Matchmaking and downspeeding
Choosing an engine, transmission and axles that are specifically matched to work together for optimum performance is a fast emerging trend. When I say “optimum performance,” I mean maximum fuel efficiency with the right horsepower engines, coupled with an automated manual transmission that shifts at exactly the right RPM, and an axle with the best
Alt Power: Utility fleets continue to lead the charge
The theme of the 2015 Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference— Fleet Strategies to Maximize Total Company Performance— did not disappoint the record-setting 125 fleet representatives from 70 investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives and electrical contractors in the U.S. and Canada who attended the annual educational event. One topic of great interest was electric and alternative
ACT Research releases September ‘State of the Industry’ report
Used Class 8 truck metrics were mixed in September, with same dealer sales inching closer to the six-month moving average, according to ACT Research. Volumes gained 8% month-over-month, but were up just 1% year-over-year, while average mileage remained flat month-over-month, dropping 8% year-over-year. The average age of U.S. Class 8 used trucks climbed to 93
GM, Navistar reach commercial vehicle agreement
General Motors Co. and Navistar have reached a long-term agreement to develop and assemble future medium duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicles, allowing Navistar to strengthen its product lineup and GM to expand its Chevrolet commercial truck portfolio. “Bringing medium-duty conventional cab trucks back into the portfolio strengthens Chevrolet’s commitment to providing commercial customers
EPA conducts hearing on importance of clean diesel
At an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hearing on the future of greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency standards, Alan Schaeffer, the executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, testified on behalf of the diesel industry. “Today, manufacturers of commercial trucks, engines and their components produce the cleanest, safest and
Inoperable truck lighting attracts the wrong kind of attention
Having an inoperable vehicle lamp is like waving a red flag and just asking to be pulled over. Lamp failures are easy to spot, even from afar, and while a vehicle is stopped for the lighting infraction, a more thorough CSA roadside inspection will likely happen. Hours may lapse before a vehicle gets back on
Class 8 used truck prices flat in May
ACT Research Co. released its State of the Industry report on US Class 8 truck sales and prices and found that volumes fell in May but were up over the year, while prices have remained flat. ACT, one of the foremost sources for new and used commercial vehicle (CV) industry data, market analysis and forecasting services
Eileen Frack named GM of human resources for DTNA
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced the appointment of Eileen Frack to the position of general manager of human resources. Frack, who formerly served the company as director of executive management development, will succeed David Carson who was appointed president and chief executive officer of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. Additionally, Frack was named a member of
PacLease celebrates 35th anniversary
June marks the 35th anniversary of PACCAR Leasing Co. The Bellevue, Wash.-headquartered company, has grown to become the fourth largest rental and leasing company with nearly 40,000 trucks in its fleet and over 550 locations, the company reported. It’s also continued to grow internationally with PacLease entering the Australian market last month. “We launched PacLease
PrePass service expands to North Carolina
PrePass, a commercial vehicle bypass service, is expanding into its 32nd state this summer, North Carolina. HELP Inc., the provider of PrePass, and International Road Dynamics Inc., the administrator of NCPass, have reached an agreement to allow PrePass users the safety and efficiency benefits of bypassing at weigh stations located at Hillsborough, N.C. “It is exciting to have
