Freightliner Trucks has delivered 40 Freightliner Business Class M2 car haulers for Diversified Automotive, Inc. Featuring Detroit Diesel’s BlueTec Emissions Technology-equipped DD13engines, the trucks are the industry’s first EPA 2010 car haulers.
The trucks, which are a complete factory-built solution, were developed in collaboration with Cottrell Trailers, one of the world’s leading car hauler manufacturers.
Freightliner Trucks worked closely with Dennis Kraez, President of Diversified Automotive, Inc. and with Cottrell Trailers to create the right chassis configuration with BlueTec technology, while still meeting the exacting needs of the car hauling industry.
“When the new emissions regulations hit the car hauling industry, there was a major void in the day cab market. Due to the tractor dimensional requirements of our customers, there weren’t many truck manufacturers ready to step up to the plate with product development, but Freightliner Trucks did. A team of open-minded engineers, dealers and customers helped develop a solution for the car hauler market,” said Jeff Martin, vice president of sales for Cottrell Trailers.
The trucks’ 112-inch BBC and 101-inch cab height – seven inches shorter than the typical cab height – results in a sleek product that carries more fuel and has a higher front axle rating than other similar vehicles. The trucks also feature a 2,500 square-inch windshield, low profile dash for excellent visibility and outstanding maneuverability. Designed with a comfortable roomy interior, wide door opening and low step-in height, the Business Class M2 112 is engineered to increase driver comfort and safety.
“When coupled with the durable Business Class M2 112 and powerful DD13 engine, car haulers such as Diversified Automotive, Inc. have the complete solution for its demanding jobs. And, because these car haulers are completely factory-built, supported and warranted, the need for third-party modification is eliminated, ultimately improving vehicle uptime and reducing maintenance costs,” said T.J. Reed, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks.
“While other day cabs must go through aftermarket modifications to meet the strict dimensional requirements, Freightliner’s Business Class M2 112 comes out of the factory and is ready for body installation.”
Added Dennis Kraez, president, Diversified Automotive, Inc.: “These trucks will make a significant ground-breaking impact in standardizing the car hauling industry.”
The collaboration between Freightliner Trucks, Diversified Automotive, Inc. and Cottrell Trailers has resulted in an innovative product that is poised to revitalize and raise the bar within the car hauler industry.
For more information on Freightliner Trucks, go to www.FreightlinerTrucks.com.