Automatics what's your thoughts?

Just confirmed with success leasing and model year 2016 will be automatics. When I told my trainer nick he immediately called to confirm. He then talked to our fm and it appears it will be for 2017. So the details are hazy but generally confirmed for 2016 and 2017. Honestly even with some struggles I am having I don't know how I feel about it. There is a talent and expertise in handling the truck but I hear the fuel conservation is 9 and 10. So for leasing operators this is a huge positive

 

Husband drove a 2005 Volvo condo that was automatic. It is a lot nicer if you have arthritis complaints. This truck had the Meritor system on it, but not near the electronics that they have on them now.

It used to be that if you only drove an automatic, other companies would not touch you as having experience in the future because it was not a manual shift.

 

That means less money for us jalopy runners. Either gonna force us out all together or force conformation into a new truck

 

Well, considering I ordered a 2016 and have had it for almost 2 months (and it ain't an automatic), pretty sure 2017 model year would be the first all auto. Now, they could start ordering the rest of the 2016's as auto...

 

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This will make it much easier to train new students... No more downshift brain-farts.....

 

Automatic are nice for a day or 2 in my opinion lol

 

They already have those, the ones with DEF go down the road with the engine off when they have to tow it to the shop.

 

Because in the BUSINESS world that's what is making more money.

Fuel is the #1 expense in trucking...bar none.
Save money on fuel and you'll see more profit....in a slim profit margin industry this makes you competitive also.

No need to worry about drivers shifting, it does what you want it to as a fleet manager.

And any required repairs are a non issue because trucks are turned near the end of warranty anyway.

 

Common sense is not so common.