Freightliner Adds Extended, Crew Cab Models To M2 Line

Freightliner introduced Extended Cab and Crew Cab models for its new Business Class M2 line of medium-duty and vocational trucks.

Freightliner will begin production of the optional Extended Cabs and Crew Cabs in the fourth quarter of 2002. Customers can order the cab options from Freightliner dealers starting in October.
The Business Class M2 is a new line of Class 5-8 medium-duty and vocational trucks from Freightliner Trucks. Introduced to the public in February, the Business Class M2 succeeds Freightliner's successful Business Class product line, first introduced in 1991.
Business Class M2 trucks with Extended Cabs feature a 132-inch BBC (bumper to back-of-cab) measurement, 26 inches longer than the standard 106-inch BBC day cab models. The Extended Cab can seat up to four people comfortably and is designed for applications in towing, specialty hauling, emergency rescue and ambulance service, or in other vocations where extra capacity and storage are needed.
The Extended Cab option can be specified with or without rear seats. The two optional rear jump seats face forward and fold up when not in use, for more storage space. In place of rear seats, a 24-inch-wide bunk that meets DOT specifications is available for sleeper applications. The bunk option includes a cab privacy curtain and a 12-inch deep under-bunk storage compartment.
The Business Class M2 Crew Cab, with its 154-inch BBC, offers even more passenger room, with seating for up to six occupants, including the driver. Crew Cabs are designed for applications in fire and rescue, various service applications, moving vans and RV hauling. A variety of seating options are available, including air-suspended or non-suspended seats and bench seats for both the front and the rear of the cab.
Freightliner made the introduction as it announced it is ramping up production of the Business Class M2 line at its Mount Holly, N.C., plant.
Business Class M2 vehicles with 106-inch BBC (bumper-to-back-of-cab) configurations began rolling off the line in late June. The plant has ramped up its assembly lines over the summer to reach planned production rates.
Freightliner will continue to produce various original Business Models as the new, successor models are brought on line.
Mount Holly is getting prepared for production of Business Class M2 Crew Cabs and Extended Cabs, starting in the fourth quarter. A 100-inch BBC model and a 112-inch BBC model will be available in 2003.
The new truck also called for a new manufacturing system, which Freightliner officials call one of the most innovative in the industry. In 18 months, the Mt. Holly plant was completely transformed, with more than 80 percent of the facility's 616,000 square feet of manufacturing space modified and/or replaced with new equipment and processes, including conveyors, robots and specially designed electrical test equipment.