Mack Trucks has announced plans to unveil a new flagship on-highway semi in 2025, signaling a significant advancement in its vehicle lineup. The forthcoming model is expected to either succeed or substantially update the current Anthem model, which debuted in 2017.
During Volvo Group’s Capital Markets Day on November 14, Mack Trucks President Stephen Roy described the upcoming semi as an “industry disrupter,” emphasizing its potential to enhance Mack’s competitiveness across a broader segment of the market. Roy stated, “We go from a product that’s a fairly old product from a foundational standpoint to a premium product that will absolutely allow us to compete in 70% of the market.”
The new semi is anticipated to feature more radical upgrades compared to the recent relaunch of Volvo Trucks North America’s VNL tractor. While specific details remain undisclosed, the enhancements are expected to address both performance and driver comfort, aligning with industry trends toward innovation and efficiency.
Mack’s current Class 8 on-highway portfolio includes the Anthem and Pinnacle models. The Anthem offers configurations such as a 70-inch stand-up sleeper, 48-inch flat-top sleeper, and day cab, with engine options including the 11-liter MP7, 13-liter MP8, and MP8HE diesel engines, as well as a Cummins ISX-12N natural gas engine for certain models.
The introduction of the new flagship semi is part of Mack’s strategic plan to increase its Class 8 market share to over 10% by 2030. This goal is supported by expanding production capacity and resolving previous supply chain challenges. Roy noted that early feedback from previews of the new model has been “fantastic,” indicating strong market anticipation.
In recent developments, Mack Trucks has also brought all cab assembly operations in-house by acquiring Commercial Vehicle Group’s Kings Mountain, N.C., facility. This move aims to address supply chain issues and enhance production efficiency, further supporting the company’s growth objectives.
As the trucking industry evolves with a focus on sustainability and technological advancements, Mack Trucks’ forthcoming flagship semi is poised to play a pivotal role in meeting the demands of modern freight transportation.
President Joe Biden has urged Congress to allocate $8 billion in emergency transportation funding to restore critical infrastructure damaged by recent natural disasters. This funding would address destroyed highway corridors, aid disaster-stricken communities, and repair Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in March after a collision with a cargo ship.
This transportation funding request is part of a broader $100 billion emergency aid package aimed at bolstering recovery efforts for areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other disasters.
In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) dated November 18, Biden emphasized the importance of timely action. “It is our sworn duty now to deliver the necessary resources to ensure communities reeling from Hurricanes Helene and Milton have the federal support they need,” Biden wrote.
Priorities for Transportation Recovery
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg underscored the urgency of the funding during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on November 20. “We’re growing closer to a situation where this department will not be able to provide even partial funding to eligible projects in the future,” Buttigieg warned.
He highlighted affected areas, including Arkansas, California, and Oklahoma, as examples of communities in dire need of infrastructure rebuilding. “We currently lack the funds to permanently rebuild infrastructure in these communities, even though they are eligible,” Buttigieg said.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joined Buttigieg at the hearing, emphasizing FEMA’s commitment to supporting recovery efforts. “Communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton require FEMA’s ongoing, uninterrupted support during their recovery phase. However, FEMA is rapidly exhausting its disaster relief fund,” Criswell explained.
Challenges in Securing Funding
Despite the administration’s push, Congress has yet to schedule votes on a supplemental funding package. Both House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have expressed a commitment to avoiding a government shutdown, as federal funding authority is set to expire on December 20.
“Both sides must work together to prevent a shutdown,” Schumer stated. “Nobody wants to hear the words ‘Christmas-time shutdown’ a few weeks from now.”
Infrastructure Needs Beyond Emergency Aid
In addition to emergency recovery, transportation funding remains a legislative priority. Earlier this year, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a transportation bill providing $964.5 million for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), $63.1 billion for the Federal Highway Administration, and $22 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration.
The House committee-passed version proposed $909 million for FMCSA and included $200 million for truck parking expansion projects nationwide to address a critical shortage affecting commercial vehicle operators.
Implications for the Trucking and Transportation Sectors
If approved, the $8 billion emergency package would significantly impact the trucking and transportation sectors, ensuring that damaged corridors and facilities are restored to facilitate commerce and travel. However, the broader funding impasse highlights challenges in balancing disaster recovery with long-term infrastructure investments.
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Original Article – Mack Trucks to Introduce New Flagship Semi in 2025, Aiming for Market Expansion – Class A Jobs 411
