Veteran drivers probably have noticed that the new Caterpillar® engines with ACERT® Technology sound and feel different. Cat® engines are built to not only meet tightening emissions regulations, but also to provide the best fuel economy and performance on the market. However, to achieve that goal, these engines require slightly different specifications and driving techniques than past products. That's where the new Caterpillar video for drivers, "Right From The Start," comes in.

"The cost of fuel isn't going anywhere but up, so getting the best possible fuel economy and performance is critical to everyone driving an on-highway vehicle powered by Cat," said Steve Brown, director of marketing, Caterpillar On-Highway Engines. "Our new video will help drivers and their OEM truck dealers correctly spec Cat engines with ACERT Technology, as well as provide driving tips to experience the best performance and fuel economy."

The 17-minute video, which features commentary from Cat driving professional Phil Hook and demonstration scenes with professional drivers, provides details about progressive shifting--a technique in which one shifts up as soon as they have enough rpm to be able to grab the next higher gear. The video also explains how downshifting later on grades will save on fuel. It contains a wealth of information about spec'ing, including the kind of transmission and rear-end gearing that work best for Cat engines equipped with ACERT Technology. "Right From The Start" is available in videotape (VHS) or digital (DVD) formats and can be ordered from local Caterpillar and OEM truck dealers.

"Today's Cat engines deliver the best value available in overall performance and fuel economy-however, drivers must adapt their techniques to take advantage of these benefits," Brown said. "This video will help them ensure they're getting the most out of their engines."

Last year, Caterpillar achieved a significant milestone: in the years 1995 - 2004, Caterpillar shipped more than 1 million on-highway engines. And the company has shipped over 185,000 on-highway engines equipped with the company's breakthrough ACERT Technology. With an active population of more than 1.2 million Cat engines on the road today, Caterpillar is expanding to serve this growing customer base and to provide streamlined support to the Caterpillar "Genuine Network" of 2,500 authorized service outlets.

"There are more on-highway vehicles running Cat power than ever before--this is a direct result of Caterpillar investing in our breakthrough ACERT Technology which users tell us delivers significantly improved customer value in terms of fuel economy, lower maintenance costs, higher reliability and longer life-to-overhaul," said Jim McReynolds, general manager, Caterpillar Power Systems North America. "At a time when some of our competitors have reduced the number of field representatives they provide to serve customers, we are putting even more emphasis on getting closer to our customers and are placing additional resources where the engines are operated. As the industry leader, customers look to us to set the standard for excellence in sales and service, and that's our aim."

All North American on-highway and commercial product support functions, as well as on-highway engine sales, are being consolidated into an expanded Power Systems North America Department. Jim McReynolds will lead the expanded on-highway department as well as the international on-highway group headed up by Michael Leyden, international manager, Global On-Highway Engine Department, Caterpillar On-Highway Engines.

The original six geographic regions have been expanded to 11 new district teams as part of Power Systems North America, which will cover truck engine fleet sales and all Caterpillar commercial engine product support. This customer/dealer support organization will be comprised of on-highway marketing and OEM sales, consolidated commercial and on-highway product support marketing, engine warranty administration, merchandising program administration and the truck engine call center. Regional managers include Larry Dicks (Central region), Karl Vandermyde (Eastern region) and Tom Eberlin (Western region). These managers will lead district team offices located in Hartford, Conn; Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles, Calif; Charlotte, N.C.; Peoria, Ill; Seattle, Wash; Jacksonville, Fla; Columbus, Ohio; Nashville, Tenn; Denver, Colo; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as well as a team assigned to the North American lease/rental market.

"This newly expanded department is committed to a single goal--world-class sales and product support for all North American customers," McReynolds said.