Freightliner delivers hybrid truck to hit TV show MythBusters

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PORTLAND, Ore. — Freightliner Trucks is teaming up with the hit Discovery Channel program, “MythBusters,” to help haul the show’s equipment for future episodes.

A 2010 Freightliner business class M2 106 hybrid dry van truck was delivered to the San Francisco-based show, which looks to uncover the truth behind popular myths and legends using scientific method. The show also often includes custom-built test rigs, explosions and flying crash test dummies. At the end of each episode, myths are rated “busted,” “plausible” or “confirmed.”  

The EPA 2010-compliant, diesel-powered truck is equipped with selective catalytic reduction emissions technology and an Eaton parallel hybrid-electric drive unit. Officials say the combination offers remarkably low exhaust emissions while delivering a 25% to 40% improvement in fuel economy.

“The Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Hybrid is a versatile truck renowned for great manoeuvrability, reliability, efficiency and driver comfort,” said David Hames, general manager of marketing and strategy for Daimler Trucks North America. “While myth-busting may be a messy and challenging task, delivering the goods on-set won’t be a problem for the Freightliner Business Class M2.”

“We’ve enjoyed a great working relationship with the team at Freightliner Trucks for many years,” said Jamie Hyneman, host of MythBusters. “They’ve provided vehicles for truck-related myths and have offered use of their proving grounds in Madras, Ore., whenever we need it. That’s remarkable because we have a hard time getting anyone who’s seen the show to loan us anything!”

The 20-ft. van body was built and installed at Supreme Corporation’s Moreno Valley, Calif., facility and includes a 16-ft. retractable awning, exterior lighting and a hydraulic tail gate lift manufactured by Maxon Lifts of Santa Fe Springs, Calif. The truck chassis will also feature an Eaton 5 kW auxiliary power generator that will energize accessories like power tools and a refrigerator from the hybrid battery, reducing truck idle time.  

“This truck is perfectly suited to support our day-to-day operations and off-site production,” said Dan Tapster, executive producer of MythBusters. “We are delighted that Eaton Hybrid Power, Supreme Truck Bodies and Maxon Lifts collaborated with Freightliner Trucks to pull this together.”

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