Con-way Manufacturing, SmartTruck Systems and Kevin Rutherford Unveil State-of-the-Art Trailer

DALLAS, Aug. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Con-way Manufacturing (formerly Road Systems, Inc.),a trailer manufacturer and subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), in partnership with satellite radio personality Kevin Rutherford and SmartTruck Systems, today unveiled the Kevin Rutherford Signature Series Trailer at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas. The cutting-edge trailer, produced by Con-way Manufacturing, features advanced options not found on standard models available to owner- operators, including the SmartTruck UT6^Plus UnderTray System to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel economy.

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An industry veteran, Rutherford is considered one of the top experts in growing a successful owner-operator business. The new Signature Series Trailer joins the Kevin Rutherford Signature Series Tractor, which was introduced to the marketplace in 2009. "When designing this new trailer, I selected Con-way Manufacturing and SmartTruck because of their reputation in the industry and the ease of collaboration to transform a vision into a reality," said Rutherford. "The collection of these features all in one trailer makes it an ideal product for owner operators because it brings all components together to help drivers achieve greater fuel efficiency and save money."

In addition to the SmartTruck UnderTray System, the Kevin Rutherford Signature Series Trailer boasts a Meritor^™ suspension with disc brakes and MicroBlue^®bearings. The trailer is also fitted with a Fusion Floor^™ by HAVCO^™ and Michelin^® X One^® XTA^® single-wide tires. Together, these features reduce the weight of a standard trailer by 400 pounds, contributing to impressive fuel efficiency numbers and significantly exceeding the EPA's requirements for SmartWay certification.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Con-way and Kevin on this project, as SmartTruck's UT6^Plus System is the perfect fit for this premium trailer," said Mitch Greenberg, chief commercial officer at SmartTruck. "Owner operators will really benefit from the combination of 10 percent highway fuel savings and the rugged design that will allow the UnderTray System to last as long as the trailer does."

"Con-way Manufacturing is honored to work with Kevin and SmartTruck to make available this state-of-the-art trailer," stated Lynn Reinbolt, president of Con-way Manufacturing. "Our collaboration on the design and manufacture of this advanced trailer raises the bar for owner operators, delivering significantly improved safety and performance."

The first Kevin Rutherford Signature Series Trailers are now on the road. Owner feedback will drive additional improvements. The trailers are available for purchase directly through Con-way Manufacturing.

About Con-way Manufacturing
Con-way Manufacturing (formerly Road Systems, Inc.) is Con-way's trailer manufacturing division. Con-way Manufacturing designs, builds and sells freight trailers and other equipment to its sister transportation and logistics operating companies within the Con-way organization. With its efficient production operations and reputation for quality manufacturing, the company has also established a growing presence as a supplier of trailing equipment to customers across the transportation and logistics marketplace. For more information, visit www.con-waymfg.com.

Con-way Manufacturing is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.6 billion freight transportation and logistics services company. For more information, visit www.con-way.com.

About SmartTruck
Building on its aerodynamic background in the aerospace, motorsports and automotive industries, SmartTruck is bringing the next generation of aerodynamic products to the trucking industry. For more information, visit www.SmartTruckSystems.com.

About Kevin Rutherford
A 25-year veteran of the trucking industry, Kevin Rutherford is a business trainer, author of national articles on trucking and finance, small fleet owner and tax preparer. He currently hosts a satellite radio program for professional truck drivers and is the "Dollars and Sense" columnist for Overdrive magazine. In 2009, he launched the Kevin Rutherford Signature Series line of trucking equipment. For more information, visit www.letstruck.com.

SOURCE Con-way Manufacturing