There’s little doubt the automotive industry is undergoing a technological transformation. This is eloquently illustrated in the all-new 2016 model-year trucks, which include the use of advanced materials and the inclusion of advanced content, such as built-in telematics and Wi-Fi hotspots designed to make drivers and the fleets for which they work more efficient.

Below is a representative sampling of Class 1-7 offerings for the 2016-MY:

Ford Motor Co.

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For MY-2016, the all-new F-650/F-750 will be offered in three cab styles — Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab — and three models — straight frame, dock height, and an all-new dedicated tractor model for heavy towing. For the first time, the MY-2016 F-650/F-750 will be offered with the Ford designed and built second-generation 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 turbo diesel engine mated to a medium-duty 6-speed TorqShift automatic transmission.

The 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 diesel is available in three power levels to provide customers the flexibility to scale engine power to their individual work applications: standard 270 hp/675 lb.-ft. torque, 300 hp/700 lb.-ft. of torque, and 330 hp/725 lb.-ft. of torque. The 6.7L Power Stroke also features a five-year/250,000-mile warranty.

In addition, the F-650/F-750 is available with a 6.8L V-10 gasoline-powered engine, which produces 330 hp and 440 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a TorqShift HD 6-speed automatic transmission. The 6.8L V-10 can be factory prepped for converting to compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane autogas.

For fleets, Ford introduced Ford Telematics powered by Telogis. The cloud-based applications are currently available for 2009 or newer models, including Super Duty and F-150 pickups, and will be available on F-650/F-750 models for the 2016 model-year.

For MY-2016, the Ford F-150 will be available with a gaseous-fuel prep package for models equipped with the 5.0L V-8 engine. The factory-installed gaseous-fuel prep package includes upgraded intake and exhaust valves and valve seats.

Also new is the Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The technology allows the driver to steer a trailer instinctively by turning a knob left or right to indicate direction. The truck controls its steering and limits vehicle speed. The 2016 F-150 also features the SYNC 3 with enhanced voice recognition, high-speed performance, a capacitive touch screen, and a new graphical interface.

Ram Trucks

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For 2016, Ram Trucks is updating its lineup of light- and heavy-duty pickups.

The MY-2016 Ram 1500 will come standard with a 3.6L V-6 Pentastar engine. Also available are a 5.7L HEMI V-8 engine and 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 engine, which delivers 240 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 29 mpg. All engines are mated to the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission. The Ram 1500 has a towing capability of up to 10,650 pounds, according to the automaker.

Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks offer a number of unique features, including a five-link coil suspension with optional air suspension on the Ram 2500 and a supplemental air bag suspension option on the Ram 3500.

The available 6.7L Cummins engine can produce 900 lb.-ft of torque. The standard 6.4L HEMI V-8 can produce 410 hp and 429 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Ram 2500 can tow up to 17,890 pounds. The Ram 3500 can tow up to 31,210 pounds, and carry a payload of up to 7,390 pounds.

The Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cab line is specifically designed to meet the needs of construction, upfitters, landscaping, and heavy delivery businesses, according to the automaker. The vehicles offer a towing capability of 29,600 pounds, rear frame strength of 50,000 psi, and dual-tank fuel capacity of 74 gallons.

The MY-2016 Ram Chassis Cab trucks can be ordered with an optional ParkSense Package, which now includes a new front park-assist system. This feature is designed to further enhance safe operation and complements the current backup camera offering.

Ram Chassis Cab trucks also offer their latest Uconnect infotainment technology. Entry-level radios are now available with Bluetooth for the 2016 model-year.

General Motors

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For MY-2016, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon will now be available with the 2.8L Duramax turbo diesel engine, in addition to their 2.5L and 3.6L gasoline engines. The 2.5L engine is rated at 200 hp and 191 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 3.6L engine is rated at 305 hp and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. All models are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The extended cab 2WD WT models equipped with the 2.5L engine are also available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Also new for MY-2016 is the MyLink system for Chevrolet and the Intellilink for GMC with an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay, which puts iPhone features (iPhone 5 and later) on the display, allowing drivers to make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri.

Apple CarPlay-supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music, and compatible third-party apps. While development and testing are not yet complete, Android Auto compatibility may be available later in the 2016 model-year.

