UD Debuts New MK Range

UD Trucks has launched the next instalment in its updated ADR 80/02 compliant range of trucks with the Australian introduction of the new MK.

The MK broadens UD Trucks’ medium-duty line-up joining the higher end medium-duty PK9 and PK10 models and the flagship GW400 and GW470 heavy-duty trucks launched earlier this year.

There will be three MK models in the new range starting with the four-cylinder MK5 equipped with a day cab and moving up to the six-cylinder sleeper cab equipped MK6 and MK6 plus models.

A total of eight variants will be offered including leaf and air suspension models as well as a wide array of wheelbase options ranging from 3770mm to 5500mm.

The choice of wheelbases, suspensions and transmissions makes the new UD MKs more flexible and versatile for a wider range of operations without the need for major re-engineeering or chassis lengthening or reduction.

UD say they have also addressed the growing demand for automatic transmissions by offering the Allison LCT 2500 five speed automatic as an option on the MK6 models.

This is claimed to answer the growing demand for automatic trucks from major transport operators looking to increase the efficiency and productivity of city-based distribution trucks.

According to UD Trucks general manager, John Bushell, the new models deliver a more flexible approach for transport operators with high levels of productivity and efficiency.

“High levels of standard equipment and value for money as well as strong active and passive safety, fuel efficiency and clean engine technology are all part of the package we have put together for the MK5 and MK6s,” said John Bushell.

“The new MKs join the GWs and PKs we launched in Australia earlier this year and will add to UD’s solid and highly respected reputation for trucks that perform and return strongly on the investment,” he said.

“Like its bigger brothers the new MK range takes a big step up in every area, they are very impressive medium-duty trucks which will further help UD to build its market share in Australia,” he added.

“The addition of an Allison automatic option on the MK6 will greatly add to the appeal of the UD product particularly against our competitors, some of whom do not feature an automatic while others are offering an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) trucks,” said Bushell.

“The automatic is a major plus for us and we believe will be a better option than AMT in this size of truck,” he added.

The MK medium-duty models will join the new streamlined UD range in Australia in July this year completing the new look line-up, all of which easily meet the latest ADR 80/02 emission requirements and the ADR 83/00 noise regulations.

The four cylinder MK5 is powered by a 175hp/500Nm common rail turbo diesel engine that is ideally suited to a range of operations from tilt tray to inner city delivery Tautliner or pantech.

The larger variants feature a six cylinder common rail turbo diesel engine with the MK6 boasting maximum power of 228hp and torque of 686Nm. The MK6 plus features 258hp and 794Nm.

With a 10.4 tonne GVM and a GCM of 14.9 tonnes the new models underline their versatility and adaptability with a choice of either spring or air suspension on all models.

The MK5 will also have the option of three spring and two air suspension wheelbase options, MK6 will offer four spring and four air suspension wheelbase options while the MK6 plus boasts one spring and three air suspension options.

The standard equipment is a highlight with ABS anti lock brakes, EHS Easy Hill Start, air conditioning, remote central locking, cruise control and an air suspension seat amongst the extensive features list.Volvo Trucks and Yara increase AdBlue network across Australia for Euro4 and Euro5 trucks