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Transport Topics / September 27, 2017 ATLANTA — FlowBelow Aero Inc. announced a quick-release fairing option for its flagship Tractor AeroKit system. The company made its announcement at the inaugural North American Commercial Vehicle Show here Sept. 27. The quick-release mounting system allows the driver of the truck to remove the between-wheel fairings — intended to boost fuel efficiency — easily in seconds and without tools when installing tire chains, for example, according to the company. The Tractor AeroKit maximizes the aerodynamic performance of the company’s wheel covers by also controlling the airflow between and behind the wheels, according to FlowBelow. “By enhancing our AeroKit with quick-release fairings we are targeting customers that desperately want to achieve the maximum fuel savings possible without creating extra work for their mechanics or drivers,” FlowBelow’s founder and CEO Josh Butler said in a statement. The system is available through all Freightliner, Kenworth and Peterbilt dealers.

Inaugural NACV Draws Top Fleet Execs, Praise Transport Topics / September 28, 2017 ATLANTA — North American truck makers and their customers wrapped up the first of a new option for shopping for and even buying Class 8s, with manufacturers producing large, elaborate displays for a limited number of high-probability buyers: top fleet executives. The North American Commercial Vehicle Show ran here Sept. 25-28 for nearly 10,000 attendees who traipsed across 379,300 square feet of exhibits in the Georgia World Congress Center to check out what’s available in the truck market today and what’s planned for in the coming years. Five of the seven heavy-duty truck brands were the stars, but there were also top-tier suppliers to answer questions about their products. Trucking executives who spoke to Transport Topics said there was more shopping than buying, but shopping of consequence. U.S. Xpress Enterprises is preparing for the truckload carrier’s 2018 truck buy, some 1,500 to 2,000 tractors. “I’m in the middle of negotiations,” said Max Fuller, the company’s chairman. “We’ll complete this in the next three-to-six weeks,” he said, adding that his two-day visit was “extremely useful.” Fuller said he visited with truck, engine, transmission and tire makers. Then he looked into air disc brakes. “It’s a good place to compare products,” he said. Marten Transport Chairman and CEO Randolph Marten said, “It reminded me of the Hanover [Germany] show last year, where it was all set up with everything they made.” He said he did not go to buy vehicles, but that there was time for detailed conversations with supplier executives. In just one day there, Marten said, he met with three truck makers, major producers of refrigeration units Thermo King and Carrier Transicold, and some others. His Mondovi, Wis.-based company is the fifth-largest refrigerated carrier in North America. “If you wanted to know something, you could get it answered,” Marten said. Bill Reed, CEO of Skyline Transportation in Knoxville, Tenn., also attended for one day and said he shopped for trucks that emphasize driver amenities. He said he was “impressed” with the event and that it offers benefits for both sides. “I could do a lot of comparison shopping, and the OEMs had all of their customers in one place,” Reed said, referring to original equipment manufacturers. He did not make any purchases during the show, but Reed said he’ll be buying trucks during the first quarter of 2018 and the NACV visit will help with the process. NACV is scheduled to run in odd-numbered years and was set up as an alternative to the larger, older Mid-America Trucking Show that convenes annually in Louisville, Ky. “For a first edition, we’re happy but not satisfied. We know there are improvements to be made,” said Joe Glionna, president of NewCom Business Media, the Canadian half of the joint venture that created the NACV. The other partner is Germany’s Deutsche Messe, with U.S. arm Hannover Fairs. The show had 452 exhibitors who occupied 441 booth spaces. Some corporations with multiple brands put more than one exhibit in a booth. Glionna said he did not quite get the 10,000 visitors that he was hoping for, but “came close.” Final attendance figures will be published Oct. 2, he said. “We are extremely happy with the turnout of the show,” said Jeff Sass, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Navistar Inc. “We had the right customers there, heavy booth traffic and were proud to be a part of the inaugural year of this show. We’re already looking forward to 2019.” “The goal of the show, I think, is really excellent, in terms of connecting with fleets and connecting with customers,” said Jon Morrison, president of Wabco Holdings’ Americas division. Except for a new Navistar vocational model, all of the trucks on display had been introduced before the show, but Glionna said he expects that to change. “Some of the plans for new trucks are three or four years in the making,” so synchronization with 2017 NACV was not possible, he said. “But two years from now we’re definitely going to see truck and innovation launches,” Glionna said. As for innovation, there was consistency on what will come: autonomous, connected and electric vehicles. Connectivity has made the most progress so far, with all truck makers emphasizing in-truck telematics as one of the most important tools for not just preventive maintenance, but predictive fixes and improvements. Freightliner, Mack, Navistar, Volvo and Western Star all mentioned it. Electric vehicles are coming, all manufacturers said, but Class 8 highway tractors might take the longest. Medium-duty trucks, such as Class 6 or Class 7 models mentioned by Navistar, seem more likely to come first. But a Daimler executive said his company would like to one day make and sell a “Cascadia-E” electric tractor. Manufacturers said workable battery packs are becoming less expensive and less bulky over time due to much research. The autonomous angle was couched in terms of systems that assist drivers, rather than replace them. .