Complementing MyLink to enhance Colorado and Intellilink to enhance Canyon’s connectivity is a new OnStar system with 4G LTE, featuring a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

For fleets specifically, the Colorado will continue to be available and Canyon will be available with a box-delete option on the Work Truck 2WD extended cab models equipped with the 305-hp, 3.6L V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.

The redesigned MY-2016 Chevrolet Silverado will feature expanded use of 8-speed automatic transmissions, updated Chevrolet MyLink with support for Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, as well as additional safety technologies.

Chevrolet also continues its partnership with Telogis. The company’s fleet maintenance tools work in sync with OnStar technologies, allowing tracking of destination, speed, fuel economy, engine hours, idle time, and oil change status. Telogis can connect to properly equipped Chevrolet trucks’ using OnStar’s remote application programming interfaces.

The GMC Sierra will also be refreshed for the 2016 model-year, more details will be available in the fourth quarter. For 2016, GMC will introduce a box delete option for its 1500 series Sierra Regular Cab, which requires a long box model and deletes the pickup box, rear bumper and spare tire carrier. The box delete includes high-rate rear springs and front stabilizer bar from the company’s Max Trailering Package for better performance when operating near the truck’s maximum GVWR.

In MY-2016, Chevrolet will be re-entering the medium-duty market with the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward, specifically targeting fleet and commercial truck customers. The six new models — Chevrolet 3500, 3500HD, 4500, 4500HD, 5500, and 5500HD — are based on the Isuzu N-Series, which GM will procure from Isuzu and distribute through Chevrolet dealers.

The new trucks will be offered in regular-cab and crew-cab body styles. A General Motors’ sourced 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, or Isuzu-sourced 3.0L and 5.2L turbo-diesel engines, will be available, depending on the model.

Freightliner

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Freightliner Trucks’ medium-duty vehicles are available in a number of configurations to support a wide range of bodies and chassis-mounted equipment, Freightliner custom-engineers solutions for any vocational work truck.

The M2 106 medium-duty truck can be configured with a day cab, extended cab, or crew cab option.

Published options allow GVWR ranges between 19,500 and 56,000 pounds.

Both the Cummins ISB 6.7L and ISL 9L engines are available for the M2 106 and provide minimum power of 200 hp at 520 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 350 hp at 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque. These engine offerings can be mated with either an Eaton Fuller 6-, 9-, 10-, or 11-speed manual, Eaton 5- or 6-speed UltraShift automated manual, and Allison 1000, 2000, and 3000 series automatic transmissions.

New M2 106 offerings include FuelSense from Allison and OnGuard from Meritor Wabco.

Hino

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For MY-2016, Hino introduced its 155 model. This Class 4 cab-over engine is equipped with the Hino J05 Series engine rated at 210 hp and 440 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to an Aisin A465 6-speed transmission. The 155 is available in three wheelbase lengths and available in a double cab configuration (the 155-DC).

The 155 and 155-DC models are also included in HinoCare for cab-over engine models, which is Hino’s preventive care program covering maintenance items and diagnostics checks for the first two years or 60,000 miles free of charge.

Also, for MY-2016, the 258ALP and 268A have an alternative engine now available. Both come standard with the Hino J08E-VC engine, which is rated at 220 hp and 520 lb.-ft. of torque. The newly available Hino J08E-VB engine is rated at 260 hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Class 5 195 cab over utilizes the Hino J05-Series 5.0L diesel engine, which produces 210 hp and 440 lb.-ft. of torque. The truck is available in single cab and double cab (crew cab) configurations. The Class 5 195h diesel-electric cab-over also uses the Hino J05-Series engine with the same rating as the 195 model. The truck is powered by a parallel hybrid system that contains a 288V Ni-MH battery pack, which provides up to 258 lb.-ft. of torque from the traction motor. Both models utilize the Aisin A465 6-speed automatic transmission.

Hino offers five Class 6 models: 238, 258, 258ALP, 268, and 268A. All Class 6 models utilize the Hino J08-Series 7.8L engine. All models are standard with the 220 hp, 520 lb.-ft. of torque engine rating. The 258ALP and 268A models are also available with an optional 260 hp, 660 lb.-ft. rating on its standard engine.

All Class 6 models utilize the Allison 2000 series transmissions.

