Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Autocar Reports a Record-Breaking Year

Autocar launched two new severe-duty vocational truck models, include the first Badass dump truck.

January 12, 2022
Autocar Reports a Record-Breaking Year

The Autocar DC-64D dump truck is the fourth Autocar DC-64 in the severe-duty Class 8 line.

Photo: Autocar

3 min to read


Autocar LLC, manufacturer of severe-duty trucks, announced a record-breaking year. Marking the brands 124th year, Autocar exclusively focuses on building trucks for the vocational truck market. The 100% American-owned company assembles all of its trucks in the U.S. 

Ad Loading...

In 2021, Autocar launched its DC-64 BADASS dump truck and its all-electric E-ACTT terminal tractor. Additionally, the company leveraged new partnership opportunities and maintained its manufacturing throughout this challenging year. The manufacturer of specialized severe-duty, custom-engineered Class 7 and Class 8 vocational trucks continues to focus on its customers’ needs and vocations.

Ad Loading...

Among many, some of Autocar’s 2021 highlights include:

  • Introduced Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) technology in its ACX severe-duty cabover refuse vehicles.

  • Brought to market the E-ACTT, Autocar’s first emissions-free, all-electric terminal tractor and the only OEM terminal tractor, with an OEM-developed electric vehicle system.

  • Launched the nation's first BADASS dump truck, the DC-64D, delivered with the company’s tagline: “Always Up.”

  • Established the first and only national terminal tractor rental program for fleets with America Big Truck Rental.

  • Donated a custom-engineered DC-64R refuse truck to the Environmental Research and Education Foundation in honor of industry leader, the late Mickey Flood

  • The DC-64D was named 2021 Contractors’ Top 50 New Products by Equipment Today

  • Appointed the industry’s first chief experience officer, Craig Antonucci

  • Received a trademark from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for BADASS

  • The DC-64D was named one of the top 2021 introductions by Heavy Equipment Guide.

“There is no other way to describe 2021 for Autocar other than BADASS. Our success is fueled by our efforts to provide our customers the very best vocational truck designed to do the jobs they need it to do,” said Andrew Taitz, chairman of Autocar, LLC. “However, what I am most proud of is our team’s tenacity and dedication. Even though we were hit with supply chain issues, we were one of the few OEMs that never stopped manufacturing and kept its entire team employed.”

The Autocar DC-64D dump truck is the fourth Autocar DC-64 in the severe-duty Class 8 line. Autocar exclusively focuses on building the best trucks for the vocational truck market, which is why Autocar collaborated with key industry experts with more than 200 years of severe-duty truck experience to guide the DC-64D dump truck design.

Configured with more than 100 improvements, the DC-64D dump truck’s features include:

Ad Loading...
  • Pre-engineered for seamless body integration to avoid significant structural modifications

  • Multiple Cummins engine options

  • Provides the industry’s best performance, fuel economy and lower operating costs per mile backed by the best-in-class 24/7 direct factory support

  • Custom-built for the customer’s vocational and site-specific needs

The purpose-built E-ACTT all-electric terminal tractor helps meet regulatory mandates for the vocational truck industry to reduce fuel consumption and to transition diesel trucks to zero-emission trucks in California.  Explicitly designed for spotting trailers and containers at distribution centers, warehouse/trucking yards, industrial operations, intermodal/rail terminals, and port terminals. Autocar’s all-electric E-ACTT terminal tractor’s features include:

  • Leading-edge temperature-controlled lithium-ion battery technology and onboard charging system

  • An electric powertrain with telemetry/diagnostic systems designed specifically for severe-duty application by Vorza

  • Advanced monitoring systems and innovative telematics in every environmentally friendly unit

  • Custom-built for the customer’s vocational and site-specific needs

Autocar ACX set a new standard for refuse drivers, customers, and communities with its ADAS safety-enhancing features, which include:

  • Advanced Emergency Braking System

  • Forward Collision Warning

  • Stationary Merge Assistant

  • Blind Spot Detection

  • Electronic Stability Controls

  • Rollover Stability Controls

Ad Loading...

