STERLING ANNOUNCES CLASS 3-5 LCF
Sterling Truck Corp. has expanded its range of heavy- and medium-duty vehicles into the lighter weight classes with its model 360, a "better all-around" diesel-powered low-cab-forward design with high maneuverability, excellent fuel economy and appealing accommodations for drivers. The LCF will give more offerings to Sterling dealers, who have had to let customers go to competitors for lighter-duty vehicles.
To be obtained from Mitsubishi Fuso, a DaimlerChrysler sister company, the 360 will first be available at selected dealers with gross vehicle weight ratings of 14,500 and 17,995 pounds, and in mid-2007 with a GVW rating of 14,050 pounds. It will be aimed at pick-up and delivery operations, wholesale and retail merchants, landscapers and construction contractors. Sterling executives said the 360 also will form the platform for future products.
The 360 is powered by a 175horsepower, 4.9-liter, 4-cylinder turbodiesel mated to an Aisin 6speed automatic transmission. Testing at the Transportation Research Center in Ohio showed this powertrain delivered fuel economy that could save up to $600 a year compared to a leading competitor's truck, Sterling executives claimed.
Maintenance is easy, with some fluid levels checkable through sight glass and the powertrain accessible by tilting the cab.
The 360's frame uses deep-section straight rails for high strength and easy mounting of bodies. Rails are kept clear by careful positioning of crossmembers, fuel tank, batteries, wiring and exhaust system. Five wheelbases, from 115 to 176 inches, will accommodate bodies of 12 to 20 feet. Sterling is partnering with body makers to equip chassis with popular bodies so dealers can stock work-ready vehicles for immediate delivery.
The 360 has the widest doors in this LCF segment, and the cab has a low-step entry, at 11.75 inches from pavement to the first step, so the 360's cab is easy to get in and out of. Power windows and door locks are standard, as is a tilt-telescoping steering column. Interiors are attractively trimmed with comfortable seats and easy-to-use gauges and controls.
Sterling planners have put limits on certain equipment to reduce cost and prices. But to brighten things up, cabs will come from Japan painted red, silver, blue and green in addition to the usual white.
The lighter-weight 360 will complement Sterling's current L-Line, A-Line, Acterra and Cargo models. About 60 Sterling dealers in the United States and 40 in Canada will handle the 360, with most of them in urban areas where the vehicle will be most valuable. Executives think their new model, along with those from International and Ford, will push the Class 3-5 LCF market beyond its current sales levels of 25,000 to 28,000 a year.
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