John G Smith

John G. Smith is Newcom Media's vice-president - editorial, and the editorial director of its trucking publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, and Transport Routier. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.

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Kenworth enhancing day cabs, ending T660

KIRKLAND, WA - Kenworth has unveiled several new and coming product enhancements, particularly to its lineup of day cabs, but has also announced that it will officially end production of the venerable T660. The company has sold 60,000 of that aerodynamic tractor since it was first introduced in 2007, essentially replacing the T600. A final 500 of the T660 cabs will be built this year until the last model rolls off the assembly line. Ongoing investments at Kenworth have included a new climactic wind tunnel.About 80% of the trucks that the company builds today are the T680 or its vocational sibling, the T880. The T680 itself accounts for about 60% of sales, with the T880 at just under 30%.

ZF tops SAF-Holland bid for Haldex

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - ZF Friedrichshafen AG has outbid SAF-Holland in the race to buy Haldex, which produces brakes and air suspensions for heavy trucks, trailers and buses. The cash deal worth 100 kronor (CDN $15.33) per share has been approved by the Haldex Board of Directors, and values Haldex at $670 million. The cash deal worth 100 kronor (CDN $15.33) per share has been approved by the Haldex Board of Directors, and values Haldex at $670 million. It is still subject to regulatory approval. SAF-Holland had made its unsolicited bid last month, offering about $14.25 per share. Just last year, ZF purchased U.S.-based TRW, and has since said that it aims to provide a full lineup of commercial vehicle systems needed for autonomous trucks - all part of a corporate vision that has been dubbed "See-Think-Act".