Truck-maker plans testing regime before offering new-generation vehicle to Australia and New Zealand in a range of applications
Mack Trucks has announced its next-generation on-highway truck, the Mack Anthem, at the Mack Global Dealer Summit in Pennsylvania today.
The new model was launched for the North American market, but Mack Australia tells ATN that it is committed to bring the Anthem to Australia and New Zealand for a range of applications.
“It’s a really exciting time for Mack Trucks,” Mack Trucks Australia vice president Dean Bestwick says.
“Mack has been going from strength to strength, both locally and globally, and the Mack Anthem is an insight into the future direction for Mack Trucks; and what a great looking future that is.
“What’s particularly exciting is the inclusion of a fully-integrated stand-up sleeper on the Mack Anthem, and its huge potential in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
“Whilst the North American Mack Anthem is primarily a serious on-highway truck, we feel there would certainly be a demand down under for a rigid version in vocational applications.
“Like all global releases, we will not launch a product locally until we’ve extensively validated it in the unique and challenging conditions of the Australian and New Zealand markets.”
The development of the new Mack involved consultation with truck drivers, to ensure the final product is a truck built for the end user.
“Mack went to unprecedented lengths to get driver input during the development of the Mack Anthem, and the result is unlike anything on the road today,” Bestwick says.
“The engineers and designers at Mack have done an amazing job retaining the iconic bold and chiselled looks whilst improving aerodynamic properties resulting in increased fuel economy.”
Powertrain options will consist of the 2017 MP series of engines mated to the mDRIVE automated manual transmissions, with Mack axles.
“As one of the most significant new trucks in Mack’s 117-year history, the Anthem combines our latest innovations with more than a century of truck-building know-how,” Mack Trucks president Dennis Slagle says.