TRUCKMAKER`S NEW * USA - Navistar’s Alabama engine plant honored for public service

Warrenville,ILL,USA -The Trucker -12 Nov 2010:  --  Navistar International Corp. is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 U.S. Community Service Award for an employee-to-volunteer effort spearheaded by the company’s Navistar Diesel of Alabama engine plant... The award, given by the chamber’s Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC), recognizes the Huntsville, Ala.-based plant’s program that gave employees the opportunity to work in the community during a temporary lull in production... Instead of being laid off, employees provided valuable services to the local community. They refurbished homes for Habitat for Humanity, created numerous wheelchair ramps for CASA (Care Assurance Systems for the Aging and Homebound) and sorted inventory for the Salvation Army...

* South Carolina - Western Star to offer Allison automatic with 2nd reverse

Fort Mill,SC,USA -Fleet Owner -Dec 1, 2010: -- Western Star Truck Sales is now making available on select models the Allison Transmission 4700RDS automatic. The transmission features a 2nd reverse gear and is designed for construction applications... Mike Jackson, gm of Western Star, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC , said the 4700RDS is ideal for mixer and dump applications. He explained that the transmission offers a second, “deep reverse” in addition to the standard reverse to provide greater control and engine braking during operation on steep grades... With a mechanical ratio of 17.12, a vehicle in 2nd reverse will have a slow creep capability with high engine speeds, making up- and downhill reversing both easier and safer, Jackson noted. Specifically for the mixer application, the 2nd reverse feature allows trucks to creep in reverse while pouring concrete and maintaining adequate barrel speed, he added...  (Photo from worthenequipment: Allison Off-Highway Transmission Models cut away)