NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Truck Writers of North America (TWNA) today named the Meritor FueLite 6x2 axle with Meritor Wabco’s electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) the top technical achievement of 2012.
The award was presented by Truck News editor and chair of the TWNA Technical Achievement Award Committee James Menzies at the Technology & Maintenance Council meetings.
The TWNA Technical Achievement Award Selection Committee considered the Meritor FueLite axle with Meritor Wabco ECAS as system. The 6x2 axle can reduce weight by 400 lbs, providing fuel savings in the range of 2-3%. Meritor Wabco’s ECAS provide the electronics that are able to seamlessly shift weight to the driven axle in low-traction situations, preventing wheel spin and premature tire wear.
“The selection committee was impressed with the Meritor FueLite’s ability to shave significant weight from a Class 8 tractor. When coupled with Meritor Wabco ECAS, the 6x2 spec’ becomes viable for many North American truck buyers who could benefit from the weight savings of a 6x2, yet were concerned about the potential loss of traction,” said Menzies.
Tom Berg, senior editor of Heavy Duty Trucking and a member of the TWNA Technical Achievement Award committee, added: “The 6x2 has been common in Europe for many years, and it’s used by freight-hauling rigs on main highways and by loggers on dirt trails. As long as weight can be shifted from the dead axle to the drive axle, traction is good.”
The award was received by Jon Morrison, president and general manager of Meritor WABCO, and Charlie Allen, Meritor, general manager, North American technical service.
“We’re very proud to receive this award for FueLite and ECAS from TWNA,” said Allen. “It’s testament to Meritor’s and Meritor WABCO’s continued development of lightweight, fuel efficient products.”
Six finalists were also recognized during the presentation. They included: The Aerofficient Slider trailer fairing; the Alutrec Capacity flatbed with monocoque design; Dana’s Spicer Diamond Series Driveshaft; Jacobs Vehicle Systems’ HPD (High Power Density) engine brake; Meritor’s FueLite axle with Meritor Wabco ECAS; and Thermo King’s Precedent trailer refrigeration platform.
TWNA is a professional group comprised of writers, editors, PR and marketing professionals working in the trucking industry. The award has been presented for 22 years. The committee consisted of press members: Paul Abelson (Road King and Land Line magazines), John Baxter (freelance journalist), Tom Berg (Heavy Duty Trucking and Construction Equipment magazines), Peter Carter (Today’s Trucking), Paul Hartley (AddMedia), James Menzies (Truck News and Truck West), and Jim Park (Heavy Duty Trucking).