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Ford plant in Wales to lose JLR engine business earlier than expected Reuters / September 28, 2017 LONDON -- Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will stop sourcing gasoline engines from Ford Motor's plant in Bridgend, Wales, UK and end its current contract earlier than expected in 2020, creating uncertainty over 750 jobs. "We have informed our unions that Jaguar Land Rover intends to end our petrol engine supply arrangement slightly earlier than expected in late 2020," Ford said in a statement. "Given our long-established and successful relationship in the delivery of world-class engines, this is disappointing news for the Ford Bridgend engine plant." JLR had decided to end its long-standing relationship with the plant, after the current contract expires three months earlier than planned in September 2020, a source close to the arrangements said. Around 750 workers, about half of the plant's total, are dedicated to JLR production, the source said. Ford said it would "continue to look at other high technology opportunities for Bridgend in the future." JLR, which Ford sold to Tata Motors in 2008, opened a new engine plant in England's West Midlands in 2014, and in 2015 announced a plan to double its size, taking total investment to about 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion). The company said that in line with its contract it had served the required three years notice to Ford for the supply of the six- and eight-cylinder gasoline engines from its Bridgend plant. "Ford has been, and remains, an important strategic supplier to Jaguar Land Rover under an agreement which was negotiated to support our business until the end of the decade," it said. The announcement is another blow to the Welsh plant, which is already facing potential job cuts as Ford grapples with the aftermath of Brexit and slowing growth in Europe.

Chevrolet celebrates 100 years of making pickups with special edition Silverado and Colorado Automotive News / September 28, 2017 DALLAS -- Chevrolet is adding two special edition trucks to its lineup this fall to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Chevy pickup. The Centennial Edition of the full-size Silverado arrives in October. It will be joined in November by the Centennial Edition of the Colorado midsize pickup. Both are premium trucks. The Silverado Centennial Edition is available only on crew cab trucks ordered with the LTZ Z71 trim package. The Colorado Centennial Edition is available on extended cab or crew cab pickups ordered with the Z71 trim package. Both trucks, shown for the first time Thursday at a media preview at the State Fair of Texas, sport retro-themed Chevrolet "bow tie" badges, larger wheels, spray-in bedliners, special chrome trim, a custom Centennial Blue paint job and several other cosmetic tweaks. Chevrolet's first pickups weren't generally available to the public. They were cobbled together from car parts and used to lug heavy equipment and parts around plants, but by 1918, Chevrolet realized there was a market for such a vehicle and launched the 490 Light Delivery -- which looked like a car with the rear half of the body removed. Since 1918, Chevrolet has sold more than 85 million pickups. The Centennial Edition Silverado is likely the last special edition of the current-generation pickup, which went on sale in 2013 as a 2014 model. A lighter-weight Silverado, to be built using General Motors' mixed-material manufacturing system that mixes steel, aluminum and magnesium, is expected to debut next year as a 2019 model. GM gave its new manufacturing system a test run on the Cadillac CT6 sedan, which, when it debuted, was not only the lightest car in the full-size sedan class but also in the midsize class. Ford whacked as much as 600 pounds off the F-150 when it switched to an aluminum body in late 2014. Since then, Ford has increased its aluminum-bodied offerings to include the Super Duty pickups and the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. The debut of the Centennial Edition pickups kicks off a celebration of Chevy trucks that is scheduled to conclude Dec. 16 at the Texas Motor Speedway. "Both vehicles offer our most enthusiastic fans a way to demonstrate their love for Chevy Trucks and celebrate the Chevy Trucks Centennial with us," said Chevrolet Trucks director of exterior design Rich Scheer. Photo gallery - http://www.autonews.com/article/20170928/RETAIL03/170929788/chevy-silverado-centennial-variant-texas .

Ford pushes into the $100,000 range with new F-450 Limited Automotive News / September 28, 2017 The $100,000 pickup is almost here. For 2018, Ford is adding a new top-of-the-line model, the F-450 Limited 4x4. The starting price, including $1,295 for shipping, is $87,100. Ford says customers who check every available option will push the price to $94,455. Add in sales taxes and title fees, and most buyers are looking at a six-figure purchase price. And that's OK with Ford. "We still haven't found the ceiling for luxury trucks," said Ford spokesman Mike Levine. The truck's interior is even more opulent than the King Ranch and Platinum, Ford's two luxury pickups. The F-450 Limited features custom camelback leather two-tone seats, a suede headliner and stitched leather on the steering wheel and instrument panel. The interior is bedecked with hand-finished dark ash wood trim. But the F-450 Limited isn't just about leather seats, an advanced infotainment system and a full menu of safety equipment. Ford says it can tow up to 15 tons. The truck is powered by a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V-8 mated to a six-speed automatic that drives all four wheels. Dual rear wheels are optional. "Super Duty Limited is the most luxurious and advanced heavy-duty pickup truck ever created by Ford for accomplished buyers with appetites for the high life and hard-earned dollars to match," Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager, said in a statement. Ford plans to unveil the F-450 Limited on Thursday at a press preview at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. The fair, ground zero in the pickup marketing wars, is a venue where automakers often up the ante in towing, torque, horsepower and luxury models. The truck display at the fair, which opens to the public Friday and runs through Oct. 22, is like a giant amusement park for truck buyers. It is filled with interactive events, outsized displays, engineers, product information specialists and demonstrations of towing and hauling capabilities. Last year, more than 2.4 million people attended the fair. Photo gallery - http://www.autonews.com/article/20170928/RETAIL03/170929804/ford-fseries-450limited-pickup .

