LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Peterbilt is offering its customers several new options which will help reduce fuel consumption, the company announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

“Customers are seeking multiple strategies to reduce fuel consumption, comply with anti-idling laws and lower operating expenses,” announced Peterbilt general manager, Dan Sobic. “Peterbilt is developing a number of advanced technologies as part of our Fuel Efficiency Solutions. These innovative on-board energy management systems will reduce truck idle time and fuel consumption.”

One such option is a universal connection module that simplifies the installation of aftermarket auxiliary power units (APUs). Twelve volt power comes pre-wired from the battery box to the module, allowing for the easy installation of aftermarket APUs, the company said. Chief engineer Landon Sproull said a typical APU can be installed in three hours less with the universal APU connector.

Peterbilt also announced the availability of a new Comfort Class System which is a battery-based power system that provides heating, cooling and electrical power to the sleeper cab. The system reduces the need for idling and can save up to US$5,000 per vehicle each year, Sproull said.

“It provides climate control performance as effectively as traditional systems, but uses much less energy to do so,” said Sproull. “It will provide up to 10 hours of HVAC, ideal for the typical off-duty period of an over-the-road operator.”

The system provides electrical power for hotel loads through a separate deep-cycle battery power pack that is isolated from the main battery. The auxiliary batteries function independently from the truck’s main battery ensuring there’s no depletion of starting power, Sproull explained. The Comfort Class system will be available in 2007.

Finally, Pete is now also offering a dash-mounted navigation system that can reduce the number of out-of-route miles accumulated by drivers.

“While sometimes overlooked as a strategy for reducing fuel consumption, getting cargo from its point of origin to its destination by the most direct route possible can often result in significantly improved fuel economy,” said Sproull.

The new GPS system will be available in the second quarter on the Models 379, 386, 385 and 357.