Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has marked the production of its 3,000,000th vehicle in North America. The milestone was commemorated by the delivery of a Freightliner Cascadia® Evolution to representatives from Schneider at DTNA’s manufacturing facility in Cleveland, NC.
“Daimler Trucks North America is committed to pacing the industry in terms of engineering and manufacturing excellence, as well as production of vehicles that provide a real total cost of ownership solution for our customers,” says Roger Nielsen, Chief Operating Officer, Daimler Trucks North America. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication to excellence by Daimler Trucks North America’s employees past, present and future.”
The 3,000,000th vehicle is the first Freightliner Cascadia Evolution to be equipped with the new 6x2 Detroit integrated Powertrain package. Featuring the Detroit DD15 engine, Detroit DT12 transmission and Detroit axles, the integrated Powertrain provides state-of-the-art component communication to achieve the highest level of performance. The new Detroit integrated Powertrain will be available in full production in the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution in January 2015.
“The Detroit integrated Powertrain exemplifies the pioneering, innovative spirit that has propelled Freightliner to undisputed market leadership in the commercial vehicle industry in North America,” saysd Richard Shearing, Vice President of National Accounts for Daimler Trucks North America. “We are the only OEM that designs, engineers and manufacturers a completely integrated Powertrain and we are pleased to debut the new Detroit integrated Powertrain in our 3,000,000th vehicle.”
Schneider, one of the nation’s largest truckload carriers, took possession of the landmark truck. “A milestone like the one Daimler is celebrating today is no small feat,” says Rob Reich, Senior Vice President at Schneider. “We have owned more than 25,000 Freightliner trucks over the years and are honored to have the company’s 3-millionth truck join our fleet. Thank you, and congratulations on continuing to improve a great product.”
Freightliner Cascadia Evolution
Setting the pace for the industry in terms of real total cost of ownership, with over 50,000 orders since its start of production in 2013, the Cascadia Evolution builds on the technologies of our previous on-highway truck models—engine efficiency, advanced aerodynamics, fleet management tools—to deliver up to a 7% increase in fuel economy over its 2010 EPA-compliant predecessor.
Integrated Detroit Powertrain - New Rating, More Efficiency
The integrated Detroit Powertrain features the flagship DD15 engine, with new downsped rating of 400 hp and 1,750 lbs.-ft. The downsped rating enables the engine to turn at lower RPMs regardless of road speed, ultimately reducing fuel consumption and friction.
Detroit Intelligent Powertrain Management
Already engineered for economy and safety, the integrated DT12 continues to push the innovation envelope with the new Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM). This powerful technology uses pre-loaded terrain maps and GPS to know the route ahead and automatically adjusts transmission and engine functions, resulting in an even smoother ride. Features such as eCoast, a technology specific to the DT12 that allows the engine to operate at idle of 500 RPM when road and driver inputs don’t require engine power to move the truck down the road, and creep mode, which improves low-speed maneuverability, perform with the powertrain to benefit performance.
New Detroit Axle Configuration
Working together with the DD15 engine and DT12 transmission, the new Detroit rear axles integrate effortlessly to provide optimum performance. Detroit now offers a 6x2 configuration with a 2.28 ratio that is specifically designed to work with the downsped engine rating, making it the fastest ratio available while still providing the performance drivers demand. The 6x2 Detroit axle configuration incorporates a non-driven tag axle on the tandem, reducing total weight by almost 400 lbs. A new 2.41 ratio in its 6x4 axle configuration is also available for applications requiring superior traction. The integrated Detroit Powertrain includes steer axles that use low-friction needle bearings for maximum maneuverability and minimal maintenance.
