kscarbel2

TPI Composites Press Release / March 8, 2018 SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- TPI Composites, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Navistar, Inc. to design and develop a Class 8 truck comprised of a composite tractor and frame rails. This collaborative development project is being entered into in connection with Navistar’s recent award under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Super Truck II investment program, which is designed to promote fuel efficiency in commercial vehicles. “We are excited about the opportunity to design, develop and validate the use of composite materials and technologies in commercial vehicles in a cost effective and high volume manufacturing environment,” said Steve Lockard, President and CEO of TPI. With 80% of all goods in the United States transported by Class 8 trucks, there is a significant opportunity to improve the freight efficiency of trucks. Incorporating composite materials into a Class 8 truck structure offers multiple performance advantages compared to traditional metals in terms of weight savings, reduced part count, and non-corrosion properties. TPI and Navistar are targeting 30% plus reduction in the weight of a Class 8 truck by replacing traditional metals with composite materials to enhance the freight efficiency. About TPI Composites, Inc. TPI Composites, Inc. is an innovation leader for composite structures in the transportation market utilizing advanced composite technology and manufacturing expertise. TPI Composites, Inc. is the only independent manufacturer of composite wind blades for the wind energy market with a global footprint. TPI delivers high-quality, cost-effective composite solutions through long term relationships with leading wind turbine manufacturers. TPI is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona and operates factories throughout the U.S., China, Mexico, and Turkey.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD / 5500HD / 6500HD: Chassis Cab Flexin' Tony Markovich, Car & Driver / March 2018 Chevrolet is building out its commercial-truck business with three new medium-duty Silverados, the first Class 4, 5, and 6 chassis cabs with the Silverado name. The 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD broke cover at the Work Truck Show organized by the National Truck Equipment Association in Indianapolis this week. The chassis-cab trucks will offer Duramax diesel power, optional air springs, and straight one-piece frame rails, among other features intended to lure fleet buyers away from the competition. Expanding on its current heavy-duty-pickup lineup of the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD, General Motors aims to match and overtake its rivals in the market for this type of chassis-cab unit. Chevrolet had previously announced it would be showing the 4500 and 5500 but surprised the crowd with the addition of the 6500. In contrast to the “heavy duty” pickups, these are “medium duty” in industry parlance, distinguishing them from the heavy Class 7 and 8 trucks that typically require a commercial driver’s license to operate—think box truck rather than semi. Chevy says its new Silverados will appeal to fleet operators by being more easily customizable than many competitors, and to drivers by offering a more refined driving experience. Both rear- and four-wheel drive will be offered on the new Silverados. All models get power from a 6.6-liter Duramax V-8 diesel engine that makes 350 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque, along with an Allison six-speed automatic transmission that has a power-takeoff option. The biggest selling point of the new trucks is their frame setup. Unlike some competitors, the new Silverado uses straight single-piece frame rails, which are painted at the factory to help fend off rust and have fuel lines routed within them for tidier packaging. Even rivets and brackets have been moved off the top of the rails to ensure a clean, smooth surface for upfitting configurations. Chevrolet will offer seven cab-to-axle-length options from 60 to 162 inches. It also has five lengths, in eight-inch increments, from the axle to the back of the frame. This wide variety should make it easier to couple multiple types of rear cargo setups without the need for additional supports or fitments. A second but equally important goal in developing these new Silverados was a comfortable driving experience. Chevrolet will offer factory-installed rear air springs, in addition to the beefy leaf springs, for a suppler ride, and the inset doors have been triple sealed to reduce noise in the cab. Additional feature points include a lightweight clamshell hood and front wheels that turn as much as 50 degrees to shrink the truck’s turning circle. These attributes also ease access for service. Modern amenities include an available 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, inductive cellphone charging, and OnStar connectivty. Chevrolet intends to offer the trucks at more than 400 of its dealerships focused on the commercial market. Orders for the new trucks open this spring, and production will begin in late 2018. More details about payload, towing, and pricing will be available closer to launch. Here’s hoping that Chevy fits a conventional pickup bed to one, resurrecting the Kodiak nameplate, and that a GMC drops with Topkick on the tailgate. .

