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Autocar Trucks announced yesterday the launch of the Autocar DC-64R, a completely new conventional truck purpose-built from the ground-up for severe-duty refuse applications. Autocar’s guiding mission is to build trucks to be “Always Up”, that is, to stay in service despite the challenges of severe-duty applications. The Autocar DC-64R (the R stands for refuse) brings several notable innovations that make it uniquely suited to refuse-hauling.
James Johnston, the president of Autocar, said “The DC-64R is the direct result of the requests, insights, data, and guidance we received from many waste haulers across the industry. We could not have engineered a truck this good without all their feedback that resulted in innumerable improvements. We’re grateful for their help and proud to bring to this market a truck that is honestly customer-built.”
Eric Schwartz, Managing Director of Autocar Trucks, said “The DC’s cab is totally new and was designed by Autocar from the beginning for exceptional productivity, durability -- and especially safety -- in the refuse industry. The workspace of the cab maximizes productivity for drivers from the biggest guys to petite women, with everything visible and within easy reach. The cab also easily fits three, so work crews can get to and from their routes comfortably. Our unique raked windshield provides exceptional visibility for safety. And, true to our Always Up mission and Autocar’s legendary toughness, the interior uses authentic materials like a full steel structure inside the dashboard and aluminum sheets as dash panels. Even the interior door handles are aluminum tubes, not plastic. The totally new cab structure is built from a combination of steel, judiciously chosen aluminum components, and corner castings to withstand years of refuse abuse.”
The Autocar DC-64R is the first truck ever built to feature ultra-high-strength 160,000 PSI steel frame rails, 24% stronger and lighter than the rails on other trucks on the market, completely eliminating the need for frame liners in nearly all refuse applications. The primary benefit for the waste hauler is a significant weight savings that directly increases effective payload – and therefore, profitability.
Johnston continued, “One of the things we’re most proud of – because it will make a big difference in our customers’ business – is our totally upgraded electric system to resist the worst the garbage business can dish out. The DC also brings our customers the Autocar Always Up® display, with game-changing ‘one-touch diagnostics’. It actually tells the operator or technician what fault has occurred and shows them how to fix it. It gets trucks back into service and making money faster than anything anyone has had before.”
Schwartz added, “Everything about this truck is designed to solve problems our customers have with other trucks and achieve our goal of Always Up. There are so many other innovations, from the engines up to 500 HP that are hundreds of pounds lighter, to a real breakthrough in body integration. This truck is just revolutionary in the ways it will help waste haulers serve their customers and create ROI.”
The company revealed it has already accepted firm orders for production of the DC-64R at its Birmingham, Alabama factory, starting at the end of this summer.
The DC-64R is the first new conventional truck for the Autocar brand in 31 years and joins the ACX® and ACMD® cabover trucks and the ACTT® terminal tractor, as Autocar’s fourth line. The new truck also represents the rebirth of Autocar’s DC, first introduced by The Autocar Company in 1939 as its premier severe-duty and, revolutionary for the time, diesel-powered work truck.
The DC is also the first of Autocar’s lines to carry the recently announced Autocar bowtie logo, reborn on its 100th birthday.
James Johnston commented, “We’ve gone back to Autocar’s roots with the logo to symbolize that we are staying true to all the things that made Autocar the gold standard for customer-focused, purpose-built, severe-duty vocational trucks. That will never change. It’s the perfect time to show that we are inspired by the best of our history to build something fantastic for the future.”
Fitting inspiration indeed. As the Autocar slogan says, Always Up!
