MIT engineers have genetically reprogrammed a strain of yeast so that it converts sugars to fats much more efficiently, an advance that could make possible the renewable production of high-energy fuels such as diesel. The researchers, led by Gregory Stephanopoulos, the Willard Henry Dow Professor of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at MIT, modified the metabolic pathways of yeast that naturally produce large quantities of lipids, to make them about 30…
Read More2017 Ford F-250 & F-350 Super Duty Recall
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks manufactured August 10, 2016, to September 17, 2016. The frame reinforcement bracket may not have been attached to the front fuel tank strap, allowing the fuel tank strap to separate from the frame. CONSEQUENCE: A fuel tank strap that separates and allows the fuel tank to contact the ground may cause a fuel leak, increasing…
Read MoreEPA Says Chrysler Cheated Diesel Emissions
The US Environmental Protection Agency has accused a second major car company, Fiat Chrysler, of cheating on its diesel emissions testing by using secret software applications in multiple models. The company’s Jeep Cherokee and Dodge Ram vehicles used “management software” that “increases air pollution” from nitrous oxide for three years, the EPA alleged in a notice of violation issued Thursday. Fiat Chrysler said it was “disappointed” in the citation, and…
Read MoreBendix Unveils New Truck Information Site
Bendix has launched a new center of commercial vehicle information at its website safertrucks.com, centered around a new multimedia center called the Knowledge Dock. The Knowledge Dock aims to help trucking professionals stay connected to the industry by providing updates on developments in truck operation, maintenance and safety. It also examines trucking trends and technology developments. It contains a growing list of videos, blog posts, podcasts and white papers from…
Read MoreElectric Truck Sales to Increase Tenfold
According to a new report from Navigant Research, global annual electric powered medium-duty and heavy-duty truck sales are expected to grow from about 31,000 vehicles in 2016 to nearly 332,000 by 2026. The report forecasts sales of medium- and heavy-duty trucks for each major world region — segmented by electrified powertrain type, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell — through 2026. As local and national governments…
Read MoreRenault to Export & Assemble Trucks in Iran
Renault Trucks has signed two agreements with Iranian importer Arya Diesel Motors. The agreements cover the import of vehicles from the T, C, and K ranges, and the assemble of T range vehicles in Iran, according to Renault. The first agreement covers the import, distribution, and after-sales service of the T, C, and K range trucks. The agreement furthers the working partnership between Renault Trucks and Arya Diesel Motors that…
Read MoreNikola One Prototype Marks End of Diesel Era
Nikola Motor Co. on Thursday unveiled a working prototype of Nikola One, the company’s fully electric, zero-emissions Class 8 truck. The truck’s fully electric drivetrain is powered by high-density lithium batteries. The truck’s electricity is supplied on-the-go by a hydrogen fuel cell, giving it a range of more than 1,200 miles and delivering more than 1,000 horsepower and 2,000 ft.-lbs. of torque. “This is a real truck. This is not a…
Read MoreIsuzu NPR & Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Recall
Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Isuzu NPR and NPR HD vehicles manufactured August 26, 2013, to November 11, 2016, and 2016 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 3500 HD, 4500HD, and 4500XD vehicles manufactured July 27, 2016, to November 11, 2016. The affected vehicles have a throttle pedal that may get stuck under the steel stopper bolt, causing the pedal to remain in the…
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 MorePaccar Updates MX Engines & Drive Axles
Available in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks in January will be new power, torque and fuel efficiency enhancements to Paccar MX-13 and MX-11 engines for North America. Nearly 50% of Peterbilt and Kenworth heavy-duty trucks currently are produced with Paccar MX engines, according to Sproull. Paccar increased the MX-13 engine’s output to 510 hp and 1,850 lb-ft of torque and increased the MX-11 engine’s output to 430 hp and 1,650 lb-ft…
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