Could garbage collection be handled by robotic vehicles? That’s the question Volvo Trucks is looking to answer as it tests out a self-driving garbage truck in Sweden. The truck company has a venture with Swedish waste management company Renova to learn how autonomous refuse vehicles can improve safety, make trash collection more efficient and reduce driver injury. “Driving a heavy commercial vehicle in an urban residential area with narrow streets and…
Read MoreAutomated Commercial Vehicle Webcast April 24
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will hold a public listening session to collect comments and information on autonomous truck technology, or what it calls “highly automated commercial vehicles,” at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Workshop in Atlanta on April 24th. They hope to solicit information on issues relating to the design, development, testing, and deployment of HACVs. FCMSA will webcast the entire session to allow for increased viewing and participation for…
Read MoreIsuzu Issues Recall Involving 21,000 Trucks
Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2015-2017 NPR HD, NPR XD, NQR and NRR trucks. During manufacturing, the stamping equipment may have created burrs on the frame crossmember that the transmission is mounted to. These burrs may cause the transmission mounting studs to break. CONSEQUENCE: If the studs break, the transmission may not be properly supported, preventing it from shifting correctly and increasing the risk of…
Read MorePrevost Motor Coach Steering Arm Recall
Prevost Cars, Inc. (Prevost) is recalling certain 2017 H3-45 and X3-45 motor coach models. These vehicles have steering arm levers that were incorrectly forged, possibly resulting in the steering arm levers cracking and failing. CONSEQUENCE: If the steering arm lever fails, causing a loss of steering, it can increase the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Prevost will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering arm lever, free of charge. The…
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 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 MoreGulf Stream Touring Cruiser MotorHome Recall
Gulf Stream Coach, Inc. (Gulf Stream) is recalling certain model year 2017 B Touring Cruiser motorhomes, model 5210, manufactured May 16, 2016 to July 15, 2016. The Certification label on the affected vehicles may contain incorrect front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” CONSEQUENCE: Labels that…
Read MoreMitchell On Demand’s New ShopConnect Blog
Mitchell 1 is using its database of repair information for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, as well as the collective knowledge of its commercial vehicle editorial staff in its new ShopConnection blog, with the idea of offering tips to help truck technicians work more efficiently. In the blog, many of Mitchell 1’s ASE-certified trucking service experts address repair issues that truck technicians may face in the shop. Recent blog topics covered…
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