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Berkshire Hathaway Buys 38.6% of Pilot Flying J Transport Topics / October 3, 2017 Warren Buffett to Boost Stake to 80% in 2023 Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. bought a stake in Pilot Travel Centers LLC, owner of the Pilot Flying J truck stop chain, and detailed plans to become the company’s biggest shareholder in six years. Berkshire Hathaway agreed to acquire 38.6% of Pilot Flying J, a closely held company based in Knoxville, Tenn., according to a statement Oct. 3. The Haslam family will continue for now to hold the majority of Pilot Flying J, with Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam remaining as chief executive officer of the company. The Maggelet family’s FJ Management Inc. will keep its 11.3% stake in Pilot Flying J until 2023, when Buffett plans to become the company’s biggest shareholder. Buffett will boost his stake to 80% at that point, leaving the Haslams with a fifth of the business. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Haslam said in an interview he hit it off with Buffett after being introduced earlier this year by Chicago merchant banker Byron Trott, who suggested the Berkshire chairman buy a minority stake in the truck stop operator. Pilot Flying J generates annual revenue of more than $20 billion and was named the 15th largest private company in the U.S. by Forbes magazine. “Jimmy Haslam and his team have created an industry leader and a key enabler of the nation’s economy,” Buffett, 87, said in the statement. “We look forward to a partnership that supports the trucking industry for years to come.” Trott’s BDT Capital Partners is selling its minority stake in Pilot Flying J as part of the transaction. The investment marks a return to large dealmaking for Buffett, who’s had a relatively quiet 2017 after walking away from a $143 billion attempt to acquire Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever. His bid to acquire Oncor Electric Delivery Co. was bested by Sempra Energy in August, after activist investor Paul Singer bought up the target’s debt to block Buffett and back the rival suitor. Pilot Flying J started life as a single Pilot gas station in Gate City, Va., in 1958. It now has more than 750 locations across North America and employs 27,000 people. Buffett said by phone he isn’t going to lose sleep over potential threats from autonomous vehicles. “Trucks are going to be around for a very long time. Who knows when driverless trucks are going to come along and what level of penetration they have,” Buffett said in an interview. “There is nothing that we own that doesn’t have something in the future that might affect it.” Pilot Flying J has been run by Haslam, the son of Pilot Corp. founder Jim Haslam, since 1996. The brother of Tennessee governor Bill Haslam, Jimmy has owned the Cleveland Browns National Football League franchise since 2012, when he paid more than $1 billion to buy control of the team from Randy Lerner. Pilot’s former president, Mark Hazelwood, and three other former executives under indictment are set to go on trial Oct. 31 in federal court in Chattanooga, more than four years after an FBI raid on the headquarters of Pilot Flying J following an investigation into diesel fuel rebate fraud. Jimmy Haslam has not been accused in the multimillion dollar rebate scheme. Fourteen former Pilot sales executives have previously been charged, pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government while awaiting sentencing. .

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 3, 2017 Warren Buffet-run holding company Berkshire Hathaway has made a significant minority investment in truckstop chain Pilot Flying J, with plans to become the majority stakeholder by 2023, the companies announced. The Haslam family will continue to own a majority of Pilot Flying J. Jimmy Haslam will remain its chief executive officer along with current President Ken Parent and the company’s management team. Under the terms of the deal, Berkshire will acquire a 38.6% stake in the company with plans to become the majority stakeholder by 2023. At that point, the Haslam family will retain a 20% ownership share. “Pilot Flying J is built on a longstanding tradition of excellence and an unrivaled commitment to serving North America’s drivers,” said Warren Buffett, chairman, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. “Jimmy Haslam and his team have created an industry leader and a key enabler of the nation’s economy. The company has a smart growth strategy in place and we look forward to a partnership that supports the trucking industry for years to come.” Pilot Flying J will remain headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. The truckstop company employs 27,000 people in 750 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The investment from Berkshire Hathaway is seen as an opportunity for growth. “Given the impeccable reputation of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, and our shared vision and values, we decided this was an ideal opportunity,” said Jimmy Haslam, CEO of Pilot Flying J. “As a family business that has evolved and prospered over the last six decades, we knew that any potential partner would need to share our commitment and have a proven track record as a long-term investor. We have that in Berkshire Hathaway – they believe in our strategy, support our team and are excited to see Pilot Flying J grow. We are honored and humbled to partner with them.” .

Volvo Launches Natural Gas Trucks in Europe Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 3, 2017 Sweden's Volvo Trucks has introduced two natural gas heavy-duty trucks to the European market that the OEM claims can cut CO2 emissions by 20% to 100%. The new trucks, the Volvo FH LNG and Volvo FM LNG, can run on either biogas or natural gas and are compliant with Euro 6 engine-emissions regulations. Volvo claims that the biogas version can cut CO2 emissions by 100% compared to the regular natural gas version that reduces CO2 emissions by 20%. This relates to emissions from the vehicle during usage, known as tank-to-wheel, according to the company. “We regard LNG, liquefied natural gas, as a long-term first choice alternative to diesel, both for regional and long-haul truck operations where fuel efficiency, payload, and productivity are crucial. With a higher proportion of biogas, climate impact can be reduced far more,” said Lars Mårtensson, director environment and innovation at Volvo Trucks. “For transport operations in urban environments, where range is not as critical, electrified vehicles will play a greater role in the future," he added. "Our vision is that trucks from Volvo will eventually have zero emissions, although the way of achieving that is not by one single solution, but through several solutions in parallel.” The trucks will use 15% to 20% less fuel than current gas-powered trucks, according to Volvo. Using LNG will give the vehicles the greatest possible operating range. Volvo Trucks noted that it is currently working with gas suppliers and customers to develop the expansion of LNG infrastructure in Europe. This effort is being supported politically in many countries and by the European Union. A strategy for expanding LNG infrastructure is also included in the European Commission and member states’ action packages for securing Europe’s long-term energy supply. “Our new trucks running on liquefied natural gas or biogas produce a far smaller climate footprint than diesel trucks do," said Mats Franzén, product manager-- engines at Volvo Trucks. "In addition, they are much more fuel-efficient than the gas-powered trucks available on the market today. This makes gas more viable as a replacement for diesel even for heavy long-haul operations.” .

