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GAFFNEY, S.C. -- Adding to its already robust product offerings for the walk-in van (WIV) market, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) today introduced its gasoline-powered chassis to the commercial vehicle industry.

Designed to address a large segment of the WIV market, the gasoline-powered chassis is built on the popular FCCC MT-45 and MT-55 chassis platform. Engineers designed the new chassis to provide similar core benefits of the MT-45 and MT-55, including the same outstanding reliability, durability, serviceability and performance that customers expect from an FCCC chassis, the company said in a press release.

FCCC presented the first gasoline-powered WIV chassis model at the 2010 National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show.

“The gasoline-powered chassis was designed and engineered by FCCC after speaking with numerous customers and recognizing there was a market desire for FCCC chassis with this powertrain,” said Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketing for FCCC. “With the addition of the gas-powered chassis, FCCC now has the widest array of walk-in van product offerings in the commercial industry. We have a product that can meet the needs of all customers, whether that need is for a diesel-powered, alternative-powered or gas-powered chassis.”

Equipped with a standard Allison 1000/2000 Series transmission and General Motors (GM) 6.0-liter V8 engine, the gas-powered chassis features an up to 320 horsepower range. This is the first time a 6.0-liter GM engine has been mated with an Allison 1000/2000 Series transmission.

Ideal for pickup and delivery applications, the chassis has a GVWR of 14,500 to 23,000 lbs. The durable steel straight-rail chassis frame reduces flex and bowing to minimize chassis stress while carrying heavy payloads.
Currently undergoing revenue-producing durability testing, the gas-powered chassis is expected to go into production during the third quarter of 2010 and includes a three-year, 50,000-mile warranty.

Along with gasoline- and diesel-powered chassis, FCCC has extensive experience manufacturing compressed natural gas (CNG) WIV chassis, currently manufactures hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) chassis and will offer full production of the hydraulic hybrid vehicle (HHV) chassis in the fourth quarter of 2010 for the walk-in van market segment. These alternative-power vehicles have proven to deliver significant fuel savings benefits to customers.

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation manufactures premium chassis for the motorhome, delivery walk-in van, and school bus and shuttle bus markets. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.
 

SOURCE: Freightliner Custom Chassis press release