Mack Trucks Launches Overhaul of Anthem Tractor
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Mack Trucks unveiled an overhaul of the Anthem tractor on June 25, repositioning the Volvo Group subsidiary’s Class 8 semi as a maneuverable regional-haul specialist in the wake of the recent introduction of a new over-the-road model.
Greensboro, N.C.-headquartered Mack in April unveiled the Pioneer tractor as its new flagship longhaul tractor.
The Pioneer is the focal point of Mack’s plan to become more deeply ingrained with the longhaul trucking sector. A key focus for the truck — in concert with the reconfigured Anthem — is the manufacturer’s goal of winning a 25% share of the North American heavy-duty truck market by 2030.
The revamped Anthem offers a 10% increase in fuel efficiency, comfort upgrades and improved maneuverability, Mack Trucks North America President Jonathan Randall said during a June 24 Facebook Live event for media members and invited guests.
“This truck offers a significant improvement in every area that matters to your business,” added Mack Trucks President Stephen Roy.
Randall said the food delivery, tanker and bulk haul segments of the Class 8 market were particular targets for Mack with the latest version of the Anthem.
The Anthem originally joined Mack’s Class 8 on-highway lineup in September 2017.
Engine options for the latest Anthem tractors are the MP13 Variable Geometry Turbo and the MP13 HE, with up to 515 horsepower available. Both options are available on the Pioneer, too.
Six wheelbase options will be available, along with three axle configurations; 6x4, 6x2 and 4x2.
Six wheelbase options will be available, along with three axle configurations; 6x4, 6x2 and 4x2. (Mack Trucks)
About 80%-90% of the overhauled Anthem shares components with the Pioneer, said Blake Routh, senior product manager of highway trucks, including the powertrain.
The reason to choose the Anthem over the Pioneer is maneuverability, said Routh.
With the redesign, the bumper to back-of-cab measurement narrowed from 117 inches to 113.5 inches, and the truck has a 50-degree turning radius. There is a 12% clearer view to the front bumper, Mack said.
The existing Anthem was a success in the regional haul market, performing well in customer satisfaction surveys, Fernando Couceiro, vice president and product owner of highway trucks, said during a question-and-answer session.
“We wanted to build on the reputation,” he said, which was why Mack narrowed the model’s focus.
Production is set to start in January 2026, and the order book will open in August. (Mack Trucks)
“We kept what worked,” added Randall. “It got all the safety and technology [innovations] we could add. It doesn’t get us to where the competition was. It gets us past that.”
Production is set to start in January 2026, Randall said, adding that the order book will open in August.
The first public showcase for the new truck will be at American Trucking Associations’ 2025 Management Conference & Exhibition in San Diego Oct. 25-28, he added.
Mack has already stopped building Anthem sleepers with the existing specifications, said Randall. The company will stop building the current iteration of Anthem day cabs in the summer of 2025, he said.
With the launch of the remodeled Anthem, Volvo Group will have revamped the entire tractor lineup for its North American brands: Mack and Volvo.
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Less than a month before the much-touted Pioneer unveil, Volvo Trucks North America unveiled a first large-scale overhaul of its VNR regional haul tractor at ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting. It too received an improved turning circle and hike in fuel efficiency.
An overhauled flagship VNL was launched by VTNA in January 2024. Each of the subsidiaries’ flagship tractors will also be available with battery-electric powertrains — with order books for the VNL Electric and Pioneer Electric opening in late 2025 and 2026, respectively.
