Foster Coach Sales, Inc. - News and Views

FOSTER COACH SALES, INC.
AWARDED MEDTEC “DEALER OF THE YEAR” AGAIN IN 2006

All of our salesmen, Kevin, Andrew, and Steve, led Medtec’s dealer network in sales again this year. Foster Coach Sales, Inc. had the top producing sales people again and we would like to thank all of our customers for helping us achieve this goal.

As we celebrate our 50 years of continuous service, we look back on all the wonderful customers over the past and would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” for your continued support of us and our products. We have led the nation in sales and service once again and have for the last 14 years straight. We could not have done it without you the customer and our fine support team here in Sterling.

We could not be where we are today if it was not for all the fine support staff in Sterling, as we are told daily in the field how important of a part they play in our success. As we continue to meet the challenges of today’s market we look forward to the future and proudly reflect on the past.

GREAT NEWS FOR WISCONSIN AND ILLINOIS SERVICES Foster Coach Sales has been selected for the sixth straight year as provider to the Northwest Municipal Conference and the West Central Municipal Conference as primary provider of Ambulances. Members can purchase new ambulances from the contract at contract pricing without bidding, as it has already been done. Conference Members pay a $250.00 fee and Illinois municipal agencies that are non members pay a $750.00 fee, to get the discounted pricing on each unit.

www.nwmc-cog.org
www.westcook.org

Wisconsin EMS Association Department Members can purchase a new Medtec Ambulance and receive a $2,000.00 rebate from Medtec for Medtec AD and PD models and a $1,000.00 rebate for the FD models.

Medtec just became a buying partner with WEMSA for the next two years. Non members can visit their website for further membership details. www.wemsa.com Service or Corporate memberships are needed to receive the rebate.

The rebate will be distributed to the department from the Association after the unit is delivered.

GOOD NEWS!
Ford Motor Company is taking orders for 2008 E450 units with the 6.0 liter diesel motor. Expected delivery date is November. The chassis will have a 14,500 GVW (14,050 in 2007) and a 5,000 LB front end (4,600 LB in 2007).

CHASSIS UPDATE FOR TYPE II AND TYPE III AMBULANCES
BELOW IS INFORMATION AS WE HAVE RECEIVED IT FROM FORD AND OUR MANUFACTURER’S:

FORD CHASSIS
F series will remain the new 6.4 diesel. It appears the 5.4 liter V-8 and the 6.8 V-10 motors will be offered. The F series units pose another problem. Most engine service issues will require pulling the motor out of the chassis for service. This is in lieu of pulling the cab of the chassis as recommended currently in their service manuals. Pulling the cab off will pose a problem for aftermarket manufacturers to pull radios and the electrical console each time the cab would be removed. Therefore Ford is sending a memo to dealers that they will pay the extra warranty time to remove the motor from the chassis [there is a Ford bulletin on this] to service the motor.

Production of the diesel engine E-Series appears to be on schedule with the estimated production date of October 1st, 2007.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECALL
Ford Motor Company Recall 07S57 has been released by Ford and sanctioned by NHTSA to correct deficiencies in the camshaft position sensor on 7.3L Diesel Engines. This Recall involves approximately 1.17 million vehicles.

(See the Recall Notice from Ford Motor Company)

FUEL
Bio-diesel fuel is not an acceptable fuel if it is over 5% soy in the new 6.4 motors and not recommended for the older motors either. Ford will not cover damage thru the warranty if it is found to be higher that 5%. [see Ford owner's manual page 12 and Ford delivery checklist] There is a sign off sheet for the customer to sign at delivery explaining the service intervals and requirements.

There is a fuel additive product available from Ford that Ford recommends to be added to the fuel we currently use for all their diesel motors. It is available from Ford dealers across the parts counter. It is called Cetane Booster and Performance Improver and each 20 ounce bottle treats 120 gallons of fuel.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS
A 14,050 pound GVW chassis with 159” wheelbase with a Dura-Max diesel should be available at the end of June 2008. It could be as late as July or August of 2008 due to traditional GM July shut down policies. If they can rate the chassis higher they will. Ford will be having a 14,500 lb chassis for 2008 on their gas chassis and a heavier front axle, which would be 5,000 lb which would be better for payload and axle ratings. GM is offering a 4,600 lb rating and without a heavier front axle rating the additional overall GVW may not be of value as the front axle may be over the GVW rating.

The diesel engine offered will be the 250 hp Dura-Max with the 4L85E transmission equipped with GM’s ambulance prep package. There is no problem for the short wheelbase GM chassis meeting weight parameters with a 144” to 149” body that will be offered from ambulance manufacturers. This however is 20” shorter than the most popular ambulance body of 160” to 168”. This will leave a void in the mid size Type III market until things are resolved.

GOING FORWARD
The Fords will be available on the van chassis. The 2008 F series has service issues and we are concerned for customer warranty and service bills in the future. The International and Freightliner chassis will be larger truck options with the Sterling Bullet chassis and the Dodge 3500 and 4500 chassis being developed for future options.

OUR PLANS
Assist in helping our customers keep the present unit in service until a resolution is available. Foster Coach Sales, Inc. brings over 66 years of combined service experience in our service department. We know what it takes and where to look to keep you going longer than you anticipated. We offer loaner/rental vehicles to substitute for your unit while it is being serviced. We also offer a full service body shop to freshen up your unit. Keep in mind that if you postpone your purchase, you may have to budget more for replacements in the future. Please call Ron at 1-800-369-4215 for assistance.