It’s been a couple weeks since the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS). Did you miss the newest releases from your favorite brands?
Between displays of new products and features paired with historical looks back on the past decades of trucking, healthy debates and new ideas blossomed at MATS.
Here’s a couple tech highlights from this year’s conference:
Kenworth:
The T680, apparently a, “Four year development and considered the best truck in the market” by Chief Engineer Kevin Baney, has been created with the idea of peak performance in aerodynamics, weight, driver environment, visibility and sound quality.
Dometic Group:
The Split-System Blizzard 134a – this battery-operated air conditioning unit provides ten no-idle hours of cooling. Available in 7,000-and 10,000 Btu models, the split system is designed for easy installation. It allows noise from the condenser unit to remain outside while the quieter evaporator unit blows cool air to the cab’s interior. On top of that, easily accessible external ports help simplify service access. The system also is available with optional electric heat.
Yokohama Tire Corp:
Two new tires – the 902L long-haul and regional ultra wide-base drive tire, available in size 445 and 50R22.5. Designed for added traction and high mileage, these tires are available with a 27 to 32-inch tread depth built for extreme driving conditions like snow and ice. They also feature an advanced rubber compound that helps lower rolling resistance and reduce heat buildup. These tires have seven circumferential grooves engineered to enhance lateral stability and create long wear with an even footprint.
Reyco Granning:
The lightweight DM400 air ride van slider suspension – now available with a galvanized subframe.
Kinedyne:
Retract-A-Bar, a versatile heavy-duty load restraint bar designed to retract from 107 inches to 53 inches to facilitate easy shipping, storing and use within large, dry freight and refrigerated trailers, small utility vehicles, and standard pickup trucks.
Daimler Trucks North America:
The Western Star 5700 (pictured above and below), a truck reminiscent of Transformers’ Optimus Prime, boasts uniqueness in style as well as being one of the industry’s most fuel efficient tractors.
Alcoa:
40-pound wheel – this wheel, 47% lighter than steel wheels of the same size and five pounds lighter than previous Alcoa models, will become Alcoa’s standard wheel in the near future according to Tim Myers, President.
The Mid-America Trucking Show is the largest annual heavy-duty trucking event in the world. It is the annual forum for the heavy-duty trucking industry, providing face-to-face interaction between industry representatives and trucking professionals. It takes place yearly in Louisville, Kentucky. Find out more about this trade show here.