California ARB awards $7M for ultra-low NOx heavy-duty diesel truck demo project with Achates opposed-piston engines Green Car Congress / March 7, 2018 The California Air Resource Board (CARB) is awarding $7 million to CALSTART to develop a Class 8 truck that will achieve a 90% reduction in NOx along with a 15-20% fuel efficiency improvement. The project will build and install diesel-fueled two-stroke compression-ignition Achates Power Opposed-Piston Engines into Class 8 demonstration trucks that will be road-road ready in 2019 and operate in fleet service in California in 2020. California’s ultra-low NOx emissions standard is 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour (g/bhp/hr). This program will demonstrate the first diesel engine to comply with the state standard. In addition, the engine will emit 10% less CO2 than the 2027 federal greenhouse gas requirement. The project is part of CARB’s Low Carbon Transportation and Fuels Investments and Air Quality Improvement Program. CALSTART will serve as the project grantee and administrator. The project team, led by CALSTART, includes a heavy-duty truck manufacturer as well as Achates Power and leading suppliers in the powertrain and emissions industry. California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District also are investing in the project. Achates Power, founded in 2004, currently has a number of development projects underway spanning a variety of applications of its opposed-piston engine architecture, from light-to-heavy duty. At the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January, Achates Power and new development parter Aramco Services (earlier post) showcased a Ford F-150 fitted with a 3-cylinder, 2.7-liter Opposed-Piston Gasoline Compression Ignition (OPGCI) engine. (Earlier post.) In 2017, engineers from Achates presented a paper (2017-01-0638) at the SAE World Congress (WCX 17) describing the development of a 55% brake thermal efficiency (BTE) commercial heavy-duty opposed-piston engine without the use of a waste heat recovery system or turbocompounding. The two-stroke OP engine described therein employed currently available engine components, such as supercharger, turbocharger and after-treatment and featured a uniquely designed piston bowl shape to enhance mixing with a swirl-to-tumble conversion as the piston bowls approach minimum volume. This design improved fuel-air mixing and hence resulted in low soot values, increased indicated thermal efficiency (ITE)—due to better combustion phasing because of faster mixing controlled combustion—and lower NOx because of improved area-to-volume ratio and lower fueling requirement per cycle. An optimized system included a high trapped compression ratio piston bowl, ports designed to provide best scavenging performance, thermal barrier coating on piston bowls and dual injector with an optimized spray pattern layout. The Achates engine model destined for the Class 8 demonstration is related to the 9.8-liter unit, but with modifications, said David Johnson, Achates CEO. For one, it’s a bit bigger: 10.6 liters. We’re aiming at the heart of the Class 8 market. The engine will deliver 450 hp and all the necessary torque, along with the ultra-low NOx. —Dave Johnson With the reduction in steady-state engine-out NOx from the engine, meeting the ultra-low NOx specification is really a problem of cold starts, Johnson said; i.e., warming up the aftertreatment catalyst quickly. Achates determined in earlier work that it could run in a “catalyst light-off mode”, creating the heat required to bring the aftertreatment fully online while running the engine in a relatively clean condition. (Earlier post.) With low engine-out NOx and high enthalpy going to the aftertreatment system, we believe that we are able to reduce the aftertreatment warmup from 600 seconds to less than 300 seconds. That will enable us to meet ultra-low NOx tailpipe standards. We also deliver a significant fuel economy improvement. —Dave Johnson Achates engineers will be presenting a new paper at World Congress this year describing more about this approach, and presenting test data. Funding for the grant comes from California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade Program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35% of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities.

GM Exec Calls For Premium Gas To Be The New Regular Forbes / March 12, 2018 During an address to the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, General Motors' vice president of global propulsion systems called for premium gasoline to become the new baseline going forward to enable more efficient engines. This is hardly a new idea, but it comes as a bit of a surprise right now as GM wages a battle on two fronts with announced plans for 20 new zero-emissions vehicles in the next five years while also consulting with the Trump administration on changes to fuel economy standards. In his talk, Nicholson reiterated his company’s electrification plans but also suggested that this is the right time to make a move toward making 95 RON gasoline the new minimum standard as it generally is in Europe. Fuel octane ratings are an indicator of the fuel’s resistance to self-ignition or knocking. The are two generally accepted methods of testing this, motor octane (MON) and research octane (MON). The pump octane number (PON) that appears on gas pumps in North America is the average of the two with regular typically being labeled as 87 PON and mid-grade as 91 PON. A fuel with a rating of 95 RON will typically have a PON of 91, the standard for premium fuel. Fuel retailers have long marketed the idea that using premium fuel can help improve fuel economy and this is true up to a point. Engines will only see a benefit if they are optimized for this fuel with either a higher compression ratio or more turbocharger boost. This enables a higher expansion ratio in the engine so each cylinder firing extracts more work from the fuel. Unfortunately, putting higher octane fuel in a lower compression engine will probably have little or no impact in most cases. According to Nicholson, relatively simple changes including new pistons to enable higher compression and revised calibrations can yield about a 3% improvement in efficiency with no significant added component costs. Aggregated over millions of engines a year, that adds up to some fairly substantial fuel consumption reductions. But is is worth it for the consumer? The consumer side of this equation is where things get a little muddier. While a 3% savings in fuel use is not insignificant for manufacturers that at least for now need to continue improving their efficiency across their fleets, consumers might not see the full benefit. The upfront cost for a vehicle optimized to run on 95 RON gasoline may be essentially the same as one that runs on regular, and there would be no added infrastructure costs, but the consumer may be paying more every time they go to the pump. For the week of March 5, 2018, the Energy Information Agency reported national average retail gasoline prices of $2.56/gallon while premium was $3.08, a difference of $0.52. The projected average fuel economy for 2017 model year vehicles was 25.2 mpg. Over 100,000 miles, that would amount to about 3,968 gallons of gasoline. A 3% bump would take that to 26 mpg and 3,852 gallons a savings of just 116 gallons. At $3.08 per gallon that would save $357 while the the premium fuel would cost more than $2,000 more than regular. As usual, things are never quite that simple however. According to Chet Thompson, president of AFPM, premium fuel currently only accounts for about 10% of retail gasoline sales. That relatively low volume combined with the realities of refining partly lead to that significant retail cost differential. If 95 RON gasoline were to become the new baseline standard, accounting for the majority of gasoline sales, refineries would shift their production mix, significantly bringing down the cost of this higher octane fuel. It’s too early for specifics on the new cost premium but for consumers, the change would come much closer to being cost neutral. There has been discussion in recent years of moving to even higher octane fuels with 98-100 RON ratings. Engines optimized to run on these fuels could generate bigger savings at a still modest upfront cost. However, while a 95 RON engine can generally run safely on regular, albeit at reduced performance and efficiency, a 100 RON engine would likely need some protections against misfueling. This may mean unique nozzles and pumps for this higher octane fuel much as we have for diesel fuel already. That would add cost to both the vehicle and infrastructure. One exception would be the upcoming spark controlled compression ignition SkyActiv-X engine coming from Mazda in 2019. This engine’s unique properties enable it to easily adapt on the fly to different fuel grades so misfueling isn’t really an issue. Nicholson explained that GM and other members of research consortium USCAR have done a lot of modeling of the various costs associated with higher octane fuels. Going to 98-100 RON cost effectively would require much higher concentrations of ethanol, as much as 25%. However, some states such as California don’t allow ethanol concentrations of 15% or greater. Instead Thompson, Nicholson and others are proposing an extensive revamp of the current renewable fuels standard (RFS) which mandates arbitrary annual volumes of ethanol use. They propose a performance based fuel standard that requires 95 RON with flexibility to let the market determine the best way to reach that. Blending in ethanol is still the cheapest and easiest way to boost octane and they expect that overall ethanol use would remain similar to what it is under the current RFS. However, in areas where increasing ethanol isn’t a viable option other methods could be used. If this moves forward, new engines optimized for 95 RON would begin to arrive in about the 2022-2023 time frame and they would require this higher octane fuel. Nicholson explains that “engineers from the auto and fuels industry are working together on smart solutions to protect against accidental misfueling that could cause engine damage.” Even after the proposed introduction of 95 RON gasoline as the new baseline, existing regular fuels would continue to be available for many years in transition similar to the one from leaded to unleaded gasoline in the 1970s. An alternative approach is the one now being adopted by Fiat Chrysler on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler and 2019 RAM 1500. FCA is putting 48V mild hybrid systems on these vehicles. The gasoline V6 RAM will get this mild hybrid system as standard equipment from this summer. The mild hybrid will be an option on the 5.7-liter V8 priced at just $800 with an expected bump in fuel economy of at least 10% and it will continue to run on current 87 PON regular gas. Regardless of what the administration in Washington opts to do with fuel economy regulations, automakers are pressing ahead with a range of options that include improved fuels, varying degrees of electrification and the development of shared, automated vehicles. They recognize that any regulatory changes that are implemented now will probably at best provide a brief respite. At some point in the future, they will need to continue raising the bar on efficiency. .

