, and were a little surprised at the arrival of their seven-ton chariot. Follow the jump to see it in action.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz Actros semi fitted for taxi duty, picks up humorous fares

Mercedes-Benz Actros semi fitted for taxi duty, picks up humorous fares originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big Cheese: Kraft pushing for 97,000-pound "bridge wrecker" trucks

Jeff Sabatini — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

Kraft Foods wants to bring you more Velveeta, more efficiently. According to Bloomberg, the food giant says it needs to pack its 97,000-pound trucks full of processed deliciousness in order to combat high diesel prices. Problem is, interstate highways have an 80,000-pound weight limit.

But Kraft (along with other big corporations like Home Depot, MillerCoors, and Archer-Daniels-Midland) thinks it can get the law changed. Congress just extended a one-year pilot program to allow 100,000-pound trucks on interstates in Maine and Vermont for an additional 20 years, and a new bill would let every state decide whether they would allow the heavier trucks on their interstate highways.

Advocates of the "Safe and Efficient Transportation Act" say that the proposal is an economic necessity, and point out that states are already allowing heavier trucks to travel their secondary roads. But others have raised concerns about increased wear-and-tear on roads, and the questionable state of repair of the nation's interstate bridges, which were only designed for 80,000-pound trucks, according to the report.

There's also the potential for more highway fatalities. Though highway deaths have been on the decline, commercial truck-related deaths were up last year, according to the report. John Lannen, executive director of The Truck Safety Coalition, told Bloomberg that if the weight limits go up, "The entire country's motoring public will be put in grave danger."

Big Cheese: Kraft pushing for 97,000-pound "bridge wrecker" trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen acquiring 55.9% stake in MAN SE to become Europe's largest truckmaker

Noah Joseph — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

There's plenty of room to get lost in the Volkswagen Group. In addition to the VW brand, the group controls Skoda, Seat, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti. But we can't forget its truck divisions. In addition to being Europe's largest automaker, VW is also one of its largest producer of trucks as well, producing VW commercial vehicles while holding nearly three-quarters of the shares in Swedish truckmaker Scania and a significant stake in MAN as well.

That's last bit's about to increase, though, as a new deal in progress will see Volkswagen increase its holdings in MAN SE from 30.5 percent to 55.9 percent. According to Bloomberg, the deal is still pending regulatory approval, but is expected to lead to increased cooperation between Scania and MAN, helping both companies reduce overhead.

The latest move in Volkswagen Group chairman Ferdinand Piëch's expansion plan, the takeover will make the German industrial giant that much bigger. Both Volvo (which also produces Mack and Renault trucks) and Daimler (which owns Freightliner, Mitsubishi Fuso, Thomas, Sterling and Mercedes-Benz trucks), each hold about 21 percent of the European truck market. But because MAN and Scania together account for some 30 percent of European heavy-duty truck sales, the acquisition is expected to catapult VW into position as the largest truckmaker in Europe.

Volkswagen acquiring 55.9% stake in MAN SE to become Europe's largest truckmaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: How to load a commercial dump truck onto a sailboat?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Videos, Work, Humor

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Large vehicles like dump trucks travel across oceans, rivers and seas on boats all the time. But typically, the craft that hauls the truck is quite a bit bigger than than the dirt hauler itself. That's just not how they roll in Haiti, though, as evidenced by some amazing footage of workers attempting to drive a massive multi-ton dump truck onto a run-of-the-mill sailboat. The dump truck on small sail boat doesn't pass the look test, as the truck appears to be longer than the boat is wide, but that evidently doesn't stop the workers from giving it a go.

Hit the jump to see if the Little Sailboat That Could can, in fact, handle the massive weight of an industrial dump truck. At one point, it appears that the truck's rear wheels actually spin on top of the sail boat's hull while trying to come aboard. We just can't imagine being the first person to try this, but we sure don't mind watching. Click through to the jump to see if the crew is successful at this impromptu tourist attraction or if they end up with a different sort of commercial dump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: How to load a commercial dump truck onto a sailboat?

