SEATTLE, Wash. — ArvinMeritor was on-hand at the Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) here last week to discuss its latest progress on the hybrid engine front.

Dennis Kramer, hybrid program manager, and Tammy Packard, manager of product strategy, lead a discussion on new hybrid applications for Class 8 trucks at the event.

“Previously, it was believed that these systems only made sense for vehicles with stop-and-go duty cycles,” said Kramer. “Because of our expertise in torque management and torque distribution, we’re engineering practical alternative-power solutions for Class 8 trucks that reduce energy consumption, emissions, and greenhouse gasses.”

“As experts in propulsion and torque management, we recognize the challenge in specifying alternative-powered Class 8 truck applications,” added Packard. “We know how important it is to provide a solution that can be integrated into today’s basic vehicle design; is scalable to vehicle size and vocation; and delivers drivetrain and braking performance that’s equal to or better than conventional systems.”

The company acknowledged Class 8 hybrids will only gain market acceptance if their integration into the industry can be done seamlessly.

“For example, we know how valuable it is for truck drivers to have overnight ‘hotel load’ power for the cab and sleeper,” Kramer said. “On-board energy storage is a key element of our architecture.”

ArvinMeritor updated delegates on its progress towards developing Class 8 hybrid systems, including a hybrid-powered Class 8 International ProStar built for Wal-Mart. It is also working on a new hybrid delivery truck for Purolator Courier which will be unveiled in Toronto this morning. Purolator is considering placing a sizeable order for additional hybrids, and has been one of the earliest adopters of hybrid delivery trucks in Canada.