With innovative ideas, the 2010 Mahindra Pickup Trucks is set for its debut in US

2009 has proved among the most difficult years for the auto sales in entire America. However, the soon to arrive pickup truck in 2010, is set to hit on perfect time for the financially strapped consumers. Though light on the looks, but heavy in utility, the Mahindra Automotive Pickup truck will not only offer low priced trucks to the buyers, but also reduce the impact on wallet of owner’s at the pump. All of the credit goes to the four-cylinder of the truck, 140-bhp common rail diesel engine. The engine utilizes urea injection just for the cleaner emissions.

This quality of Mahindra may hit the market of automobiles highly, to make the environment clean. In fact, today, people look for those vehicles that could minimize their expenditure and offer satisfactory results. Well, the launch of 2009 Mahindra midsize diesel pickup truck has been delayed and was set to unveil on February 2010. With the two names as TR20 and TR40 that depends on the cab configuration, the Indian automaker Mahindra is ready to gear up perfectly with its sale in the United States. The pickup truck of Mahindra will be in two different cab configurations – one is the two-door regular cab and the other is the four-door crew cab.

The diesel-only truck will be using a little modified version of mHawk of Mahindra with 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine. The fuel economy ratings are expected at 30 mpg and 1.3-ton hauling capacity. With two versions of pickup truck, Mahindra will offer two doorTR20 as well as crew cab TR40. Both of the versions will include 2.2-liter I-4 diesel engine that are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It features standard equipment like traction control, ABS, and stability control. Well, the expected price of TR20 will be at $22,000.

The truck has amazing features with simple design and style. In fact, Mahindra has planned to unveil its midsize diesel hybrid pickup trucks to American buyers by 2010. With its promise of even higher fuel economy, the sale of new versions is set to make the buyers feel comfortable with the models. In India, the mHawk 2.2-liter inline 4-cylinder diesel engine is set to unveil, whereas, in America, the truck will have power ratings between 145 horsepower to 150 horsepower that could lead to 33 pound-feet of torque. However, the numbers are not yet finalized, but all expectations may remain the same.

The design of mHawk was made in cooperation with the diesel-engineering firms Bosch and AVL. The truck will gear up with its 6-speed automatic transmission, steering wheel raised paddles to shift the gearbox manually, and a floor mounted console shifter. The truck can go 30 to 35 miles-per-gallon with a durable diesel engine. By spending $80 million, Mahindra is set with its pickup and SUVs to cover the market of America and help the environment to get cruel.

East Coast HDT Rally in VA Beach

Unless you have a motor home, some sort of tow vehicle is needed to pull your RV. The size and type of the tow vehicle is dependent upon the weight and, to some extent, the length of your trailer.

The maximum safe towing weight for most half ton pick-up trucks ranges from 6,500 to around 10,000 pounds. As trailer weights increase, 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are needed to safely carry the load.

There is a growing number of RV’ers that feel even more muscle and mass are needed to safely tow the larger fifth wheel trailers that can tip the scales at 16,000 pounds or more. Rather than move from a big pick-up to a medium duty class 5 or 6 truck, they elect to jump directly into a class 7 or 8 heavy duty truck. Heavy duty trucks, or HDT’s, are the tractors commonly called Semis that carry heavy trailers and freight coast to coast.

These trucks are built to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are designed to provide reliable service for a million miles or more – and the majority do just that. The neat thing about these trucks is that they can be extremely quite inside, provide excellent fuel mileage, and have a luxury-like ride quality. The addition of a few components, such as a porta-potty, microwave/refrigerator and electricity allow them to be registered as a private motor home and as such are not required to comply with commercial vehicle regulations in most states.

In preparation for our planned long-time RV living and travel experience, Nancy and I decided to “try” a HDT to see if it would work out for us. Last year we bought a 2004 Volvo with a 67” sleeper cab containing two bunks. Over the winter I added the features needed to qualify the truck for a motor home registration. We began using it as our primary tow vehicle in February.

After about 3,000 miles I am convinced that a HDT is the only way to go if you are pulling a heavy fifth wheel trailer all over the country. It is extremely easy to drive once you receive the necessary training on gear shifting, air brakes and stopping distances – all of which differ from a conventional vehicle. The power and torque provided by the big 12L diesel engine laughs at the weight of the camping trailer. The engine in our truck develops 465 horse power and 1,825 foot pounds of torque – all at 1,500 rpm! From a safety point of view, the truck is always in control of the trailer, never vica-versa as is often encountered with a pick-up that weighs less than a trailer.

While a HDT is not for everyone, it is an alternative to consider. Many of those who own and drive a HDT gathered last weekend at the Virginia Beach Holiday Trav-L-Park for a five day rally full of comrade and an almost constant exchange of ideas and modifications devoted to their trucks. My wife and two of our grandchildren were with me. The two grand-boys were somewhat awed by the assembly of big trucks, as were the other campers in the park. The boys were also able to enjoy the pleasures afforded by the park pool, store and game room. They had a day at the ocean and the opportunity to visit all the shops along the main street behind the boardwalk. Without the invitation to join us for the camping trip, their experience would have been lost.

All I can say is that this rally was the most impressive display of horsepower, torque, innovation and technology I have experienced in one location, period! The owners were some of the most fun, helpful and knowledgeable people anywhere — assembled into a select group.

Many of the Rally participants live in their RV’s full time. Some carry Smart Cars on the back of their trucks for local transportation. Others opt for motorcycles and even a few tow a vehicle behind their fifth wheel.

It is an event I will never forget. I look forward to attending more HDT rally’s in the future. I hope you enjoy the photos of some of the vehicles present at the rally.