Scania Group Press Release / September 27, 2017 Over the years Scania’s new construction trucks have been tested in a multitude of tough and unusual environments, but nowhere has been more challenging than an extinct volcano. Experienced field-test driver Uwe Sommer is putting a new Scania construction truck through some challenging paces. Sommer works in the forests north of Koblenz, Germany, maintaining forest tracks on behalf of transport company Forstunternehmen Krobbach, based in nearby Melsbach. Part of his work involves venturing into an extinct volcano in the Eifel mountain range, where he loads crushed lava that will be used for strengthening and improving a forest pathway that lies ten kilometres away. Within a typical hour Sommer and the truck must master three completely different conditions and surfaces: firstly, slow progress on the muddy lava slag in the 10,000-year-old volcano; next, travel at full speed along a newly paved country road; and finally, slow progress again to negotiate the muddy and rutted forest pathway. Road conditions are normally bad in the forest, and the whole operation can be limited during severe rainfall, when the trucks get stuck in the mud. “It takes a lot of experience,” Sommer explains. “You should know the different construction trucks, and how they react. And you also need experience of the surfaces on which you drive, since they all differ so much.” Forstunternehmen Krobbach was founded 45 years ago by Rudi Krobbach, a postman, and his wife, Edith. Krobbach wanted a sideline, so he began growing and recycling Christmas trees. Over the years the business developed into a more diverse forestry construction business, which soon meant a fleet of construction trucks were required. The Krobbach fleet consists of more than 40 vehicles The company won contracts with large companies and governmental institutions such as the Kevag, German Rail, the Süwag and various forestry departments and municipalities throughout Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. Today the Krobbach fleet consists of more than 40 vehicles, from trucks to special forestry equipment, excavators and wood choppers. Now the new Scania truck has joined the fleet. Uwe Sommer has been driving construction trucks for 30 years, and he’s impressed with the new-generation Scania. “The overall driving comfort of this new truck is fantastic,” he says. “I was always happy with the comfort of Scania trucks, but this one is outstanding; it drives beautifully straight.” Sven Wittke, Transport Manager at Forstunternehmen Krobbach, is a genuine Scania fan. He talks for hours about the gear changing and the interior of the new truck, but has even more to say about the partnership his company feels that it has with Scania. “We are always shown the various options and available configurations by Scania” “When we want to order a new vehicle, a sales rep usually visits us,” Wittke explains. “Together we review the company’s needs. In most cases we know what we want: high reliability, a lot of vehicle uptime and a good support service. We are always shown the various options and available configurations by Scania. We can have different wheel bases and axles, as well as different gearboxes, engines and cabs. In the end we always get exactly the right specification for our business.” The field-test truck, an R 450 LB8x4 tipper with a short cab and low roof, has been in service for Forstunternehmen Krobbach since spring 2016. “I know from the other construction trucks we have that you can trust Scania a thousand percent,” says Wittke. “And it’s the same with this field-test vehicle. Since we work and drive so much in forests, the vehicles must endure a lot. But we have never had any major damage, just the normal wear and tear. I think you can’t compare Scania with any other truck manufacturer, as no other manufacturer meets the robustness of Scania.” While the field-test truck is loaded with more tonnes of crushed lava, Sommer once again enjoys all the new features in his cab. “The leather steering wheel has a really nice grip,” he says. “The switches are clearly arranged and can be operated easily and quickly. The overview from this vehicle has been vastly improved compared with its predecessor – it’s wider and you can see more, and the blind spots have been reduced. I just love it.” .

