When the shift to COVID-19 Red Traffic Light settings postponed the popular Bombay Truck Show in early February, several local distributors lost an opportunity to make a splash with new models and special editions.

Motor Truck Distributors had big plans for the Bombay show having prepared a unique Super-Liner to celebrate an important milestone.

The all-black Super-Liner boasting a host of custom features has been built to celebrate 50 Years since MTD began building Mack trucks in New Zealand.

Macks for the local market were built in Palmerston North from 1972-2000 from CKD kits. And, although the modern trucks are now built in the Volvo Group Wacol plant in Brisbane, the heritage of customising Mack trucks for Kiwi operators continues at the MTD premises in Palmerston North.

“Fifty years is a fantastic milestone for any company to reach, and here at Mack and MTD we couldn’t be more proud. We would like to recognise all those people who have played their part, big or small, in helping Mack reach that milestone in NZ,” says Stu Wynd, National Sales Manager for Mack Trucks.

It’s unquestionably that customisation factor which the special edition has been put together to showcase. 

The base for the special edition is the Evolution model Super-Liner featuring the latest generation Mack/Volvo Group technology.

“To celebrate a New Zealand anniversary the only colour for the special edition Super-Liner is black. What else could it be?” says Stu.

The striking all-black 6x4 tractor unit boasts the top-the-range MP10 16-litre engine rated at 685-horsepower and 3180Nm of torque, driving through the 12-speed mDrive automated transmission.

Other features include Meritor 46-160 axles on Primaxx air suspension, ABS and ESP plus full integration of the Bendix Wingman Fusion Safety Package including Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Side Object Detection functions. The truck also has Park Brake door alarm and Hill Start Assist.

Fitted to the truck is a King Bars ‘Texan’ bumper with a ‘50 Year’ engraved logo and Hella HD1395 Driving Lights. For the demo unit there is a personalised plate, but the `50 Year’ option being offered to customers will incorporate a special Number Plate surround with 50 Years and company name plus exhaust shrouds with ‘Mack 50’ cut outs.

The fern in the logo, symbolic to NZ, is designed to reflect the pattern and shape of the side vents on the bonnet – linking this iconic Kiwi symbol to the Mack product.

“The extras on our truck like the rear window, mudflaps, the fern on the bonnet, and the red, white and blue behind the side grill name are just for the demo Super-Liner,” says Stu.

Interior highlights include the newly introduced factory leather seat option, a New Zealand designed interior lining with logo and black domed insert, door card with 50 Year Logo, a 50 Year door badge and personalised kick panel.