More information on these vehicles and their conversion can be found on the Escapes HDT forum.

Finnish Defence Forces has received 60 new SISU 8x8 Military Trucks Category: Contracts

Delivered trucks are equipped with effective mine protection and feature a cabin of armour steel. Finnish Defence Forces has received 60 new SISU 8x8 Military Trucks

Finnish military vehicle supplier, Sisu Defence Oy, has handed over 60 High Mobility SISU 8x8 Military Trucks to Finnish Army. The delivery was received by the Minister of Defence, Jyri Hakamies, at Sisu factory in Raasepori, Finland, on 24.5.2010. Delivered trucks are equipped with effective mine protection and feature a cabin of armour steel. Additionally, part of these trucks are allocated to be used in international crises management operations. The latter are equipped also with ballistic protection matching with the requirements of the intended use. Sisu 8x8 Military Trucks feature a modular protection system. Thereby, the ballistic and NBC protection of the vehicles can easily be assembled on or dismounted, quickly even in field. The delivery includes also a training, servicing and spare parts program. The value of the delivery altogether is approximately EUR 26 Million, excl. VAT.

Rev Your Engines for Go Karts, Monster Trucks and Race Tracks in New Jersey

Ex-Governor Corzine isn’t the only New Jerseyan who feels a need for speed! At these racing venues, check out everything from punch buggies and monster trucks to jet cars and hot rods. Ready to let the kids rev up on their own? Hit the go kart tracks for some family racing rivalry–but remember, buckle up for safety!

Raceway Tips:
1) Arrive early! Cars are often on display before the race and kids can get a close up view while you get great photos.
2) Bring earplugs. Races are loud and kids can get sensitive to the everlasting roar. Prepare them for the noise and bring earplugs to buffer the sound.
3) Bring sunscreen and hats. A day at the races includes strolling through huge open parking lots and sitting on sun-exposed bleachers.
4) Have plenty to drink. The raceways offer great concession stands with your typical burger, fries and drinks, but it always helps to hydrate when you spend a day out in the sun.

Raceway Park (Englishtown)
Car enthusiasts of all ages can’t pass up a trip to E-Town, known in particular for its drag racing. More importantly, Raceway Park caters to family fun with promotions, some which include discounted admission and free food for kids. Our top picks for the season include:
National Hot Rod Association Supernationals, the NASCAR or drag racing. June 11th-13th, $49 / day for adults, $10 age 6-11, FREE for 5 and under

Family Fun Races
Night of Thrills, Saturday, June 19th, 2010
Summer Motorsports Spectacular Wednesday, July 21st
Jet Car and Monster Truck Meltdown, Wednesday, August 18th
Doors open at 5pm, showtime is 7pm to 10pm. Admission is $30 for adults, $10 age 6-11, FREE for 5 and under.

Atco Raceway (Atco)
Not only is Atco Raceway the oldest drag strip in New Jersey, it also is one of the busiest tracks in the country. It even has a playground on location for kids, although that won’t take away from the main attraction: fast cars! Here are some top picks for this season :
Yesteryear Drags, May 9, Adults $20, kids 12 and under
NMRA Nationals, the number 1 muscle car show in the US. May 14-16, 9am to 6pm. Adults $20, kids 12 and under FREE.
Spring Super Nitro Funny Car Showdown. Saturday June 5 at noon.
Punch Buggy, Sunday June 27

Monster Trucks at Wildwood’s Oceanfront Arena (Wildwood)
October 1-3 Monster Truck Expo and Thunder on the Beach Monster Trucksincludes quad wars, tuff truck competitions, stunts, and monster truck rides. Admission to the event is $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Rides are $8 per person

Velocity 17 (Maywood)
For kids who want to get behind the wheel, Velocity 17 offers kart racing that lets you race through 2000 feet of racetrack and up to 30 miles per hour. Participants must be between 57” and 78” tall to participate. $14.99 per race. There is also virtual auto racing for kids 42” and up, and pedal go carts for those 4 and up. Other offerings include roller parties, arcades, and a café. Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm to 10pm; Friday to Sunday, 5pm to midnight. Always call the facility before you race out the door to ensure it’s not booked for a private party.

Navistar e-Star electric trucks available, go to FedEx

The first Navistar e-Star electric truck, created at an Elkhart Countyassembly line, was delivered to FedEx on Thursday. After the fascination with electric and hybrid cars, this move will place EV trucks in the the transportation industry.

THE ELECTRIC truck made a debut in the markets, with an Elkhart County assembly line in Wakarusa creating Navistar e-Star electric trucks. The first of these electric trucks was also delivered to first customer FedEx on Thursday. After the fascination with electric and hybrid cars, which showed up at many recent auto shows, this move will incorporate electric vehicles in the large scale transportation industry.

The Navistar e-Star electric trucks, medium duty commericial trucks run on a battery, that can allow them to travel over 100 miles on a single charge. The battery which takes six to eight hours to charge fully, can also be replaced in 20 minutes. Though they reach a top speed of 50 mph, the electric trucks can significantly affect the auto industry scenario, what with the rise in International petrol prices.

There are many domestic benefits that the Navistar e-Star electric trucks are expected to bring. Apart from lessening the deficit brought on by importing fuel, it has the potential to bring a rise in jobs, especially in similar, green technology based industries.

The electric truck project was made possible after a stimulus grant by the Obama administration. Navistar got a $39 million grant from the stimulus program to create the electric trucks. In the process of setting up the production plant, they promised to create 700 jobs. Though in the initial production stage till now, only six more people were hired, but as production revs up, more are expected to be created.