Video: How to load a commercial dump truck onto a sailboat? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Freightliner debuts RunSmart Predictive Cruise Control

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Work, Daimler

The next step in cruise control comes courtesy of Freightliner semis and GPS data company NAVTEQ. Freightliner broadened communication between the cruise control and map data: the GPS transmits information on the road ahead up to a mile, and then the cruise control computes the best speed at which to cover the distance with the greatest fuel efficiency.

It's called RunSmart Predictive Cruise, and it employs slope data from the NAVTEQ system that has been collected on 200,000 miles of the most used truck routes. While RunSmart is looking for peak efficiency, it won't sacrifice speed; the system remains within 6% of the set speed. It's an available option on Freightliner's Detroit Diesel DD15-equipped Cascadia model with the 72-inch raised roof.

[Source: Daimler]

Freightliner debuts RunSmart Predictive Cruise Control originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Work, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan NV200

Nissan recently announced that it would officially debut its new NV200 MPV next week at the Geneva Motor Show, and today we've been blessed with a new set of official images and a few more details to share. Three different styles will be offered, including a passenger van, a cargo van and, sitting somewhere in between, a combi.

Based on Nissan's B Platform shared with the Cube, Micra and various Renaults and Dacias, the NV200 is driven by the front wheels and offers the buyer a choice of either a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 108 horsepower, or a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 86 hp and, more importantly, nearly 150 lb-ft of torque. Unlike most vans that feature removable seats, the NV200's second row of seats will fold forward against the front seatbacks and the rearmost row will split and fold to either side.

When all the seats are properly stowed, the NV200 will accept 4.1 cubic meters (145 cubic feet) of whatever it is you need to carry. For comparison purposes, the Ford Transit Connect offers about 3.5 cubic meters (124 cubic feet), though a proper comparison will need to be made after the NV's actually go on sale. Expect the NV200 to hit the Japanese market before summer, followed by a European introduction this fall. Other markets will follow, but there's no word yet if the new MPV will make it to the U.S. Make sure to check out the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan NV200

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van

Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Dummies: CPR instructor, others win custom Ford Transit Connect vans

Chris Shunk — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Work, Ford

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Ford Transit Connect

Ford is bringing its Transit Connect van to the US this summer with hopes of generating sales to businesses that need 143 cubic feet of cargo space and wouldn't mind car-like fuel economy. To drum up some interest in the Euro-sourced vans, the Blue Oval has just given away five of them to small business owners. One of the winners is a CPR instructor in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Jerry Buffman had been lugging her dummies around in a 2001 Toyota Sienna, but needed more space. Buffman travels to locations with her bags full of CPR equipment and practice dummies, and the soon to be released Transit should make lugging all of her props a bit easier.

To showcase the Transit Connect's flexibility, Ford also gave away the mini cargo vans to a kayak company, a cleaner, a dog care business, and a pet and baby safety company. Ford is looking to introduce the production version of the Transit Connect at the Chicago Auto Show in February, with sales beginning this summer.

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect

[Source: MLIVE]

No Dummies: CPR instructor, others win custom Ford Transit Connect vans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Big truck... go fast... up hill

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Work

Click above to view video after the jump

For as clean and green and Earth-loving as the Europeans are, they sure do some dirty things... like throw a sooty-exhaust-belching racing semi around hairpin turns with loads of opposite lock - up an impossibly green mountain - just for a hillclimb. But hey, trucks and racing aren't illegal yet, so we say flog 'em while ya got 'em. Check out the video of Markus Boesiger, 2007's Truck Racing Champion, and his dashing diesel after the jump.

[Source: StreetFire]

Continue reading VIDEO: Big truck... go fast... up hill

VIDEO: Big truck... go fast... up hill originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be sold in U.S.

John Neff — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 16:38:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Work, Ford

Perhaps taking a note from DaimlerChrysler's playbook, Ford will reportedly be importing a version of the Ford Transit Connect commercial vehicle to be sold in the United States. DaimlerChrysler began selling the Sprinter commercial van in the U.S. around 2004, and has enjoyed success selling it to large corporations that need workhorse fleet vehicles with large, enclosed cargo spaces. The Turkish news website Sabah is reporting that the Transit Connect destined for our shores will be built in Turkey at Ford's Kocaeli facilities until production of the commercial van begins in the U.S. around 2009.

