Volvo Accepting Orders For EPA2010 Trucks. Deliveries Begin This Year

Volvo Trucks North America announced that customers can place orders now for trucks across Volvo’s product line equipped to meet the EPA2010 emissions standards, using Volvo’s selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, with delivery starting later this year.

Photo Credit: Volvo Trucks North America

Volvo reports that SCR also helps Volvo increase the fuel efficiency of its EPA’10 trucks and reduce their carbon footprint.

Initial production is scheduled for Fall 2009, with deliveries beginning a few weeks later. These will be initial production trucks, not prototypes or test models.

Photo Credit: Volvo Trucks North America

“A number of customers have expressed an interest in placing SCR-equipped units in their fleets ahead of 2010,” said Scott Kress, senior vice president & marketing. “This gives early adopters the opportunity to gain familiarity with the technology and the benefits of SCR. It’s another example of Volvo Trucks following through on our commitment to customers to be ready to go for 2010. Volvo is ready. How many other manufacturers can say that?”

Photo Credit: Volvo Trucks North America

“These trucks will deliver the near-zero emissions and improved fuel economy SCR-equipped Volvo trucks have demonstrated over two winters and more than three million miles of North American customer testing,” Kress said. “We have also demonstrated that our ‘No Regen’ promise is a reality that will bring additional fuel economy improvements by eliminating active regenerations of the diesel particulate filter.”

Orders for approximately 50 Volvo trucks equipped with SCR had been received by mid-June. Customers can order their EPA’10-ready trucks through their Volvo dealer.

Source: Volvo Truck North America

Navistar's Top Service Technician Shows Excellence at 2009 Rodeo

The Navistar homepage reports that Robert Ball of Maudlin International Trucks, Inc., Orlando, Fla., took top honors at the third annual Navistar Service Technician Rodeo, where he beat out seven other commercial truck service technicians to be crowned “Top Service Technician.”

Photo Credit: Navistar

The rodeo, held at Universal Technical Institute in Glendale Heights, Ill., featured the top eight service technicians from International dealerships across North America in a competition designed to test their skills in key areas of commercial truck servicing. Competition stations simulate service areas for air conditioning, brakes, drive train and electrical, as well as MaxxForce engines.

“Robert Ball demonstrated the highest skills and abilities among the top eight Diamond-certified technicians competing in the event,” said Vaughn Allen, Navistar vice president, product and customer support.

Each of the technicians went head-to-head in a hands-on test of their technical skill and speed. Throughout the day, their training was put to the test as they navigated their way through vehicle issues at eight stations where they diagnosed and fixed problems.

Source: Navistar

PACCAR Honored for Environmental Leadership

PACCAR’s Kenworth Truck Company was recently honored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the prestigious Clean Air Excellence Award.

Kenworth is the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to receive this accolade since inception of the award in 2000. The EPA recognized Kenworth’s outstanding innovative efforts and progress in developing advanced environmentally friendly vehicles.

Photo Credit: PACCAR

Other examples of PACCAR’s industry-leading environmental leadership include:

• Waste Management, Inc. purchased Peterbilt Model 320 diesel-hydraulic hybrid trucks for refuse collection. These vehicles utilize a hydraulic launch assist (HLA) system developed by Eaton to capture and store energy during braking.

• A Kenworth T370 is the first medium-duty diesel-electric hybrid truck in New York City’s truck fleet. The Kenworth hybrid vehicle will be utilized by the Department of Sanitation throughout the New York City metropolitan area.

“The general economy continues to struggle. Reasonable freight tonnage is being offset by challenging economic conditions resulting from depressed residential and commercial real estate construction, lower auto production, reduced capital spending by most industrial businesses and weak retailer sales,” said Tom Plimpton, PACCAR vice chairman.

Plimpton added, “There is some encouraging news as national trucking companies are beginning to recognize the benefits of purchasing new trucks later this year as their current vehicles’ maintenance costs increase due to the aging of their fleets.”

Source: PACCAR

Hino Trucks Announces Strategic Partnership To Enhance Customer Service

Hino Trucks announced a new cooperative agreement that will give Hino access to Castrol and BP branded lubricants specially designed to meet or exceed industry standards for maintaining and servicing medium and heavy-duty vehicles.

The launch of the Castrol Heavy Duty Truck Work Shop Offer, enhances Hino’s current partnership with BP Lubricants USA Inc and will allow the Hino dealer network to offer customers a comprehensive line of industry-leading Castrol branded conventional, semi-synthetic, and synthetic lubricants, in addition to Hino Genuine Oil.

Source: BP

“The Castrol program consists of premium products, services, and technical support to provide our dealer body with a comprehensive offering that will allow them to better serve the needs of independent owners and fleet customers,” explained Tim Wenger, Product Development Manager for Hino Parts. “Our dealers now can offer the full range of Castrol engine oils, transmission fluids, and greases.


Wenger also noted that, while the new Castrol Heavy Duty Truck Work Shop Offer takes the Hino and BP Lubricants partnership to a new level, the relationship is already well established, with BP Lubricants currently producing Hino Genuine Oil.

Source: Hino Trucks

Along with the expanded line of product offerings, Hino and BP Lubricants spokespersons said that they expect the enhanced partnership to lead to more service-based promotional opportunities for Hino Truck dealers – and cost savings for customers.

"We are committed to helping Hino dealers articulate the value that the Castrol brand delivers through aggressive marketing efforts and continuous connectivity with the everyday trucker and fleet owner," said Tejuana Edmond, Heavy Duty/OEM Market Space Manager for BP Lubricants. "Our offer is truly designed with the goals of the dealer in mind - to win new business, to build customer loyalty, and to increase operational efficiency. This will allow BP Lubricants to take a more holistic approach to managing the needs of Hino Truck dealers and their customers."

