As 2012 ticks down, truck manufacturers are looking ahead to MY-2013. Fleet managers will find that the new crop of vehicles offers flexibility, durability, and efficiency for any possible fleet function.

Among the highlights for MY-2013 is a wide assortment of fuel choices ranging from traditional diesel and gasoline to alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) also known as propane autogas.

The following are the highlights of the MY-2013 truck lineups from 10 leading manufacturers.

FORD

For MY-2013, Ford Motor Company offers the F-150 Limited, its most luxurious light-duty truck yet, according to the company. In addition to upgraded interior features and “LIMITED” badging, the F-150 Limited features a 365 hp, 3.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) EcoBoost gasoline engine, which achieves 22 mpg highway for the 4x2 model. The F-150 Limited also features Ti-VCT for improved fuel economy, according to the automaker. To complement that power, sport-tuned dampers are fitted, front and rear. The 2013 F-150 arrives at dealerships this fall.

The MY-2013 F-Series Super Duty will debut a Platinum series model and the addition of standard SYNC with MyFord Touch for Lariat and above. Available only in the Super Duty crew cab, the model can be ordered as an F-250, F-350, or F-450 pickup with the Ford-designed and Ford-built 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine or the 6.2L V-8 gasoline engine. In addition, the Ford Super Duty Platinum has an updated satin chrome grille, which is enhanced by a monochromatic bumper and chrome tow hooks.

Technology is accommodated in the truck with two USB ports, audio-video connections, SD card slot, and a 12V charging port for cell phones and other digital devices in a newly added storage area.

Available Ford SYNC allows drivers to connect compatible mobile phones and media players via Bluetooth or USB. In addition, drivers will get access to Vehicle Health Report, 911 Assist, and SYNC Services, such as hands-free access to traffic alerts and business searches. Available for the first time in Ford’s F-Series is SYNC with MyFord Touch. The physical interface for MyFord Touch is designed to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves to provide easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack. The new 8-inch display screen is designed for greater visibility when reversing to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces or line up conventional trailers with the truck’s hitch and to manage climate, phone, navigation, and entertainment functions.

Set to start production in 2013 as the eventual replacement of the Ford E-Series vans will be the all-new Transit full-size van. Designed for North America and built in Kansas City, the rear-wheel drive Transit will offer a set of engines, including Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 gasoline engine and a new diesel. The automaker expects that the engines will contribute at least a 25-percent improvement in fuel economy compared with E-Series vans. The Transit is also expected to be at least 300 lbs. lighter than the E-Series vans, which will also aid fuel economy. Transit and E-Series vans will be sold side-by-side during the transition.

EcoBoost features a high-pressure, direct-injection fuel system fed by a common rail, which precisely delivers fuel for a fast and complete burn; turbocharging; oil-cooled pistons with optimized bowls designed to improve combustion efficiency; and, as result, reduced CO2 emissions and fuel use.

GENERAL MOTORS

General Motors has updated its Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana lines of pickups and vans for the 2013 model-year.

The Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 are available in three cab styles (Regular, Extended, and Crew Cab), three cargo box lengths (short, standard, and long), and come with V-6 or V-8 engines. Maximum payload is 1,940 lbs.

Hybrid versions are also available on the 1500 models for 2013, delivering 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway and a 6,100-lb. towing capacity.

For 2013, the Silverado 2500HD comes in 10 models, the Silverado 3500HD comes in eight models, and the Sierra Denali HD comes in six models, including Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab body styles.

New for MY-2013 is a bi-fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system and bi-fuel-compatible version of the 6.0L V-8 engine for the Silverado 2500HD and Sierra 2500HD Extended Cab models. It features hardened valves and valve seats that enable the trucks to run on gasoline or CNG.

The Silverado models feature a 397 hp Duramax 6.6L turbodiesel and are B-20 biodiesel capable as standard. Sierra models are available with either a standard gasoline V-8 or the Duramax 6.6L turbodiesel.

The Silverado 2500HD and Sierra 2500HD’s maximum payload is 4,212 lbs. with the available Performance Package on Regular Cab long box models (2WD). The Silverado 2500HD’s conventional towing capacity is up to 13,000 lbs. and its fifth-wheel towing capacity is up to 17,800 lbs.

The Silverado 3500HD and Sierra 3500HD’s maximum payload is 7,222 lbs. and has a conventional towing capacity of up to 18,000 lbs. The model’s fifth-wheel towing capacity is up to 23,100 lbs. Work Truck, SLE, and SLT trim levels are offered for the Sierra and the Denali HD models.

Chevrolet Express Cutaway, Cargo, and Passenger vans are equipped with a range of engines, including a 4.8L and 6.0L gasoline V-8, and 6.6L turbodiesel, depending on the model. The Express Cutaway is available with a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) package. The Express Cargo models are available with a CNG package.

