RigDig debuts truck information database
By logging onto www.rigdig.com and typing in a truck’s vehicle identification number, truck buyers and sellers can get critical information to help make smart buys in an easy-to-use report.
“The launch of RigDig marks the first time buyers can check a truck’s background using a service designed specifically for the commercial truck market,” says James Vogel, RigDig general manager.
“By meshing a variety of data sources that track junk and salvage vehicles, total loss insurance claims, title and odometer brands, accidents, inspections, ownership, cargo hauled and CSA scores, RigDig gives truck buyers a level of confidence in making purchase decisions that’s unprecedented.”
RigDig was developed by the researchers at Equipment Data Associates, a division of Randall-Reilly Business Media & Information that has been compiling equipment-related information in trucking, construction and other industries for more than 20 years.
RigDig reports can protect the truck buyer from making bad investments by providing information on whether the truck may be:
* A junk or salvage yard vehicle
* A total loss insurance claim
* A DMV title brand, such as junked salvage or flooded
* Involved in a federally recordable accident
* Involved in a less-severe non-federally recordable accident
* Properly or improperly maintained
RigDig also can provide a truck’s original factory specifications so prospective buyers can see if the vehicle has been modified or changed.
A single report can be purchased for $34 each, and a pack of three reports can be purchased for $60. Also, there are monthly subscription plans available.
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Following are personnel changes and announcements in the trucking industry:
Rocco* Volvo Financial Services has hired Nicholas Rocco as vice president of retail operations for the company’s U.S. division.
* Aljex Software announces Joe Hirschmann has been named company president.
* Cole Hersee, the Commercial Vehicle Products (CVP) division of Littelfuse, Inc., has appointed Robert Zammitti as controller.
Broadmeadow* Volvo Trucks North America has named Herb Broadmeadow vice president of national accounts, and Terry Billings vice president of U.S. dealer sales.
* Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems announces the addition of Richard Beyer as the new vice president of engineering, research and development.
* IMPCO Automotive has appointed two current sales team members to new director positions. Jay Sandler has been named director of OEM and fleet sales, and John Cocchiola has been named director of aftermarket and dealer sales.
Billings* The Dana Holding Corporation’s board of directors has appointed Virginia A. Kamsky and Steve Schwarzwaelder to director positions. The duo will stand for election by all shareholders at the 2012 annual shareholder meeting.
* HDA Truck Pride has appointed Shawn Shumaker to the position of vice president of program management.
* Mack Trucks Inc. has named Stéphane Gauthier national fleet manager for its Eastern Canada territory.
Jewell* Red Dot Corporation has appointed Bill Jewell as marketing manager for the company’s aftermarket business and Ron Hidalgo as marketing specialist, who will report directly to Jewell.
For the latest aftermarket news, announcements and trends, visit truckpartsandservice.com
Volvo, Mack to Develop SuperTruck
Mack Trucks, Inc. and Volvo Group’s North American truck-related operations will participate in the development of technologies to improve the freight-moving efficiency of heavy-duty trucks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of a SuperTruck contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. Under the program, Volvo Group is scheduled to receive $19M in federal funding.
“We are delighted to receive this SuperTruck award that builds upon an already strong relationship with the U.S. Department of Energy,” says Ron Huibers, Volvo Trucks senior vice president, sales and marketing.
“Integrated proprietary components provide superior performance because they’re specifically designed to work together,” says Kevin Flaherty, Mack senior vice president, U.S. and Canada. “Our EPA 2010 solution is a good example. The intelligent integration of the Mack MP series engines and Mack ClearTech SCR system delivers maximum fuel efficiency and near-zero regulated emissions. We look forward to bringing this kind of expertise to the SuperTruck table.”
Under SuperTruck, Volvo says it will draw on established leadership and extensive experience in energy efficiency and reducing heavy-duty truck and engine fossil fuel use.“We appreciate the Department of Energy’s recognition of Volvo as a global technology leader,” says Peter Karlsten, Volvo Powertrain president, and senior vice president of technology for the Volvo Group. “Our partnership will help drive the development of technologies needed to maximize energy efficiency as we address the reality of a finite supply of petroleum-based resources.
Double Coin North America Launches Redesigned Website
Double Coin Tires and China Manufacturers Alliance announce the launch of Double Coin’s redesigned website at:
The website now contains features that include a wider viewing area, all new tire images and a resource center for downloadable information and reference.
Additionally, users are now able to access more Double Coin customer testimonials and navigate through a multitude of products and their features, benefits and data specifications.
Red Dot To Acquire JBAR A/C
Red Dot Corporation announced it has reached an agreement to acquire JBAR A/C Inc. of Valley View, Ohio. Financial terms were not disclosed.
JBAR designs and manufactures heaters and air conditioning systems for vehicles used in construction, materials handling and other heavy-duty applications.
The company will operate as a subsidiary of Red Dot, retaining the JBAR brand, management team and employees.
Red Dot plans to invest in additional production capacity in the Cleveland area to allow JBAR to meet the growing needs of its customers.
“This acquisition strengthens our manufacturing and distribution presence in the Eastern U.S. and Canada and expands our family of HVAC unit kits,” says Randy Gardiner, president, CEO and chairman of Red Dot.
Navistar launches International branded brake drum
Navistar has introduced International brake drums, offering a private label branded line of brake drums manufactured to the exact standards of Navistar OE specifications. These are the same drums that Navistar says will be used at a factory production level on many Navistar truck models later in the year.
Manufactured to SAE and ASTM standards, the International brake drums are subjected to stringent quality audits for both the product and manufacturing process, Navistar says.
The company says many models of the new International brake drums feature machined-to-balance engineering, and lean manufacturing techniques, resulting in 2-4 lbs. weight savings per drum, and improved heat dissipation when compared to traditional designs.
Navistar says International brake drums offer a one year/unlimited mileage warranty.
Mahle Clevite opens online supplier portal
Mahle Clevite says its first online supplier portal, mahleclevitesupplier.com, provides a centralized system for suppliers to manage orders and other account information more efficiently, which in turn allows Mahle Clevite to better meet customer needs.
Suppliers have the ability to accept or decline purchase orders, enter shipping information with tracking, view performance metrics, change the lead time for a particular product and request early shipments to expedite the order process.
Mahle Clevite says the supplier portal also improves communication and efficiency between purchasing department and suppliers. The portal generates automatic e-mail notifications for all new purchase orders, weekly reports on upcoming shipments and on past due orders and parts.
Additionally, purchase orders and reports can be viewed, saved and printed at all times, and mass e-mails can be sent to all Mahle Clevite suppliers.
