LAS VEGAS (Jan. 23, 2018) – As the construction industry finishes a strong 2017 and economists expect continued growth in 2018, Mack Trucks announced a new loyalty reward program for National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) members who purchase Mack® Granite® models. Mack made the announcement during World of Concrete 2018, Jan. 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Let’s Build! Mack Trucks Parts and Service Loyalty Reward Program offers NRMCA members with a $1,000 parts and service reward for Mack Granite models purchased between Jan. 12, 2018 through June 30, 2018. Customers are eligible to receive the reward for up to 10 Granite models at participating Mack dealers.
“It’s good news for our construction customers that the industry is continuing to expand, and we wanted to reward them with yet another benefit to doing business with Mack Trucks,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Customers require ongoing support once they purchase a vehicle, and this loyalty reward program enables them to improve their ROI by saving money on Mack Granite parts and service.”
Along with single-family housing starts, public construction may also increase in 2018 if a new $1 trillion, 10-year highway bill to improve roads and infrastructure passes. Many construction projects remain ongoing, too, as a result of national disasters that occurred in 2017.
“All indicators are that 2018 should be a good year for the construction industry,” Randall said.
The Mack Granite, Mack’s ultimate workhorse, and the No.1-selling heavy-duty conventional straight truck in the U.S. for four years in a row, features an all-new interior engineered to help customers attract and retain drivers.
One of the premier features of the layout is the new flat-bottom steering wheel, a trucking industry first, enabling easier entering and exiting of the cab, as well as offering more belly room. The new steering wheel also gives the driver a better view of the dash, and can be equipped with illuminated cruise control, Bluetooth and audio system buttons.
The new gauge cluster and dash layout in the Granite model improves visibility and readability. Frequently used controls are within reach of the driver’s fingertips. Switches were repositioned higher on the dash, and the Mack mDRIVE™ automated manual transmission shift pad is now within easier reach for the driver. The dash panel can accommodate 18 easy-to-read switches, which now have laser etched labeling to prevent them from being worked off, even with repeated use.
An Automatic Temperature Control feature was added to the HVAC controls so that the temperature is maintained once set by the driver. Cup holders and storage bins are now in a new lower center console, and both are easily removed for cleaning. Multiple 12-volt and USB charging ports are available throughout the dash, and a new non-slip pad on top of the dash features two USB charging ports.
The Mack Granite model delivers unmatched performance and driveability for concrete mixer applications when equipped with a Mack MP®7 11-liter engine and the Mack mDRIVE™ HD 14-speed automated manual transmission with creeper gears. The mDRIVE HD with creeper gears is approximately 150 pounds lighter than an automatic transmission.
Mack Granite models for concrete mixer applications also come standard with Mack ClearTech™ One, a single-package Exhaust Aftertreatment System (EATS) that frees up frame rail space and reduces weight by approximately 17 pounds. With Mack ClearTech One, the diesel particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) dosing system are all combined into one unit. With the rail space gained, customers have more space to add water tanks and chutes with more wheelbase flexibility than before.
All Mack Granite models are backed by Mack GuardDog® Connect, Mack’s proactive diagnostic and repair planning system. The telematics system monitors fault codes that could potentially shut down a truck or lead to an unplanned visit to the dealer. GuardDog Connect enables quick diagnosis of issues, proactive scheduling for repairs and confirmation that needed parts are in stock and ready to install, all while the truck is still on the job.
Along with Uptime support, Mack has also made significant strides to simplify body builder support services. Mack has a focused body builder support group that offers prompt access to Mack product experts who can answer questions that may arise while spec’ing a truck or during the body upfit process. The group also addresses customer inquiries after a vehicle is in service.
“Mack offers the total package of product, service and unmatched support to our customers,” said Tim Wrinkle, Mack construction product manager. “We know how the total cost of ownership is extremely important to our customers, which is why we continue to come up with innovative ways to support them, such as the loyalty reward program, body builder support and Mack GuardDog Connect.”
