Bridgestone invests in autonomous long-haul trucking technology company
Bridgestone Americas has made a minority investment in Kodiak Robotics, a U.S.-based self-driving trucking company. The partnership will allow Bridgestone to integrate its smart-sensing tire technologies and fleet solutions into Kodiak’s Level 4 autonomous trucks. The companies will also pilot future autonomous and smart tire technologies to further enhance vehicle intelligence and advance toward a
ChargePoint launches its global electric fleet charging portfolio
ChargePoint Holdings Inc., a electric vehicle charging network, announced a comprehensive EV charging solution portfolio available for fleets of all types and sizes. Fleet management software combined with ChargePoint’s AC and DC fast charging solutions balance charging costs with operational readiness for light- to heavy-duty vehicles across depot, on-route and at-home charging, ChargePoint stated in
Final trailer orders weak in May at 9,500 units
FTR reports that final net trailer orders sank in May to 9,500 units, 42% below April. Y/Y comparisons were still up 112% versus COVID-impacted 2020 order activity. Van orders were very soft in May but vocational trailers remain sturdy as the industrial sector of the economy picks up steam. Trailer orders for the past twelve
TE Connectivity highlights IPT-HD power bolt high-voltage connector with new shielding design
With the global drive to protect the environment and conserve energy, alternatives to fossil fuel are spearheading the demand for advanced, alternative energy vehicles. After years of development, manufacturers are continually looking for ways to ensure the quality and safety of hybrid and electric vehicles—especially for vibration and shielding performance. To meet this demand, TE
Beginning truck service benchmarking
Heavy-duty truck shop benchmarking aims to analyze shop through-put to improve your service processes. Moving trucks in and out of bays faster is one thing, but making sure that you aren’t doing at the expense of high-quality repairs is the real challenge. What you don’t want are comebacks. It’s bad for the fleet and bad
How technology impacts diesel engine filtration
This time, I don’t just mean digital technology. The continued adoption of API FA-4 (as well as the switch to CK-4) engine oil is also a prime diesel engine technology change, in liquid form. We’ve also seen increasingly computer-driven engine operation that increased an engine’s flexibility within applications. As diesel engine technology has evolved, so
Vehicle supplier industry applauds support of national competitiveness legislation
Below is a statement from Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) President & CEO Bill Long on the U.S. Senate passing S. 1260, the Endless Frontier Act: “MEMA members are very pleased that S.1260, the Endless Frontier Act, passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate. Thank you, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and
Automated truck driving: Where does the liability land?
We’re coming to the point in automated driving technology development where self-driving developers and OEMs are zooming past the theoretical “What if?” and starting to answer real-world questions. One of the biggest is: Where does the liability land in the event of a collision when the Level 4 automated truck is driving itself under its
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Continental appoints leaders for U.S. truck tire organization
Continental has appointed leaders for its Truck Tire business in the U.S. market. Tom Fanning, a longtime member of the U.S. Truck Tires management team, now takes ultimate responsibility as the market head. Scott Pall, formerly the North region sales manager, is promoted to head of sales. Carolina Wagner takes responsibility as the head of
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index sets another record
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) for April, as reported in the June Trucking Update, achieved a record-high reading of 16.82, surpassing what had been an all-time high in March. Although most market factors were not quite as strong in April as they were in March, a reversal of March’s higher diesel prices improved overall trucking
TMC releases report examining use of intelligence trailer products
The American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council released its first report on the use and adoption of intelligence products and services across the trucking industry with an examination of adoption of the trailer and lease fleet sector. In looking at trailer rental and lease companies, TMC and eSMARTT gauged 12 of the top 15
