Freightliner Trucks Extends "Slice of Life" Program Slice of Life participants to receive new Cascadia trucks equipped with Detroit Diesel BlueTec emissions technology
8/13/2009
PORTLAND, Ore. - With almost one year down and hundreds of thousands of miles logged, the Freightliner Trucks "Slice of Life" drivers have put their Detroit Diesel DD15(tm) equipped 2009 Cascadia(tm) trucks to good use.
And because of the popularity of the Slice of Life program and the positive response from the three participants - Dick McCorkle, Henry Albert and Kurt Grote - Freightliner Trucks has extended the program so they can continue to enjoy the Cascadia's enhanced aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, with the new addition of Detroit Diesel's BlueTec(r) SCR emissions technology.
"Given the positive response we've received so far, we decided to extend the program and introduce the drivers to BlueTec emissions technology by giving them three new Cascadia trucks to test drive with DD15's with BlueTec technology," said Jamie Heck, owner operator product marketing manager for Freightliner Trucks. "As Kurt, Henry and Dick continue to cross North America, we will be eager to read their blogs and hear their reports detailing their experiences and the performance of these new products."
On the Road
During the past year, each of the participants has encountered every type of climate and terrain as they've traveled throughout North America. While Albert, Grote and McCorkle each have different experiences with their trucks thus far, all had the same impression about the Cascadia's reliability and comfort, and the DD15's power and fuel economy.
"When I'm driving coast to coast with the Cascadia and DD15 engine, it's reassuring to know that I have something dependable under me and behind me," said Grote. "I've had no problems with my truck or engine, and with today's economy, reliability is more important than ever."
According to Albert, one of the benefits of participating in the Slice of Life program has been the opportunity to speak with other drivers at truck stops or via his blog - www.SliceofTruckerLife.com - about implementing better business practices.
McCorkle shares a similar sentiment. "At the end of the day, this is a business, and the Cascadia and DD15 are instrumental in achieving our business goals. I love being able to share with other drivers what I've learned, and prove that the Cascadia and DD15 are something special."
Each of the participants often invites other drivers to test out the Cascadia for themselves, and they always enjoy the reactions they get.
"As soon as you close the door on the Cascadia, you realize it is something different and special, and seeing that wow-factor time and again with other drivers is a lot of fun," said Albert.
There have also been some adjustments and surprises along the way. For example, Grote noted his experience with the Cascadia's cab was a little different at first.
"I'm used to a much smaller truck, so I had to adjust to sleeping in such a big space," said Grote. "The cab has everything an owner-operator could possibly want. Freightliner has built a premier product."
And McCorkle, who had limited experience with both Freightliner and Detroit Diesel products, wasn't sure what to expect when starting the Slice of Life experience.
"What has really surprised me about the DD15 is its power coupled with its fuel economy," said McCorkle. "And, the engine is so quiet. When combined with the Cascadia's luxuriously quiet cab, the experience is remarkable."
Added Albert, "I'm really enjoying everything about the Slice of Life program - from bonding with Dick and Kurt, to meeting other drivers along the way, to simply enjoying how well the truck rides. It's been a great trip."
What's Next
In the second phase of the Slice of Life program, Albert, Grote and McCorkle will each receive a new Cascadia equipped with BlueTec SCR-equipped DD15 engines.
BlueTec - Daimler's widely acclaimed emissions technology - was selected by Detroit Diesel in 2005 to meet the upcoming stringent EPA 2010 emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks. BlueTec represents the world's latest innovation for clean diesel engine technology.
"With BlueTec emissions technology, Henry, Kurt and Dick will continue to realize the outstanding fuel efficiency they've grown used to in the comfort of their Cascadia trucks," said David Siler, director of marketing for Detroit Diesel. "Just as they've been impressed with the Slice of Life experience so far, we have no doubt that the DD15 with BlueTec will exceed their expectations. In fact, with the BlueTec DD15 our Slice of Life Drivers will enjoy the levels of fuel efficiency that they experienced back in the days before EGR systems were used to meet emissions regulations. That is a powerful benefit for drivers."
The Slice of Life drivers appeared at Expedite Expo in Wilmington, Ohio (July 24-25) and have scheduled appearances at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas (Aug. 20-22) and the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. (March 25-27, 2010).
For more information about the program, upcoming appearances, podcasts and blogs from the participants, to directly correspond with the drivers, and a complete event schedule, go to www.SliceofTruckerLife.com.
Freightliner Trucks is a division of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and is the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America. Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets Class 4-8 trucks and is a Daimler company, the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturer. |
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