Gates Corp., long known as a non-tire rubber company, announced three new complete system solutions in their Energy Saving product line at the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association Ride and Drive event in Washington D.C.

The CabRunner Integrated Power System reduces fuel use and emissions by eliminating the need for semi-truck drivers to idle their engine while sleeping during a long-haul trip in order to power cab accessories, such as air conditioning, heat and lights, the company said. Every year about 1 billion gallons of diesel fuel is consumed due to idling. The CabRunner Integrated Power System can reduce this idling fuel consumption by 60 percent and greatly reduce the idling emissions, the company said. The CabRunner unit is available for aftermarket sale.

Gates also unveiled its E3 Drive technology for reducing fuel consumption in passenger vehicles. According to the company, the two-speed drive system allows accessories such as the air conditioning compressor and alternator to operate at idling speed, where fuel is used most efficiently by these accessories, while the engine still operates at drive speed. Driver will not notice a difference in the vehicle operation but will see their fuel consumption reduced by 5 percent or more, the company said. Gates is working with truck and auto manufacturers to implement the Gates E3 Drive. It also is an aftermarket product.

The Gates Electro-Mechanical Drive (EMD) stop/start technology for hybrid cars is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Independent studies have shown fuel savings of 6 percent to 10 percent, depending on the application, and more than 20 percent savings in urban traffic, the company said. Additional technologies and products to meet new fuels and emissions standards also were introduced.

For more information, visit www.TheKenneyGroup.com/Gates.htm.