We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from February focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
5. Hands on with Kenworth’s T680 next-gen truck
The story of the next-generation Kenworth T680’s launch is a tale of two redesigns: one outside and one inside. The new aerodynamic designs add up to increased fuel efficiency compared to the previous T680, while the new 15-in. digital display offers a bevy of customization options. Then there’s the new Kenworth ADAS offering that pairs a lane-keeping assist system with Bendix Wingman Fusion.
We had the opportunity to walk around the truck, sit in the driver seat and test out the T680 next-gen, as well as talk with the knowledgeable truck-minded folks at Kenworth during a pre-launch test drive.
Click here to watch the video and learn all the details about the new truck.
4. Peterbilt unveils the next generation of its Model 579
Peterbilt recently unveiled the next generation of its Model 579 truck. Thanks to the new design, Peterbilt touts an up to 7% fuel economy gain on a like-for-like spec basis compared to the current version.
The new 579 is now available for order and production is expected to begin in April.
“The truck we are introducing is the result of five years of relentless focus on improving uptime, increasing fuel economy and taking comfort to new heights,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “Throughout the development, we’ve listened to our customers and gathered their input to improve what was already a great truck.
“The main goal was to reduce total cost of ownership for our customers,” he added.
Want to learn more about the Model 579? Click here.
3. The truck service impact of over-the-air engine updates
Operational data, diagnostic information—the cliche marketing line that the truck is a rolling cell phone is true, especially now that the data goes both ways. Over-the-air updates allow for a two-way digital dialogue between your trucks and the software service platform that supports them.
Here are tips for becoming more comfortable touching your trucks remotely to improve uptime and reduce service needs.
2. Podcast: Staged crashes, nuclear verdicts and the role of video telematics
One of the worst pieces of news you can hear as a fleet manager is that one of your trucks has been in a crash. First and foremost, there’s the driver’s safety to be concerned about, and even if they’re all right, there’s the high cost of repairs. But it doesn’t end there–now you have the growing possibility of false claims, nuclear verdicts and even staged crashes.
In this episode of Fleet Future we talk with Chris Orban, vice president of data science at Trimble Transportation, about video telematics systems and their role in protecting your fleet from some of these things.
1. The coming of the e-axle age
As a highly efficient power source for propelling electric vehicles, truck e-axles must be designed to go beyond providing torque and power to also balance performance, durability and reliability with maximum time on the road per charge.
So how are e-axle manufacturers meeting the needs of fleets today and in the future? Click here to read the story.
