GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Fontaine Modification is launching a new business segment dedicated to modifying tractors for auto-hauling purposes.

The new modification center, to be located in Gainesville, Ga., will be operational by the fourth quarter of 2012, the company says.

“Most auto transportation companies in North America today own vehicles that are 10 to 15 years old and reaching the end of their lifecycles. Therefore, we believe there will be a serious upturn in the market in the next three to five years,” says Will Trantham, president of Fontaine Modification. “More than 80% of the tractors Fontaine has modified for auto hauler purposes over the last two years have been sent to Cottrell to be fully converted into auto transport carriers. Dedicating a business segment to this growing market and placing it near the auto transport equipment leader was a natural decision.”

Cottrell is a manufacturer of auto transport trailers and is located near Fontaine’s new site.

Jeff Martin, vice-president of sales for Cottrell welcomed the company’s new neighbour.

“The large majority of day cab tractor conversions go through Fontaine before coming to us,” says Martin. “Having a dedicated Fontaine Modification Center within five miles of our facility will improve communication between all parties and result in shorter delivery times for our customers.”
Auto haulers frequently have their new truck cabs modified to maintain their traditional capacity, in the wake of emissions regulations, which over the past 10 years have in many cases added four inches to the height of a tractor.

Fontaine Modification can lower the cab height and install auxiliary power units, fleet service packages and any post-production services auto haulers may need, the company says.