Possible Photo of Tesla’s Electric Truck Leaks on Reddit Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 3, 2017 A post on the Tesla "subreddit" of Reddit.com shows a concept vehicle that appears to be Tesla’s unannounced electric road tractor. In the photo, an unidentified silver tractor or at least a cab is visible sitting on a flatbed trailer in a dirt lot. In an article on The Verge, Tesla neither confirmed nor denied whether it was its electric big rig, only saying that its policy was to “always decline to comment on speculation.” There is no badging on the truck to indicate that it is from Tesla, but commenters on the post pointed out some similarities in the design when compared to the teaser image that Tesla released in April. Interestingly, the original post in the Tesla subreddit has since been deleted and the Reddit user who posted the original photo has deleted their profile. The photo was later reposted by a second user who managed to save the photo before it was deleted. We may not have to wait long to find out if this is indeed Tesla's electric truck. The company plans to unveil the Tesla Semi on Oct. 26, at an event in Hawthorne, Calif. .

Kinedyne's New Curtain-Side Solutions Address Changing Logistics Demands Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 3, 2017 ATLANTA – Cargo-control company Kinedyne introduced several new products to help make cargo access faster and easier as the effect of e-commerce continues to spread beyond traditional final-mile transportation. “E-commerce is creating new cargo challenges, and Kinedyne is delivering new cargo solutions,” said Paul Wolford, vice president of sales and marketing for Kinedyne, during the inaugural North American Commercial Vehicle Show. “In the beginning, e-commerce had the greatest disruptive effect on end-of-the-line, also known as ‘final-mile’ or ‘last-mile’ delivery activities, but now companies throughout the supply chain are looking for ways to minimize transportation costs for cargo as it moves more swiftly throughout multiple transportation modes.” Wolford explained that Kinedyne is bringing new technologies to North America that will help supply chains optimize the speed, cost and efficiency of controlling cargo as it transitions from its original state (as a raw commodity) to a high-density state (in shipping and in hubs) to a low-density state (as it makes its way through the last mile). Among the products introduced were a load-rated curtain-side system for trailers, a unique double-decking system designed specifically for curtain-side applications, and a fast-access curtain-side system designed for urban operations. The lightweight curtain-side system opens and closes at lightning-fast speeds, but is engineered to restrain lateral cargo movement. The system is suitable for trailers up to 53 feet. With rapid access on both ends, the cargo space can be opened and closed within mere seconds. The lightweight system is versatile and adaptable to a number of logistical challenges, such as palletized cargo, double-decking, rack-mounted goods and the transport of beverages A load-rated curtain gives a trailer the combined advantages of flatbed access and a van’s walled structure. The double-decking system maximizes load density, allowing loading and unloading access of both cargo levels from the sides and rear, and all of its components conveniently stow in the trailer to avoid loss or damage. “Popular in Europe, load-rated curtains become part of a vehicle’s overall load securement system,” Wolford said. “They save time, weight and fuel, while providing sideways restraint to otherwise fully secured loads up to the curtain’s stated rating.” At this time in the U.S., those loads must still be otherwise restrained, but Kinedyne says it will work to get regulations changed to reflect those in Europe, where the load-rated curtains actually are legal as a securement device. Forward and rear cargo restraint must still be provided by headboards, tailboards and other traditional load securement methods. The double-decking system for curtain-side systems lets users optimize cargo capacity. The system accommodates cargo of varying dimensions and heights and is easy and intuitive to operate, according to the company. System configurations can support between 13,000 and 24,000 pounds on their second loading levels. A fast-access curtain-side system for the urban core was specially developed for fast and repetitive city distribution and short truck bodies of up to 28 feet. It’s ideal for quick and safe side loading and unloading in busy city centers, according to the company The cargo space can be swiftly opened, accessed from both sides and closed again within seconds. This system can be combined with a sliding roof and rear doors, creating a totally open cargo access environment. A flexible quick-release latching system for curtain-side operations is simple, versatile and fast. The system is particularly well suited for truck bodies that are tapered at their top, Kinedyne says. Skewed body construction often occurs when unique cargo must be accommodated, such as beverage and glass truck applications. This ergonomic system replaces cumbersome buckle closures and heavy roll-up doors that require stretching and straining to close. The sliding roof system uses patented folding plates and can be paired with an extended range of aluminum rails or combined with other curtain-style rapid-access products. The sliding roof makes the loading and unloading of long cargo easy and convenient and allows the use of over-head cranes. Users can choose between a traditional rear-to-front sliding roof or a sliding roof that opens and closes at both ends. Special patented security accessories are also available. All Kinedyne’s curtain-side and retractable roofs are equipped with advanced, patented roller technology that makes opening and closing them faster, safer and less ergonomically challenging. The three-roller design includes a steel horizontal roller that ensures effortless sliding and prevents the curtain from binding even when being briskly opened and closed. To bring these new technologies to North America, Kinedyne tapped the resources of its sister company, Wistra Cargo Control, and one of its European suppliers, Versus-Omega. All products are expected to be commercially available by January 2018. .

