Sparking electric-powered powertrain adoption
Despite currently record-low fuel prices, emissions, anti-idling and noise regulations are driving medium-duty fleets to consider alternative fuels for their transportation needs. In particular, for operations with local multi-stop routes covering less than 100 miles a day, interest continues to grow in electric-powered delivery and work trucks. According to Motiv Power Systems, approximately one-third of the
Phillips 66 Lubricants announces a brand portfolio consolidation
In an effort to strengthen relationships and drive strategic growth, Phillips 66 Lubricants has announced that it will consolidate its Lubricants portfolio into two brands, Phillips 66 and Kendall Motor Oil, beginning July 1, 2016. According to the company, transitioning away from a tri-branded strategy will help to elevate the profile of Phillips 66 Lubricants as a
Leasing alternative fuel trucks
“Ryder offers both compressed natural gas [CNG] and liquefied natural gas [LNG] heavy-duty vehicles for lease,” says Ryder’s Vice President of Supply Management and Global Fuel Products Scott Perry. “We have seen continued interest in utilizing CNG and LNG as a replacement for diesel technology, but the level of interest is suppressed compared to two years
Update: OEM alternative fuel offerings
Over the years, we have been witness to the ebb and flow of alternative fuels for on-highway vehicles, which has been driven the price and/or availability of oil. Typically, fleet applications drive the choice for specific alternative fuels. We asked truck original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) about the current alternative fuel trends and demands, and where fleets
How fuel filters impact engine health
Fuel is the lifeblood that runs through the heart of your tractor—the engine—sending power into the truck’s component circulatory system. The key to your equipment’s on-highway heart health lies in the engine getting plenty of exercise as it rolls towards its million-mile goal, and to make sure it’s fed the cleanest diesel fuel possible. The
Spec’ing for medium-duty applications
“Operators of medium-duty trucks have heavy-duty expectations,” says Kurt Swihart, Kenworth’s marketing manager. “Truck manufacturers are working to make it simpler for customers who want heavy-duty characteristics in traditional medium-duty applications. The challenge in spec’ing a medium-duty truck is to find the right balance between over- and under-spec’ing in order to achieve the performance and
Light-duty vans roll large
In June 2014, Ford Motor Co. took a risk by replacing its established U.S. light-duty van offering, the E-Series, with its longtime European van brand, the Transit. It quickly paid off as the new American-made Transit became the best-selling van in North America. Ford is not alone in finding success in the van market by
Eaton revises, renames its lubricant product line
Eaton Corp. has revised its line of synthetic lubricants with new specifications, new labeling and a new name. These initiatives have been made to help customers identify and use the proper lubricant to ensure the best possible performance of Eaton medium- and heavy-duty transmissions and other commercial vehicle components, the company explained. Two new specifications have been introduced: One
To protect and serve: The value of air ride suspensions
When it comes to specifying the right system, fleets need to rely on the expertise of suppliers. For example, Jim Rushe, program manager of on-highway trailer products at Hendrickson International, says that “Hendrickson has a sales and service network that works directly with the fleet to understand its anticipated cargo and the equipment operating conditions.
Luber-finer releases MXM Nano Tech air filters
Luber-finer has introduced its new MXM Nano Tech air filters. Offering 99.99% overall filtration efficiency, the Luber-finer MXM Nano Tech air filters remove airborne contaminants and protect heavy duty engines, the company said. Luber-finer’s new Nano Tech media, according to the company, is designed to keep contaminants at the surface of the filter media and away from the engine. The MXM
