Workhorse reveals walk-in van dash and hood concepts

Navistar International Corp.’s Workhorse Custom Chassis showcased several “industry-advancing concepts for the walk-in van market” at its vehicle display during this week’s International Baking Industry Exhibition in Las Vegas. An interior dash concept module shown provides a more ergonomic, driver-friendly instrument panel, according to Workhorse. Also on display was a more aerodynamic hood design concept, which the truck maker said body builders could integrate for better aerodynamics and improved fuel economy.

A company spokesperson told FleetOwner that this marked the first time the dash module and aerodynamic hood design concepts have been publicly shown, with the purpose being for “customer engagement.” In addition, it was noted that there is no planned date for when these design concepts will be incorporated into production vehicles.

“Workhorse is committed to improving the efficiency of its products and services to help customers in the baking industry improve their bottom line,” said Dennis Huffmon, vp & gm of Workhorse, in a news release. He said that Workhorse’s W62 chassis with a 6.0-liter GM Vortec gasoline engine is “seeing a 20% improvement in fuel economy over the previous engine.”

Huffmon also said the company has begun offering Navistar’s all-new 2010 6.4-liter MaxxForce 7 diesel powertrain in its 2010 W62 diesel platforms. He noted that the MaxxForce diesel along with the GM Vortec gasoline engine means Workhorse “provides two hassle-free solutions to 2010 emissions compliance.”