VANCOUVER, B.C. — Fleets that are serious about keeping and recruiting good drivers and reducing engine idling are installing power inverters on their trucks, according to Xantrex Technology.

That message will form the basis of a free live Web seminar delivered by Xantrex on Sept. 26. The online seminar will look at who is buying inverters and what they are used for, types of inverters and how to choose the right one, and key differences between consumer market inverters and those designed for heavy-duty truck use.

“We’re seeing more and more fleets spec inverters for all of their trucks,” said Brian Lawrence, Xantrex commercial vehicle sales manager, who will present the online seminar. “Sales of inverters installed as a factory option grew 25% annually through 2005, and sales are growing at a similar rate for the aftermarket. It’s clear that truck drivers want AC power in their trucks.”

With AC power, drivers can use microwaves and hotplates to cook healthy meals and save on food costs; provide themselves with entertainment by powering televisions, laptop computers and CD players; and run space heaters to reduce idling, according to Lawrence.

“Sleep apnea is also a problem for many drivers, and fleets are installing inverters to power CPAP machines,” he said.

Xantrex’s Web seminar will be offered Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. Those attending must pre-register at http://r.vresp.com/?XantrexTechnology/232c93750b/693976/de5887eee9/9f26524.

For information about registration contact James Van Dyk at Xantrex at 604-422-2627 or online at james.vandyk@xantrex.com. He can also answer questions about required software for accessing the Web presentation.