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 MoreTennessee & California Increase Diesel Taxes
Governors in Tennessee & California recently signed legislation into law that will increase diesel fuel taxes in those states later this year. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed in late April the “IMPROVE Act,” which will raise diesel fuel taxes by 10 cents over the next three years. The excise tax on diesel will jump on July 1 by 4 cents from 18.4 cents per gallon to 22.4 cents per gallon.…
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 More2013-2017 Hino Trucks Clutch Drum Recall
Hino Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. is recalling certain 2013-2017 XFC710L, XFC720L, XFC730L, and XFC740L vehicles. The clutch drum spline of the front module of the Hybrid Vehicle (HV) motor may wear out. CONSEQUENCE: If the clutch drum spline wears out, the vehicle will lose the ability to move under its own power, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: The Manufacturer will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch…
Read MoreSpartan Motors Chassis Cab Ball Joint Recall
Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain chassis cab vehicles including 2011-2017 Gladiator, 2016-2017 MetroStar, 2012-2018 K2, 2011-2018 K3, 2017-2018 K4, and 2011-2017 MM vehicles. The ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen and separate, leading to a partial loss of steering. CONSEQUENCE: A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Spartan will notify owners, and…
Read More2016-2017 Mercedes Benz Metris BSM Recall
Daimler Vans USA LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. These vans were to be equipped with the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) feature, however, the installed instrument cluster and steering wheel does not support the function, and thus, the BSM system does not work on the vehicle. CONSEQUENCE: If a vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot, but the BSM system does not warn the driver, there would…
Read MoreVolvo’s Alternative Powertrain Hybrid Trucks
Volvo Trucks has looked into the future of long-haul big rigs and sees a hybrid. The Swedish manufacturer, which owns the Mack brand in the U.S., is testing its first hybrid alternative powertrain truck to see how much fuel it will save on long-haul deliveries. The vehicle is expected to produce 30 percent less CO2 emissions than a comparable diesel powered traditional truck. The hybrid is part of a growing movement within the trucking industry to design more fuel efficient and…
Read MorePG&E Plug-In Electric Class 6 Hybrid Truck
Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Efficient Drivetrains Incorporated (EDI) unveiled the utility industry’s first plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) Class 6 truck featuring technology that has the potential to fundamentally change how the utility manages planned and unplanned outages. The vehicle, developed by EDI in partnership with PG&E, features a plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain that combines up to 50 miles of all-electric driving with 300 more miles of driving…
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 MoreAugust Truck Sales Up 36% Over July
Orders for Class 8 trucks in the month of August will be slightly above expectations and a 36% improvement over July’s terrible numbers, according to projections from FTR and ACT Research. Class 8 truck orders in August will be around 14,200 units for the month, a significant rebound from July’s dismal 10,358 units ordered, according to ACT Research. July’s order numbers were the worst recorded by ACT since the first…
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