Electrification becoming more affordable for heavy trucks Trailer-Body Builders / October 3, 2017 Manufacturers that build cars and heavy trucks alike increasingly believe electricity – whether as stand-alone power or as part of a hydrogen-based fuel cell system – will play a critical role in powering motor vehicles in the not-so-distant future. At the recent North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show, Jay Craig – president and CEO of Meritor – noted that the cost of a 100 kilowatt per hour (KwH) battery pack declined from $120,000 in 2009 to $25,000 today, with predictions that costs will drop to $15,000 by 2025. That low costs can make electricity a more affordable power solution for a heavy-duty vehicle, he explained, which is why Meritor is now developing a platform of electric drive axles and suspensions. “Essentially, we’re focusing on integrating an electric motor into the differential carrier,” Craig said during a presentation last week at the show. "As we look to future emissions regulations and our customers’ desire for more efficiency, we’re developing new and innovative solutions to expand our product portfolio." He added that Meritor’s flexible “e-carrier” design will be the foundation for various drivetrain configurations, including full electric, hybrid, single or tandem axles with various options based on application. But it’s not just heavy-duty vehicles that are being redesigned with electricity in mind. “General Motors believes in an all-electric future,” emphasized Mark Reuss, executive vice president of product development, purchasing and supply chain for General Motors this week. Although that future won't happen overnight, GM is committed to driving increased usage and acceptance of electric vehicles through no-compromise solutions that meet our customers' needs,” he said. In the next 18 months, Reuss noted that GM will introduce two new all-electric vehicles based off learnings from the Chevrolet Bolt EV compact car. They will be the first of at least 20 new all-electric vehicles that will launch by 2023. However, given customers' various needs, he aid getting to a zero emissions future will require more than just battery electric technology. It will require a two-pronged approach to electrification — battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric depending on the unique requirements. That’s why GM also introduced SURUS this week, which is short for the “Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure.” SURUS is a fuel cell powered, four-wheel steer concept vehicle on a heavy-duty truck frame that’s driven by two electric motors. With its capability and flexible architecture, SURUS could be used as a delivery vehicle, truck or even an ambulance — all emissions free, Reuss added. Back where heavy-duty truck front, Craig said Meritor is focused on developing several new “electrified” products: · An integrated two-speed electric carrier platform capable of delivering 150 to 200 kilowatts of continuous power for mounting on existing axle platforms. That will allow it to fit a wide variety of applications on rigid and independent suspensions · A new electrified axle dubbed the “13Xe” will be a rigid axle, capable of 200 kilowatts of continuous power and featuring customizable gearing to cover linehaul, school bus, refuse, pickup and delivery, utility and other applications · Electricity-driven independent suspensions for applications such as military, emergency, off-highway and construction vehicles that will benefit from increased performance as well as better ride comfort and handling · An electric eCorner module for low-floor applications such as medium-duty Class 4 and 5 trucks, pickup and delivery vehicles, plus transit buses. The company is developing air disc braking systems specifically for what it calls “e-axles,” for us in hybrid or all-electric trucks; braking packages designed to reduce weight on wheel-ends, according to Craig. Those components will be part of a demonstration vehicle to be built in 2018, with production beginning as early as 2019. “These emerging electric solutions reflect Meritor’s commitment to develop axle, suspension and brake technologies that support our technology roadmaps and future product plans based on our customers’ needs,” Craig said. Meritor also highlighted several other new products and endeavors at the NACV show last week: · The company has “optimized” its EX+ air disc brake (ADBs) for tractors and trailers to reduce product weight by 10 lbs. per brake. Those “optimized” EX+ ADBs will be available to OEMs in 2018. · The Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS) for trailers will now include the ThermALERT wheel-end heat-sensing system as standard equipment beginning this month – a system that activates an indicator light when wheel-end temperatures are abnormally high. Meritor will also offer an five-year warranty without placing an additional premium on MTIS as well. · Meritor is also offering a new “value brand” for aftermarket parts called Mach that offers global customers “all-makes” products designed and engineered to industry standards at “affordable prices.” · Designed for second as well as third owners, Mach-branded products include an assortment of suspension, steering, brake and drivetrain components that will be available initially in North America before the end of 2017 and then will launch in Europe, South America and Australia at a later date. All of the Mach-branded parts will come standard with a one-year warranty.

Ford's Hackett calls for sweeping changes in vehicle development, investment Automotive News / October 3, 2017 DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Hackett on Tuesday outlined sweeping changes that include redirecting a third of the company's internal-combustion engine expenditures to vehicle electrification and cutting costs by $14 billion. He said the automaker would develop new vehicles faster, shift $7 billion in product-development funding from cars to more profitable light trucks and build Internet connectivity into Ford’s full U.S. lineup within two years. The updates are designed to improve Ford's competitive fitness, a term Hackett has used to describe how the automaker must evolve to stay ahead of competition. He said Ford leadership must focus on problems “near, now and far” simultaneously so that the company will be prepared to thrive in the future without losing sight of its current, highly profitable operations. "When you're a long-lived company that has had success over multiple decades the decision to change is not easy -- culturally or operationally," Hackett said. "Ultimately, though, we must accept the virtues that brought us success over the past century are really no guarantee of future success." Hackett's goals include aggressive cost-cutting. He plans to slash internal combustion expenses from $1.7 billion in 2016 to $1.2 billion by 2022 and redeploy that money to electrification efforts. The company said Monday it would dedicate a team to expanding the number of electric vehicles Ford will offer, and said in its investor presentation Tuesday that it would expand its battery electric vehicle lineup “post 2020.” Overall, Ford plans to reduce the rate of growth in automotive costs by half through 2022. It plans to cut $10 billion in incremental material outlays and reduce engineering costs by $4 billion over the next five years. It will achieve that through utilizing common parts and implementing technology in the design process so it doesn’t spend as much on building prototypes. Ford said it's reallocating $7 billion of capital from cars to light trucks. Earlier this year, Ford decided to move production of the next-generation Focus sedan from North America to China, saving money. The automaker said that shift in spending on light-vehicle development would result in fewer car nameplates but did not provide specifics. It did not say it would exit any vehicle segments, but rather that it would continue in a more focused, reduced manner. Jim Farley, Ford’s president of global markets, said the automaker would target what utility vehicles it offers to specific markets. For example, he said Ford was planning multiple utility vehicles in North America in the “authentic, off-road, capable” category, or offering larger, three-row SUVs in places such as China. On the car side, Ford will focus on higher-revenue sub-segments, such as hatchbacks or performance variants. Farley also confirmed that Ford’s 2021 autonomous vehicle will not be a Fusion sedan, the midsize car on which it has been testing the technology. Ford has said that the key to autonomous vehicles will be high utilization rates. “The best model to do that is to have a diverse group of business and services to utilize the vehicle all day long,” Farley said. That could result in more partnerships. Ford recently hatched deals with Domino’s to explore autonomous pizza delivery, and with Lyft to eventually deploy autonomous cars on its network. It also plans to simplify what vehicles customers can order. Ford said the team has identified a more than 90 percent reduction of orderable combinations in the next-generation Escape. In addition, it's moving from 35,000 combinations in the current Fusion to 96. "We really offered too many options," Hackett said. Ford also plans to add Internet connectivity in every one of its vehicles in the U.S. by 2019. About 55 percent of its lineup is connected today. By 2020, 90 percent of Ford's new global vehicles will feature connectivity, the company said. The automaker is still exploring how it will commoditize that connectivity and what services it could offer. “I don’t feel that where we are competitively is where we should be,” Hackett said, adding that that could be fixed rather quickly. Ford said it was reaffirming its long-term goal of an 8 percent operating margin on its core automotive business as it looks to boost overall profitability. It also reaffirmed its financial guidance of a $9 billion pretax profit for 2017. “It’s clear that Jim Hackett and team are preparing for the future, balancing a near term vision for its product portfolio with longer term goals for electric vehicles and autonomous driving,” Akshay Anand, executive analyst for Kelley Blue Book, said in a statement. “Partnerships is also a theme that Ford is focused on, as is the industry as a whole, which makes sense given how quickly automotive has shifted towards technology. Regardless, Ford’s biggest challenge may be delivering shareholder value and gains in a time where many other company stocks have been booming.” Note the Disqus comments - http://www.autonews.com/article/20171003/OEM02/171009909/ford-hackett-strategic-plan-wall-street

