• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

America’s hardest working vehicles

By
Doron Levin
Doron Levin
,
Brett Krasnove
Brett Krasnove
and
Brett Krasnove
Brett Krasnove
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Doron Levin
Doron Levin
,
Brett Krasnove
Brett Krasnove
and
Brett Krasnove
Brett Krasnove
Down Arrow Button Icon
May 18, 2013, 7:11 AM ET

Nissan NV200

Nissan NV200

In 2011, after a spirited competition, New York awarded Nissan the right to replace the city's traditional taxi cabs as they were retired from service. Nissan would have started phasing about 13,000 of its NV200s into service if not for legal delays.

In 2011, after a spirited competition, New York awarded Nissan the right to replace the city's traditional taxi cabs as they were retired from service. Nissan would have started phasing about 13,000 of its NV200s into service if not for legal delays.

Chevrolet Caprice PPV

The Caprice police patrol vehicle is a favorite of police departments in North America. Cops like rear-wheel drive because of its fast acceleration and superior handling in chase situations. This Chevy is a rebadged sedan built by General Motors' (GM) Holden subsidiary in Australia, imported for sale to police agencies since 2009.

Daimler AG Sprinter luxury van conversion

Now to be 100% American

Since 2007 Daimler has imported this popular van from Europe to North America, where it gained distinction for its usefulness and somewhat tall profile, compared to classic Ford (F) and General Motors designs. Today, Sprinter is converted for all sorts of uses, from ambulances to recreational vehicles. It's quite popular as a people carrier, used by airlines to shuttle passengers from parking or between terminals.

Cadillac XTS Hearse

Cadillac XTS Hearse

For that final ride, little is as luxurious and comfortable as a stretch version of Cadillac's XTS sedan. Introduced in 2012, XTS replaced Cadillac's DTS and STS sedans. The XTS could turn out to be a very popular vehicle in the People's Republic of China, where GM this month said it will build a new factory for the model's manufacture.

For that final ride, little is as luxurious and comfortable as a stretch version of Cadillac's XTS sedan. Introduced in 2012, XTS replaced Cadillac's DTS and STS sedans. The XTS could turn out to be a very popular vehicle in the People's Republic of China, where GM this month said it will build a new factory for the model's manufacture.

Freightliner

Freightliner

There are about 5.6 million semi-trailers on the road in the U.S., Freightliner being the top seller of tractor-trailers that pull the big loads. Freightliner, based in South Carolina, is owned by Daimler AG, the German automotive company. The name "semi" comes from the fact that the trailers have no means of propulsion and only can be pulled by tractors.

There are about 5.6 million semi-trailers on the road in the U.S., Freightliner being the top seller of tractor-trailers that pull the big loads. Freightliner, based in South Carolina, is owned by Daimler AG, the German automotive company. The name "semi" comes from the fact that the trailers have no means of propulsion and only can be pulled by tractors.

A Toyota Not Exactly Built for Families

A Toyota Not Exactly Built for Families

The Toyoda family, back in the day, started out as a manufacturer of knitting looms. As the company learned how to make cars and other vehicles, it grew interested in all varieties, including forklifts. Today Toyota owns a strong reputation on factory floors for its ability to move materials.

The Toyoda family, back in the day, started out as a manufacturer of knitting looms. As the company learned how to make cars and other vehicles, it grew interested in all varieties, including forklifts. Today Toyota (TM) owns a strong reputation on factory floors for its ability to move materials.

American LaFrance Fire truck

American LaFrance Fire truck

American LaFrance remains one of the storied names in firefighting equipment, though the company has endured financial hardships and a Chapter 11 filing. In the early 19th century its predecessor built horse-drawn wagons, which evolved a century later into the familiar red trucks. Pictured is the 2003 model, custom 10-person cab, owned by Ridleyville, Pa.

American LaFrance remains one of the storied names in firefighting equipment, though the company has endured financial hardships and a Chapter 11 filing. In the early 19th century its predecessor built horse-drawn wagons, which evolved a century later into the familiar red trucks. Pictured is the 2003 model, custom 10-person cab, owned by Ridleyville, Pa.

Peterbilt front-loader garbage truck

Peterbilt front-loader garbage truck

A used 2003 garbage truck sells for about $90,000, according to trashtrucksonline.com. A new Peterbilt lists for $229,000, though the price can vary depending on options and specifications.

A used 2003 garbage truck sells for about $90,000, according to trashtrucksonline.com. A new Peterbilt lists for $229,000, though the price can vary depending on options and specifications.

About the Authors
By Doron Levin
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
By Brett Krasnove
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
By Brett Krasnove
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in

Travel & LeisureBrainstorm Design
Luxury hotels need to have ‘a point of view’ to attract visitors hungry for experiences, says designer André Fu
By Nicholas GordonDecember 4, 2025
4 hours ago
LawAT&T
AT&T promised the government it won’t pursue DEI. FCC commissioner warns it will be a ‘stain to their reputation long into the future’
By Kristen Parisi and HR BrewDecember 4, 2025
9 hours ago
Big TechSpotify
Spotify users lamented Wrapped in 2024. This year, the company brought back an old favorite and made it less about AI
By Dave Lozo and Morning BrewDecember 4, 2025
9 hours ago
Letitia James
LawDepartment of Justice
Piling on Trump DOJ’s legitimacy issues, Letitia James challenges appointment of U.S. attorney suing her
By Michael Hill and The Associated PressDecember 4, 2025
9 hours ago
Trump
North Americatourism
Trump administration orders embassies, consulates to prioritize visas for sports fans traveling for World Cup, Olympics
By Matthew Lee and The Associated PressDecember 4, 2025
9 hours ago
Personal FinanceCertificates of Deposit (CDs)
Best certificates of deposit (CDs) for December 2025
By Glen Luke FlanaganDecember 4, 2025
9 hours ago

Most Popular

placeholder alt text
Economy
Two months into the new fiscal year and the U.S. government is already spending more than $10 billion a week servicing national debt
By Eleanor PringleDecember 4, 2025
19 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Success
‘Godfather of AI’ says Bill Gates and Elon Musk are right about the future of work—but he predicts mass unemployment is on its way
By Preston ForeDecember 4, 2025
14 hours ago
placeholder alt text
North America
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos commit $102.5 million to organizations combating homelessness across the U.S.: ‘This is just the beginning’
By Sydney LakeDecember 2, 2025
3 days ago
placeholder alt text
Success
Nearly 4 million new manufacturing jobs are coming to America as boomers retire—but it's the one trade job Gen Z doesn't want
By Emma BurleighDecember 4, 2025
15 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Success
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admits he works 7 days a week, including holidays, in a constant 'state of anxiety' out of fear of going bankrupt
By Jessica CoacciDecember 4, 2025
14 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Health
Bill Gates decries ‘significant reversal in child deaths’ as nearly 5 million kids will die before they turn 5 this year
By Nick LichtenbergDecember 4, 2025
1 day ago
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.