Scania Group Press Release / September 27, 2017 Scania today joins the Global Industry Partnership on Soot-Free Clean Bus Fleets with a commitment to, by 2018, provide modern soot-free buses to 20 major cities in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Australia. “To tackle the challenge of poor air quality and climate change, Scania is proud to offer clean bus solutions operating at lower cost than today’s conventional diesel operations,” says Karin Rådström, Head of Buses and Coaches at Scania. Black carbon is a significant component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) outdoor air pollution, which has been linked to a series of adverse health effects, in particular premature mortality. Recent scientific research also indicates that black carbon plays an important role in climate change. Scania today manufactures and sells soot-free buses that effectively produce up to 99 percent fewer black carbon emissions than older diesel engine technology. However, of all buses sold in the world today, less than one-fifth have soot-free engines. “There is a growing opportunity to create economic, environmental, and human health benefits by transitioning the highest emitting and oldest engines in the global urban bus fleet to the cleanest fuels and engines available,” states the Global Industry Partnership. The transition to soot-free buses is an initiative led by the International Council on Clean Transportation, ICCT, and UN Environment in cooperation with the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and the Centro Mario Molina – Chile. The targeted cities are Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Casablanca, Dar es Salaam, Dhaka, Istanbul, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Lagos, Lima, Manila, Mexico City, Nairobi, Santiago, São Paulo, and Sydney. Some of these cities have already committed themselves to start procuring cleaner buses and Scania presently delivers soot-free buses to several of the targeted countries. The cities will, in turn, provide fuel for engines that meet the Euro 6 or US 2010 emission standards, including diesel fuel with less than 10 ppm sulphur and other low-carbon alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, gas and ethanol. Scania can provide buses for all these technologies. In 2016, Scania sold 2,583 soot-free buses (Euro 6), representing 30.5 % of the total bus sales. This transition requires the commitment and engagement of several partners. Scania will make buses available for these cities. Additionally, energy providers, including fuel importers and refiners, need to invest in cleaner fuels. Fleet owners must prioritise the procurement of soot-free technology. National and local governments have the responsibility to set environmental performance standards for new buses, establish the necessary fuel quality standards, ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place, and implement a comprehensive air quality management program to protect public health and the environment. Further reading: www.scania.com/cleanbus .

The 5.0-liter Cummins V8 available in the Nissan Titan isn't exactly new though. Back in 2009, Cummins announced a 5.6L V-8 (and 4.2L V-6) targeted at pickup truck applications. But there were no takers. Cummins was hoping for the Ford account, knowing the automaker's dissatisfaction with Navistar. Today's 5.0 liter engine is based entirely on that 5.6-liter. Another note that people have forgotten about, as it never came to be thus far, is Toyota's interest in the Cummins 5.0 liter V8 for the Tundra. https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/32574-toyota-eyes-cummins-diesel-engine-for-tundra/?tab=comments#comment-203127 The 5.0L V8 is not delivering the fuel economy that customers were expecting.

Kenworth Truck Co. Press Release / September 27, 2017 After-the-Sale Support from MHC Kenworth Helps Sister Companies Maintain Reputations SIMS, N.C., September 27, 2017 - For the drivers of Jerry T. Bunn Trucking LLC and its sister company, Bunn Hauling Inc., the old adage “the more things change, the more things stay the same,” couldn’t be much truer. When it came time to replace trucks in 2016, Jerry T. Bunn Trucking and Bunn Hauling bought 22 Kenworth T880s equipped with 455-hp PACCAR MX-13 engines and 10-speed Eaton UltraShift® Plus automated transmissions from MHC Kenworth – Raleigh. “Our drivers have been very satisfied with the Kenworth T880,” said Jerry Bunn, who manages the day-to-day operations of both Bunn Hauling (the trucking firm, started several years ago by his wife, Cheryl) and Jerry T. Bunn Trucking (founded by his father). “The truck cab is quiet, and the PACCAR MX-13 engine and the transmission work well together, providing smooth shifting and steady power at low speeds. “We chose the Kenworth T880 because of the value that it offers, its popularity with our drivers, and the sales and service support we’ve received from MHC Kenworth – Raleigh,” said Jerry. “My father bought and ran several new and used Kenworths. He was always happy with their performance and the support of our Kenworth dealer.” Jerry, who began driving trucks for his dad’s company during his senior year in high school 21 years ago, knows from personal experience how quiet and comfortable the T880 cab is for drivers. He has driven Kenworth’s flagship vocational model himself. Comfort is an important consideration because it helps them stay alert and focused throughout the day, Jerry said. The T880 also offers a great turning radius and excellent visibility, which is important when drivers are delivering products from local quarries to commercial and residential projects, particularly in urban areas. While some things have changed at Sims, North Carolina-based Jerry T. Bunn Trucking since Jerry Bunn Sr. owned the aggregate hauler, others have not. The company’s drivers, as in the past, still leave early in the morning and make as many as three dozen deliveries of dirt, gravel or rock in a single day. As a result of Jerry Bunn Sr.’s passing from kidney cancer in 2010, his wife (Kaye) now owns Jerry T. Bunn Trucking. Jerry said his father’s desire to run an operation customers can rely on for on-time deliveries also carries over to Bunn Hauling. “My dad is our inspiration,” Jerry said. “From the time my dad started this business in 1985, he built our reputation for being dependable one load at a time. When my dad said he would do something, people knew it would get done. When he said the rock would be at the job site at such-and-such-a-time, customers knew they could pretty much depend on that.” When it came time to start replacing the 58 trucks in both company’s fleets, the Bunns looked for models that could meet their needs. And just as important, they wanted trucks and after-the-sale support that they could depend to make on-time deliveries of dirt, sand, gravel and rock for highway projects and a variety of different commercial and residential construction and remodeling projects. The companies use a variety of 3- and 4-axle straight dump trucks along with some tag-axle trailers – depending on the amount of product the jobsites require to be delivered. Since taking delivery of the first T880s, Bunn Hauling, along with Jerry T. Bunn Trucking (www.jerrytbunntruckingllc.com) have bought a total of 38, some equipped with 6-speed automatic Allison transmissions. Last year, Jerry T. Bunn Trucking took delivery of two six-axle Kenworth T880 dump trucks equipped with 46,000-pound tandem suspensions and 54-inch axle spacings, plus two 13,500-pound steerable pusher axles to carry more payload per trip. The tandem suspensions help the trucks maintain greater stability control for those larger loads with a high center of gravity. The steerable lift axles spread out the weight of larger loads, making them conform to North Carolina’s bridge formula weight limits. Both six-axle trucks serve as cancer awareness trucks. They are painted green and not Jerry T. Bunn Trucking’s typical choice of red and teal. (Bunn Hauling runs blue T880s.) The green T880s not only serve as a visible reminder of the importance of cancer screening and awareness, but also memorialize the late Jerry Bunn Sr. himself. The six-axle trucks will be particularly important, as trucks from both companies haul aggregate to North Carolina Department of Transportation’s four-lane 12.6-mile extension from North Carolina 11 in Ayden north to Highway 264 and Stantonsburg Road in Greenville, North Carolina. That project, known as the Greenville Southwest Bypass Project, began in September and is expected to be completed in 2019. By carrying women-owned business certification under the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) program with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Historically Underutilized Business certification with the North Carolina DOT, both companies can bid on contracts that provide preferential treatment to women-owned businesses. While these certifications open up new opportunities, Jerry said attention to the needs of their customers has been the primary way Jerry T. Bunn Trucking and Bunn Hauling maintain strong relationships. The after-the-sale support from Kenworth PremierCare® Gold Certified dealer MHC Kenworth-Raleigh has helped both companies further cement their solid reputations. Gold Certified Kenworth dealers go above and beyond industry standards to help fleets and truck operators maximize uptime with a range of premium services. This includes extended evening and weekend operating hours, rapid diagnosis of estimated repair time in two hours or less, dedicated technicians with training to use Kenworth TruckTech+ and service PACCAR engine. “The extended hours support we receive from MHC Kenworth-Raleigh (which is open 24 hours, seven days a week), plus the on-site visits from the dealership’s technicians with the dealer’s mobile service unit, help us to keep drivers on the road making deliveries instead of taking their trucks into the shop for servicing,” Jerry said. “That can make a big difference in helping us stay on schedule.” .

