LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — The 2008 Mack performance tour is featuring the “biggest and boldest trucks ever,” and the “very fuel efficient, yet extremely powerful” Mack MP family of engines, according to the truck manufacturer. The tour is considered an “opportune” time for truck operators to consider which engine can meet the upcoming 2010 emission standards, according to Mack’s vice-president of marketing, Tom Kelly.

“As the number of North American engine choices narrows, we think customers need to take a long, close look at what Mack can do for them. The tour is an outstanding way for them to experience the quality, power, performance and fuel economy of the Mack MP engine family, so they can see what they’ve been missing. We are making a special effort to reach out to these customers.”

On the 2008 tour, Mack is promoting its products, its customer support and its dealer network, as well as its “fuel efficient” engine technology that has been designed for future requirements. “We have a great engine platform, and we know our plan to meet the 2010 emissions standards, works,” says Kelly.

The Mack truck features a new Rawhide edition for both the Pinnacle highway and Granite vocational models. According to Mack: the Rawhide edition offers a distinctive look and feel to the driver environment and sleeper, with a full array of gauges, extra soundproofing, brushed nickel dash, wood-grain and chrome steering wheel and classic button-tuck interior. The company adds that the Pinnacle Rawhide edition combines classic styling with all the technology benefits of the Pinnacle and Granite models.

All trucks on the tour feature the Mack MP7 and MP8 engines, which deliver higher power density with a smaller displacement for greater efficiency a critical feature at a time when diesel is near or at $5 a gallon, according to the truck company.

Mack offers Pinnacle tractors certified by the US EPA SmartWay program, a designation that indicates the tractors meet EPA’s environmental and fuel efficiency standards. The SmartWay program requires trucks to have a detailed set of components shown to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The Mack tour is underway, and a schedule and video highlights can be tracked at www.mackperformancetour.com. The Canadian dates and locations are in the process of being finalized, and will be added to the Web site shortly.