Stick a fork in it…
TravelCenters of America (TA) says the design of its newest truckstop restaurant offering, dubbed “Fork in the Road,” is based on feedback from professional drivers. While the eateries will present the look of a contemporary 1950s (read “space age”) diner, their menus will offer “homestyle cooking with a focus on regional items,” says TA. The first one opened recently at the chain's new location in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Top-tech salute
Peterbilt Motors Co. has named Irvin Bird of Allstate Peterbilt in South St. Paul, Minn., the Peterbilt/Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician of the Year for 2000. The competition, which is held among all Peterbilt dealership technicians, garners the winner a cash award. It's based on scores received on six ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Certification Tests. “This competition serves to help today's advanced technicians refine their skills and improve their proficiency,” says PACCAR vp and Peterbilt general manager Nick Panza. “The ASE competition serves as a means to encourage continued education among today's technicians and as positive reinforcement for new technicians entering the industry.”
Rave of the month
I just finished reading about intergalactic trucking. [Outside the Box: November, pg. 72]. It was wonderful. I am a transportation supervisor for a public school system…Could you rewrite it and make it school bus specific? I think bus drivers would get a honk out of it, as well as a message.
Jeff Porter
Jenison Public Schools
Jenison, Mich.
Olds no more
Another storied automotive name is headed to the junkyard of history. General Motors Corp. says it will begin phasing out Oldsmobile, the oldest brand name among American cars.
According to GM, investment in new models like the Intrigue and Aurora failed to make the Oldsmobile division profitable or to reverse eroding sales for the marque. The company says the 2002 Bravada sport-ute is destined to be the last new Olds. Ransom E. Olds, who produced one of the first commercially viable cars, founded Oldsmobile in 1897.
“The Internet is as routine as the morning paper, as much a part of our lives as television. In the future, companies that do not support their customers via a comprehensive Internet-based application simply will not survive. You are already seeing this in the IT world, and it's happening in more traditional industries like truck manufacturing as well.”
— Jim Hebe, Freightliner LLC president & CEO, speaking at a recent news conference
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