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International Trucks In Serious Come-Back Mode
LISLE, IL --Despite still dealing with financial problems, the truck and engine manufacturer Navistar International Corp. is rapidly gaining market share in the North American medium-duty market. That was one of several nuggets the company discussed in a conference call with analysts. That was one of several nuggets the company discussed in a conference call with analysts on Thursday. According to Troy Clark, president and CEO, Navistar's medium duty market share increased six percentage points in its fiscal second quarter over the first quarter to 27%. "In fact one of our major leasing customers recently shared some data with us that shows that DuraStar chassis and ISB engine combination delivers the best fuel economy and lowest cost of ownership across their entire fleet," he said. "Our leasing and rental customers are increasingly happy with our performance. Our share is growing with these very important buyers. Notably we've also seen a significant increase in dealer wide sales. That's key to our success in the medium-duty segment."
Shell Opens Even More Natural-Gas Fuelling Stations
HOUSTON, TX -- Shell Oil Co. is continuing with its rollout of liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck fueling stations in North America .As customer demand grows in the U.S., Shell and TA plan to open additional truck fuelling lanes. "This is another step forward in providing LNG fuel supply to heavy-duty road customers in the U.S.," said Christian Buelow, a Shell general manager
Will Your Mirrors Be Replaced By Cameras?
PORTLAND, OR -- The parent company to truck makers Freightliner and Western Star has asked the U.S. federal government for permission to put newer technology in place of required equipment. In its petition to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) asked the agency to revise federal regulations so it can replace rear view mirrors with camera-monitor systems (CMS). The U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), number 111, requires rear view mirrors on each side of heavy-duty trucks. The reason, according to petition, "is necessary for manufacturers like DTNA to optimize vehicles for fuel efficiency." "DTNA strongly believes that CMS technology can achieve the same or better level of safety as outside rearview mirrors in providing the driver a view to the rear along both sides of the vehicle, but with enhanced environmental benefits, especially for large trucks," the company said in the petition.
U.S. Issues Electronic Stability Control Mandate for Trucks
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Transportation Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Wednesday it has finalized rules requiring electronic stability control (ESC) systems on new commercial trucks and large buses. The regulations require the systems on Class 6-8 trucks plus large buses exceeding 26,000 pounds in gross weight. Compliance will be evaluated using a "j-turn" test that replicates a curved highway off-ramp. The rules will take effect for most heavy trucks two years from publication of the regulations while some of the largest buses will have longer to comply. Canada is expected to adopt similar regulations.
