ATLANTA, Ga. — Sterling has introduced a new low cabover engine model the company says rounds out its Class 3-8 product line.

The Sterling 360 was introduced at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Atlanta this morning. Company officials say the truck’s unique design allows for leading fuel economy in a low cabover configuration as well as easy entry and egress. The truck also boasts a large cab, excellent maneuverability and visibility and a body builder-preferred design, officials claim.

Sterling officials say the 360 will save the average user about $600 per year in fuel compared to other models currently in the market.

“As we welcome the new Sterling 360 to the product family, we also strengthen our commitment to the growth of the brand,” says John Merrifield, senior vice-president of distribution, Freightliner Group. “Sterling is now the only truck OEM to offer customers a full line of Class 3-8 vehicles, which allows us to reach a wider customer base and provides us with a platform for future product introductions.”

Class 4 and 5 versions of the 360 will be available in the spring of 2006 whil the Class 3 model will be available in mid-2007, the company reports.

To validate the company’s fuel economy claims, Merrifield said extensive testing has been conducted.

“We took the test results from Transportation Research Center and used a conservative calculation to show that the Sterling 360 is a smart investment that can save money year after year,” explained Merrifield. “It assumes that a customer drives a pick-up and delivery truck with a dry van box, travels 20,000 miles a year on average, and pays $2.50 per gallon of diesel fuel. Under these common circumstances, that adds up to a savings of US$600 a year or more with the Sterling 360 over competitive models.”

He added the Sterling 360 will be priced competitively with existing models in the marketplace.

In addition to the improved fuel economy, company officials also said the truck boasts the industry’s easiest entry/egress, making it ideal for delivery applications where the driver must constantly be entering and exiting the cab.

The door is one-inch wider than on current trucks and has a 73-degree pivot, the company says.

“Business managers and drivers alike will appreciate the easy entry and egress and roomy cab of the Sterling 360,” added Merrifield. “While the drivers will benefit from a more comfortable and convenient work environment, managers will value the increased productivity and retention from reduced driver fatigue.”

The cab itself is also roomy, with more than 90 cubic feet of cab volume, Sterling officials say. The cab comfortably sits three people and the driver can easily pass through the cab to exit curbside for improved safety.

The 360 also offers an impressive wheel cut angle, resulting in a tight turning radius as well as a large windshield for improved visibility.

“We know that congested traffic, narrow streets, cluttered delivery sites, and unpredictable weather are daily challenges for our customers,” said Merrifield. “That’s why the Sterling 360 was built to handle a wide variety of demanding jobs in any environment while keeping the driver comfortable so they can focus on the task at hand.”