Multiple car dealerships in New Jersey turned profits in recent years by selling dirty trucks that lacked pollution controls, placing public health at risk. Now the state wants to make them pay. New Jersey officials announced on Wednesday that the state is taking car dealerships who sold polluting vehicles — particularly diesel trucks — to court. The action comes after a two-year investigation by the state Department of Environmental Protection.…
Read MoreUSDOJ Sues Fiat Chrysler Over Diesel Emissions
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Fiat Chrysler America (FCA), alleging that some of its Dodge Ram Diesel Pickup Trucks and Jeep SUVs are cheating on emissions tests. The lawsuit filed Tuesday by the government marks the second time the D.O.J. has gone after an automaker alleging use of software on diesel engines that allows them to emit more pollution on the road than during Environmental Protection Agency lab…
Read MoreIdle Free Electric Truck Stop Testing To Start
A Duke Energy project to fund electrification at a North Carolina truck stop is projected to save 25,000 gallons of truck fuel annually due to not having to idle. Big Boy’s Truck Stop in the town of Kenly, will soon have 24 truck electrification stations where drivers can pay to plug in their vehicles, offering an economical way to provide electricity and hot or cold air during overnight stays that avoids…
Read MoreFuel Cell Bus Programs get $35.8M Grant in CA
Sunline Transit, a public agency providing bus service throughout California’s sprawling Coachella Valley, will received a $12.5 million grant from the state Friday to fund five new zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses and upgrades to the agency’s existing hydrogen production plant. The buses will operate in a region that is known for the cities of Palm Springs and Indio and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The project, represents one…
Read MoreNavistar International Trucks Air Dryer Recall
Navistar Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2016-2018 International LT, 2016-2017 International ProStar, 2017 International LoneStar, and 2017-2018 International RH heavy diesel trucks. The air dryer mounting bracket may fracture, causing air system leaks or a loss of air pressure to the brake system. CONSEQUENCE: A loss of brake air pressure could lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Navistar will notify owners,…
Read MoreDaimler Trucks Western Star 4900 Recall
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Western Star 4900 trucks. The aluminum air tanks on these vehicles may have improper welds possibly resulting in a rapid loss of air pressure. CONSEQUENCE: A rapid loss of air pressure without warning may cause a sudden application of the park brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the aluminum air…
Read MorePenske Rental Trucks with Collision Avoidance
Penske Truck Rental is making collision avoidance systems and air disc brakes its standard spec on commercial tractors within its rental fleet. “These added vehicle features underscore our commitment to over-the-road safety for our commercial truck rental customers and their drivers,” said Don Mikes, senior vice president of rental at Penske. “These systems can help commercial drivers avoid collisions and the braking system provides additional stopping power when needed.” Penske has…
Read MoreMotorCoach Industries J4500 Air Brake Recall
MotorCoach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2017 J4500 motorcoaches manufactured March 14, 2016, to August 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may experience a multiplexing programming error that will not provide any visual or audible warnings if the vehicle’s primary service brake air reservoir system has low pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, “Air Brake…
Read MoreDetroit Diesel to Pay $28.5M Clean Air Act Fine
Detroit Diesel Corp, a unit of automaker Daimler AG, will spend $14.5 million to reduce pollutants and pay a $14 million civil penalty to settle alleged violations of the U.S. Clean Air Act, the Justice Department said on Thursday. The settlement is the latest penalty imposed by U.S. regulators on auto and engine manufacturers for failing to meet emissions regulations. The U.S. government alleged that Detroit Diesel violated the Clean…
Read MoreGillig Low Floor Transit Bus Brake Recall
Gillig LLC (Gillig) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Gillig 29-foot Low Floor transit buses manufactured November 20, 2014, to February 11, 2016. These buses, equipped with disc brakes, have rear brake hoses that can rub chassis components and fray. CONSEQUENCE: A frayed hose may leak air, causing the rear brake(s) to lock up unexpectedly, or fail to operate when the brakes are applied. Either scenario increases the risk of…
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