Morgan Truck Body, the largest manufacturer of light- and medium-duty freight and refrigerated van and truck bodies in North America, will provide an up-close look at its innovative proof-of-concept body, NEO, during NTEA Work Truck Week, March 7 – 10, 2023 in Indianapolis.
The NEO proof-of-concept body (POC), shown on Navistar’s International eMV Series chassis, represents the next step of Morgan’s product evolution to achieve extended range, improved aerodynamics, and a lighter-weight dry-freight body. It comes on the heels of last year’s first-phase concept body that introduced lighter-weight materials and situational awareness elements, many of which are now available.
“During development of the NEO POC body, we worked from the ground up by designing new structural profiles, refining materials and enhancing construction and mounting methods,” says Corby Stover, Interim President & COO, VP Engineering, Morgan Truck Body. “We appreciated collaborating with Navistar to integrate their high-performance electric chassis on this exciting concept vehicle. Our goal is to improve our customer experience by gaining valuable feedback about NEO so we can incorporate the features customers want and need into our evolving designs.”
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The 24-foot-long NEO POC body is built on a lightweight aluminum sub-frame, nearly 40% lighter than a standard sheet and post or FRP body. Improved aerodynamics, including an aerodynamic roof, coupled with lower weight, results in extended range. The NEO POC body includes:
- Ergonomic enhancements to assist operators
- Improved safety with a lateral protection device that is hinged for easy under-vehicle access and outfitted with aerodynamic side skirts
- Powered rear overhead door with active remote control and EAVX’s automated VX Control passive entry and exit system
- Morgan SA 3.0 Situational Awareness Package with camera and sensors for improved visibility, pedestrian protection, and distracted driver awareness
- Lighter body to increase available payload
“Collaborating with innovative partners like Morgan Truck Body aligns with our efforts to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility,” says Debbie Shust, Vice President, Medium Duty Business, Navistar. “The thoughtful integration of form and function in the NEO POC body is the right step toward improving the overall customer experience and considering the vehicle’s entire ecosystem.”
SOURCE: Businesswire