New Addition to Business Class M2 Product Line Offers Higher Capacity and Power

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY…Freightliner Trucks today introduced the largest and highest capacity model in the new Class 5-8 Business Class® M2 truck line – the Business Class M2 112. Featuring a 112-inch BBC (bumper-to-back-of-cab) measurement and available in gross vehicle weight (GVW) ratings to 66,000 pounds, the Business Class M2 112 is built for a wide range of demanding commercial vehicle applications. The new truck was unveiled at the Mid-America Trucking Show here.

“The Business Class M2 112 is an important addition to the Business Class M2 product line as it delivers the higher capacity and power that are needed in numerous applications,” said Mark Lampert, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Freightliner Trucks. “Like the rest of the Business Class M2 product line, the 112-inch BBC version is designed to give commercial truck operators unprecedented advantages in productivity and operational efficiency.”

According to Lampert, the Business Class M2 112 offers a wide range of cab, chassis and component options including a factory-installed Crew Cab and Extended Cab. It can support a wide range of bodies and chassis-mounted equipment while delivering heavy-duty power.

Available as a truck or tractor, the Business Class M2 112 offers front axles rated from 12,000 pounds to 20,000 pounds and rear axles up to 46,000 pounds. Freightliner Rear AirLiner Suspensions and Freightliner heavy-duty TufTrac Suspensions with ratings of 40,000 pounds and 46,000 pounds are offered as options.

The Business Class M2 112 comes standard with a 1200-square-inch radiator and
the Mercedes-Benz MBE4000 engine with horsepower ratings to 450 hp. The MBE4000 is recognized for its durability, fuel economy and low cost of operation. Caterpillar engines will also be offered as options later in 2003. Eaton-Fuller AutoShift and Eaton-Fuller manual 10- or 13-speed transmissions, along with Allison HD series
transmissions, are also available.

Engineered to be body-builder friendly, the Business Class M2 112 features a clean back-of-cab to allow simple body installation. Frame rails rated to 3.7 million RBM accommodate heavy-duty body applications. A new multiplex wiring system reduces the number of wires and a new Air Manifold Unit reduces pneumatic lines for greater versatility and ease of installation.

“Not only have we designed the Business Class M2 112 to allow the customer to select the right combination of power and components to meet their operational requirements,” Lampert continued, “we’ve also made sure the Business Class M2 112 offers drivers and crews the ability to work as safely and productively as possible.”

Featuring a lower step-in height, the cab doors are wider for easier entry and exit. In addition, slip-resistant interior and exterior grab handles contribute to increase safety. A sloped hood, lowered dash and an expansive, 2500-square-inch windshield maximizes visibility while the truck’s wheel cut delivers a tight turning radius to provide optimum maneuverability in traffic or on the job.

Fixed, high-back bench seats are standard, with air suspension and SCBA seats available as options. With an expanded cab depth and width, along with an ergonomic dash featuring automotive style LED back-lit gauges and controls, improved HVAC system and a host of other interior options, the Business Class M2 112 is designed to keep drivers comfortable and productive while on the job.

Depending on the application, the Business Class M2 112 is available in a regular
cab, Extended Cab or Crew Cab. The truck’s aluminum cab with steel-reinforced front wall is strong and lightweight.

Production of the Business Class M2 112 begins in the third quarter of 2003.

First introduced in February 2002, the Business Class M2 product line succeeds Freightliner’s highly successful Business Class product line, introduced in 1991. The Business Class M2 112 now joins the 100-inch BBC and 106-inch BBC models to broaden the scope for demanding applications.

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