GM to combine Asian, Latin American operations as it ramps up electric Automotive News / October 3, 2017 BEIJING -- General Motors said on Tuesday it will combine operations outside of China and North America into a new organization based in Detroit, further scaling back its presence in money-losing markets as it ramps up spending on electric vehicles. GM said the Detroit automaker will combine the leadership of its International region, which includes Southeast Asia, India and Oceania, with its South America region, effective Jan. 1, 2018. The new company will be led by Barry Engle, currently GM executive vice president and president of GM South America. Engle will be based in Detroit and report to GM President Dan Ammann. Engle joined GM in September 2015. GM's Latin American and Asia/Pacific operations both lost money in 2016, excluding profits from GM's operations in China. “Our strategy (is) to refocus our traditional business operations to free up the resources and financial power needed to really step into the next chapter of the automotive industry,” Stefan Jacoby, executive vice president of GM's International Operations told Reuters. Jacoby will retire at the end of this year. On Monday GM outlined plans to add 20 new battery electric and fuel cell vehicles to its global lineup by 2023, financed by robust profits from sales of gasoline-fueled trucks and sport utility vehicles in the United States and China. Under CEO Mary Barra, GM has shrunk its international operations over the past five years, ceasing manufacturing in Australia and Indonesia, and significantly restructuring its Thai operations. The automaker is winding down efforts to sell cars in India and turning its manufacturing facilities there into an export hub. GM also exited Europe by selling those operations, essentially its German unit Opel, to French automaker Peugeot SA. Barra's strategy is starting to win over investors. On Monday GM shares closed at $42.15, their highest since the company's 2010, post-bankruptcy initial public offering. GM shares continued to rise on Tuesday, closing the day up 3 percent to $43.45.

May I suggest you contact Wabco Australia directly. WABCO Australia Pty Ltd Unit 3, 8 Anzed Court Mulgrave, Victoria 3170 Australia Phone: +63 3 8541 7000 Hotline: 1300-4-WABCO Let us know what their local engineers say.

https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/48219-hinos-canadian-plant-reaches-1/?tab=comments#comment-357054

Scania Group Press Release / October 3, 2017 The Italian waste management company Contarina is taking Scania’s hybrid trucks into operation to reduce carbon emissions, fuel consumption and noise. With nearly 700 trucks, Contarina services 50 municipalities in the Province of Treviso with a total population of more than 550,000 people. “We continuously renew our fleet with the aim of seeking innovative and sustainable solutions,” says Franco Zanata, the President of Contarina. “We wish to limit our impact on the environment and at the same time ensure efficient and safe driving conditions for our drivers.” The company has previously invested in smaller less polluting vehicles and now, says Zanata, “enters into a partnership with Scania to enhance sustainability also for heavier trucks. This is a major investment in our fleet to become more and more environmentally friendly.” The hybrid solution allows a truck to operate solely on electric power for up to two kilometres. Electric operations are primarily intended for situations such as urban operations at night in noise sensitive areas. In the electric mode, the sound level is below 72 dB(A). The electric motor is combined with Scania’s 9-litre Euro 6 engine, which can be operated on 100 percent biodiesel. With this latter fuel, CO2 can be reduced by as much as 92 percent. .

Volvo Group Press Release / October 3, 2017 Volvo Trucks is now introducing Euro 6-compliant heavy duty trucks running on liquefied natural gas or biogas. The trucks can cut CO2 emissions by 20 to 100 per cent. With a firm focus on new, energy-efficient technology for gas-powered vehicles, Volvo Trucks makes it possible to significantly reduce the climate impact of heavy regional and long-haul transport operations. “We regard LNG, liquefied natural gas, as a long-term first choice alternative to diesel, both for regional and long-haul truck operations where fuel efficiency, payload and productivity are crucial. With a higher proportion of biogas, climate impact can be reduced far more. For transport operations in urban environments, where range is not as critical, electrified vehicles will play a greater role in the future. Our vision is that trucks from Volvo will eventually have zero emissions, although the way of achieving that is not by one single solution but through several solutions in parallel. LNG is one of them,” says Lars Mårtensson, Director Environment and Innovation at Volvo Trucks. The new trucks, the Volvo FH LNG and Volvo FM LNG, can run on either biogas, which cuts CO2 by up to 100 per cent, or natural gas which reduces CO2 emissions by 20 per cent compared with diesel. This relates to emissions from the vehicle during usage, known as tank-to-wheel. Compared with current gas-powered trucks available on the market, Volvo Trucks’ new vehicles use 15 to 25 per cent less fuel. LNG gives the trucks the greatest possible operating range. “Our new trucks running on liquefied natural gas or biogas produce a far smaller climate footprint than diesel trucks do. In addition, they are much more fuel-efficient than the gas-powered trucks available on the market today. This makes gas more viable as a replacement for diesel even for heavy long-haul operations,” says Mats Franzén, Product Manager Engines at Volvo Trucks. Volvo Trucks is now working together with gas suppliers and customers to develop the expansion of LNG infrastructure in Europe. This development is also being supported politically in many countries and by the EU. A strategy for expanding LNG infrastructure is also included in the European Commission and member states’ action packages for securing Europe’s long-term energy supply. .

