LOUISVILLE, KY -- Mack Trucks Inc. launched two new product and service offerings that reflect the benefits of powertrain integration, the Mack Super Econodyne powertrain, and the Mack Pedigree Uptime Protection service and support package.


Integrated powertrains have been at the heart of Mack since its inception in 1900. Today, every truck with a Mack Pedigree Powertrain -- proprietary engine, transmission and axles -- features a gold Bulldog on the hood. The new Mack Super Econodyne capitalizes on the Pedigree Powertrain expertise to provide customers with a 3.5% improvement in fuel economy.

The new Mack Pedigree Uptime Protection is an integrated package of aftermarket solutions ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the service, parts purchasing and asset protection experience.

"Mack recognized more than 112 years ago that components designed to work together provide superior performance," said John Walsh, Mack vice president, marketing. "The new Super Econodyne powertrain package we're rolling out here at MATS is a perfect example of what we can accomplish with a Mack Pedigree Powertrain. With Pedigree Uptime Protection, we're extending the concept of integration beyond the product -- integrating the entire truck ownership experience to deliver a total business solution that keeps our customers out in front of their competition."

Super Econodyne Increases Fuel Efficiency, Maximizes Performance

The Super Econodyne powertrain system is designed with all-Mack proprietary components, starting with the MP8-445SE engine, Mack mDrive automated manual transmission, C125 proprietary drive axles and Mack's custom software. Together, they combine to offer a system designed for industry-leading fuel efficiency without compromising power or performance.

Ideal for dry van, refrigerated, liquid and dry bulk haul, and flatbed operations, Super Econodyne is available on all Mack Pinnacle models rated up to 88,000 lb.

Contributing to the fuel-efficiency improvement is the Super Econodyne's "down speed" feature. Super Econodyne is engineered to reduce engine speed by more than 200 rpm at a highway speed of 65 mph -- cruising at 1,160 rpm versus 1,380 rpm. This, Mack claims, will reduce fuel consumption by up to 2 % compared with previous engine models, with a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. The Mack proprietary C125 drive axles deliver an additional 1.5% fuel economy improvement.

"Super Econodyne builds upon our roots," said David McKenna, Mack's director of powertrain sales. "Mack pioneered the low-speed Econodyne engines in the 1960s. Historically, we've insisted on gearing fast, running slow. Now, we've designed a completely integrated system to run efficiently at 450 rpm above idle speed when before it was 700 to 800 rpm above idle speed."

The MP8-445SE offers 445 hp and up to 1,760 lb-ft of torque. The C125 axles have a 2.66:1 ratio. All powertrain components communicate with each other via Mack software.

"It's the ultimate in complete powertrain integration," McKenna said. "The engine seamlessly communicates with the transmission, which seamlessly communicates with the vehicle, resulting in instantaneous decisions. Add the Mack C125 drive axle, and we're talking about fuel-efficiency benefits never before realized in a powertrain system."

The mDRIVE transmission is key to the fuel efficiency delivered with the Super Econodyne powertrain package. It continuously monitors changes in grade (both up and down), vehicle speed, throttle position, acceleration, torque demand and combined vehicle weight.

Pedigree Uptime Protection

Pedigree Uptime Protection is an integrated package of aftermarket solutions with three components: Bulldog Service Management, Bulldog Parts Purchasing and Bulldog Asset Protection.

Bulldog Service Management is powered by MVASIST and includes Mack OneCall. 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.

Recently, the company announced that MVASIST comes free-of-charge on any new Mack truck delivered after Jan. 1, 2012.

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.

"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," said Dave Albert, Mack director of aftermarket solutions. "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."

"The combination of our Super Econodyne Pedigree Powertrain and Pedigree Uptime Protection package establishes a new industry standard in total business solutions," Walsh said. "It really comes down to having the customer's back -- delivering on the Mack promise of durability, reliability and application excellence throughout the truck ownership experience."