By: Jag Dhatt
Mack Trucks has officially ushered in a new era for regional hauling, announcing that serial production of the all-new, completely redesigned Mack Anthem® is now underway. The first units began rolling off the assembly line on January 13, 2026, at the company’s Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) plant in Pennsylvania.
This milestone follows a decade of engineering innovation and a substantial $405 million investment into the LVO facility to prepare for this next generation of Class 8 vehicles. Designed from the ground up to tackle the specific challenges of regional-haul applications—such as rising fuel costs and driver shortages—the new Anthem aims to set a “new standard” in the industry.
The wait for North American fleet owners and owner-operators is effectively over. Mack opened the order books in late 2025, and with production now in full swing, the new Anthem is available for order at Mack dealers across both the United States and Canada.
To assist customers in navigating the new configurations, Mack has launched the “Mack Live Tour,” a virtual platform where prospective buyers in both countries can take personalized, real-time tours of the truck with product specialists. Deliveries are expected to ramp up through the first quarter of 2026 as the Macungie plant reaches peak production capacity.
Major Highlights of the All-New Anthem:
The 2026 Anthem is not merely a “facelift” of the previous model; it is a comprehensive reimagining that shares 80% to 90% of its components with Mack’s recently launched Pioneer long-haul model. Key highlights include:
- 10% Fuel Efficiency Boost:Through a combination of aerodynamic “wedge” cab styling and the advanced Mack MP13 engine, the new Anthem delivers up to a 10% improvement in fuel economy. Mack estimates this can save fleets approximately $5,000 annually per truck.
- Precision Maneuverability: Specifically engineered for tight urban environments, the truck features a shortened bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) length of 113.5 inches. This allows for a 50-degree turning radius and significantly better handling at loading docks and in city traffic.
- Revolutionary Visibility: A newly designed “aggressive” hood slope allows drivers to see nearly 12 feet closerto the front bumper than in previous models, a critical safety feature for pedestrian-heavy regional routes.
- A “Car-Like” Interior:The cab has been widened by nine inches, offering a more spacious environment. Drivers can choose from day cab, 44-inch, and 64-inch sleeper configurations. High-end options now include wide-base seats with heating, ventilation, and even massage functions to help combat driver fatigue.
- Advanced Safety and Tech:The Anthem introduces an optional digital mirror system to eliminate blind spots and an Integrated Curtain Airbag (ICA) system for enhanced rollover protection. It also features “Mack Connect,” a telematics platform that supports over-the-air software updates and predictive maintenance.
As Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America, stated at the production launch, “We designed the Anthem from the ground up to help our customers succeed.” With its mix of rugged “Bulldog” heritage and cutting-edge efficiency, the new Anthem is poised to be a dominant force on North American highways for years to come.