Green Car Congress / March 9, 2018 In collaboration with Linköping-based energy recovery specialists Tekniska verken, Scania Engines is currently testing one of its engines using raw gas, biogas that is untreated—i.e., not cleaned or upgraded to remove wastewater, CO2 and other particles, as happens with the production of compressed natural gas for vehicle fuels. Instead, the raw gas is taken directly from the digestion chambers as fuel for the Scania engine, to see how it performs over 600 hours of tests. The engine is a Scania 16-liter V8, made for low-pressure compressed natural gas for power generation. The unit is switchable between 1,500/1,800 rpm to produce between 333 kW and 426 kW prime power. COP (continuous operating power) is 330 kW (50 Hz), 350 kW (60 Hz). Gas feed pressure is 50 mbar. Scania’s hope is that if the engine can work with this raw gas, it will be an even quicker and cheaper process of producing biogas for power generation, and another valuable source of alternative energy from recycled material. We have been working with Tekniska verken for the past two years, initially with compressed natural gas, and we started testing raw gas in early 2017. In September 2017 we carried out the latest round of testing and have been reviewing the results during the following months. —Holger Mattsson, Project Coordinator at Scania Engines Tekniska verken produces compressed natural gas (CNG) to be used as vehicle fuel. Indeed, the city of Linköping, which owns the company, runs its bus system exclusively on CNG. But while Tekniska verken’s focus is not necessarily on raw gas, Erik Nordell, the Development Engineer at Tekniska verken who has been coordinating the work with Mattsson and his Scania team, says Tekniska will be taking a close interest in the results of the tests. Scania is also set to work with Telge Återvinning in Tveta, Södertälje, a waste-recycling entity owned by Södertälje council. At Scania’s instigation, the pair run tests to see how Scania’s engines can run on simple gas—in other words, gas that is extracted directly from landfill sites. This will mean taking the gas directly from source—without refining or upgrading—by drilling holes directly into Telge’s landfilled waste. Even though Tveta stopped taking landfill in the 1990s, the biogas by-product from the organic waste digestion process continues to be available for up to 30 years after burial. There are landfill sites all over the world, and if we can effectively use the lower-quality gas that comes directly from these sources, there is huge potential for the market and for consumers. —Holger Mattsson .

