What the Super Ball can teach us about truck tires
Remember the Super Ball? Invented by chemist Norman Stingley in the ’60s, these toys are known for their extreme bounciness, taking the classic rubber bouncy ball to much higher heights (literally). But there’s no secret spring inside. It’s made of just rubber like its classic cousin. So, what makes it bouncier? The answer, according to
SmartDrive releases two new driver safety telematics offerings
SmartDrive Systems announced the release of SmartSense for Speeding for Conditions and SmartSense for Sitting Duck, new intelligent driver-assist offerings. According to the company, SmartSense for Speeding for Conditions helps fleets alert drivers so they can avoid driving too fast in poor weather or road conditions; while SmartSense for Sitting Duck assists drivers who may
Preliminary used Class 8 data shows YTD sales flat
Preliminary used Class 8 volumes (same dealer sales) grew 54% month-over-month in June, according to the latest preliminary numbers from ACT Research. Longer-term, volumes rose 6% compared to June 2019, but were flat when measured against the first six months of last year. Other data released in ACT’s preliminary report included month-over-month comparisons for June
Heavy-, medium-duty truck orders rebound in June
According to the numbers from both ACT Research and FTR, medium- and heavy-duty truck orders saw a rebound in June. ACT Research reports that preliminary North American Class 8 net orders in June were 16,000 units, rising 139% from May, and up 23% from a year-ago comparison. FTR reported preliminary numbers at 15,500 units. The
May used truck metrics show volumes, age down M/M, price, miles up
According to the latest release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks, published by ACT Research, used Class 8 same dealer sales volumes dropped 12% month-over-month in May, with longer-term sales down 20% year-over-year compared to May 2019. Sales through year to date May are up an incremental 2%. The report
U.S. trailer net orders improve month-over-month, decline year-over-year in May
May net U.S. trailer orders of 3,107 units were a significant improvement from April, but net orders remain below May 2019’s level, down 71%, ACT Research reports. Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 7.4k units were up 29% versus April, according to ACT. “Although up from April’s record low, May’s net orders will still
How engineers figure out the right tread patterns for your truck tires
What if I told you your tire tread defines more than just the traction and rolling resistance of your tires? Tread patterns affect all kinds of performance criteria for your trucks, like traction and braking, tire removal mileage, fuel efficiency, maneuverability, noise, driver comfort, tire durability and resistance to stone retention and stone drilling. This
May Class 8 preliminary orders reflect market uncertainty
Both ACT Research and FTR reported preliminary commercial vehicle order numbers. ACT had preliminary North American Class 8 net orders in May at 6,700 units, up 56% from April, but down 38% from a very easy year-ago comparison. FTR had a similar count with preliminary Class 8 net orders for May at 6,600 units. “Reflecting
Hankook releases SmartCity AU04 for city buses
Hankook Tire has added the SmartCity AU04 tire for city buses to its truck and bus radial (TBR) product portfolio. Hankook says it designed the SmartCity AU04 for durability and even wear with a core structure and compound that is more heat resistant, which allows for enhanced safety, longer service life on city buses and
The equipment and maintenance key performance indicators you need to keep an eye on
There are certain key performance indicators (KPIs) that you can monitor on a regular basis that will help keep your fleet’s costs in check. When you monitor certain aspects of your fleet it can also help you spec for future orders to help keep these costs as low as possible. Although there are several KPIs
