News
Stable economic growth to continue in U.S.
LAS VEGAS, NV – The U.S. government itself shut down over the weekend, but the overall economy of Canada’s largest trading partner seems to be in good shape. The country’s Gross Domestic Product expanded by 2.3% over the past year. “This is, all in all, a decent number but not an impressive number,” said Bill Strauss, senior economist and economic advisor with the Chicago Federal Reserve. Annual growth experienced in the 1990s was closer to 3-4%. But steady growth like this can be good news, easing the concern about a market correction, he told a crowd at the Heavy Duty Dialogue in Las Vegas. The country is in the midst of its third-longest expansion in history, now in its ninth year.
Communication key to distributor partnerships
LAS VEGAS, NV – Price plays a role in any business transaction, but strong relationships continue to be a differentiator when it comes to selling truck parts -- even in an era of e-commerce. “It’s changed the way communication happens, but it doesn’t change the type of communication,” says Carl Mesker, SAF Holland’s vice president - aftermarket. “What’s critically important is the relationship and the trust.”
Canada’s heavy-duty aftermarket worth $4.2 billion
LAS VEGAS, NV – Repairing trucks and trailers is big business in Canada, and it’s getting bigger. The nation’s aftermarket serving Class 6-8 trucks and trailers was worth $4.2 billion in 2017, and is projected to reach $4.4 billion this year, according to analysts at MacKay and Company. Parts prices are expected to rise 3.7% because of factors including the Canada-U.S. exchange rate. “Everything looks fairly positive,” says John Blodgett, vice president - sales and marketing, referring to growth in oil activity, the Gross Domestic Product, and international trade. “Obviously if the U.S. screws up NAFTA and provides some issues there … that could potentially have a negative impact. Hopefully level heads will figure that out and we won’t have too much impact from that.” Like most other analysts, the team at MacKay and Company was surprised by the 2017 market for equipment sales. In a good way.
Canada key to Meritor aftermarket strategy
LAS VEGAS, NV – Mississauga, Ontario, will get a new distribution center this April as Meritor refines its North American aftermarket strategy. And it’s not the only way Canada is playing a key role in the company’s broader plans. “The aftermarket team has worked tirelessly this year to improve our delivery accuracy and speed,” says Brett Penzkofer, vice president – North American aftermarket. “Now we ship to customers on a daily basis, wherever they may be.” It’s come a long way.
Wabco launches ProVia budget brand
LAS VEGAS, NV – Wabco has unveiled the ProVia brand of budget parts, taking a step that it says will help bridge the gap between “parts of questionable origin” and premium aftermarket offerings. The products are available exclusively through Wabco’s North American aftermarket organization or distributor network.
Haldex partners with Fras-le on disc brakes
LAS VEGAS, NV – Haldex is bringing its Air Disc Brakes to North America with a “big bang,” says Walter Frankiewicz, president and senior vice president, Haldex North America. The company announced during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week that it is offering a full line of all-makes Air Disc Brake pad repair kits through a partnership with Fras-le.
More long-haul infrastructure needed to reduce carbon emissions: CTA
OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Trucking Alliance says infrastructure and fuel technology has not kept pace with the trucking industry’s desire to reduce its carbon footprint. Submitting its comments on the upcoming federal Clean Fuel Standard regulation to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the group said the increasing environmental policies would have to address some of the implementation and infrastructure challenges faced by long-haul fleets, which consume the bulk of the fuel used by trucks.
OPP: number of at-fault CMV drivers is “disturbing”
TORONTO, ON – Commercial motor vehicle drivers are considered at-fault in about 65% of the collisions they are involved in, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). In a broadcast from his Periscope Tuesday night, OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt from the Highway Safety Division (HSD) wanted to “talk heavy trucks” while promoting the second season of his Discovery channel show Heavy Rescue: 401.
International introduces new vocational models, warranty packages
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Navistar International has expanded its line of HV vocational trucks, and introduced additional warranty coverage for it’s A26 engine. The company introduced at World of Concrete new HV507 and HV607 models. The trucks feature a shorter 107-inch BBC configuration. The HV507 comes with a set-forward axle, while the 607 is a set-back axle configuration. The trucks are six inches shorter than the original HV launched at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta last fall.
Construction truck market to remain strong in 2018: Mack
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Demand for construction trucks should remain steady in 2018, but they’ll represent a smaller percentage of the overall market due to strengthening demand for linehaul and regional trucks. That was the assessment of Jonathan Randall, senior vice-president of truck sales and marketing with Mack Trucks, when speaking at a press conference at World of Concrete.