Australian study finds VW diesel using up to 14% more fuel in real world driving after emissions upgrade Green Car Congress / March 12, 2018 Emissions analysis commissioned by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has found an affected VW diesel vehicle to be using up to 14% more diesel after being recalled for the mandated emissions system fix. Conducted in partnership with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the real world testing was commissioned to quantify performance changes associated with the software upgrades being implemented on affected vehicles. The recall fix was implemented by VW after 2015 when it was revealed that more than 11 million VW diesel vehicles had been sold with a defeat device installed, which detected when a vehicle’s engine was being tested and subsequently changed performance to improve emission results. In late 2016, AAA commissioned research firm ABMARC to run two tests on an affected VW vehicle—one before recall and one immediately after. The test result indicates that a 2010 model Euro 5 VW Golf used an average of 7% more fuel (0.5 liters/100 km) after it had the recall completed. This ranged from using 2% more fuel while driving in urban areas, 7% more fuel on rural roads and 14% while driving on highways. The tests showed a reduction in emissions of NOx carbon monoxide and particulate matter occurred after the recall fix. However, the NOx emissions were still 4.11 times the laboratory limit after the recall when tested under real driving conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of the recall fix by comparing the real world pollutant emissions of the test vehicle to the respective laboratory limits and the fuel consumption to the official figures before and after the recall fix. The results show that VW may have found a fix for reducing the level of noxious NOx emissions but as a result, the amount of fuel used has increased. The testing also indicated that both power and torque had increased slightly after the recall fix. The testing further supports the AAA’s call for a real-world emission testing program in Australia. The AAA has strongly advocated for the introduction of a real-world emissions test program following its own research program, which tested 30 Australian cars, on Australian roads, using Australian fuels. An Australian real-world test program would allow consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions, and allow policy makers to ensure that regulatory settings reflect real-world conditions. The AAA argues that there is no point in introducing tougher vehicle emissions standards in a laboratory setting unless information on real world performance is in the hands of consumers.

TATRA Trucks Press Release / March 8, 2018 The latest generation of the highly successful TATRA PHOENIX Euro 6 truck will be launched in April this year. Made by the oldest Czech automotive producer (and today the only Czech-owned producer of motor vehicles), the 2018 model will offer customers even more effective solutions for their transportation needs. The new TATRA PHOENIX Euro 6 2018 model is similar in appearance to the current generation – though there are some differences in the colour scheme, as the new model combines the body colour with the matte and gloss black cabin front grille sections. However, the real changes are underneath the surface, in the technological solutions developed for the 2018 model – creating a completely new generation of vehicles that offer enhanced added value to customers. Quieter, more powerful, and greener To sum up the main differences between the 2018 model TATRA PHOENIX Euro 6 and its predecessors, the new generation of this popular truck is quieter, more technically sophisticated, more powerful, and more user-friendly – as well as being able to carry an increased payload. Thanks to the compact dimensions of the new emissions control technology (consisting of the DPF filter, the SCR system and the catalytic converter), the new generation not only offers more space for the superstructure, but can also carry a higher payload without increasing the total weight. The new engines (the MX-11 and MX-13) meet Euro 6c emissions standards; the engines are quieter, more economical and greener than their predecessors, while also offering increased power. The new trucks can be fitted with a TraXon automatic transmission system (one of the world's most advanced transmission systems of its type) combined with our in-house reduction transfer case. In addition, 95% of the 2018 TATRA PHOENIX Euro 6 trucks are without hub reduction. Thanks to these features, the new-generation vehicles offer a key advantage to buyers: a very low TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) coefficient. New structural design features The TATRA PHOENIX – a combination of the unique TATRA chassis concept with components supplied by leading international manufacturers – has quickly established itself as a distinctive presence in the global automotive market. Both TATRA and our suppliers are constantly working to develop and improve the various components and assemblies used in the vehicle. Thanks to a commercial agreement with leading Dutch manufacturer DAF Trucks, we are able to offer our customers world-leading solutions in the heavy goods vehicle segment. One of the most striking innovations in the new-generation TATRA PHOENIX is the cabin, with all-new soundproofing and a new interior colour scheme. The controls and switches are all new, as is the display behind the steering wheel. The electronic architecture of the entire vehicle has undergone major changes, and now features a combination of LIN and CAN technologies. The engines have also been thoroughly modernized to reduce noise levels and maximize fuel combustion efficiency. The engine operating speed has been reduced and torque increased; maximum torque is now available from 900 min-1. The maximum power of the MX-11 and MX-13 engines has been increased by between 7 kW/10 hp and 14 kW/19 hp, and the torque has been increased by between 50 N.m and 200 N.m depending on the engine's power output. TATRA has also made major structural changes enabling the vehicles to be fitted with a 10-tonne front axles, lifting rear axles or steered rear axles (mainly for 10x10 vehicles and related versions). Another major innovation is the option to fit disc brakes. In addition to the standard 16-gear manual transmission, customers can also choose a TraXon automatic transmission (a replacement for the previous AS-Tronic automatic system). The new transmission is only available as a 16-gear unit. It features specially developed software designed to handle the most challenging terrain; experts from TATRA TRUCKS played a key role in developing the new software. .

