International has completed a cross-continent test of its camless engine technology in an International 530E diesel engine.

The 7600-mile journey provided testing of the technology in real-world situations in a variety of terrain and temperatures that can’t be simulated in a lab.

The International camless engine leverages the company’s electro-hydraulic technology, first applied to its low-pressure common rail fuel system in 1994, by using electronics to control valve timing in place of a conventional mechanical camshaft and push rod assembly. Expected benefits of the new technology include a 40 percent increase in torque at clutch engagement speeds for smoother acceleration and faster starts, increased parts reliability and less noise because the rate of closing is controlled with hydraulic actuation and the valves compress gently.

The technology was named one of the top 1000 automotive advances in 2000 by Popular Science magazine.

Haldex prepares to roll out improved PLC trailer ABS

Haldex Brake Systems is set to introduce in March its next-generation trailer ABS product, which includes the use of power line carrier (PLC) technology to accommodate a single tractor-to-trailer electrical connection.

The three current Haldex ECU platforms will now be combined under one “PLC” ECU which will continue to operate using the Haldex patented SLH (select low-high) software. Additional features of the new PLC platform trailer ABS product include: a standard electronic odometer function; standard 256 bytes for data storage to accommodate storage of trailer manufacturers’ vehicle information, operation note pad, vehicle service report and electronic manifest; standard onboard diagnostic capability; optional new model Info Center Tool for remote, hand-held ECU communication; and optional new model Windows based PC Diagnostics for ECU communication.

The Haldex PLC ECU includes a feature enhanced “PLC Plus” platform. With “PLC Plus”, the trailer ABS ECU can be used to manage multiple monitoring and control auxiliary functions for preventive maintenance, warning and operational features. There are optional capabilities such as: back-up alarm control, lift axle control, lining wear sensing, low reservoir warning, door ajar, and temperature warning.

Manac to increase production at Fabrex following takeover

Manac expects to increase production and marketing of current Fabrex products after purchasing the Trois-Rivieres, Que.-based aluminum dump trailer and specialized waste disposal unit manufacturer late last year.

Fabrex, which has a 100,000 sq ft plant in Trois Rivieres is also expected to manufacture Manac’s new aluminum platform trailer. Production should reach 500 units over the course of the year.

Surrey, B.C. added to the PacLease franchise network

PACCAR Leasing Company, a network of independently owned and operated heavy- and medium-duty truck rental and leasing companies, has added a PacLease franchise location in Surrey, BC.

Boasting 10 service bays and broad hours of operation — Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Peterbilt Trucks Pacific is located in the heart of British Columbia*s industrial center.

Terry Pasiuk, owner and vice president of Peterbilt Trucks Pacific, Inc., says his dealership joined the PacLease network because of the high demand for leasing in the medium-duty truck market.