SUMMERVILLE, SC – American LaFrance debuted its new 2012 model Eagle fire chassis at FDIC 2011 in Indianapolis. On the opening day of the show, the company announced it will now distribute the 2012 model Eagle fire chassis through select fire and emergency manufacturing partners.
"We started discussions with fire departments and body builders last year and noted their concerns related to how today's fire chassis alternatives would react to the evolving EPA emission standards and NFPA guidelines," says Richard Ball, Director of Marketing for American LaFrance. "We feel the new 2012 Eagle exceeds all compliance standards and maintains the strong record of performance and reliability that has always followed the Eagle brand."
American LaFrance Eagle customers will have access to the largest fire chassis service network in North America. Combined with its growing fire dealer network, American LaFrance will leverage its vocational dealer network adding over 125 locations and 500 bays. "While the confidence in the Eagle's performance and quality is high, the OEM's we talked to highlighted the need for trusted service outlets," says Bill Landreth, Vice President of Aftermarket for American LaFrance. "We can provide greater warranty, parts, and service access utilizing our fire and vocational network to departments across North American."
The 2012 Eagle will feature the Cummins lineup of 2010 EPA ISC 8.3L, ISL 9L, and ISX 11.9 engines. While previously only available in the Metropolitan model, the 2012 Eagle will feature the Allison EVS 3000 Series transmissions as an option. The 1,627 square inch radiator allows for maximum cooling to allow the engine to capture peak horsepower and torque ratings. The cab includes upgrades that have been made standard, including a new multiplex VMUX electrical system designed to enable real time performance, safety, and truck data to be fed through an easy to read dash mounted display.
A noticeable highlight pointed out by many of the FDIC attendees was the relocation of the DEF tank. The DEF tank contains urea and can be corrosive in nature, so positioning the tank in the cab can lead to unpleasant odors over time. American LaFrance avoids this issue by placing the tank outside the cab, under the passenger step well.
If you are interested in sales information related to the Eagle fire chassis, please visit www.americanlafrance.com to locate an American LaFrance dealer or American LaFrance Regional Sales Manager in your area.
American LaFrance, LLC is a leading manufacturer of fire, rescue and vocational vehicles. Through its predecessor entities, the Company is the oldest fire apparatus manufacturer in the United States, dating back to its founding in 1832. American LaFrance continues to manufacturer the industries top lines of fire apparatus including its Eagle custom fire chassis, Liberty series, LTI aerial ladders, and a full line of custom pumper products. The company is headquartered in Summerville, SC, with additional manufacturing facilities in Ephrata, PA. American LaFrance is held by Patriarch Partners, LLC, a private equity and investment firm located in New York.