Tatra receives cheque to restore unique historic train TATRA Trucks Press Release / March 8, 2018 On Monday 19 February, the Minister for Regional Development Klára Dostálová visited the Moravian-Silesian Region – and one of the stops on her itinerary was TATRA TRUCKS in Kopřivnice. The Minister met with representatives of the company, which has received EU funding to reconstruct and restore the unique historic 'Slovak Bullet' locomotive. The TATRA T 68 diesel locomotive, nicknamed the 'Slovak Bullet', has been declared a national cultural monument in recognition of its importance as an outstanding example of the Czech Republic's technical heritage. In mid-January 2018 the company's funding application for the restoration was approved, and the Minister's visit to the Region represented an ideal opportunity for her to present Tatra CEO Radek Strouhal with a symbolic cheque for almost 80 million CZK (the precise sum is 79 474 072 CZK). Dostálová expressed her strong support for the project: "There are moments when it's a great pleasure to present a funding cheque – and the restoration of the 'Slovak Bullet' is one such moment. If the company and the Moravian-Silesian Region manage to successfully complete the new TATRA automobile museum – and I have been assured that they will – it will be a phenomenal project, which will help to raise Kopřivnice's profile and attract new visitors to the town. I presented the company with a symbolic cheque for the restoration of the locomotive and the construction of an exhibition pavilion for it – and we also met with representatives from the company, the Region and the Town of Kopřivnice. The Region is coordinating the museum project, and the Town is in charge of a project to revitalize the land at the planned museum site. I am delighted that the Ministry of Regional Development is able to help implement this project by providing EU funding." TATRA will use the funding to completely restore the historic train to a fully functioning state, as well as building a special exhibition pavilion for it, to be located next to the planned TATRA automobile museum. CEO Radek Strouhal commented: "For us, the project represents a recognition of our work – of the TATRA company, our long and proud heritage, and the talented team that is planning the restoration project. The funding we have received will enable us to restore the 'Slovak Bullet' to its former glory – and above all, to make it fully functional once again. In cooperation with the Ministry, the Region and the Town of Kopřivnice we are creating a museum which will be a major visitor attraction, and we are confident that it will boost interest in technical education among young people – which will ultimately help us to recruit the next generation of talented TATRA staff." The total cost of the project is 118 million CZK; TATRA TRUCKS will also be contributing its own funds. The plans for the exhibition pavilion have already been drawn up; when restoration work is complete, the pavilion will be used to display the train. The funding approval also means that TATRA can now announce a tender for a contractor to carry out the restoration work. In the middle of last year, funding was also approved for a brand-new TATRA automobile museum. The new museum will be run by the Moravian-Silesian Region as a branch of the Nový Jičín Regional Museum. TATRA TRUCKS has donated a site for the new museum – including a former foundry building. The company will also allow the museum to use the adjacent land, as well as donating its valuable collection of unique vehicles – which could not previously be displayed due to a lack of space. The exhibition at the new museum will be created in close cooperation with the current Tatra Technical Museum. The planned costs of the new museum are 123 million CZK, of which 85% will be financed via EU funding. The goal of both projects – which are scheduled for completion during 2020 – is to raise public awareness of the unique contribution made by the TATRA company to the development of our technical heritage, as well as conserving this heritage for the benefit of future generations. .

Renault Trucks Press Release / March 9, 2018 In 2017, Renault Trucks recorded an increase in invoicing with a total volume of 49,930 vehicles sold. The French manufacturer strengthened its market positions and recorded the best growth in terms of market share on the European and French markets. For Renault Trucks, 2017 resulted in increasing sales and other indicators turning green with a total of 49,930 vehicles invoiced, representing an overall increase of 4%. In the market for trucks over 6 tonnes alone, the volumes invoiced increased by 7%. In this segment, Renault Trucks recorded the strongest growth on both the European market and the French market. Breakdown of invoicing by destination - Europe (excluding France): 23,635 units invoiced - France: 21,409 units invoiced - Rest of the world: 4,886 units invoiced Renault Trucks gained 0.6 points of market share in Europe for trucks over 16 tonnes In 2017, in a European market for trucks over 6 tonnes recording slight growth (+1%), Renault Trucks grew 7.7% and achieved the highest growth in terms of market share with +0.5 points (8.4%). In a shrinking, low-volume market (-1.8%) for mid-range vehicles (6 to 16 tonnes), Renault Trucks maintained its position with its share down by 0.1 points. This slight decline can be explained mainly by the withdrawal of the D Cab 2m from the commercial market in 2017. This vehicle accounted for 1.1 points of market share. After four years of growth, the European market for trucks over 16 tonnes, up by 1.4%, has now returned to its 2008 level. Renault Trucks performed particularly well in this segment, growing in most European markets and recording an overall increase in its volumes of 9.1%. The French manufacturer recorded the strongest growth of all truck manufacturers with +0.6 percentage points, achieving a market share of 8.7%. Regaining international markets Internationally, Renault Trucks is active primarily in Africa and the Middle East. In 2017, volumes decreased by 4% with 4,886 units invoiced. This decline can be explained by the introduction of import quotas in Algeria. Despite this, Renault Trucks remains the market leader for European manufacturers in French-speaking Africa, achieving 40% market share in Algeria in the over 16-tonne segment. Renault Trucks also increased its volumes by +40% in Turkey, in a market that remains sluggish. In 2017, the manufacturer opened four new sales and service outlets, in Izmir, Istanbul, Denizli and Ankara. In Iran, Renault Trucks renewed its cooperation with Arya Diesel Motors, which relates to the import of the T, C and K ranges and assembly of the T range. Finally, 2017 also saw the launch of the T, C and K ranges in Chile. Used vehicles, a strategic business Regarding its used vehicle business, Renault Trucks maintained its volumes in a difficult market with 6,846 trucks invoiced and deployed significant resources. The manufacturer opened two new used vehicle centres in Dubai and Budapest and set up its Used Trucks Factory, a workshop for the conversion of used vehicles, at the heart of its industrial site in Bourg-en-Bresse (Ain). In this workshop, the constructor modifies trucks so that they fully satisfy the needs of its customers: tractor units are converted into rigid trucks and long-distance trucks into worksite supply vehicles. 230 used industrial vehicles were converted in 2017 and the manufacturer’s objective is to convert 1,000 trucks annually. Finally, Renault Trucks has launched an online platform for listing its used trucks. While today this digital tool is focused on showing vehicles available for sale, by 2020 it will become an e-commerce site. Aftermarket, vital for Renault Trucks The aftermarket business is vital for Renault Trucks because its customers’ success depends on it. In 2017, the manufacturer recorded a 2.6% increase in its spare parts turnover. Renault Trucks also developed a range of maintenance contracts, whose penetration rate increased by 4 points. Momentum that should continue in 2018 Renault Trucks should continue to benefit from a favourable market environment and continue to reap the benefits of its hard work. The manufacturer has just recruited 500 new employees (including 300 operatives), and 175 sales representatives have been recruited to its sales network. In addition, Renault Trucks opened 35 new sales and service outlets in 2017. In 2018, the manufacturer will focus on preparing for marketing a range of 100% electric trucks and implement a production line dedicated to these zero-emission vehicles at its plant in Blainville-sur-Orne (Calvados). .

