The Sterling 360 is designed for fuel economy, easy entry and egress, maneuverability and visibility, with a body builder-preferred design, according to the company.

It offers a complete, value-added package including expert customer support, easy financing and body upfitting options, according to the company. It also enhances the customer’s bottom line by offering significantly better fuel economy, which can save $600 a year or more over competitive models, according to the company.

“As we welcome the new Sterling 360 to the product family, we also strengthen our commitment to the growth of the brand,” said John Merrifield, senior vice president of distribution, Freightliner Group. “Sterling is now the only truck OEM to offer customers a full line of Class 3-8 vehicles, which allows us to reach a wider customer base and provides us with a platform for future product introductions.”

The Sterling 360 will be available at select Sterling dealers across North America. Classes 4 and 5 will be rolled out in spring 2006 and Class 3 in mid-2007.

Merrifield adds that using test data from an independent company, Transportation Research Center (TRC) Inc. and using what he refers to as a “conservative calculation” and figures related to a pick-up and delivery truck with a dry van box that travels 20,000 miles a year on average, and pays $2.50 per gallon of diesel fuel, the savings could be $600 a year or more compared to competitive models.

Sterling notes that the low COE design also helps drivers get in and out of their vehicle more quickly and easily. Featuring a door width one inch wider than the market leader, a larger and more ergonomic step position, and a 73-degree door pivot, the Sterling 360 offers the convenience and protection demanded for curbside pick-up and delivery, the company said. In addition, the Sterling 360 features an 11.75-in. distance from step to cab, which is up to 4.25 ins. less than competitive designs. Offset hinges also allow full access to the larger door opening.

The cab measures out at 90 cubic feet of cab volume and offers more floor and belly room than competitive models, the truck maker said. Comfortably seating three, the truck also allows the driver to pass through the cab and exit curbside for added safety and convenience.

According to Sterling, the Sterling 360 features an industry-leading 1.5-in. steering column tilt. Plus, the distance from the center fuel pedal to the seat base is 16.5 ins., the depth of the cab (fuel pedal to back of wall) is 51 ins. and the seatback area (back of seat to wall) is 7.5 ins., which gives more room and comfort to the driver, it added.

Ideal for applications such as wholesale and retail services, pickup and delivery, landscaping, and construction applications, the Sterling 360 is available with all the necessary configurations for popular body options like dry van, reefer, and stake applications, the company said.
In addition to its performance, the OEM said Sterling 360 is easy and convenient to maintain from inside and outside of the truck. Drivers can check the brake fluid reservoir through a sight window at the end of the instrument panel inside the cab. If engine maintenance is required, the cab easily tilts forward for accessibility and visibility.

The following are some popular specs and options available on the Sterling 360:
• 4.9L turbo diesel engine with 175 HP at 2,700 RPM and 391 lbs.-ft. of torque at 1,600 RPM;
• standard engine brake;
• six-speed automatic transmission with final reduction gear ratio of 5.285;
• GVWRs of 14,050 lbs., 14,500 lbs., and 17,995 lbs.;
• wheelbase and body length combinations of 115 ins. and 12 feet; 134 ins. and 14 feet; 152 ins. and 16 ft.; 164 ins. (at 14,500 and 17,995 GVWR only) and 18 ft., and 176 ins. and 20 ft. (17,995 GVWR only);
• front and rear suspension with laminated leaf springs, shock absorber and stabilizer bar;
• 33-gallon side mount fuel tank (standard) and 30-gallon fuel tank aft-mount between rails (optional);
• optional block heater; and
• five exterior paint colors;

Standard features include air conditioning, power steering, telescoping steering column, ABS, power door locks, daytime running lights, back-up alarm, crush bars in doors, cold weather starting aid, power take-off opening and drive gear, oil check button in cab, and a Panasonic AM/FM radio with CD player.

Plus, the standard exhaust brake is always engaged and comes with an electronic pad wear sensor that alerts the driver when the brakes are worn down, the company said. An industry-standard warranty also is available. For more information, see www.sterlingtrucks.com.