Mack Trucks has created a new online fuel economy tool that allows Mack customers to configure Pinnacle trucks and evaluate fuel efficiency potential on specific routes.

The online tool is available at Mack dealerships. It enables customers to input and modify a number of variables on Mack Pinnacle highway models, select a route and see fuel savings potential compared to a baseline version of the vehicle.

“Even with today’s low fuel prices, fuel remains the single largest expense for the vast majority of our highway customers,” said Scott Barraclough, Mack technology product manager. “With this new tool, customers can quickly see the fuel efficiency impacts of different truck configurations, enabling them to optimize the spec of their Mack Pinnacle models to save fuel and help boost their bottom lines.”

Users can choose from a number of Mack Pinnacle model component and application options that affect fuel efficiency, including weight, speed, engine size and rating, transmission, axle ratios, tires and aerodynamic enhancements. Specs for the customer’s current Pinnacle model are used as a baseline and can be compared with up to four alternative configurations.

The tool features an interactive map that allows customers to choose from several major interstate highway routes, providing a breakdown of flat, rolling hills and hilly terrain. Topographical information is used in the fuel efficiency comparison.  

Once all components and variables are chosen and submitted, the results are calculated and emailed to the dealer salesperson for review and discussion with the customers. If additional information is requested, the tool can also monetize the comparison based on a customer’s average miles traveled per year and cost of fuel.

The fuel economy tool uses a proprietary simulation program to analyze each chassis spec entered and develops comparative results based on data attained from field and simulation testing.

“The Mack fuel economy tool not only helps our highway customers make better decisions for their business, it also helps them see the benefits of our fully integrated powertrain,” said Barraclough. “It demonstrates how our fuel-efficient technologies, like Mack Super Econodyne and Mack Load Logic, deliver fuel savings.”