Mack takes integration to the next level

Mack says it has been integrating powertrains for 112 years and is now taking that philosophy to the extreme with two new product offerings: The Mack Super Econodyne powertrain and Pedigree Uptime Protection service and support package. Both were introduced March 22 at at the 2012 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Ky.

“Mack has been integrating powertrains since the company was founded and in 1900 and we’re now taking integration leadership to a new level,” says John Walsh, vice president of marketing for Mack. “Our goal is to provide integration for our customers to the entire truck ownership experience, providing a total business solution for customers.”

According to David McKenna, director of sales and marketing for Mack, the Super Econodyne package is designed with all-Mack proprietary components for a complete Mack Pedigree Powertrain, consisting of a Mack MP8-445SE diesel engine, Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmission, Mack C125 proprietary drive axles and Mack’s custom software, all of which combine to offer a system designed for industry-leading fuel efficiency without compromising power or performance. The result, McKenna says,  is up to 3.5 percent better fuel efficiency compared to other similarly spec’d vehicles.

Super Econodyne is available on all Mack Pinnacle models rated up to 88,000 lbs. GCWR. Contributing to the fuel-efficiency improvement, McKenna notes, is the Super Econodyne’s “down speed” feature.

Super Econodyne is engineered to “down speed” more than 200 rpm at a highway speed of 65 mph, cruising at 1160 rpm versus 1380 rpm, which McKenna says reduces fuel consumption by up to 2 percent compared with previous engine models, with a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. The Mack proprietary C125 drive axles deliver an additional 1.5 percent fuel economy improvement.

In conjunction with the Super Econodyne package, Mack also announced its new Pedigree Uptime Protection program. According to Dave Albert, director of aftermarket solutions for Mack, the Pedigree program is an integrated package of aftermarket solutions with three components: Bulldog Service Management, Bulldog Parts and Purchasing and Bulldog Asset Protection.

Partner Insights
Information to advance your business from industry suppliers
How High Fuel Prices hurt Your Business
Presented by EquipmentWatch
Selecting the Correct Construction Tire Solution
Presented by Michelin North America
8 Crucial Elements of a Tire Safety Program
Presented by Michelin North America

Bulldog Service Management is powered by MVASIST and includes Mack OneCall roadside support service. Alber says MVASIST allows customers to improve communications, manage costs, reduce downtime and increase operating efficiency. Through an online portal, customers are able to communicate with the dealer, initiate repairs, access a complete service history, approve and monitor repair status and manage repair expenses. Additionally Mack announced that MVASIST will now come free-of-charge on any new Mack truck delivered after Jan. 1, 2012.

Albert says Mack OneCall is a full-service support center that manages breakdown assistance, towing services, technical support and real-time online case tracking.

Bulldog Parts Purchasing enables 24/7 parts purchasing online and offers online access to purchase and invoice history. Bulldog Asset Protection includes purchased coverage and provides preventive maintenance programs performed at any Mack dealer in the U.S. as well as inspections based on CSA guidelines.

“We listened to what our customers said they needed from an aftermarket perspective, and we developed an integrated all-encompassing solution tailored to their needs,” Albert notes. “Customers said they wanted a solution that would improve communication with dealers and service technicians. They said they wanted to get back on the road faster and to have the ability to order parts around-the-clock. Pedigree Uptime Protection offers all of those benefits and more.”