More info after jump.

Thanks for the tip, Igor!

[Source: Sabah]

Continue reading REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be sold in U.S.

REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be sold in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall freights in reworked Vivaro

Chris Paukert — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 20:08:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Europe, Work

We're by no means experts on European commercial vehicles, but it would seem that White Van Men on the continent are about to be inundated with new product choices, while their Stateside counterparts continue to make due largely by choosing between a Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter, Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana, or Ford's jurassic Econoline. In just the past month or so, we've seen a fresh-faced Volkswagen Crafter and Fiat's new Ducato (along with its Citroen Jumper and Peugeot Boxer twins), and now Vauxhall is set to market a revamped Vivaro.

The Vauxhauler receives an exterior once-over, keeping its distinctive bubble roofline, but adding new light fixtures front and rear and a new V-shaped grille.

Inside, upholstery and trim materials have been upgraded, with faux metal trim and chrome-ringed gauges, and a new range of infotainment options available.

Later in 2006, buyers will have their choice of a revamped engine range as well, including a pair of new 2.0-liter common rail turbodiesels or a tidied-up 2.5-liter CDTi, all yoked to six-speed manual gearboxes.

[Source: Transport News Network]

Vauxhall freights in reworked Vivaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat debuts Ducato "Truckster" concept

Stuart Waterman — Fri, 26 May 2006 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Work

Fiat's Light Commercial Vehicles Division is showing off its brand new Ducato at the Madrid Motor Show today, and to celebrate the launch of the new version the Fiat Style Center has created the "Truckster" show van.

With a style described as "modern and exuberant," the Truckster would certainly stand out in a crowd of tuner vehicles, if only because of its size - over 21 feet in length and 8+ feet high, the winged Truckster is not a vehicle for introverts.

The concept of "sporting performance applied to a commercial vehicle" is manifest in the huge rear-mounted biplane wing, the side pipes, and those must-have sponsor decals adorning the rear quarter. Other features include hydraulic gullwing doors, LED headlights, and a sporty interior treatment. The Truckster rolls on massive 28-inch wheels.

We'll see if we can get our hard-working Madrid Auto Show team to grab some live shots - in the meantime, enjoy the designers' sketches after the jump.

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat debuts Ducato "Truckster" concept

Fiat debuts Ducato "Truckster" concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 May 2006 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Your next utility emergency could be handled by a hybrid truck

Eric Bryant — Fri, 12 May 2006 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Work

A variety of segments in the heavy-truck industry could be well suited to hybrid drivetrains, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is showing off a couple different types at its Hybrid Vehicle expo.

TXU was showing off its recently purchased hybrid-electric utility bucket trucks, developed by International and Eaton. The hybrid version is said to add approximately $30,000 to the $140K base price of the truck, and we're not sufficiently familiar with the economics of operating such a vehicle to say whether or not that investment will pay off (International has claimed a 30% improvement in fuel economy). Given the 20-year average service life of such a truck, though, there is plenty of opportunity for hybrids to demonstrate an economic advantage.

Peterbilt also teamed up with Eaton to show off a hydraulically-boosted garbage hauler. In this case, ignore the potential fuel savings for just a moment - we'd be happy if the truck could silently move from house to house at 5AM, instead of waking us with a roaring engine and shrieking brakes. In all seriousness, it's hard to imagine an application that's better suited to a hybrid drivetrain, and we're excited to see such a vehicle getting some attention.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Your next utility emergency could be handled by a hybrid truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 May 2006 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Commercial appeal: Volvo seen buying stake in Nissan (the truckmakers, ya'll)

Chris Paukert — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Work, Nissan, Volvo

Truckmaker Volvo AB announced earlier today that it has purchased a 13-percent interest in the Nissan Diesel Company from Nissan Motor Company. The $195 million dollar stake boosts the Swedish company's profile in Asia, with the option to buy Nissan Motor's remaining 6-percent stake within the next four years.

Today's news is particularly interesting given that the company revealed designs on improving its North American commercial truck business this past January.

[Source: Reuters]

Commercial appeal: Volvo seen buying stake in Nissan (the truckmakers, ya'll) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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