DAF Trucks Press Release / March 9, 2018 'Our drivers are very happy with the transmission, the gear changing, the comfort, the interior and the mattress. The vehicle is very convincing’. Watch what the New XF means for Anhalt Logistics from Germany. .

Chevy unveils Silverado HD 4500, 5500, slips in 6500 Aaron Marsh, Fleet Owner / March 8, 2018 INDIANAPOLIS. Chevrolet revealed its Class 4 and 5 Silverado HD 4500/5500 chassis cab trucks today at the Work Truck Show — and then snuck in an unexpected 6500 Class 6 truck as well. Calling it the "biggest news in years" for the brand's commercial lineup — "literally" — the automaker has added the larger conventional cab trucks to its offerings after promising they were in the works for some time. "It all adds up to a product lineup that is, by far, the best and the broadest that Chevrolet has ever had," said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president for GM Fleet. "You don't build a dominant franchise like this overnight." He explained how the OEM gathered extensive input from dealers and customers in designing the new trucks. "There's never been a Silverado that's not a workhorse," Peper contended. "The more choice we offer truck customers, the more we drive sales across our entire portfolio." Pointing to Chevrolet's low-cab forward trucks, which offer alternative medium-duty class vehicles, he said the OEM's customers had been asking for a medium-duty conventional cab offering "because they want a one-stop shop for all of their vehicle needs." "Good things come to those who wait," Peper said. "Once we made the decision to get back into the medium-duty conventional cab business, we were determined to do it better than anyone else." So Chevy gathered input from fleet managers, truck drivers, upfitters, technicians and dealers in developing the new Silverados. John Schwegman, director of commercial product and medium duty at GM Fleet, said the new trucks "are designed to solve the most common upfit and ownership challenges fleets have with many of today's medium duty trucks." The Silverado will be available in 2WD and 4WD configurations and will be powered by the OEM's 6.6L Duramax diesel engine rated at 350 hp/700 lbs.-ft. of torque. The trucks will have Allison automatic transmissions with a power take off option. Some additional highlights of the new trucks include: — A factory-painted frame with one-piece frame rails; smooth, unobstructed top sections; and through-the-frame fuel fill lines. —Seven cab-to-axle options ranging from 60 to 162-in. along with five axle-to-back-of-frame lengths sized in 8-in. increments. —A lightweight, front-hinged "clamshell" hood that allows easier access to under-hood components combined with a 50-degree wheel cut. —A hood designed to optimize the driver's ability to see the road. —An available factory-installed rear air suspension; triple-sealed, inset doors that help reduce wind and road noise; and huck bolts used throughout the frame for superior clamping force. —A diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank located on the passenger side of the truck for more convenience. Connectivity options for the new HD Silverados include OnStar and Commercial Link, a built-in 4GLTE Wi-Fi hotspot (paid data plan required), wireless smartphone charging, Bluetooth and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new medium-duty Silverados are slated for production late this year. .

Hino enters Class 8 market with XL series Fleet Owner / March 8, 2018 INDIANAPOLIS. Hino is going big. The Toyota-owned company introduced its new line of Class 7 and 8 trucks. “Entering Class 8 is arguably something no OEM has done successfully over the past 50 years,” said Dominik Beckman, Hino’s director of marketing and dealer operations told a large crowd before the unveiling of the XL7 and XL8 models at the Work Truck Show. But Hino is betting it can do it with its A09 turbo diesel 8.9-liter inline 6-cylinder in both models, which will be manufactured the company’s new facility in West Virginia. “Considering our remarkable success in Class 4-7 in North America, and our growing global presence in the Class 8 market, entering the North American heavy duty segment makes for the next logical step. Not to mention our customers and our dealer network have been asking for this for some time,” said Yoshinori Noguchi, President and CEO of Hino Trucks North America. The Hino XL Series will include straight truck and tractor configurations ranging from a GVWR of 33,000 to 60,000 lbs. and GCWR up to 66,000 lbs. with max performance of 360 horsepower and 1,150 lb.-ft. torque. With available wheel base selections of up to 304 inches, and tandem axle and fifth wheel configurations, the company is looking to attract a variety of vocations. The lineup features new active safety solutions with electronic stability control (standard on tractor) and collision mitigation systems, innovative payload management suspension options, and a body builder friendly optimized design that was also engineered for maximum ease of serviceability. Hino Trucks set out to create a vehicle with best-in-class styling, ergonomics, and valued amenities. “Both drivers and owners are going to love this truck,” said Glenn Ellis, vice president of customer experience. “The first thing you notice is the styling – the aerodynamic yet bold design could proudly represent any business. Then you open the door to a wide, easy-access entry and an automotive grade finished interior ready to provide the best service possible to drivers and teams.” Air-ride cab and driver’s seat, hands-free Bluetooth audio/calling, steering wheel controls, LED headlights, cruise control, and air conditioning are standard on every 2020 model year Hino XL7 and XL8. The trucks will also feature HinoWatch 24/7 roadside assistance, HinoCare maintenance programs. Its fully integrated connected vehicle solution Hino Insight Telematics will be included for free for a one-year while Insight Remote Diagnostics and Insight Case Management are complimentary for five-years. The company will begin taking orders in late 2018. Production will start in early 2019 in Mineral Wells, WV, at Hino’s one-million square foot facility. .

