Freightliner Trucks has added new 100-inch and 112-inch BBC trucks to its line of medium duty vehicles. The new Business Class M2 100 is available with GVW ratings from 16,000 to 26,000 lb and is designed for distribution and general applications. The new M2 100 and M2 112 trucks are a continuation of the second generation Business Class medium truck line with 106-inch cabs introduced in February 2002.
The new M2 100 truck is built for applications where driver visibility and vehicle maneuverability are priorities. The 100-inch cab allows for a shorter wheelbase, which, in turn, provides a shorter turning radius than comparable trucks with longer cabs.
The new cabs are aluminum and are equipped with doors designed to withstand the constant wear found in distribution applications. The electrical systems use multiplex wiring to reduce the requirement for large wiring bundles. Simplified electronics and color-coded wiring provides straightforward diagnostic procedures for quick servicing. The back of the cab and frame rails are clean so that body builders can easily mount equipment.
The M2 112 ranges from Class 5 to Class 8 ratings with a maximum GVWR of 66,000 lb. It is available as a truck or tractor.
Standard transmission for the new truck is a six-speed manual from Mercedes-Benz. Optional transmissions include six- or seven-speed manuals from Eaton Fuller or automatic transmissions from Allison. Front axle ratings range from 6,000 to 10,000 lb and drive axle ratings range from 10,000 lb to 17,500 lb. The M2 100 is available with 19.5-inch wheels and tires.
Standard engine for the M2 112 is the Mercedes-Benz MBE4000 with horsepower ratings up to 450. After production of the M2 112 begins, Caterpillar engines will become available as options. Eaton Fuller 10- or 13-speed transmissions are available in either manual or Autoshift versions as are Allison automatic transmissions. Front axles for the M2 112 are rated from 12,000 lb to 20,000 lb. Single or tandem drive axles are available with tandem ratings up to 46,000 lb.
Production of the M2 100 began in April 2003, and Freightliner will begin building the M2 112 in the third quarter 2003.