NORTHVILLE, Mich. — Mitsubishi Electric has announced its starters are now standard on all major Class 8 trucks manufactured in North America.

Its starters went into half of all Class 8 trucks built between January and May of this year.

“Since we entered the Class 8 market in 2001 our goal was to produce a quality, reliable starter for the heavy truck industry while expanding our dealer network,” said David Stone, executive director for Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America’s Powertrain, Body and Chassis unit. “Our strong relationships with all of the major truck manufacturers enable us to make our starters available through thousands of dealerships of all brands.”

Under the companys All Makes program, OEM dealers can support repairs and replacements for nearly 80% of all Class 8 trucks built since 1998 with as few as eight OEM genuine parts numbers.

“Dealerships have responded very well to our All Makes effort, which includes starters and alternators,” said Stone. “It means less inventory for them to stock, track and move, which helps their bottom line.”

Mitsubishis starters weigh 29 lbs and the company says they allow for easy installation, improved fuel economy and increased payload potential.