Renault Trucks Press Release / October 3, 2017 Renault Trucks is adding a robotised gearbox, Optidriver Xtended, to its C and K ranges, fitted with extra-slow (crawler) gears. This enables customers working under severe operating conditions to have the option of using one or two additional extra-slow gears in the C and K range trucks. Vehicles in the Renault Trucks C and K construction ranges can now be fitted with a robotised extra-slow gearbox, the Optidriver Xtended. Depending on their requirements, customers can choose one or two additional gears positioned above the first gear. These enable drivers to move their vehicles at very slow speeds (between 0.7 and 2 km/h) in complete safety and with high precision. Optidriver Xtended improves driving comfort and the manoeuvring capabilities of trucks in difficult driving conditions, as well as facilitating steep hill starts and/or full-load starts. Optidriver Xtended also reduces operating costs for customers as less stress is placed on the clutch and wear time is extended. The 13-speed slow version (Over Drive*) is recommended for customers operating in the construction and heavy construction industries, in heavy transport situations exceeding 80 tons, as well as applications requiring constant, slow truck movement, such as spreaders and sweepers. The 14-speed extra-slow version (Direct Drive and Over Drive*), available only on all-wheel drive vehicles, is designed to meet the extreme demands of quarries, mines, forests and oil and gas operations. * Direct Drive: last gear at 1 and Over Drive: last gear at 0.79 .

Yes Timmy, the US market bonneted Hinos use a modified 500 Series COE cab. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The original Freightliner Business Class conventional (1991-2001) used a COE cab from the Mercedes-Benz model LN. The Freightliner Argosy II COE shares the same cab as the Century Class, Columbia and Coronado (the Argosy variant is 305mm wider). The Mack MS Mid-Liner COE shared the same cab used on the Mack CS Mid-Liner conventional, and Renault’s C, CBH, CLM, CLR and GBC series conventional cab models. The DAF XT conventional is based on the DAF XF105. Scania's T-Series used the truckmaker's Bertone-designed 4-Series COE cab. The global market Volvo NH conventional was based on the FH/FM COE cab. The NH was full-width like the FH COE, while the North American market VN was a narrowed variant. And the impressive Iveco "Powerstar" conventional uses the Stralis COE cab.

Or how many toddlers died forgotten in cars over the last 12 months. How many people are murdered in Chicago each month? How many in Detroit each month?

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 2, 2017 At the North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta, ConMet introduced the SmartHub, an intelligent wheel end that will allow drivers and fleet managers to monitor the health of a wheel end in real time. SmartHub, still in development, will offer real-time data on important hub functions to help improve safety and maintenance. The SmartHub contains embedded sensors that will measure and transmit data on wheel end health indicators, including hub temperature, lubricant level, hub vibration, speed, miles traveled, spindle nut torque readings, hub load, and bolt tension. “ConMet’s SmartHub is being developed with the purpose of providing better prognostic capabilities around the health of the wheel end. As market trends, like autonomous vehicles and commercial vehicle platooning continue to grow, this self-monitoring, predictive technology will be critical to the safety of the wheel end,” said Beto Dantas, vice president of innovation, strategy, and marketing at ConMet. The data will be available for viewing at any time, and drivers and fleet managers will be immediately alerted to any variations outside of the acceptable operational parameters. “Knowing and tracking these details becomes a tremendous advantage in predicting and preventing downtime,” said Dantas. .

Fleet Owner / October 2, 2017 Rapid decline in battery prices may help make electric power a much more affordable energy source for commercial vehicles. Manufacturers that build cars and heavy trucks alike increasingly believe electricity – whether as stand-alone power or as part of a hydrogen-based fuel cell system – will play a critical role in powering motor vehicles in the not-so-distant future. At the recent North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show, Jay Craig – president and CEO of Meritor – noted that the cost of a 100 kilowatt per hour (KwH) battery pack declined from $120,000 in 2009 to $25,000 today, with predictions that costs will drop to $15,000 by 2025. That low costs can make electricity a more affordable power solution for a heavy-duty vehicle, he explained, which is why Meritor is now developing a platform of electric drive axles and suspensions as well as supporting systems. “Essentially, we’re focusing on integrating an electric motor into the differential carrier,” Craig said during a presentation last week at the show. "As we look to future emissions regulations and our customers’ desire for more efficiency, we’re developing new and innovative solutions to expand our product portfolio." He added that Meritor’s flexible “e-carrier” design will be the foundation for various drivetrain configurations, including full electric, hybrid, single or tandem axles with various options based on application. But it’s not just heavy-duty vehicles that are being redesigned with electricity in mind. “General Motors believes in an all-electric future,” emphasized Mark Reuss, executive vice president of product development, purchasing and supply chain for General Motors this week. “Although that future won't happen overnight, GM is committed to driving increased usage and acceptance of electric vehicles through no-compromise solutions that meet our customers' needs,” he said. In the next 18 months, Reuss noted that GM will introduce two new all-electric vehicles based off learnings from the Chevrolet Bolt EV compact car. They will be the first of at least 20 new all-electric vehicles that will launch by 2023. However, given customers' various needs, he aid getting to a zero emissions future will require more than just battery electric technology. It will require a two-pronged approach to electrification — battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric depending on the unique requirements. That’s why GM also introduced SURUS this week, which is short for the “Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure.” SURUS is a fuel cell powered, four-wheel steer concept vehicle on a heavy-duty truck frame that’s driven by two electric motors. With its capability and flexible architecture, SURUS could be used as a delivery vehicle, truck or even an ambulance — all emissions free, Reuss added. Back where heavy-duty truck front, Craig said Meritor is focused on developing several new “electrified” products: An integrated two-speed electric carrier platform capable of delivering 150 to 200 kilowatts of continuous power for mounting on existing axle platforms. That will allow it to fit a wide variety of applications on rigid and independent suspensions A new electrified axle dubbed the “13Xe” will be a rigid axle, capable of 200 kilowatts of continuous power and featuring customizable gearing to cover linehaul, school bus, refuse, pickup and delivery, utility and other applications Electricity-driven independent suspensions for applications such as military, emergency, off-highway and construction vehicles that will benefit from increased performance as well as better ride comfort and handling An electric eCorner module for low-floor applications such as medium-duty Class 4 and 5 trucks, pickup and delivery vehicles, plus transit buses. The company is developing air disc braking systems specifically for what it calls “e-axles,” for us in hybrid or all-electric trucks; braking packages designed to reduce weight on wheel-ends, according to Craig. Those components will be part of a demonstration vehicle to be built in 2018, with production beginning as early as 2019. “These emerging electric solutions reflect Meritor’s commitment to develop axle, suspension and brake technologies that support our technology roadmaps and future product plans based on our customers’ needs,” Craig said. Meritor also highlighted several other new products and endeavors at the NACV show last week: The company has “optimized” its EX+ air disc brake (ADBs) for tractors and trailers to reduce product weight by 10 lbs. per brake. Those “optimized” EX+ ADBs will be available to OEMs in 2018. The Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS) for trailers will now include the ThermALERT wheel-end heat-sensing system as standard equipment beginning this month – a system that activates an indicator light when wheel-end temperatures are abnormally high. Meritor will also offer an five-year warranty without placing an additional premium on MTIS as well. Meritor is also offering a new “value brand” for aftermarket parts called Mach that offers global customers “all-makes” products designed and engineered to industry standards at “affordable prices.” Designed for second as well as third owners, Mach-branded products include an assortment of suspension, steering, brake and drivetrain components that will be available initially in North America before the end of 2017 and then will launch in Europe, South America and Australia at a later date. All of the Mach-branded parts will come standard with a one-year warranty. .