Navistar posts Q1 loss, predicts “breakout year” Truck News / March 8, 2018 LISLE, Ill. – Navistar reported a net loss of US$73 million in the first quarter, but raised its full year 2018 guidance and grew its revenue 15% to $1.9 billion in the quarter. The quarter included $46 million in charges related to a debt refinancing. “We are off to a strong start in 2018 thanks to our ability to grow Navistar’s position in a strengthening market,” said Troy A. Clarke, chairman, president and CEO. “We grew our Class 8 market share and improved our margins, on the way to delivering our best first quarter on an adjusted EBITDA basis since 2011.” Class 8 heavy charge-outs were up 56% year-over-year, and its market share improved 1.2%, the company reported. “Our improvement this year is due largely to the market’s positive reaction to our new products, including the LT Series on highway tractor and the 13-liter A26 engine,” Clarke said. “In fact, the strong interest in our A26 engine has us nearly doubling our share of trucks with 13-liter engines in the first quarter of 2018 compared to a year ago.” Navistar rose its 2018 full year guidance to an overall market of 360,000-390,000 Classes 6-8 trucks and buses in the U.S. and Canada, with Class 8 retail deliveries of 235,000-265,000 units. “We expect market conditions to remain robust and we are determined to take advantage of opportunities to grow share while delivering strong margin performance,” Clarke said. “Given the progress made in Q1, and our positive outlook for the remainder of the year, we are confident that 2018 will be the breakout year for Navistar.”

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / March 8, 2018 Truck and engine manufacturer Navistar International Corp. on Thursday reported its net loss grew during its fiscal first quarter compared to a year ago, but one top official insisted the company is headed in a positive direction. The net loss totaled $73 million, or 74 cents per share, for the three months ending on Jan. 31, compared a net loss of $62 million, or 76 cents per share, a year earlier. The latest results include $46 million of charges as a result of the company's debt refinancing in Nov. 2017. Revenues in the quarter were $1.9 billion, a 15% increase compared to $1.7 billion in the first quarter last year, driven by a 24% increase in the company's core market (Class 6-8 trucks and buses in the U.S. and Canada), according to Navistar. First quarter 2018 EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) was $55 million, compared to first quarter 2017 EBITDA of $63 million. First quarter 2018 includes $49 million in net adjustments, including the debt refinancing and other items. Adjusted EBITDA was $104 million versus $55 million in first quarter 2017. "We are off to a strong start in 2018 thanks to our ability to grow Navistar's position in a strengthening market," said Troy A. Clarke, chairman, president and CEO. "We grew our Class 8 market share and improved our margins, on the way to delivering our best first quarter on an adjusted EBITDA basis since 2011." Navistar's first quarter core chargeouts (trucks that have been invoiced to customers, with units held in dealer inventory) were up 2,400 units year-over-year led by Class 8, which was up 56% compared to first quarter last year. The company's Class 8 market share was up 1.2 points versus the same period one year ago. Navistar’s truck segment first quarter 2018 net sales increased to $1.3 billion, primarily due to higher volumes in the company's core markets, an increase in military sales, and production of GM-branded units manufactured at Navistar's Springfield, Ohio plant, which launched in the second quarter of 2017. This was partially offset by a decline in the company's Mexico and export truck volumes. The truck segment loss was $7 million in the first quarter 2018, versus a loss of $69 million in the same period one year ago. The improvement was primarily driven by the impact of higher volumes in the company's core markets, a decrease in used truck losses, and an increase in military sales, partially offset by higher structural costs. In the first quarter of 2018, the parts segment net sales were $568 million, slightly lower than the prior year primarily due to the expected runoff in Blue Diamond Parts (BDP) sales, partially offset by higher U.S. and Canada parts sales related to the Fleetrite and ReNEWed brands. The parts segment profit was $137 million, down 8%, primarily due to lower BDP margins and higher freight-related expenses. The global operations segment saw net sales increase 62% in the first quarter, totaling $81 million, primarily driven by higher engine volumes in the company's South America engine operations due to improvement in the Brazilian economy. For the first quarter 2018, the global operations segment loss was $7 million versus a $4 million loss in the first quarter 2017. Higher engine volumes and a benefit recognized as an adjustment to restructuring charges only partially offset a one-time benefit in the first quarter of 2017 of $9 million related to an adjustment to pre-existing warranties. In the first quarter of 2018, the financial services segment net revenues increased to $59 million primarily due to higher portfolio yields, higher overall finance receivable balances in Mexico and favorable movements in foreign currency exchange rates impacting the company's Mexican portfolio. Its profit increased to $20 million primarily due to a decrease in the provision for loan losses in Mexico and improved interest margins. Based on stronger industry conditions, Navistar raised its 2018 full-year guidance: Retail deliveries of Class 6-8 trucks and buses in the U.s. and Canada are forecast to be in the range of 360,000 units to 390,000 units, with Class 8 retail deliveries of 235,000 to 265,000 units. Revenues are expected to be between $9.25 billion and $9.75 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $700 million and $750 million. Year-end manufacturing cash is expected to be about $1.1 billion. "We expect market conditions to remain robust and we are determined to take advantage of opportunities to grow share while delivering strong margin performance," Clarke said. "Given the progress made in first quarter, and our positive outlook for the remainder of the year, we are confident that 2018 will be the breakout year for Navistar."

