Mack Trucks is rolling out a new online tool to help customers craft the most fuel efficient Pinnacle highway tractor specifications for specific applications.
“Even with today’s low fuel prices, fuel remains the single largest expense for the vast majority of our highway customers,” noted Scott Barraclough, Mack’s technology product manager, in a statement.
“With this new tool, customers can quickly see the fuel efficiency impacts of different truck configurations, enabling them to optimize the spec of Pinnacle models to save fuel and help boost their bottom lines,” he added
The new online tool allows users to choose from a number of Mack Pinnacle model component and application options, including weight, speed, engine size and rating, transmission, axle ratios, tires, aerodynamic enhancements and more – all geared to the goal of maximizing fuel economy.
The OEM added that specs for a customer’s current Mack Pinnacle model are used as a baseline within this tool, so they can be compared with up to four alternative configurations to see which one delivers the best fuel economy.
The new tool also includes an interactive map that allows customers to choose from several major interstate highway routes, providing a breakdown of flat, rolling hills and hilly terrain. Topographical information is then used in the fuel efficiency comparison.
Once all components and variables are selected and submitted online, the comparative results are calculated by a server-based simulation program and emailed directly to the dealer salesperson for prompt review and discussion with customers, noted Barraclough – and can even “monetize” the comparison for customers based average miles traveled per year and cost of fuel.
Mack stressed that its new tool uses a “proprietary simulation program” to analyze each chassis spec entered, developing comparative results based on data attained from field and simulation testing. While it is difficult to capture all of the possible factors that affect fuel efficiency, the OEM believes its new fuel economy tool is the most detailed of its kind available to dealers and customers today.