UNION CITY, Ind. — The first orders for the new W42 commercial platform from Workhorse Custom Chassis will come off the production line July 18 to launch Model Year 2006, company officials announced.

The newest walk-in truck chassis to enter the marketplace has been drawing “great interest” from commercial walk-in truck customers, said Shane Terblanche, Workhorse director of commercial strategy.

According to the latest specifications, the new platforms will be offered in GVWRs of 9,400, 10,000, 12,000 and 14,500 lbs., with wheelbases of 125, 133,157, 178 and 190 inches. Among the new choices drawing interest from walk-in truck customers is the single-rear wheel option for the 9,400, 10,000 and 12,000 lb. GVWR models.

“Were finding that fleets are looking for ways to gain more cargo volume,” said Terblanche. “The single wheel gives them a lighter chassis at that GVWR, as do gas engines.”

The first production models of the Workhorse W42 will feature GM Vortec 6.0L and 4.8L gas engines. Both are 50-state emissions compliant with 300 and 270 horsepower, respectively. They feature the latest in gas engine technology for exceptional performance and durability, while requiring less maintenance.

“The Vortecs are very popular with our customers,” said Terblanche. “They’ve made gas engines more competitive with diesels in terms of lifecycle and maintenance costs.”
Workhorse is also offering a new International 275 VT diesel engine on fall production models. Workhorse is the only walk-in chassis manufacturer to provide both gas and diesel engine choices.

A new 50-degree wheel cut for an industry best turning radius is also eagerly awaited by customers, according to Terblanche, as are new high-performance Brembo four-wheel disc brakes. Fleets also expect the W42s wider axle track, front and rear parabolic taper leaf suspension springs, and custom tuned shock absorbers to create a significant leap forward in the ride and handling of walk-in trucks.

“Once drivers get behind the wheel theyre going to quickly know theyre in a very different kind of walk-in truck,” said Terblanche.

The July 18 production start also marks a watershed moment for Workhorse. It cuts the last tie to the original P42 commercial chassis Workhorse purchased from General Motors when the company began in 1999. “The W42 is a completely Workhorse engineered product,” said Terblanche. “It incorporates a lot of improvements our customers have been asking for. Thats always been our focus.”

Specializing in the manufacture of chassis for motor homes, walk-in trucks and buses, as well as integrated walk-in trucks, Workhorse Custom Chassis is ISO 9001 certified and considered a leader in the motor home and walk-in truck industries.

For more information about walk-in trucks, Workhorse dealers and trucks in stock, call toll-free 866-467-7300 or visit www.workhorse.com.