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International Truck | NACV 2017 Press Conference | HV Series International Trucks Press Release / September 27, 2017 .

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Allison Transmission Press Release / January 13, 2017 . .

VW’s Scania Fined $1.03 Billion by EU for Price Fixing Bloomberg / September 27, 2017 Volkswagen AG’s tarnished reputation suffered another blow after its Scania unit was slapped with a 880.5 million euro ($1.03 billion) fine for fixing truck prices, a year after other members of the cartel reached a record settlement with the European Union. The European Commission, the EU’s antitrust regulator in Brussels, said Scania colluded for 14 years with five other truck manufacturers on truck pricing and on how to pass on the costs of new technologies to meet stricter emission rules. VW now faces compensation claims from truck buyers who paid too much, and the company may be dragged into other EU cartel probes over alleged collusion with Daimler and BMW AG on technology standards. Those risks are dwarfed by the damages from the diesel-cheating scandal, which totals 22.6 billion euros so far, with European investigations and lawsuits still pending. Scania, which denies any wrongdoing, already set aside 3.8 billion Swedish kronor ($470 million) last year to cover a potential penalty after the other truckmakers were fined nearly 3 billion euros for working together on sales. It said it will challenge the fine at the EU courts. While the fine “is slightly above expectations,” the risk of hefty compensation awards in the future “seems remote as it’ll be difficult to prove the actual damage," Christian Ludwig, an analyst at Bankhaus Lampe in Germany, said in a phone interview. VW shares slipped by 0.7 percent at 4:45 p.m in Frankfurt trading, reversing earlier gains. Second-Highest The other truckmakers settled with the EU, winning a discount on their fine and denying them a chance to sue regulators. The Scania fine is the EU’s second-highest ever for one company in a price-fixing case, topped only by a 1.01 billion-euro penalty for Daimler AG in last year’s decision. "This cartel affected very substantial numbers of road haulers in Europe, since Scania and the other truck manufacturers in the cartel produce more than nine out of every 10 medium and heavy trucks sold in Europe," EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement on Wednesday. The fine casts another cloud over Volkswagen as the automaker seeks to emerge from the two-year-old diesel-cheating scandal. The financial burdens and management distraction are particularly unwelcome as the manufacturer seeks to navigate disruption from a shift to an era of self-driving electric cars. Truck Emissions The truck cartel fixed factory prices for trucks between 1997 and 2011 and also coordinated when producers would introduce technology to curb emissions from trucks and how they’d pass on the costs of that technology to customers, the EU said. Scania will appeal the decision, spokeswoman Karin Hallstan said in a statement. https://www.scania.com/group/en/scania-appeals-against-decision-of-the-european-commission-regarding-eu-antitrust-rules/ The company “strongly contests all the findings and allegations made by the European Commission,” she said. “Scania also emphasizes that it has cooperated fully” by providing EU regulators with requested data and explanations throughout the entire investigation period. Senior managers initially met at the margins of trade fairs or other events and sometimes held calls to coordinate behavior, starting with a Brussels meet-up in January 1997. From 2004, the truckmakers’ German units swapped information electronically. The 2016 settlement included a 10 percent reduction for promising not to challenge the EU in court, as well as other discounts for cooperating with regulators. The companies involved now face potential court claims from customers seeking compensation for being overcharged which could total as much as $84 billion, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. [Paccar subsidiary] DAF also had to pay 752.7 million euros last year. Despite the settlement, penalties were high because the cartel covered a large market and lasted a long time, the EU said. MAN SE, also owned by Volkswagen, wasn’t fined because it was first to provide evidence of the cartel to regulators.

