MAGAZINE

March 2008, Work Truck - Cover Story

Ford Gets Tougher with the 2008 Super Duty

By Cindy Brauer

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For a 60-year old, Ford's F-Series is one tough brand — and getting tougher. Tested on Ford's new $15 million Michigan Proving Grounds, the 2008 Super Duty continues in the automaker's "Built Ford Tough" heritage.

Among its new capabilities and features, the 2008 Super Duty boasts a new 6.4L V-8 dual sequential turbodiesel engine, refined chassis and suspension, industry-leading towing capacity in the F-450, improved cargo-handling flexibility, and a quiet, more functional interior.

First 'Clean' Diesel in Full-Size Pickup

Durability-tested on the equivalent of 10 million miles, Ford's exclusive 6.4L Power Stroke turbodiesel is the first "clean" diesel engine offered in a full-size pickup, according to the automaker. Delivering 350 hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque on the F-250 and F-350, the engine meets the new, more stringent diesel emissions regulations. The exhaust system removes 97 percent of diesel particulate.

The 6.4L diesel joins a powertrain lineup that includes a 6.8L Triton V-10 and 5.4L Triton V-8. The powertrains are available in both two- and four-wheel drive. Transmission choice includes a 6-speed manual with overdrive or a 5-speed TorqShift automatic.

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2008: One of the Worst Years in Fleet History

By Mike Antich
I can’t recall a year as tumultuous as 2008. The year started with the Jan. 1 termination of the $1.8 billion merger between GE and PHH and ended with the near bankruptcy of GM and Chrysler. In between, we witnessed record fuel prices, then a spectacular freefall in fuel prices, a dismal used-vehicle market, unprecedented credit gridlock, the inability of some fleets to order new-vehicles, and fleet delivery disruptions due to a UAW strike and an epic Midwest flood that submerged rail lines.

Fleets Scramble to Cope With Extended Plant Shutdowns

By Mike Antich
The dramatic decrease in sales has prompted automakers to make significant adjustments to production schedules. A number of fleets are affected by the unanticipated, longer-than-normal, plant shutdowns. These fleet managers expect order-and-delivery (OTD) times to increase in 2009 due to revised production schedules. These fleet managers say the extended plant shutdown schedules, for all intents and purposes, shortens the 2009 model-year, which early-order cut-off dates will only aggravate.

Forecast for 2009: A Litany of Uncertainty

By Mike Antich

A Tough Time to Operate a Fleet

By Mike Antich

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F&I Magazine - May 2008

In This Issue:
Facing the Downturn Without Fear, CBA Study: Credit Quality, Repossessions a Concern, FICO 08: How Do Your Customers Measure Up?, and much more…