ST. LOUIS - Workhorse Custom Chassis, an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation, is making it easy for customers such as UPS to spec the right truck for the job and achieve significant fuel savings with its upgraded W62 chassis for walk-in trucks.

One of the first UPS delivery trucks built on an upgraded W62 gasoline-powered chassis was on display at this week's National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show in St. Louis. The Workhorse gas chassis features the improved 6.0L GM Vortec gasoline engine designed to achieve up to 20 percent better fuel economy than the previous 8.1L Vortec gasoline engine for Workhorse's W62 models, rated at 17,000-, 19,500-, and 23,500-lbs. GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating).

The UPS truck is one of a number of units built on the W62 gas platform that UPS will use to evaluate fuel economy for its duty cycle. Production of the 2011 W62 model will begin this summer. The 6.0LV-8 gasoline engine uses variable valve timing and an Allison 5-speed 1000HS transmission, among other features, to achieve outstanding fuel economy. It also comes with several extended warranty options.

Workhorse has also begun offering the all new 2010 6.4L MaxxForce 7 diesel powertrain for its 2010 W62 diesel platforms. Workhorse's 2011 models will feature the MaxxForce 7 with MaxxForce Advanced EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) technology, which, along with the 6.0LGM Vortec gasoline engine, provide two hassle-free solutions to 2010 emissions compliance.

"We like to say that our chassis work hard so you don't have to," said Jim Gavaghan, Workhorse vice president, sales, service and warranty. "The fact that we offer both gas and diesel choices, with durable and dependable platforms powered right for the job, makes it easier for commercial walk-in truck users to meet their bottom line-both in terms of fuel consumption and work efficiency."

"Furthermore, we can back that up with extended warranty programs and an established service network that combines our well-known expertise for gas-powered options with Navistar-based expertise in diesel powertrains," Gavaghan added. "Making reliable and durable gas options available for higher GVWR trucks, taking advantage of the latest fuel-efficient technology, making it easier for fleets to spec the right truck for the right  job, is all part of the innovation Workhorse is dedicated to providing walk-in truck users."