Source: Hino Trucks

Hybrid On The Hill Day Brings Truck Manufacturers To Washington DC

June 11 was Hybrid On The Hill Day, a chance for truck manufacturers to showcase medium and heavy-duty hybrids.

The trucks ranged from big rigs, utility bucket trucks, delivery trucks and shuttle buses. The event was hosted by CALSTART and the Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF).

While hybrid technology shows promise for future truck sales, price and public recognition is still an obstacle.

In this YouTube video, Bill Van Amburg, Senior Vice President with CALSTART, an organization dedicated to clean transportation technologies, explains getting past the issue of cost with hybrid trucks.



The Kenworth homepage reports on the truck models the company brought to Hybrid On The Hill Day: a Kenworth pickup and delivery hybrid and a Kenworth utility hybrid.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

The Kenworth T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid trucks are for use in pickup and delivery, utility, and service applications. Kenworth’s goal is to enhance fuel economy by up to 30 percent in pickup and delivery applications and up to 50 percent in utility and service operations. As a result of using less diesel fuel, the Kenworth hybrids help to reduce emissions.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

The Kenworth hybrids feature a PACCAR PX-6 engine, integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack, and dedicated power management system. Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine. The hybrid system is monitored through an in-dash display. As the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status.

Source: CNET, CALSTART and Kenworth

VMAC Introduces Remote Start/Stop Module For Dodge Trucks

VMAC has introduced a new remote Start/Stop Module designed for 2007-2009 Dodge 6.7L 2500-5500 Automatic Transmissions and 2007-2009 Sterling Bullet 6.7L 3500-5500 Automatic Transmissions to allow easier remote start/stop of the vehicle.

Photo Credit: VMAC

For bucket truck operators or any work truck requiring a remote engine start, this module allows a vehicle with the key in the RUN position to be engaged remotely.

The new Remote Start/Stop Module reduces complexity of installing a remote start/stop. It allows for all day use versus the limitations of OEM and can eliminate the need for an extra PTO-engage switch. From a safety standpoint, the Remote Start/Stop Module requires use of the parking brake.

The Module is designed to work with air-actuated electronic controls for bucket trucks as well as with electric momentary switches. It also interacts with Dodge's Remote Start functions.

Source: VMAC

Third Annual Navistar Service-Technician Rodeo To Test Speed And Skill

The International Trucks site features details on the Third annual Navistar Service-Technician Rodeo.

According to International Trucks, in a head-to-head, hands-on test of their technical skill and speed, eight of the top service technicians in the International dealer network will compete to determine who is the best of the best at the Third annual Navistar Service-Technician Rodeo on June 18.

International dealer technicians from across North America will gather at Universal Technical Institute in Glendale Heights, Illinois., to compete at stations simulating service areas for air conditioning, brakes, drive train, electrical and MaxxForce engines.

Source: International Trucks and Navistar

Kenworth T370 Becomes First Medium Duty Hybrid Truck in New York City’s Fleet

Kenworth Truck Company reports that a new Kenworth T370 was recently introduced as the first medium duty diesel-electric hybrid truck in New York City’s truck fleet.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

Commissioner John Doherty of the New York City Department of Sanitation stands next to a new Kenworth T370 diesel-electric hybrid, which he formally introduced today as the first medium duty hybrid in New York City’s truck fleet.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

During a special event at the 21st annual Vehicle & Equipment Show, officials from the New York City Department of Sanitation welcomed the department’s Kenworth T370 hybrid, which was delivered in early May. The show, which is hosted by the New York City Parks and Recreation Department, featured the latest in light, medium and heavy duty trucks, fleet-related services, horticultural equipment, and tools. The event took place at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

“We are pleased to introduce the Kenworth T370 as New York City’s first medium duty diesel-electric hybrid truck,” said Rocco DiRico, Deputy Commissioner of Support Services for the New York City Department of Sanitation. “We are committed to use fuel-efficient vehicles that will reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions and improve the air we breathe. The Kenworth hybrid will help reduce fuel consumption and emissions in New York City.”

Source: Kenworth

Trucking Industry Representatives View Latest Clean Truck Technology

Photo Credit: FedEx

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports on a meeting in Memphis,Tennessee of trucking industry and truck sales representatives to view new technology to reduce pollution.

According to the story, commercial diesel trucks sold Jan. 1 and after must meet an EPA mandate of reductions of emissions of nitrogen oxide and other pollution.

While truck fleet managers are concerned about the cost of complying with the EPA standard and the investment in cleaner trucks, truck and engine sales representatives say better fuel economy will help offset the costs.

Shipping giant FedEx calls Memphis home. FedEx has made a big investment in hybrid electric trucks. The video below features more information.



You can read more about FedEx and clean trucks on the FedEx homepage.

Source: The Memphis Commercial Appeal and FedEx

Kenworth Produces New Brochure On Bendix Air Disc Brakes

Kenworth Truck Company has produced a new brochure on Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes from Bendix Spicer Foundation Brakes LLC.

The Kenworth T660, T800 T2000 and W900 Class 8 models are available with Bendix air disc brakes on the front axle alone or on all wheels. The Bendix ADB22X air disc brake is a lightweight package that helps reduce total wheel-end weight compared to other air disc brake packages and many drum configurations, provides fast and easy pad replacement, and offers extended brake life.

Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes feature a mono-block caliper design that provides a compact brake compared to other two-piece caliper models. This design offers sealing that provides optimal protection from environmental elements, and a larger rotor that absorbs more energy. The Bendix air disc brake is available from Kenworth with an aluminum hub and the Splined Disc rotor assembly.

Source: Kenworth