LOUISVILLE, Ky. — At the Mid-America Truck Show, Mack Trucks unveiled a new 60-inch mid-rise sleeper to be used on its CH and Vision models particularly for the local and regional haul segment.

"2003 was a challenging year for Mack as well as the entire truck industry," said Paul Vikner, Mack president and CEO. "But that’s behind us now. Our order intake in the last quarter of ’03 and into this year has been strong. There seems to be growing optimism about the economy. Customers who have been delaying capital equipment purchases are starting to buy trucks again. And we’re seeing other customers who, for various reasons, purchased trucks from other manufacturers coming back to Mack."

The CH and Vision model series currently consist of a 70-inch mid-rise, 48- and 56-inch flat-tops, and a day cab all optimized for local and regional distribution. The new 60-inch mid-rise sleeper is designed to meet the needs of customers looking for more interior space than flat-top designs offer without the added cost and weight of larger sleepers.

"The 60-inch mid-rise is the latest addition to our highway product line designed to exceed the expectations of drivers, owner-operators and fleet managers," said Tom Davis, Mack marketing manager for highway products. "Materials were chosen to buffer engine noise, reduce vibration and combat driver fatigue."

The local and regional haul segment of the heavy-duty truck marketplace is very diverse in terms of factors such as the length of hauling runs, the types of materials transported, and regional differences in terrain and climate, he said.

To further enhance its highway offerings, Mack is also adding 12,000 and 14,300 lb. versions to its family of UniMax front axles. The new models join three others – 18,000 lb., 20,000 lb., and a recently introduced 23,000 lb. version– already in use for vocational and heavy-haul applications. Like all UniMax axles, the new 12,000 and 14, 300 lb. versions weigh less than comparable industry front axles and feature unitized wheel hubs that are permanently sealed with synthetic grease, virtually eliminating maintenance costs.

"The fact that we’re introducing a new sleeper and expanding our UniMax line-up sends a strong message about Mack’s commitment to the highway business," said Tom Kelly, Mack vice president of marketing. "With the addition of the 60-inch mid-rise, we now have a complete range of products for local and regional haul applications."

For more information about Mack, visit www.macktrucks.com