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / March 8, 2018 Southern Eagle Distributing, one of the oldest continual Anheuser-Busch distributorships in the U.S., has purchased two propane autogas-fueled Ford F-650 delivery trucks to reduce emissions and fueling costs. The trucks will be used in Charleston, South Carolina, to deliver over 600 beverage types including beer, soda, energy drinks, juice and water. The beverage delivery trucks are equipped with Ford's 6.8-liter V-10 engine with a ROUSH CleanTech fuel system. When running propane, the engines are certified to 0.05 grams per brake horsepower-hour for nitrogen oxide. The engine is 75% cleaner than the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard and 99% cleaner than diesel vehicles built before 2007, according to ROUSH. "Southern Eagle Distributing has adopted propane autogas technology to reduce our overall emissions and create a more environmentally friendly and green fleet," said Jim Henderson, vice president of operations for Southern Eagle Distributing. "We care about and support our local communities and want to impact them positively. A less polluting fleet benefits everyone." The distributor will also install a propane fueling station with a 1,000-gallon tank its Charleston location. The company is saving more than 40% on fuel compared with current diesel prices and expects to reduce maintenance expenses. "Fueling onsite is more economical for us than mobile fueling," said Henderson. "The refill station was a low entry cost for us." Southern Eagle Distributing will test the trucks later this year. "We are optimistic that the test will be successful," said Henderson "Propane autogas is easy to scale. We'll continue to evaluate our fleet needs into 2019, and I'm hopeful we will be adding more propane units as we replace older units."

Navistar Caps Turnaround With Overhaul of Top Truck Transport Topics / March 8, 2018 Navistar International Corp. is rolling out the final installment of an all-new product lineup aimed at growing sales and keeping the once-struggling truck maker firmly in the black. The International MV Series — Navistar’s top-selling model in the U.S. and Canada — is a familiar sight delivering beer and other merchandise on crowded city streets. The revamped medium-duty truck unveiled March 7 in Indianapolis marks the finishing touch on CEO Troy Clarke’s turnaround plan. “As we’ve been introducing these new products, the issues we had relative to quality, productivity, cost and warranty have really fallen to the background,” Clarke said in an interview. Navistar started a comprehensive product refresh in 2013 while fighting to stay out of bankruptcy. The overhaul has reversed a stock slide that began almost a decade ago when the company tried to lower nitrogen oxide emissions by recirculating exhaust gases through the engine instead of injecting them with urea, like the rest of the industry. Navistar ultimately embraced urea in 2012, but by then, half its market share was gone. In the years since, Navistar has revamped its lineup and slimmed down its management ranks, cutting the number of vice presidents to nine from two dozen in 2013. Wall Street expects gross profit margins to exceed 22% by 2021, up from nearly 18% last year, with Gabelli & Co. analysts in December calling the company’s turnaround “Herculean.” Continued gains would be music to the ears of Navistar’s biggest shareholder, billionaire investor Carl Icahn, who holds a 17% stake. Known more for activism than patience, Icahn paid an average of $33.62 for each of his 16.7 million shares starting in 2011, Bloomberg data show. The shares closed at $37.04 on March 7. In a phone interview March 6, Icahn declined to comment on his investment, other than to praise Navistar’s CEO. “I think Troy is doing a very good job,” he said. Right behind Icahn holding 16.6 million shares is Volkswagen AG, which has announced plans with Navistar to bring an all-electric medium duty truck to market as soon as next year. VW is said to be considering an initial public offering for its own truck division, which could encourage the unit to increase its Navistar stake or buy the company entirely, according to David Leiker, a Baird Equity Research analyst. Clarke declined to comment on the takeover speculation. Heavy Haulers Mid-size, inner-city delivery vehicles like the ones Navistar is developing with VW provide a better opportunity for electrification than over-the-highway freight haulers, since they return to the same warehouse each night for recharging. Clarke predicts that by 2025, Navistar will have more electric trucks on the road than Tesla Inc. But it’s the big haulers — Class 8 trucks — that are really driving the industry’s growth. North American orders for heavy trucks surged 76% in February, the second straight month where orders exceeded 40,000 units, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Next year could fall short of this torrid pace but not by much, Clarke said. Navistar now has an 11.8% share of the Class 8 truck market in the U.S. and Canada, up 0.7 percentage point from last year. The goal is to “pick up a couple of points a year for the next couple of years,” he said. Navistar, which releases earnings before the market opens March 8, is expected to report an adjusted loss of 29 cents a share, the average of analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg. While commodity price inflation could be a headwind, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Christopher Ciolino, Clarke said proposed tariffs on aluminum and steel won’t impact costs immediately, due to multiyear purchase agreements. “This company has some great years and decades ahead of it,” Clarke said. “I’m behind, but it’s a level playing field.”

By cooperating with Isuzu and Navistar, GM has successfully re-entered the commercial truck segment, with a broad portfolio, without spending any serious money. They have both bases covered, low cab forward as well as conventional cab configurations. And, they offer both gasoline and diesel. However.......... GM's trucks should be under the GMC brand if only under one brand. Most Chevrolet dealers don't know how to professionally sell commercial trucks. GM, like Ford, rates a 1 on a 10 scale in sales marketing (promotion).