The Class 7 Model 338 utilizes the Hino J08-Series 7.8 LTR engine rated at 260 hp and producing 660 lb.-ft. of torque. The 338 comes standard with the Allison 2500RDS transmission. The Allison 3000 series transmission is available as an option.

Hino’s INSIGHT 2.0 is a telematics platform developed in partnership with Telogis. This product and service suite provides Hino customers access to Telogis’ comprehensive location intelligence platform, including solutions for route optimization, real-time work order management, truck-specific navigation, telematics, and mobile integration services. It can be tailored to meet the needs of medium-duty fleets of all sizes.

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America

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For MY-2016, Isuzu is offering the NPR Gas and NPR-HD Gas LCF trucks. Both trucks are available with the 6.0L Vortec V-8 gasoline engine, which produces 297 hp and 372 lb.-ft. of torque, and are mated to a 6L90 Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The Vortec gasoline engine is CNG/LPG alternative-fuel capable.

For fleets looking for a diesel option, the NPR ECO-MAX low-cab forward truck is equipped with the Isuzu 3.0L (4JJ1-TC) turbocharged intercooled diesel engine, which produces 150 hp and 282 lb.-ft. of torque. It is mated to an Aisin A460 double overdrive 6-speed automatic transmission with lockup.

The MY-2016 NPR-HD NPR-XD, NQR, and NRR low-cab forward models are equipped with a 5.2L Isuzu 4HK1-TC turbocharged intercooled diesel engine that produces 215 hp and 452 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to an Aisin A465 6-speed double overdrive automatic transmission with lockup torque converter and PTO opening.

Kenworth

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For MY-2016, the Kenworth T170 Conventional (Class 5) medium-duty straight truck is available in a 4 x 2 configuration. The T170 is equipped with the PACCAR PX-7 diesel engine which produces between 200 and 325 hp. It is available with either a manual or automatic transmission.

Kenworth T270 Conventional (Class 6) medium-duty trucks and tractors are available with either the PACCAR PX-7 or PX-9 diesel engines, which produce between 200 and 380 hp. The T270 is available with either a manual, automated, or automatic transmission.

The Kenworth T370 Conventional (Class 7) medium-duty trucks and tractors are available with either the PACCAR PX-7 or PX-9 diesel engines, which produce between 200 and 380 hp. The T370 is available with either a manual, automated, or automatic transmission.

Also new for MY-2016 is Kenworth’s 10-speed Eaton UltraShift PLUS VAS transmission for the Kenworth T370 equipped with the 8.9L PACCAR PX-9 engine. The Eaton UltraShift PLUS provides operators of the Class 7 Kenworth T370 with an alternative to traditional manual or automatic transmissions while expanding available application use. Recommended for construction, refuse, municipal pickup and delivery, and agricultural applications, the Eaton UltraShift PLUS incorporates an electronic clutch actuation system that enables quick shifts and clutch engagement, regardless of engine RPM, according to Eaton. The system automatically selects an appropriate start gear and adapts shift decisions based on driving environment.

The T270 and T370 conventional medium-duty models are available with the new Kenworth Nav+ HD, the next-generation, multi-function communication and entertainment system. The system is available as an option for all new Kenworth Class 6-7 conventional trucks. Kenworth Nav+ HD features a large, 7-inch color, high-resolution touch screen. The system’s key features are truck-specific navigation through Co-Pilot, hands-free Bluetooth phone capability, SiriusXM satellite radio, iPod and MP3 integration, Wi-Fi capability, blind-spot camera inputs, and virtual gauges.

The Kenworth K270 Cabover (Class 6) medium-duty cab-over engine trucks are available with a PACCAR PX-7 diesel engine that produces between 200 and 260 hp and 520 to 660 lb.-ft. of torque. The K270 has available wheelbases in 12-inch increments from 142 to 242 inches, and accommodates bodies from 16 to 28 feet. A clear back of cab frame package is optional.

The Kenworth K370 Cabover (Class 7) medium-duty cab-over engine trucks are available in a 4x2 configuration, and are available with a PACCAR PX-7 diesel engine that produces between 200 and 260 hp and 520 to 660 lb.-ft. of torque.