“Autocar has an established reputation for innovation and leads the pack in heavy-duty vocational trucks. We will continue to strive to be the industry leader and are going full throttle into 2022, developing new strategies and even more innovations. Stay tuned,” said Taitz.

More Vehicle Research

A lot of several vehicles, with the central vehicle being a medium-duty work truck with several workers inspecting it.
SponsoredAugust 1, 2026

Electrification Incentives: The Acquisition Windfall Fleets Can't Miss

Discover how fleets can use tax credits, grants, rebates, and vouchers to dramatically reduce electric truck and charging infrastructure costs—before today’s funding disappears.

Read More →
A shot of a Volvo electric vehicle with a man charging it in front of a residence.
SponsoredAugust 1, 2026

Top 50 Executive Fleets

It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!

Read More →
Group of Western Star Star Nation participants posing in front of heavy-duty trucks at a quarry, with the text “Inside the Western Star Star Nation Experience.”
Vehicle Researchby Lauren FletcherJuly 31, 2026

Back at Star Nation for a Closer Look at Western Star Trucks and the People Behind Them

Work Truck returned to Western Star’s Star Nation Experience for another hands-on look at the trucks, technology, and operator community behind the brand.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Commercial Fleet
SponsoredJuly 23, 2026

The Top 300 Commercial Fleets

The Top 300 Commercial Fleets: See the List

Read More →
Three olive-drab Mack Defense heavy-duty tactical dump trucks drive in convoy on a roadway beneath cloudy skies, promoting delivery of 115 HDTs for the U.S. National Guard.

Mack Defense Receives Additional Order for 115 Heavy Dump Trucks Under U.S. Army’s M917A3 Program

The latest order of 115 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) from Mack Defense for the National Guard is part of the $47-million order from the U.S. Army approved in the 2026 National Defense Appropriations Act.

Read More →
Cover of the "Top 50 Green Fleets" report presented by Automotive Fleet and Inspiration Fleet, featuring an aerial nighttime photo of a lit highway interchange with looping ramps.
SponsoredJuly 16, 2026

The Top 50 Green Fleets

The List Is in: The Top 50 Green Fleets

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Four-photo collage showing a white RIZON medium-duty truck with a utility flatbed, highlighting exterior storage compartments, open tool cabinets, and a spacious diamond-plate cargo bed designed for commercial work applications.

Rizon Introduces Service Combo Body, Increases Electric Truck Applications

Rizon now offers a combo service body that combines lockable storage and a spacious cargo bed in a single zero-emission vehicle. The body supports unique options including cranes, ladder racks, generators, lift gates, and work lighting for a wide range of vocational applications.

Read More →
FUSO Academy training classroom featuring workstations, diagnostic equipment, and electronics training benches, with a FUSO Academy logo highlighting the company's technical training facility.

MFTBC Establishes FUSO Academy Dubai Training Center to Strengthen Network Capabilities in Middle East & Africa

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation’s new FUSO Academy Dubai Training Center will support technical and non-technical capability development. It features enhanced training infrastructure to improve service quality, uptime, and readiness for advanced vehicle technologies.

Read More →
Paccar engine displayed alongside Kenworth and Peterbilt logos and a DEF pump sign, illustrating a software update addressing diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) inducement strategies for select heavy-duty trucks.

Paccar Updates MX-11 and MX-13 Engine Software to Enhance Customer Operations

Kenworth Truck Company and Peterbilt Motors Company will update software for vehicles equipped with Paccar MX-11 and Paccar MX-13 engines to ensure they comply with EPA guidance on diesel exhaust fluid inducements.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
GM Fleet presentation slide highlighting strong fleet sales growth alongside a Chevrolet Silverado. Key metrics include increased truck demand, record pickup sales, higher government sales, and growth in OnStar Fleet subscriptions.
Vehicle Researchby StaffJuly 8, 2026

GM #1 in U.S. Sales for the Second Quarter of 2026

General Motors said it was America’s #1 automaker in U.S. sales for the second quarter of 2026 with total sales of 714,896 vehicles, down 4.2%. GM led in full-size pickup and large SUV sales and reported growth in fleet sales.

Read More →