Sean Kilcarr, Fleet Owner / October 2, 2017 A new 12-speed AMT, a prototype all-electric tractor, and even a giant Moose statue made appearances on the floor of the very first North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show last week in Atlanta. Here are pictures of those three items, along with a host of other products spotted on the trade show floor. Photo gallery - http://fleetowner.com/trucks/last-look-nacv#slide-0-field_images-227721

Truckers in Pennsylvania Fight Regulations on Their Rigs Transport Topics / October 2, 2017 One of the biggest appeals to driving a truck, Zoranda Newman said, is the beauty of the open road, but she said government regulations are beginning to block the view. “What other job can you get paid to travel the country?” Newman, 54, asked Saturday afternoon. “The freedom (of trucking) appealed to me, but that is going the way of the dodo bird.” Newman was among dozens of truckers who made a pit stop at the Reading Fairgrounds in Bern Township, Pa., on the way to Washington to protest regulations slated to come later this year. The Big Rig Rendezvous, the three-day rally of commercial drivers at the fairgrounds, welcomed drivers to connect and learn more about upcoming federal regulations that some say infringe on their rights and will hurt the economy. About 30 rigs were parked at the fairgrounds on Sept. 30 with more expected to arrive all weekend. The rally wraps up Oct. 2, then drivers are either headed home or to Washington in a protest that many are calling Operation Black and Blue. Federal regulations will change Dec. 18 and force drivers to start using electronic logging devices (ELDs), which will log and restrict how long drivers can work, when they can stop and how long they must rest. “I really believe my rights are being violated,” Newman said. “I live in that truck; its my home. How would you like if someone came in and said you have to be on camera 24 hours a day and tell you when to sleep, when to eat and when to work?” Driver Bryan Levernier, one of the organizers of the event, said the electronic logging devices will have negative repercussions on drivers’ ability to deliver goods quickly and added costs will fall on the consumer. The electronic logging device is only one issue, according to Levernier. “Every guy here has a humongous bull’s-eye on the back of his trailer,” Levernier, 66, of Bristol, Wis., said. “We feel like a money pit.” Levernier said truckers also face a shortage of safe, convenient parking areas and are subject to numerous inspections, which can result in hefty fines. Levernier said some drivers have no problem with regulations such as the electronic logging device, but he just wants a choice. Participants in the rally filled their days with group discussions, crafting a “Truckers Bill of Rights,” and selecting board members for the United Motor Carriers Council. Levernier hopes taking the rally to the nation’s capital will help prevent regulations from taking effect, he said. “We are tired of writing letters,” Levernier said. “You’re going to see our faces and pray to God it makes a difference.” The electronic logging device was adopted in December 2015 by the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration before President Donald Trump’s election. His administration has not targeted it for repeal. However, there are efforts in Congress to delay or repeal the measure. Electronic logging devices range from an annualized price of $165 to $832, with the most popular device used today priced at $495 per truck, according to eldfacts.com

