Heavy Duty Trucks News
Volvo focuses on engine fuel efficiency at MATS 2014

Volvo Trucks announced its Greenhouse Gas 2014- certified engines are providing greater fuel efficiency than anticipated. The integrated engines are delivering up to a 3% fuel efficiency improvement compared with their 2013 counterparts. “We remain focused on ensuring that the ongoing phases of engine and vehicle regulations do not burden our customers, but instead create

Volvo Trucks engine efficiency
Eaton, Cummins Westport offer spark-ignited NG engine for North American market

Eaton and Cummins Westport, a joint-venture company of Cummins Inc. and Westport Innovations, announced an integrated powertrain package for the Cummins Westport ISX12 G natural gas engine that will provide customers with the first automated transmission to be paired with a spark-ignited natural gas engine in the North American market. The powertrain will combine an Eaton

Western Star rolls out a sneak peek of the new Transformers 4 Optimus Prime truck

Western Star Truck Sales Inc. is showcasing the newest star in its family, a powerful new Optimus Prime truck. The truck, which will star as the heroic lead in the upcoming “Transformers: Age of Extinction” movie, will be on display at the Western Star booth at MATS. Show attendees will have the opportunity for an

Cooper Tire booth tour with Phil Mosier at MATS 2014

At the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., Cooper Tire is rolling out its line of Roadmaster tires. Phil Mosier, Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. manager of commercial tire development, North American Tire Division, walked us through the Roadmaster long-haul offering. If you’re at the show, swing by booth #64196 to learn more, and be sure

Kenworth details T680 Advantage package, launches medium-duty cabovers

The Kenworth T680 Advantage—Kenworth’s new, most fuel-efficient truck—features a special factory-installed aerodynamic package along with the optimized powertrain combination of the PACCAR MX-13 engine integrated with the Eaton Fuller Advantage 10-speed automated transmission. Aerodynamic treatments include longer side extenders for the 76-in. sleeper, lower cab fairing extenders, front air dam, aerodynamic mud flaps, rear fairing

Dana offers SPL 350 driveshaft, SPL 250 inter-axle shaft

Dana Holding Corp.’s SPL 350 driveshaft and SPL 250 inter-axle shaft are designed to withstand the increased stress placed on the driveline by high-efficiency; on-highway trucks with downsped engines, as well as severe vocational applications including heavy equipment, mining, oil fields and road trains. Delivering up to 35,000 Nm (26,000 ft.-lbs.) of torque capacity, the

New options for Freightliner Cascadia & Cascadia Evolution

Freightliner Trucks has released several new options for the Cascadia and Cascadia Evolution, many of which can be seen at booth during the Mid-America Trucking Show. The new options enhance driver performance and safety, further contributing to the comfort and productivity of the Cascadia and Cascadia Evolution. Options include: ParkSmart HVAC system combined with Optimized

Peterbilt celebrates 75 years with new innovations

During the media day at the Mid-American Trucking show, Peterbilt Motors Co. announced a new optimized drivetrain package for its already fuel-efficient leader, the aerodynamic Model 579, bringing even greater levels of fuel economy. Called APEX, the new spec option pairs the PACCAR MX-13 Engine with the Fuller Advantage Automated Transmission. The combination features optimized

Great Dane provides a glimpse into the future of trucking

Visitors to Great Dane’s booth at the 2014 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) will be among the first to explore the Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience, the latest in tractor and trailer technology. The project is the result of a multi-year collaboration between a team of vendor partners including Walmart, Peterbilt, Great Dane and Capstone Turbine. Almost

Great Dane Walmart Truck Future
Green refrigerated transport: Benefits of new TRU technologies

According to Tom Kampf, product manager for Thermo King, even though Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 Final standards took effect a year ago, refrigerated fleet operators continue to have a choice when it comes to selecting the transportation refrigeration unit (TRU) that best meets their needs. That is because the EPA regulations that cover

Refrigerated Trucking
Longer tire life thanks to smarter management

Understanding and choosing tires with outstanding technology and fitting them to the fleet’s needs won’t amount to much if the tires aren’t also properly maintained. Every fleet should have a formal tire maintenance program to assure its tires are cared for and managed smartly. This will provide the most service to the fleet and provide

Protecting your truck tire investment

Tires are a major expense for every fleet. Fleet maintenance managers are always working to optimize tire programs and reduce costs. More than 85% of fleets retread in order to lower tire cost per mile. The cost of a retreaded tire varies based on many factors, including tread design, tread depth and specific compounds. However, the

Tires Wheels Column