GVWR for the 1500 Express and Savana Cargo and passenger vans is rated at 7,300 lbs. (1500 Series); 8,600 lbs. (2500 Series); 9,600 lbs. (3500 Series with the 6.0L gasoline V-8); and 9,900 lbs. (3500 Series with the 6.6L diesel).

GMC Savana Cutaway, Cargo, and Passenger vans are available with a 4.8L and 6.0L gasoline engine or a 6.6L turbodiesel depending on the model. A dedicated LPG model is available for the Cutaway models. The Cargo models are available with a dedicated CNG package.

The 3500 Cutaway models also offer higher GVWRs for 2013 — 10,050 lbs.-10,100 lbs. The 4500 models’ maximum GVWR remains 14,200 lbs.

New for MY-2013 for both the Express and Savana models is navigation radio, as well as a rear-vision camera system.

HINO TRUCKS

Alternative is the theme for Hino for MY-2013 — alternative fuel, that is. 

The company will be introducing its Class 5 COE model this fall, available as either a diesel-electric hybrid or diesel. The model will feature 210 hp and 440 lb.-ft. of torque from Hino’s 5.0L J05E Series engine, utilizing Aisin’s A465, 6-speed automatic transmission. Both models also feature a 33-inch wide, 56,900-psi frame with a center-mounted, rear fuel tank. Both the diesel and hybrid diesel-electric meet or exceed EPA2010 emission regulations by utilizing an optimized SCR system, according to the company.

The MY-2013 Hino Model 238 has 23,000-lb. GVW capacity, and is equipped with a J08E-VC six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 220 hp. The Hino Model 258ALP and LP have a 25,500-lb. GVW capacity, and are equipped with a 220 hp J08E-VC engine. The Hino Model 268 and 268A have a 25,950-lb. GVW capacity and are equipped with a J08E-VC 220 hp diesel engine. The Hino Model 338 has a 33,000-lb. GVW and the 338CT has a 48,000-lb. GCWR capacity. They are both equipped with a 260 hp J08E-VB engine.

INTERNATIONAL

Launched in 2010, the International TerraStar has received more than 5,000 orders, as of press time. This Class 4/5 work truck is well suited for a variety of applications including: pickup and delivery, landscaping, municipal, utility, and construction. It combines all the features of a commercial duty work truck while still being easy to operate and maintain, according to the company.

Features include:

• 30,000-lb. GCW 1350 Allison Transmission. 

• MaxxForce 7 engine with 300 hp and 660 lb.-ft. torque.

Recent enhancements include:

• TerraStar factory IROS air suspension.

• Dual 40-gallon fuel tanks.

• Air inlet and HVAC ember filter. 

• Fifty-degree steering gear.

ISUZU

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) has released five new models of its Class 3-5 N-Series trucks for 2013. All models — both gasoline and diesel versions — are low-cab forward trucks with three-person standard cab or seven-passenger crew cab.

Featuring a 297 hp, 6.0L Vortex V-8 gasoline engine, the MY-2013 NPR Gas model has a GVW of 12,000 lbs. and a body payload allowance of 6,186-6,994 lbs.

Equipped with a 6.0L Vortex V-8 gasoline engine, the NPR-HD N-Series Gas has a GVW of 14,500 lbs. and a body payload allowance of 8,636-9,408 lbs. It is also available with a compressed natural gas (CNG)/ liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) alternative-fuel option. The NPR-HD has a GVW of 14,500 lbs. and a body payload allowance of 7,699-8,503 lbs. It features a 215 hp, 5.2L Isuzu 4HK1-TC turbocharged intercooled diesel engine and comes standard with an Aisin A465 6-speed double overdrive automatic transmission with torque converter and PTO opening. A manual transmission is available as an option.

The NQR has a GVW of 17,950 lbs. and a payload allowance of 10,657-11,483 lbs. It features a 5.2L Isuzu 4HK1-TC turbocharged intercooled diesel engine that achieves 215 hp. It also features an Aisin A465 6-speed double overdrive automatic transmission with lockup torque converter and PTO opening. Manual transmission and crew cab are both available as an option.

The NRR has a GVW of 19,500 lbs. and a body payload allowance of 12,493-12,897 lbs. It features a 215 hp, 5.2L Isuzu 4HK1-TC turbocharged intercooled diesel engine. It comes standard with an Aisin A465 6-speed double overdrive automatic transmission with lockup torque convertor and PTO opening. Manual transmission is available as an option.

KENWORTH

The new KenworthK370 Class 7 cabover offers improved maneuverability, durability, styling, and ease of service for customers operating in urban operations.

The 33,000-lb. GVWR Kenworth K370 cabover is offered in a 4x2 Class 7 truck configuration, and built on a North American-based chassis very similar to that of the conventional Kenworth T370. The K370 features the 6.7L PACCAR PX-6 engine with a standard 220 hp rating and 520 lb.-ft. of maximum torque. Optional ratings are 240 hp and 560 lb.-ft. of torque and 250 hp with 660 lb.-ft. The K370 is available with Allison 2500 HS and RDS 5-speed transmissions.