Trump’s Change of Heart Puts $1 Trillion Building Plan in Limbo Transport Topics / October 2, 2017 Donald Trump’s infrastructure guru spent part of Sept. 26 at a conference in Washington promoting the president’s $1 trillion plan to rebuild the nation’s crumbling roads, bridges and airports relying in part on public-private partnerships. The same day, across town, Trump was telling lawmakers that those kinds of deals don’t work. The president’s apparent change of heart on what’s been an important pillar of his economic plan left key constituents of the infrastructure initiative reeling. Trump’s remarks, relayed by three lawmakers after a closed meeting with Republicans and Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee, raised new questions about how the plan would be financed, and whether the president was instead considering increasing federal funding for building projects — a prospect made harder by the large tax cut the administration proposed Wednesday. Democratic lawmakers welcomed the potential opening for more federal spending, while deficit hawks bristled. Both sides, though, are still struggling to interpret Trump’s apparent turnaround. “It’s hard to say whether he’s doing this to try to open some doors for more bipartisan discussion, or whether it’s really a fundamental policy change,’’ said Robert Poole, director of transportation policy at the Reason Foundation, a free-market research group. “If it’s fundamental policy change, I imagine there’ll be some people looking for new jobs in the White House because you hired them to do P3 infrastructure,” he said, referring to public-private partnerships. Legitimate Questions Following Trump’s comments to the lawmakers, the White House said there are legitimate questions about how public-private partnerships can be incorporated into the infrastructure plan, but that all viable options are still being considered. Before this week private investment had been at the core of Trump’s ambitious infrastructure plan. It was a feature of his campaign material and promoted in the early months of the administration. Trump built his infrastructure team around DJ Gribbin, an expert on public-private partnerships who’s worked on such deals for Macquarie Capital USA Inc. and Koch Industries. Trump also enlisted other private sector leaders to advise on the subject. Gribbin, special assistant to the president for infrastructure policy, spoke at the P3 Hub Americas conference at the Mayflower Hotel on Sept. 26 — the same day that Trump, back at the White House, seemed to reverse course. Gribbin urged supporters of P3s to overcome the opposition to such deals, according to the P3 Bulletin, an infrastructure news publication, which hosted the event. ‘Knee-Jerk Reaction’ “There has been a knee jerk reaction to P3s from a liberal perspective in a negative way, and a knee jerk reaction from conservatives that think P3s are free money,” Gribbin said, according to a P3 Bulletin report. “Both of those are wrong, and it would be really helpful for this community to get out there and educate about the reality of P3s.” In an initial framework released in May, the administration said it would commit at least $200 billion of federal funds over 10 years to generate $800 billion in spending by states, localities and the private sector. Trump’s latest remarks raised questions about whether that plan will change or be delayed. The administration had said it would deliver a proposal to Congress by the end of September, before saying the plan would come after the tax overhaul. Gary Cohn, Trump’s top economic adviser, told reporters in August that an infrastructure bill could start in the House as soon as a tax measure moves from the House to the Senate. Business groups and companies hoping for a boost in spending are getting impatient. ‘Partisan Divides’ “Unfortunately, competing agendas and partisan divides continue to distance us from a national infrastructure package, which should be at the top of the nation’s agenda,’’ Michael Burke, chairman and chief executive of AECOM, the world’s biggest engineering firm, said in a statement. White House spokeswoman Natalie Strom said the administration is making progress. It’s already taken steps to streamline infrastructure permitting and “continues to work every day on solutions, whether they are as small as shifts in practice within agency offices, or as large as the upcoming legislative package,” she said in an email. “All of these solutions will contribute to the trillion dollar infrastructure investment the president has promised the American people,” Strom said. Infrastructure Stocks After Trump’s election, the promise of a major initiative initially buoyed stocks of construction and materials firms such as AECOM, Chicago Bridge & Iron Co., Fluor Corp., Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., Martin Marietta Materials Inc., Vulcan Materials Co. and U.S. Steel Corp. The potential opportunity for more investment opportunities also helped unlisted infrastructure funds secure $20 billion this year in North America alone as of August, according to data provider Preqin. But the infrastructure stocks fell off after Trump took office, relative to the overall Standard & Poor’s Index of 500 companies, and the economy could suffer if Trump sides with Democrats to shift the burden of infrastructure spending to the federal coffers using deficit spending, particularly in light of the tax cuts proposed Wednesday, said Patrick Newton, a spokesman for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. “Both lower tax rates and expanded infrastructure can help grow the economy, but if we borrow to finance either we’ll probably end up dragging the economy down instead,” Newton said. Republican lawmakers and some business groups downplayed Trump’s comments, saying the private sector would still play a major role in any initiative. Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, said Trump’s remarks showed that there are certain places -- like rural areas -- where public-private partnerships don’t work and the government needs to step up. No Golden Egg “I think he’s doing it to make sure that people know that that isn’t the golden egg, that isn’t going to solve the problem,’’ Inhofe said in a telephone interview. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which made infrastructure a 2017 policy priority, remains confident that the private sector will be part of the solution, said Ed Mortimer, executive director of transportation infrastructure. “We can argue about how much part of the solution, but you don’t address a $2.5 trillion deficit in infrastructure with just traditional funding sources,” Mortimer said. Representative John Delaney of Maryland and other Democratic lawmakers have advocated linking a tax bill with infrastructure, including using a proposed tax on overseas profits to pay for public works. The White House has said the two efforts are separate for now, and not all Democrats are on board anyway. Representative Peter DeFazio of Oregon, the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, rejected combining the two issues if it would be in exchange for tax cuts for the wealthy. ‘Hell No’ “The answer would be, ‘Hell no,”’ DeFazio said. Ed Rendell, a former Democratic governor of Pennsylvania and Democratic National Committee chairman and a co-founder of Building America’s Future, a bipartisan coalition that promotes infrastructure, said his party needs to work with Trump. “You weren’t elected to serve the interest of the Democratic Party,’’ Rendell said in a telephone interview. “You were elected to serve the interests of the United States of America and folks, infrastructure revitalization cannot be put on hold until 2021.’’ Meanwhile, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is moving forward on its own. Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, the panel’s chairman, said the committee is preparing its own bill and is working to make it a priority this year. The 10 Democrats on the committee signed a letter in July that called for more than $500 billion in funding, including $100 billion to reconstruct and repair deteriorating roads and bridges on the federal highway system. “They’ve had plenty of time and God bless them, they don’t seem to have rallied around a package that they’re ready to show us yet,’’ said Senator Tom Carper of Delaware, the committee’s top Democrat. “We ought to go ahead and start talking amongst ourselves and see what we can agree to.’’ Kevin DeGood, director of infrastructure policy at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, said he thinks Congress will need to draft the actual bill and that Trump’s comments raise questions about the entire process: “I literally think we’re back to square one.

Daimler, Volvo Execs Praise Inaugural NACV Show Transport Topics / October 2, 2017 ATLANTA — North American executives from Daimler Trucks and Volvo Group offered an early post-event endorsement of the North American Commercial Vehicle Show just ended. The show, scheduled to run here in odd-numbered years, was designed to hook up original equipment manufacturers and top fleet executives. “The vision for NACV was to create a forward-looking show focused on technology for our industry and create an opportunity for our customers, dealers and partners to interact and learn about future products and industry trends. Based on the comments I heard from our customers we have accomplished this goal and have a solid foundation to build upon in years to come,” said Richard Howard, senior vice president of sales and marketing for DTNA. “Our measure of success of the show will be the quality of those most-important interactions and relationships with both our valued current and new customers,” Howard said. Sept. 25-28 was the first-ever NACV Show, held at the GeorgiaWorldCongressCenter. Show management said Oct. 2 that 6,000 attended NACV. Magnus Koeck, vice president of marketing and brand management for Volvo Trucks North America, said the event “proved a good venue for connecting with many of our valued customers and showcasing our new VNL and VNR models for a broader audience for the first time.” “It’s clear that fleets are eager to begin introducing our new trucks and integrated technologies to their operations to boost their fuel efficiency, driver productivity, safety and uptime,” Koeck said. Howard said the event was a major production. “We truly pulled out all the stops for NACV — and this was the first year ever we combined all brands to showcase products together with our Daimler family. With the combination of Freightliner, Western Star, Fuso, Thomas Built Bus, Detroit, Mercedes-Benz Vans, aftermarket, and our financial services organization, we created a showcase of our complete product line like we’ve never done before,” he said. “Our goal was to ensure that visitors to NACV were not only connected with our products in the booth, but also we created an environment to connect with each other by offering the Connect Café where our guests could grab a coffee, snack, or lunch. Additionally, we hosted special ‘TEC Talk’ sessions for our customers to engage directly with senior engineering leadership from Freightliner and Detroit to experience our cutting-edge technology, efficiency and connectivity,” Howard said. “Thanks to so many customers wanting to check out our new Mack Anthem model, the traffic and overall energy in our booth at NACV was outstanding,” said John Walsh, vice president of global marketing and brand management for Mack Trucks, also a part of Volvo Group.

