Ford, Chrysler Bidding to Build Mail Trucks
Two automakers are hoping to build the next-generation of U.S. Postal Service delivery trucks.
Both Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are bidding on producing the new delivery trucks and are among a list of 15 companies that are in the running. The contract will supply the government agency with new delivery trucks, replacing the current fleet that is more than 20 years old. Ford and Fiat Chrysler are competing against various military, mass-transit and specialized transportation companies for the contract and the proposed vehicles will need to last at least 20 years, carry a minimum payload of 1,500 lbs and pass safety and emissions requirements.
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The government service is also requiring the next-generation of vehicles to share a similar design but have improved fuel economy and other performance specifications and ergonomics. It will be up to each company to propose a new or modified vehicle, according to Postal Service spokeswoman Sarah Ninivaggi.
The contract would supply up to 180,000 vehicles at $25,000 to $35,000 per vehicle, which totals between $4.5 billion and $6.3 billion. Expect the Postal Service to select companies for prototype models by July with testing starting in September 2016 and selecting the company by January 2017. From there, you’ll likely start seeing new postal trucks in 2018.
[Source: The Detroit News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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