Jacobs announces new Jake Brake coming in 2019 Truck News / September 27, 2017 ATLANTA, Ga. – Jacobs Vehicle Systems is hoping to release its next generation of the Jake Brake in 2019, the company revealed at the North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show today. According to Jacobs, the new High-Power Density (HPD) engine brake is the “next logical step in engine braking.” Steve Ernest, the v.p. of engineering at Jacobs, said that the HPD has been proven to offer twice the braking power as its current Jake Brake, while working at a lower rpm range. “It’s the next generation of engine braking, we believe,” Ernest said. “It will improve your foundation brake life, increase truck uptime and truck productivity, and increase your resale value.” The new brake will also deliver the retarding power needed to compensate for decreased aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance of the latest trucks, compensate for the trend towards lower engine speed operation, and operate at the speed you use, and avoid downshifting during retarding, the company claims. Because the company sells predominantly to OEMs, Ernest predicted that the new engine brake will be installed on trucks made in 2019-2020. The company also took time at the NACV show to announce that it has sold its 7 millionth engine brake in its lifetime. “We could not have reached this milestone without the success of our customers around the world,” Ernest said. “By developing the latest in engine braking and valve actuation technology for our customers, we provide fleets with the reliability, performance, and value that they come to expect from Jacobs.”

Allison plans 9-speed automatic transmission for release in 2020 Jeff Crissey, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / September 27, 2017 Allison Transmission announced it will release a nine-speed fully automatic transmission for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle markets around the globe by 2020, ahead of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Phase 2 greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency standards. The new transmission is the successor to Allison’s 2000 Series six-speed automatic transmission and uses the same interface as its predecessor. According to Randy Kirk, Allison’s senior vice president of product engineering and product teams, says the new Allison 9-Speed can achieve 7 percent greater fuel efficiency than Allison’s base six-speed model. “This is the first in a number of new products we’ll develop to meet the global challenge of increased fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions,” Kirk said during a press conference at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta. The control system builds on Allison’s xFE (Extra Fuel Economy) and FuelSense 2.0 with DynActive shifting features, “incorporating learning algorithms to establish new benchmarks and finding a balance between fuel economy and performance,” said Kirk. The Allison 9-Speed features a deep first gear ratio to allow the engine to run at lower speeds sooner to improve fuel savings and a torque converter lock-up in first gear. A new engine stop-start system provides immediate transmission engagement and vehicle hold while the engine is restarted. The new transmission is aimed specifically at Class 3-7 commercial vehicles, particularly in distribution, rental/lease and school bus segments, said Kirk. .

Meritor announces new electric drivetrain components Jeff Crissey, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / September 27, 2017 In response to the growing trend of electric powertrains, Meritor has launched its M 2019 initiative that includes a suite of electric drive axles and suspensions aimed at medium-duty, city-delivery, transit-bus and severe-duty applications that could be production-ready as early 2019. “Essentially, we’re focusing on integrating an electric motor into the differential carrier,” said Jay Craig, CEO and president for Meritor. “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.” The e-carrier, an electrified and lightweight replacement for a mechanical carrier, can house various drivetrain configurations, including full electric, hybrid, single or tandem axles depending on application. The electric motor is integrated into the axle, allowing room for batteries and other electrical components. Meritor’s 13Xe rigid axle can deliver 200 kilowatts of continuous power and featuring customizable gearing to cover line-haul, school bus, refuse, pickup and delivery, utility and other applications. Other related electrified product solutions include an independent suspension for applications such as military, emergency, off-highway and construction vehicles that will benefit from increased performance and an eCorner module for low-floor applications such as medium-duty Classes 4 and 5, pickup and delivery and transit buses. Meritor will also offer Quadraulic and next-generation air disc braking systems optimized for use on hybrid or electric vehicles with regenerative braking. “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,” said Craig. New air disc brake Also announced at the North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta, Meritor said its EX+ air disc brake for tractor and trailer will be available beginning in 2018. The new brake is 10 pounds lighter than previous versions and features a gear-synchronized, twin-piston design to deliver even force across the brake pads. Value brand replacement parts Meritor also introduced Mach, a value-brand replacement parts program for end users looking for affordable parts across all makes from a Tier 1 supplier. “With a rise in the number of competitors selling products at various price points and quality levels, Meritor’s Mach brand will offer a wide range of replacement part options at affordable prices that are validated by our engineers,” said Rob Speed, Meritor’s president of aftermarket & trailer. The program will launch by yearend 2017 and include suspension, steering, brake and drivetrain components. ThermAlert now standard Finally, Meritor announced its ThermAlert wheel-end heat sensing system is standard on its MTIS automatic tire inflation systems for trailers. The system alerts the driver of high wheel-end temperatures with an indicator light to help minimize damage to axle and suspension. Meritor also is increasing the warranty for MTIS to five years.

Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / September 27, 2017 The next generation of the so-called Jake Brake, built by Jacobs Manufacturers, will likely come to market in 2019, the company announced Wednesday at the North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta. The new High Power Density engine brake will offer twice the braking power as the current Jake Brake and will provide improved engine braking capabilities at a lower rpm range, says Jacobs’ VP of Engineer Steve Ernest. The system is designed to improve fuel economy when the engine brake is engaged and help keep foundation brakes cooler, Ernest says. The company, which sells almost exclusively to original equipment manufacturers, says at least one truck maker is scheduled to begin adding the new Jake Brake to trucks built in 2019. Others will follow suit “into the 2020s,” says Ernest. Current braking capacity at 2,100 rpms will be available at only 1,300 rpm with the HPD system, Ernest adds. Jacobs also says it is developing and testing another technology, Active Decompression, to aid in start-stop applications. The system is designed to reduce engine — and, thus — truck vibrations associated with start-stop functionality. Start-stop capabilities is a growing trend in the industry. The systems cut engines off and on in high-idle situations such as congestion. Jacobs’ system intends to make start-stop more comfortable for drivers. The company recently sold its 7 millionth Jake Brake, it also announced at the show. .

Jason Cannon, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / September 27, 2017 SAF-Holland introduced its new large-capacity 20K Neway LSZ Auxiliary Steerable Lift Axle Suspension at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta Wednesday. With a package size of 18.3-inches, the LSZ is up to 8 inches shorter than comparable lift axles, allowing some customers to spec shorter wheelbase trucks for improved maneuverability. “We learned installers were running out of wheelbase,” Jason Heath, product manager for Neway Truck, Bus & RV Suspensions. “[The new LSZ] is about two-thirds the size of the closest competitor.” Heath says air tanks for the suspension are mounted inside the suspension itself, creating even more frame rail space. The unit’s SuperChamber doubles the lift speed of traditional air springs and keeps the axle from bouncing banging on the chassis. “This improves the comfort and allows the driver to do what they are supposed to do: drive the truck,” Heath says. The angled design of the LSZ air springs improves tracking, lateral stability, tire life, and improves. The LSZ is the only line of lift axles to use premium rolling lobe style air springs, improving ride quality. “It also allows us to use a smaller axle tube to improve ground clearance,” Heath adds. The LSZ has a proprietary kingpin design that improves maintenance, needing no drilling, shimming, reaming and eliminates the use of dial indicators. If knuckle components ever wear out, they can easily be replaced by removing a single bolt. Optional features include disc brakes, a fully plumbed setup, in-cab and outside air controls and prep for fender brackets. The new axle will be available later this year. Also Wednesday, the company introduced a retrofit kit for its new automatic fifth wheel lighting system. Designed for Holland FW35 Series Fifth Wheels, the Electronic Lock Indicator (ELI-te) is an electronic system that senses kingpin’s location within the locks, improving coupling and reducing the likelihood of dropped trailers by displaying a white light for a proper connection and blinking red for improper connection. It can be retrofitted to a fifth wheel in under two hours. The new retrofit is available through SAF-Holland Original Parts distributors and dealers. And, the plug-and-play technology makes it easy to install. It’s also available as a replacement top plate or as a complete fifth wheel assembly to replace other brands of fifth wheel. .