Cummins to Develop Next-Generation Engine for Military Combat Vehicles Transport Topics / October 2, 2017 Cummins Inc. signed a $47.4 million contract to develop and demonstrate a technologically advanced engine for the next generation of U.S. combat vehicles. The National Advanced Mobility Consortium awarded the contract for the Advanced Combat Engine to Cummins, which will be supported by San Diego-based Achates Power Inc. Together, they plan to reduce heat rejection by 21%, compared with current Cummins-supplied combat vehicle engines, improve power density by more than 50% and reduce fuel use by 13%, compared with current typical combat vehicle engines, according to Cummins. “We are confident we can achieve significant improvements in mobility, power, range and fuel economy, creating combat vehicles that are safer, faster and have clear advantages in the field,” said Wayne Eckerle, vice president of corporate research and technology. Cummins is based in Columbus, Ind. The Advanced Combat Engine is a key component of the Army’s 30-year strategy to modernize tactical and combat vehicles, with potential for future production configurations being used in the Bradley Family of Vehicles and the Next Generation Combat Vehicle, according to Cummins. “This award builds upon 14 years of extensive development by Achates Power to modernize and optimize the opposed-piston engine,” Achates Power CEO David Johnson said in a statement. “We are pleased to support Cummins on the Multi-Cylinder Advanced Combat Engine Technology Demonstrator program with our strengths in opposed-piston engine technology to deliver a superior engine for combat and tactical vehicles for the U.S. Army.”

Ford to increase its fully electric vehicle offerings Automotive News / October 2, 2017 Ford Motor Co. said Monday it will increase its battery electric vehicle offerings beyond the 300-mile range crossover EV it plans to offer by 2020. The automaker is setting up an internal team named "Team Edison" to study and develop fully electric cars. It will be separate from Ford's other electrification efforts, which include hybrid and plug-in hybrid offerings. "We see an inflection point in the major markets toward battery electric vehicles," Sherif Marakby, Ford's head of electrification and autonomous vehicles told Automotive News. "We feel it's important to have a cross-functional team all the way from defining the strategy plans and implementation to advanced marketing." Marakby said Ford is on track to deliver 13 electrified vehicles over the next five years. The automaker has announced seven of those vehicles, which include the 300-mile range crossover. He said Ford will increase the number of battery electric vehicles it will offer, but did not offer details or a timeline. He also said the new team will explore partnerships. Ford was rumored to be in talks earlier this year about acquiring Lucid Motors, and in August said it would form a joint venture with Chinese automaker Anhui Zotye Automobile Co. to manufacture all-electric vehicles for China. "We are open to partnerships, but this team will be responsible to define the strategy," Marakby said. He said the team's goal was to "move fast and think big and really grow the BEV offerings from Ford." Pictured below is Thomas Edison with Henry Ford. Photo credit: Ford Motor Co. .

General Motors believes in an all-electric future Automotive News / October 2, 2017 DETROIT -- General Motors said it plans to launch a mix of at least 20 new all-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles globally by 2023, including two in the next 18 months. The all-electric and fuel cell vehicles represent a "two-pronged" approach to the automaker's vision of an autonomous, zero-emission future that was recently announced by GM CEO Mary Barra. At least the first two new vehicles will be based off the current Chevrolet Bolt EV architecture, while future ones will feature an "all-new battery system" and architecture that GM briefly previewed Monday at its TechnicalCenter in Warren, Mich., near Detroit. GM declined to provide specific details about the next-generation propulsion system or what vehicles will become electrified. The new vehicles announced Monday were built "from the ground up," according to Pam Fletcher, GM executive chief engineer of autonomous & electrified vehicles and new technology. "This is just a taste of what's to come over the next months and years," she said. "The story is more than just what you can see; it's also about what's under the skin." GM’s electrified “future will be profitable,” according to Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president of global product development, purchasing and supply chain. He did not elaborate on a time frame for that profitability or when the automaker could exclusively offer zero emissions vehicles. “General Motors believes the future is all-electric. A world free of automotive emissions,” Reuss said. “These aren’t just words in a war of press releases. We are far along in our plan to lead the way to that future world.” On Wall Street, GM shares gained 4.4 percent to close at $42.15 -- GM's all-time high closing price since the reorganized company started trading its stock in November 2010. Click here for the General Motors press release New vehicles Three clay models of vehicles designed for the next-generation propulsion system that were previewed Monday included a Buick crossover, Cadillac wagon and a pod-looking vehicle with "Bolt EV" badging. They were designed for the next-generation EV architecture, which includes two different heights of cells for the battery pack. "These three vehicles demonstrate why that height difference is important," Reuss said. "You can do different H-points, you can do different roof lines and you can do different range capabilities and different performance." Another six vehicles were kept under sheets at the automaker's Design Dome in Warren. All -- except one that appeared to have the silhouette of a Chevrolet Corvette -- looked to be crossovers or SUVs. Fletcher said GM is planning to introduce the new vehicles in key, hot-selling segments such as crossovers and SUVs. She also added that GM will help with “accelerating” the deployment of rapid-charging stations for its customers. There are currently more than 1,100 available publicly to GM customers in the U.S. She declined to provide further details, citing more details “to come soon.” “We’re serious about battery electric vehicles,” she said. “It’s a critical cornerstone of how we, General Motors, are going to lead the way to a world of zero emissions.” Fuel cells GM’s Brownstown Battery Assembly plant south of Detroit is to begin producing a fuel cell system through a previously announced joint venture with Honda Motor Co. in 2020. The automaker also introduced SURUS (Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure), a fuel cell powered, four-wheel concept based on a heavy-duty truck frame that's driven by two electric motors. It features autonomous capabilities, according to the automaker. Charles Freese, GM executive director of global fuel cell business, said SURUS is designed for a “wide range of applications,” including freight and emergency rescue vehicles such as ambulances and military vehicles for disaster relief efforts. “This is our commercial fuel cell solution that we think will solve real-world, near-term problems,” he said, later adding it can “reduce human exposure to harm.” The platform is powered by GM’s newest fuel cell system. It features instantaneous high-torque, exportable power and can even produce its own water, according to Freese. Meanwhile, Ford CEO Jim Hackett is expected to offer at some initial solutions for Ford's plans for autonomous vehicles and electrification when he briefs analysts and investors Tuesday in New York. Ford said earlier Monday it expects to go beyond the 13 EVs it has already planned for the next five years. .