Humans generate a lot of trash. Refuse trucks circulate through our cities and neighborhoods collecting that trash, typically starting and stopping every few yards. For trucks that can weigh up to 33 tons, all of the slowing down and speeding up uses a lot of fuel and generates a lot of emissions. At this week’s WasteExpo in Las Vegas, Mack Trucks and Wrightspeed are teaming up to demonstrate a plug-in…
Read MoreKenworth Predictive Cruise Increases MPG
Kenworth has updated its Predictive Cruise Control functionality for T680 and T880 trucks equipped with the 2017 Paccar MX-11, MX-13, and Cummins X15 engines to improve fuel economy and overall MPG. The update was made with the launch of 2017 emission engines and provides up to a 1% improvement in fuel economy over the current versions with Predictive Cruise Control, according to Patrick Dean, Kenworth chief engineer. Kenworth’s Predictive Cruise…
Read MoreBYD Supplies 20 Electric Buses to UC Irvine
BYD California’s truck and bus facility isn’t much to look at – an elderly concrete tilt-up in a mostly still unbuilt industrial center in Lancaster, a high-desert community about 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. But things are changing for the electric vehicle maker, a unit of China’s giant BYD Co. BYD has started a factory expansion on a 200,000-square-foot lot in front of the former recreational vehicle assembly…
Read MoreFord Launches Commercial Vehicle Program
Ford is launching the Commercial Vehicle Center dealer program that will replace the Business Preferred Network (BPN) and offer improved service, better parts availability and a new loyalty program, Ford announced. The program is rolling out at 650 of Ford’s more than 3,000 dealers in the U.S. and replaces a program that was heavily used by smaller fleets to set up work trucks and vans. Much like a BPN dealer, a Commercial…
Read More2017 Navistar International Trucks Recall
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2017 International ProStar, LoneStar, 9900i, and TranStar trucks. The affected vehicles have a metallic battery cover latch that may unlatch and contact the battery jump start stud, causing an electrical short to ground if the jump start stud is not covered. CONSEQUENCE: An electrical short to ground increases the risk of a fire in these trucks. REMEDY: Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will…
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 MoreMack Truck Front Wheel Hub Recall Alert
Mack Trucks, Inc. (Mack) is recalling certain model year 2012, 2014-2015 and 2017 Granite (GU), 2012-2017 Pinnacle (CHU, CXU), and 2013-2015 and 2017 Titan (TD) trucks manufactured January 7, 2011, to September 29, 2016. The affected vehicles were built with front wheel hubs that cannot support the gross axle weight rating of the front axle. CONSEQUENCE: Overloaded front wheel hubs can result in premature failure of the hubs, bearings, and…
Read More2013-2017 Volvo Truck VCM Recall Alert
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) issued a recall for certain year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM truck models and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system. CONSEQUENCE: If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Volvo will notify owners, and…
Read MoreNavistar & Dana Offer Extended Warranties
Navistar and Dana concurrently launched several extended warranty packages for Navistar’s Durastar medium-duty truck program and its school bus platform. Spicer S140 Series and Spicer 060 Series axles, Spicer E-Series steer axles, and Spicer driveshafts are all available components covered under the International Durastar Powertrain Warranty program. Dana will remain the standard-position driveshaft supplier across all Navistar truck models, and Navistar will have access to all of Dana’s current driveline…
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…
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