Mitsubishi Fuso

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Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. (MFTA) offers five models of its Canter medium-duty cabover work truck — its Class 3 FE130, Class 4 FE 160 standard cab and FE160 crew cab, its Class 5 FE180, and its Class 4 FG4X4. All are powered by a 183 cu. in. (3.0L), turbocharged, intercooled diesel engine with four valves per cylinder. The engine delivers 161 hp at 3,400 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,300 rpm through the company’s exclusive Duonic 6-speed automated manual transmission.

Fuso also added a number of features to its 2016 models designed to enhance the driver start-of-shift walk around. All 2016 Fuso trucks feature a relocated oil sump dipstick that allows the operator to check engine oil level without tilting the cab and the oil sump itself also has a higher capacity. The transmission clutch fluid housing also includes a direct-view sight plug that allows the driver to check transmission fluid with a quick glance, and a new filter helps to maintain the quality of that fluid. An engine air filter restriction indicator also makes it easy for the driver to tell the condition of the air filter during his or her walk around, without disassembling any part of the air filter housing or snorkel.

All models come standard with cruise control, power-operated windows, keyless entry, and optional Clarion Bluetooth AM/FM/CD radio. The company offers an optional Idle Limit System (ILS) to help drivers comply with no-idle limits in jurisdictions where they are mandated. Moreover, wireless Bluetooth connectivity allows hands-free calling with a properly equipped mobile device.

Navistar

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For MY-2016, Navistar is offering the N9 and N10 diesel engines. The 9.3L N9 produces 275 to 330 hp and 860 to 950 lb.-ft. of torque. The 9.3L N10 produces 310 to 385 hp and 1,050 to 1,250 lb.-ft. of torque.

Navistar’s International Truck brand recently began offering a hardware and service credit to fleet buyers who add an approved telematics system to their truck. The company will credit fleets toward the installation of telematics hardware, two years of data service, and include its standard OnCommand Connection vehicle diagnostics system through the program. Fleets must use an approved, integrated telematics provider for the full credit, according to the company. The company will offer a partial credit toward hardware and data service with non-approved vendors. The credit bundle went into effect on new orders placed since July 1 in the U.S. and Canada, and will be available to customers buying directly through International Truck dealers.

Nissan

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For MY-2016, Nissan will be introducing a completely redesigned range of Titan pickups, beginning with the flagship TITAN XD. This first iteration of the truck, positioned between a ½- and ¾-ton pickup, which will have a maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds and a maximum payload of more than 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. TITAN XD will be available with a new Cummins 5.0L Turbo Diesel mated to a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission. It will also be offered with a V-8 gasoline engine as well. Other versions of the next-generation Titan will be available with both V-8 and V-6 engines. The TITAN XD will be available in an all-new Crew Cab in addition to King Cab and Single Cab configurations and will be available with three bed lengths.

The Nissan Frontier will carryover from MY-2015 and be available with a 261 hp 4.0L DOHC V-6 or a 152 hp 2.5L DOHC inline four-cylinder engine.

Peterbilt

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Peterbilt broadened its portfolio of natural-gas powered vehicles extending its lineup into the Class 6 and 7 range. The company’s all-purpose Model 337 and vocational Model 348 are both available in compressed natural gas configurations.

In the CNG configuration, both the Model 337 and 348 are ideal for dump, refuse and short- and regional-haul operations.

The vehicles are powered by the Cummins Westport ISL-G with 320 hp and 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine complies with EPA 2010, 2013, and CARB emissions regulations.

Toyota

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Toyota will be unveiling an all-new version of its Tacoma and will be making upgrades for the Tundra for MY-2016.

The new Tacoma will be equipped with a 2.7L four-cylinder engine. It will also have an available 3.5L Atkinson cycle V-6 equipped with Toyota’s D-4S technology, featuring both direct and port fuel injection. Both engines will be paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift. The V-6 can also be mated to a new 6-speed manual transmission.

The new Tacoma will be available in five grades — SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited — in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.

The Toyota Tundra will now be available with flex fuel option on 4x2 models and a larger fuel tank in the Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro equipped with the 5.7L V-8. The larger fuel tank will be optional on the SR5 and SR5 Upgrade Package equipped with the 5.7L V-8. An integrated trailer brake will be standard on all 5.7L V-8 models, but not with the 4.6L V-8. 

About the author
Chris Wolski

Chris Wolski

Former Managing Editor

Chris Wolski is the former managing editor of Automotive Fleet, Fleet Financials, and Green Fleet.

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