Mack Trucks in full production on new medium-duty series

Mack Trucks’ new Mack MD Series of medium-duty vehicles is now in full production at Mack’s new Roanoke Valley Operations facility in the Roanoke Valley, Virginia.

The Mack MD6, a Class 6 model, and the MD7, a Class 7 model, began rolling off the line Sept. 1, 2020, in preparation for delivery to dealers and customers. Photo courtesy of Mack Trucks

Mack announced early this year that it invested $13 million to establish the new 280,000-sq.-ft. production facility. The Mack MD6, a Class 6 model, and the MD7, a Class 7 model, began rolling off the line Sept. 1 in preparation for delivery to dealers and customers.

The Mack MD Series is a new model range built specifically for medium-duty applications, including tank truck vocations. During a virtual press event, company leaders said the medium-duty truck can meet propane delivery needs owing to its maneuverability and visibility features.

“Propane delivery applications, tankers in general, operate in some tight environments, having to maneuver around homes and in areas where you don’t normally see Class 6-7-type vehicles,” says Roy Horton, Mack special projects.

“We were really conscientious to make sure we had clear back of cab and clear frame rails to be able to address myriad bodies that were going to go on this,” adds Jonathan Randall, senior vice president of North American sales and commercial operations for Mack Trucks. “So with the 103 [-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab measurement], the overall length and the clear back of cab, clear frame rails, there is no hindrance behind getting what you need on there.”

Addressing one question about engine fuel, the company said it has no immediate plans to power the medium-duty vehicles with propane or electricity, but it will be looking for expansion opportunities for the product.

“The Cummins‘ 6.7-liter diesel engine – that’s our beginning,” says Horton. “Where we go from here really depends on what the market demand is, the market trends, the customer demand.”

With the introduction of the MD6, which has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds, and the MD7, which has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds, Mack now offers a complete lineup of Class 6 to Class 8 vehicles. Both models are exempt from the 12 percent federal excise tax, the company says.