Allison to launch first 9-speed fully automatic transmission in 2020 Truck News / September 27, 2017 ATLANTA, Ga. – Allison Transmission today introduced its plans to release the first 9-speed fully automatic transmission in 2020. The roll out was announced in front of trade press who gathered at the inaugural North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show in Atlanta. The new 9-speed transmission has a deep first gear ratio, includes an integral engine stop-start system, and is scheduled to be released by 2020 – just in time to coincide with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Phase 2 GHG and Fuel Efficiency Standards. “This 9-speed product launch represents the first in a number of new products which will demonstrate Allison’s ongoing commitment to addressing the global challenge of improved fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gases,” said Randy Kirk, senior vice-president of product engineering and product teams with Allison, who added the new 9-speed will reach up to 7% greater fuel efficiency than the base 6-speed model. “The new 9-speed will set a new benchmark for fuel savings,” he said. “Customers can also expect up to 10% greater (fuel economy) or more when compared to a competing transmission.” The new transmission marks the first of its kind for the medium-duty market and is ideal for Classes 3-7, specifically distribution trucks, rental and lease trucks, and buses, Kirk said. With the new transmission,Allison said drivers can also look forward to better comfort due to smaller steps, a smoother start, and improved acceleration. The new 9-speed will succeed the company’s 6-speed transmission when it is released. “The Allison 9-speed leverages the proven durability of the Allison 2000 Series 6-speed commercial transmission, which has accumulated more than 100 billion in-service miles globally,” Kirk said. “To keep it simple for OEMs and customers, it’s been designed to utilize the same interfaces as its 6-speed predecessor.” “We’re excited to raise the bar one more time with our new fully automatic 9-speed transmission for commercial vehicles,” Kirk concluded. .

Michelin guarantees performance of new drive tire Today’s Trucking / September 27, 2017 ATLANTA, GA – Michelin is promising its new XDA Energy + drive tire will save fleets $400 a year in fuel, and is backing that promise up with a guarantee. The company’s newest drive tire was designed for fuel economy, and Michelin says it will pay fleets that don’t see the promised fuel savings over competitive brands up to $400 per truck. Fleets of any size can take the test. Michelin will work with them to benchmark their fuel economy using their current drive tire, then swap those brands out with the new XDA Energy+. After several months, the fuel savings will be evident, or Michelin will pay up, according to Adam Murphy, vice-president of marketing for Michelin Americas Truck Tires. He announced the launch of the new tire and the guarantee at the North American Commercial Vehicle show. “This tire is ideally suited for longhaul fleets, and particularly those operating in the dry van and refrigerated segments,” Murphy said. “Those are the fleets that typically are able to benefit the most from the lower fleet fuel consumption and reduced operating costs fleets can see using very low rolling resistance tires like the Michelin XDA Energy+.” Murphy said the new tires has 7% less rolling resistance than competitive tires, thanks to improvements in tread compound. This tire replaces the XDA Energy, and features the same tread design. “All this improvement is fundamentally coming from improvements in the tread compound we were able to deliver,” said Murphy. The new tire will be available in size 275/80R22.5 G beginning Oct. 1. Michelin also announced its recently introduced X Multi D regional haul drive tire is now available in a low profile 275/80R22.5 G size. The tire offers a 65% improvement in mileage compared to the XDE M/S tire it replaced. Murphy said it also offers great traction, getting up to speed 85% faster in snow than other designs. Michelin says if customers don’t see the extended life they’ve been promised, the company will pay the price difference between the X Multi D and a competitive tire. .

Today’s Trucking / September 27, 2017 ATLANTA, Ga. – Goodyear has introduced a new longhaul tire it says combines longer miles to removal with excellent fuel efficiency. The new Goodyear Endurance LHD was shown for the first time at the North American Commercial Vehicle show. “In today’s ultra-competitive freight hauling environment, no truck tire performance benefit is probably more important than long miles to removal,” said Dustin Lancy, marketing manager, Goodyear. “Enhanced mileage is an attribute that can positively impact a long-haul fleet’s bottom line.” The Endurance LHD drive tire is SmartWay-verified and features a new tread compound that delivers both fuel efficiency and long life. It also has a new sidewall compound to reduce rolling resistance and a steel belt package that provides casing toughness, Goodyear claims. A shoulder wedge was developed to stabilize the belt package, and Goodyear’s Tredlock Technology stabilizes the tire’s tread area to prevent irregular wear. The tire is now available in size 295/75R22.5 (Load Range G) and 11R22.5 (Load Ranges G and H). Another size, 11R24.5 (Load Range G), will be available in December, Goodyear said. Sizes 11R24.5 (Load Range H) and 285/75R24.5 (Load Range G) will be available in January 2018. The company also hinted of a matching retread to be launched next year. The Endurance LHD retread will feature Goodyear UniCircle Technology. “The spliceless design of our UniCircle treads matches the shape of the tire’s casing,” said Lancy. .

ThermALERT to be standard on MTIS Today’s Trucking / September 27, 2017 ATLANTA, GA – Meritor will make the ThermALERT wheel-end heat-sensing system standard on its MTIS (Meritor Tire Inflation System) automatic tire inflation system for trailers beginning in October. ThermALERT uses an indicator light to notify drivers about overheating wheel ends. Given enough advance warning, that can help avoid axle or suspension replacements, the company says. “Drivers can stop their vehicles safely and avoid potentially dangerous conditions,” said Rob Speed, president – aftermarket and trailer. Meritor will also offer a five-year warranty and will not place an addition premium on MTIS. MTIS is currently supporting more than 1.4 million trailers and 6 million tires around the world.