Sterling Truck Corporation has expanded its growing light commercial vehicles lineup with a new model, the lightest product in the company’s full range of class 3-8 trucks. The new class 3 Sterling 360 joins class 4 and 5 versions of the low cabover, all based on the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter from Japan. The company also introduced a number of product enhancements for its 2008-model-year 360 trucks.

Introduced in early 2006, all Sterling 360 trucks for 2008 will come with increased horsepower, a lowered chassis, standard cruise control, and more.

The new Class 3 Sterling 360 is currently available for order, and will be available at dealerships in fall 2007. With a gross vehicle weight rating of 12,500 lb, the 360 is an ideal tool for businesses that just don’t need the capacity of a class 4 or 5 truck. It features an on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II), a new standard for light vehicles, which provides universal inspection and diagnostic routines. This feature will also be available on the larger 360 models for 2008.

EPA 2007 compliance brings a diesel particulate filter that’s been tested and utilized in the Japanese market
for several years, ensuring reliability. Its compact design allows for fewer disturbances during body installation and also safeguards the 360’s ground clearance. The engine changes also resulted in increased power, from 175 to 185 hp.

Sterling adds that the improved cooling system and a change in frame height have allowed the 360’s chassis
to be lowered by 2 in., making it easier to load and unload the vehicle. Along with air conditioning and
automatic transmission as before, cruise control is now standard on all Sterling 360s. Keyless entry is now
optional on all 360 models.

The class 5 360’s list of options has been expanded with the addition of a 189-in. wheelbase on the Class 5 model.