With a focus on continuous improvement, Mack Trucks, Inc. today introduced a series of enhancements to its industry-leading MACK Granite conventional straight trucks and the heavy-haul Titan by Mack model. The announcements were made at the 2011 CONEXPO-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas.
In line with its well-established tradition of application excellence, and building on the success of the top-selling heavy-duty Class 8 conventional straight truck in the United States, (Based on R. L. Polk & Co., 2010 New Truck Registrations - Class 8 VIN Defined 10 Liter Engines and Above) Mack debuted a medium-heavy duty version of its Granite model. The Granite Medium-Heavy Duty (MHD) is designed to meet the needs of customers, like some municipalities, who don’t put their trucks through all the rigors Granite models can handle – customers for whom a lighter spec gets the job done.
“In the current economic environment, companies are taking an even harder look at how much truck they truly need,” said Curtis Dorwart, Mack vocational products marketing manager. “Our new Granite Medium Heavy-Duty delivers just the right amount of Mack’s legendary strength, durability and reliability, along with valuable weight and cost savings.”
The Granite MHD is available in both axle-forward and axle-back configurations, is powered by a Cummins ISL9 EPA 2010-certified engine and is offered with an Eaton manual or Allison automatic transmission.
Mack also announced that both its Granite Axle Forward and Granite Axle Back models can now be ordered with a 36” flat-top sleeper equipped with a 30” by 80” mattress, curtain, bunk restraint, under bunk storage and cup holder – as well as rear and side window options.
“We’ve seen a considerable increase in the number of vocational customers expanding their operations beyond regional sites,” Dorwart said. “The new Mack Granite sleeper is ideal for customers in any market working to meet the federal hours-of-service requirements.”
Further enhancements to the Mack Granite series include a new headliner console, optional one-piece windshield, and updated Champion Level trim package with button-tuck vinyl and ultraleather seats that delivers the comfort and styling drivers desire at no extra charge over its predecessor. The new Champion Level trim package and one-piece windshield are also available in the Titan by Mack model. A cab-mounted exhaust option available in all Granite models and a clear back-of-cab assist Mack body builder partners.
Customers also now have a new Allison automatic transmission option – the 3000 series – for the Granite model.
“In recent years, the trucking industry has been hit hard by the worst recession since the Great Depression, but Mack never stopped investing and innovating – it’s what our customers expect,” said Kevin Flaherty, Mack senior vice president, U.S. and Canada.
