The latest “North American On-Highway Engine Outlook” published by ACT Research and Rhein Associates highlights this alt fuel activity for CV GVWs 5-8, including five-year forecasts of engines volumes and product trends. The Engine Outlook ties to the detailed NA CV vehicle forecasts published monthly by ACT in the North American Outlook.

One of the discussions in the Engine Outlook report is the changing regulatory environment.

“This changing regulatory feature makes it more difficult and expensive to plan effectively.” noted Tom Rhein, President of Rhein Associates. “We’re paying close attention to EPA regulations as well as those in California. Three of the regulations we discussed in this quarter’s issue of the Engine Outlook are the EPA’s recent decision on glider kits, their proposed rule regarding renewable fuel standards, including biomass-based diesel volume standards, and the recently released notice by the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the potential relaxation of existing GHG emission and CAFÉ fuel economy standards.”

Further, Ken Vieth, General Manager of ACT Research, noted, “Diesel power is under attack for long-term use in on-highway commercial vehicles, but as alternative power is being developed, tested, and refined, diesel engines are also undergoing transition, becoming more fuel efficient. Where diesel has been the king of commercial vehicle fuels for nearly a century, it seems we are entering a period where fuel (or power) may no longer be a one-size-fits-all solution, but will become more application and geography specific.”