LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY…Freightliner Trucks today introduced a 112-inch BBC (bumper-to-back-of-cab) version of its popular Columbia heavy-duty truck and tractor. Intended for diverse short- and long-haul applications, the Columbia 112 features an overall shorter length for maximum maneuverability, visibility, payload and ease of operation. Freightliner Trucks unveiled the new truck at the Mid-America Trucking Show here.

“The Freightliner Columbia has become one of the most popular heavy-duty trucks on the road today,” said Mark Lampert, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Freightliner Trucks. “We are very proud to introduce the 112-inch BBC configuration to further expand the versatility of the Columbia line.”

According to Lampert, the Columbia 112 is built with the same attention to durability and reliability as the 120-inch BBC configuration, introduced in 1999. With its increased maneuverability and enhanced visibility, the new Columbia 112 is ideal for the hauler that wants maximum payload capability and ease-of-operation along with great fuel economy and cost per mile efficiency.

“We’ve designed the Columbia 112 to be an efficient partner for intrastate operations, bulk haulers, less than truckload applications, inter-city delivery and distribution trucking operations,” Lampert said.

Engineered to be lightweight and versatile, the Columbia 112 is shorter in length by 8 inches than the 120 configuration and features a set-back front axle and an up-to-50 degree wheel cut to optimize maneuverability. The truck’s wide, two-piece swept back windshield and sloped hood are designed to reduce air drag as well as offer the driver improved visibility.

Ride and handling are enhanced with a leaf and a half front spring suspension, rated at 12,000 pounds. Freightliner’s AirLiner Front Suspension is available as an option. Other suspension options include Freightliner’s AirLiner Rear Suspension and the Freightliner TufTrac heavy-duty suspension. Suspensions with ratings of 40,000 pounds, 46,000 pounds and 52,000 pounds can also be specified.

The Columbia 112 can be equipped to handle the stress of metropolitan deliveries or the long mile routes of regional haulers. The truck is available with Mercedes-Benz MBE4000 or Caterpillar engines with horsepower ratings to 470. Customers can specify transmissions from Eaton-Fuller, Meritor, and Allison, and choose a variety of other core components. The truck is also designed to be easily serviceable with a high-degree tilting hood for easy engine compartment access.

The Columbia 112 comes in a Day Cab or in a range of SleeperCab options.

The truck also features a host of components and options designed to create a comfortable working and living environment. Inside the cab, the wrap-around dash is mounted low to increase visibility, controls and switches are easy to reach, and the LED back-lit instruments are easy to read. A 21-setting HVAC system provides fresh, filtered air at temperatures designated by the driver. With several different seating options available, including Freightliner’s EzyRider seat, the cab of the Columbia 112 can be easily customized for maximum driver comfort and control.

The Freightliner Columbia 112 comes with a one-year 100,000-mile warranty; 3 years and 300,000 miles on drivetrain components; and 3 years/300,000 miles on cab structure or sheet metal.

“On top of being a great-looking truck, the Columbia 112 is a smart business decision,” Lampert continued. “With its comprehensive warranty, solid construction, and efficient operation, the Columbia 112 is an investment that will pay off...now and in the future.”

Production of the Columbia 112 begins in the third quarter of 2003.

Freightliner Trucks is a division of Freightliner LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and is the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America. Freightliner Trucks produces and markets Class 3-8 trucks and is a company of DaimlerChrysler, the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer.

Press Release courtesy of Freightliner LLC