Ecmweb 7764 Nissan Titan 2
Ecmweb 7764 Nissan Titan 2
Ecmweb 7764 Nissan Titan 2
Ecmweb 7764 Nissan Titan 2
Ecmweb 7764 Nissan Titan 2

2016 Truck and Van Preview

Sept. 17, 2015
If there’s a common theme running through the 2016 model review, it would be about building trucks that offer more capability, more efficiency, and more simplicity.

If there’s a common theme running through the 2016 model review on the following pages, it would be about building trucks that offer more capability, more efficiency, and more simplicity.

For an example of capability, look no further than Ford’s revamped 2016 Transit full-size van. By adding dual-sliding side cargo doors as an option, customers can now choose from 58 different configurations for the Transit versus 47 offered for the previous version.

When the topic of greater efficiency is discussed, truck owners usually focus on fuel economy, and there is certainly no shortage of fuel-saving options in the 2016 model mix.

From a fuel-sipping small-block diesel engine option for GM’s midsize Canyon and Colorado pickups, or adding precise software solutions, such as Allison Transmission’s FuelSense package to boost medium-duty fuel economy, efficiency is a watchword throughout the truck class spectrum.

Then there’s simplicity: a trait becoming ever-more valued to not only make the work life of today’s commercial drivers easier and safer, but also to make their trucks easier to upfit and maintain.

More automated manual transmissions and fully automatic gearboxes are being offered; more comfortable and ergonomic cab interiors are available; and more work is being done on the assembly line to ensure holes in the chassis don’t need to be drilled for body wiring harnesses.

Whether it’s offering rearview camera and trailer hitch assist technology, like Ford is doing for transit vans and wagons, or wireless Bluetooth connectivity that allows hands-free calling with a properly equipped mobile device on Mitsubishi Fuso medium-duty trucks, OEMs are trying to make things simpler for the end-user across a wide array of truck attributes.

Capability, efficiency, and simplicity — it’s the mantra OEMs followed to design and produce their 2016 models, and it will assuredly be the mantra for their future truck-making endeavors as well.

To see a photo gallery with new model summaries, visit Fleet Owner magazine.

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Senior Editor

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