The K370 cab can accommodate up to three people with a driver air-suspended seat and two-person bench seat. The dash includes a master display information module with data on fuel consumption, service inspections, outside air temperature, coolant temperature, oil level, DEF level, and trip information.

Applications for the K370 include pick-up and delivery, lease/rental, towing/recovery, landscaping, furniture, and food processing and distribution that require a highly maneuverable truck with 18- to 26-foot van body size, stake bed, or roll-on/roll-off bed.

MITSUBISHI FUSO

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. (MFTA) has announced that it will continue its full warranty package — including its three-year/unlimited mileage bumper-to-bumper warranty, its four-year/unlimited mileage rust-through warranty, and its five-year/175,000-mile powertrain limited warranty on all of its 2013 Canter FE and FG Series trucks. The company will also continue its 18,000-mile (30,000-km) service interval. According to Todd Bloom, MFTA president and CEO, the new 2013 Canters are designed to provide owners with lower cost of ownership across the board and proven superior fuel economy via independent ATDS testing.

The service interval applies to all Canter commercial work trucks, whether standard cab or crew cab, 2WD or 4WD. The longer service interval reduces the cost of oil, filters, and other routine maintenance items for the life of the vehicle, while making it easier for customers to keep the company’s exclusive, industry-leading warranty package in full force, according to the company.

Three standard-cab 2WD models cover the light medium-duty weight ratings from Class 3 through Class 5 — the Canter FE125 (12,500-lb. GVWR), Canter FE160 (15,995-lb. GVWR) and Canter FE180 (17,995-lb. GVWR). The company also markets the FE160 Crew Cab (15,995-lb. GVWR) and the FG4X4, the only 4WD cabover available in North America.

All 2013 FUSO Canter work trucks are powered by an EPA-2010 compliant, advanced-technology drivetrain specifically designed to deliver lower cost of ownership.

RAM

Engineered for maximum productivity and uptime, Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickups and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cabs are available with the Tradesman package, an option package designed for commercial fleets, small businesses, and construction jobsites. Ram Tradesman starts with the Ram 1500 ST trim package and adds such features as a standard 4.7L V-8 engine with 6-speed automatic transmission, which helps balance power with fuel efficiency. Ram 1500 models equipped with 4.7L V-8 engines are rated at 310 hp/330 lb.-ft. torque and up to 20 mpg highway (4x2) with a HEMI V-8 option rated at 395 hp/407 lb.-ft. torque.

The Tradesman also includes a spray-in bedliner, factory trailer tow package, and Ram’s exclusive RamBox storage system. The features include two weatherproof, lockable, drainable, lighted storage bins that run the length of the pickup bed and are as wide as the wheel well, creating a total of 8.6 cubic feet of space. Additionally, an adjustable bed divider/extender fits on the lowered tailgate and adds 2 feet of additional length to secure longer loads. The bed divider creates individual compartments in the pickup bed to separate payload equipment and can be stowed in the front of the bed when not in use. Lastly, RamBox offers a cargo rail system with sliding, adjustable cleats for tie-down versatility.

Adding to the Tradesman package is a standard Class IV trailer hitch with lighted, above-bumper four- and seven-pin trailer wire connectors. Tradesman also features heavy-duty engine cooling and a heavy-duty transmission oil cooler. Properly equipped Tradesman models can tow up to 7,690 lbs. Ram trucks come with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

UD TRUCKS

UD Trucks has increased the performance and power of its cab-over-engine (COE) trucks while maintaining a commitment to reducing environmental impact. An exhaust aftertreatment system (EATS), urea-SCR catalyst, and proprietary diesel particulate filter help reduce NOx and particulate matter emissions, making all 2011 model-year and newer UD Trucks EPA-2010 compliant without the use of credits.

The wider cab offers a large, roomy interior, panoramic field of vision, and easy ingress and egress due to the wide door opening and two-step configuration. The fully adjustable, newly designed driver’s air-suspension seat is standard, as well as the multi-position passenger seat, which can be adjusted to a reclining seat, jump seat, or fully flattened. Multiple storage areas, including space behind the seats, help improve cab functionality.

All UD Trucks are equipped with a 245 hp GH7 engine, rear-wheel park brake, exhaust brake, cruise control, back-up alarm, cab suspension, keyless entry, power locks and windows, clutch wear indicator, air-assisted clutch, front-under-run-protection device, and air conditioning. Optional equipment includes Allison RDS Transmissions, a 280 hp GH7 engine for UD2600LP, UD2600, and UD3300, third-seat/console combo, air ride, rear engine PTO, power/heated mirrors, reduced deflection springs, traction tires, and non-spin differential. UD Trucks North America offers a three-year/250,000-mile warranty on all 2011 model-year and newer trucks, as well as the option to purchase an extended protection plan.