Think tank questions link between stimulus money and economic recovery

VANCOUVER -- Government stimulus packages contributed little to Canada's economic turnaround in 2009, concludes a new study released today by the Fraser Institute.

Less Than Lucrative: LTL recovery most challenging

TORONTO -- During the legwork for the 2009 U.S. Mastio & Co. LTL shipper survey author Kevin Huntsman was talking shop with a medium-sized U.S. carrier who shared a pricing tale that involved losing four accounts to a much larger, national carrier whose recent struggles have been well chronicled.

Trailer orders hit two-year high

COLUMBUS, Ind. -- Net orders for commercial trailers in February were up 168 percent from February 2009 and were at their highest level in two years.

MATS: Mack plans plans smooth shift into recovering market

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Mack Trucks is well positioned for success as economic and market conditions improve, according to Kevin Flaherty, the truckmaker's senior vice-president.

MATS: Mack engine family focused on fuel efficiency

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The latest generation of the Mack Econodyne engine family is designed to deliver more torque at low engine speeds for improved fuel efficiency and hill pulling performance.

No exit tax for Ont truckers

TORONTO -- It's official. When the Ontario government eliminates the multi-jurisdictional vehicle tax on July 1, as the province moves towards the HST, truckers won't have to pay any exit tax.

Vehicle makers call for stronger anti-counterfeit laws

WASHINGTON -- The Motor & Equipment Manufacturer Association has called for increased enforcement of anti-counterfeiting regulations and more resources toward intellectual property rights violations.

Report points to inventory control as top recession buster

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Reduced inventory levels was the most common response to challenges faced by retail companies during the global economic slowdown.

Report looks at changing roles of supply chain managers

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A study by an Oregon State University researcher indicates just how important it is for supply chain professionals to keep their people skills well-honed -- particularly during tough economic times.

Little change in 2010 slow sales forecast for heavy trucks

NASHVILLE, Ind. -- North American class 8 demand is still expected to rise ever-so-slowly heading into 2011 -- just 3 percent over 2009, forecasts FTR Associates.

Chinese undercarriage prods hit mainstream

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A new and serious player has emerged in the business of manufacturing undercarriage components for medium and heavy trucks. Trax Mechanical Systems, based in Louisville, Ky., is now supplying steer, trailer, and drive axles, plus air suspensions, brakes, and trailer landing gear to both OE and aftermarket customers.

Loonie parity “new reality,” economist says

OTTAWA -- The robust Canadian dollar matched the U.S. greenback this morning for the first time in nearly two years.

Daimler, Renault-Nissan form alliance

STUTTGART, Germany -- Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan Motor Co. have joined forces to collaborate on small cars and the development of a commercial van for the European market.

Mullen Group gets Smooked

OKOTOKS, Alta. -- Flatbed and oil services giant Mullen Group has entered into a letter of intent to acquire Smook Bros. Contracters, a privately owned company in Thompson, Man.

Westport to ramp up production with Delphi deal

VANCOUVER -- Westport Innovations says it has reached high-volume scale production capability, thanks to a deal with Delphi Automotive Systems to supply Westport's proprietary HD fuel injectors.