Accuride acquires majority stake in Gianetti Ruote SRL
Accuride Corp., a supplier of commercial vehicle components, and CLN Group, a supplier of steel and metal-formed components and assemblies, have announced that Accuride has acquired a majority stake in steel wheel manufacturer Gianetti Ruote SRL from the MW Italia wheels division of CLN S.p.A. CLN, through MW Italia, who will retain a minority interest in the
Fleet Sentiment Report indicates solid equipment ordering from fleets into 2016
The quarterly Fleet Sentiment survey conducted in early October by CK Commercial Vehicle Research (CKCVR) indicates that fleet equipment ordering activity could be similar in 2016 to what it has been for 2015. A majority (76%) expect their heavy-duty truck orders to match what was purchased in 2015, with a few more even planning an
Achieving optimum powertrain performance with proper service procedures
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established standards to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the heavy duty trucking industry. These new standards have resulted in manufacturers developing every aspect of a truck’s powertrain to achieve optimum fuel efficiency. Part of this development includes calibrating engines to transmissions to maintain optimum powertrain
Wabash National introduces dry, refrigerated truck body line
Wabash National Corp. has announced that it will introduce its first line of high-performance dry and refrigerated truck bodies. The truck bodies are designed to reduce fleets’ maintenance costs, enhance productivity and maximize the life of equipment. “We’re very conscious of a shift happening in the trucking industry fueled by re-urbanization and e-commerce trends. Our mission
Cooper Tire announces Roadmaster Fleet Service Network
Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. has announced its new Roadmaster Fleet Service Network, offering 24/7 emergency roadside tire replacement and repair for eligible commercial trucking fleets that are part of the Roadmaster national account program. The Roadmaster Fleet Service Network applies consistent pricing for tire and services across the country regardless of location and provides the ease of
Winter is coming: Is your fleet prepared?
It may not be something that everyone (OK, anyone) wants to think about, but the fact remains that winter is on its way. Everyone needs to be prepared for what’s ahead, and that includes fleets. It’s the harshest season for trucks, which face issues from the brakes freezing to the products being hauled in trailers
The perfect combination: The Zen of creating the optimum downsped engine/axle/drivetrain mix
Most truck engines, today, run at around 1,450 RPM at cruising speed to provide the 200 HP needed at the wheel-end. Engine downspeeding allows the truck to operate consistently in a more efficient range, generally between 1,100 to 1,200 RPM, while maintaining the same 200 HP at the wheel end. As a result, fuel efficiency
Logging in: The ins and outs of the ELD mandate
The long-awaited final rule on Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) is expected to be published by the end of October. The rule has been undergoing review by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) since late July. Approval from the OMB is the last step before a final ELD rule can be published. We
Hybrid electric conversion systems continue to catch on
There are two indications of the growing use of the hybrid electric powertrain for new and existing Class 2 to 6 commercial vehicles offered by XL Hybrids Inc. One is the recent announcement that the company raised $10.5 million in venture funding. The other is the Boston-based company’s impressive customer list, which now includes FedEx
Carrier Transicold pursues natural refrigerant technology for reefers
Carrier Transicold has set its sights on natural refrigerant technology that surpasses current alternatives in terms of reducing environmental impact, voluntarily aligning with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s latest and more stringent refrigerant change listing for other commercial, non-transport refrigeration systems. As an alternative to R-404A used in truck and trailer refrigeration units, Carrier Transicold is building