Navistar’s electric truck eStar, director of marketing, sales and strategy, Mark Aubry, explained that what they are witnessing is a joining of many factors. More strong EV technology is currently being deployed; the costs of batteries reduce, while there is also a rising concern regarding the future and current price of petroleum fuels.

There are also many state and federal incentives in place for providing notable opportunities to early adopters deploying more EVs. These are some of the positive factors which are creating a demand. Aubry also pointed out to a study which was conducted by Frost and Sullivan, a worldwide research firm in 2010, which projected that by 2016, around 64,817 light duty Class 2 to Class 3 EVs should retail in the North American market. Also noting that is the very same market which Navistar is targeting with their eStar truck.

In contrast, Frost and Sullivan projects that only 26,635 medium duty electric vehicles with a GVW ranging between 3.5 tons and 16 tons as well as 565 HD EVs having a GVW of 16 tons or more will be produced and sold by 2016.

Aubry further added that a third of nearly all commercial trucks sold in America ever year fall in the Class 2 to 3 categories. They are currently also witnessing interests for these trucks from the Chinese and Mexican markets.

The eStar, all electric truck which was first introduced in the year 2009, and built in conjunction between Modec EV and Navistar, is a truck falling in the Class2c-3 category, having a range of 100 miles per electric charge. This is the normal distance which is covered by most of the urban P&D trucks during a work shift of eight hours. The eStar truck required at least 6 to 8 hours before it is fully charged.

The battery pack has been designed so that it can easily be swapped in just 20 minutes giving it a greater operational flexibility. He also pointed the desire among truck fleets to eliminate petroleum based fuel consumption altogether is the biggest tipping point when I comes to building commercial EVs. The US also consumes 22mn barrels of oil every day, with 73 per cent of it being consumed in the transportation industry.

The Mack B61 is one of their earlier model refuse trucks, dating as far back as 1964. This truck was powered by a diesel Mack engine and paired with a 5+2 transmission speed. To make the ride smoother, the Mack B61 truck was supplied with a Camelback suspension. The dump body of this truck is composed of steel and rests on tandem rear axles. The wheels of these Mack trucks are also composed of steel.

The Mack B61 was one of the oldest dump truck models offered by Mack. It had a tilting dump body which was operated by hydraulic lifts. While the exterior color of the cab was ochre yellow, the dump body was black in color.

The Mack CL713 is also a refuse truck, however it is a fairly new model. This truck was manufactured in the year 2001. compared to the aforementioned refuse model, this truck has a greater payload capacity, with its dump body resting on tridem rear axles. This dump body is constructed of steel, resting on aluminum wheels.

The Mack CL713 truck is powered by a diesel Mack AI-460 engine, and mated to an 18 speed transmission to deliver a horsepower of 460, ultimately giving this truck a greater payload capacity. This Mack truck also featured a camelback suspension. The wheel base of these Mack trucks is 228 inches.

The weight of the front axle of the Mack CL713 is 20,000 pounds, while the weight of the rear axle of this truck is a whopping 44,000 pounds. Some other features of this truck include an electric tarp with a 17 ft Heil, a double frame body and all aluminum wheels. This truck also had a lift axle for easier unloading as well as a hitch plate.

In the Cascadia series, the Eaton UltraShift Plus will be available in the 125″ BBC truck which is powered by Detroit’s DD13, DD16 or DD15 diesel engine. This transmission will also be offered with the 113″ BBC Cascadia model which is also equipped with a Detroit DD13 diesel engine. At the North American division of Volvo Trucks, this transmission will be available with their line haul of heavy duty trucks which are powered by the diesel Cummins engine.

The data books of the truck maker had earlier included offerings of automated transmission from Eaton Co. and also manual transmission from Eaton Fuller. The latest options will be specific to the UltraShift Plus transmission from Eaton of Linehaul Active Shifting or LAS available with 110,000 pounds GCW, high multipurpose performance, available with 150,000 pounds GCW, and extreme multipurpose models, available with in unlimited GCW.

Each of the transmissions offered will be available in varying speeds ranging from 10 speed, 18 speed and 13 speed versions. Coupled with the different diesel engines, they will also be capable of generating a torque capacity that reaches to 2,250 pounds feet. An unlimited GCW will also be available along with this 18 speed transmission platform.

All of the UltraShift Plus Eaton transmissions are available in either direct drive or over drive capabilities. They also have the newest electronic self adjusting clutch actuator which has been designed for a smoother and faster engagement according to the company. Eaton has also further added that an intelligent software of shift selection helps to carry out weight computation, grade sensing, as well as commands for driver throttle so as to make automatic shift decisions.

This transmission will offer the versatility and performance of manual transmissions and the simplicity offered by automatic transmission. This transmission will also help to reduce the tear and wear on drive line which will help to prevent damage of drivetrain and as a result enhance the safety of the vehicle.

Another benefit of this transmission is that it provides an increased fuel economy of almost 23 per cent compared to conventional automatic transmissions. This will make the UltraShift Plus transmission from Eaton the perfect choice of truck buyers who require them for line haul applications.

The Senior VP of the company’s marketing and sales department, Ron Huibers, said that their customer response to their products especially regarding performance of their near zero emission engines and fuel efficiency continue being positive. In combination with an improving economy, this positive response has helped them in continuing with the momentum established with their last year’s increase of market share.

VTNA will be adding a new second shift in regards to their production revamping. The company also said that the recalled workers will be hired in stages on May 2 and on June 13. Volvo trucks also announced that their sales increased by 47 per cent in February compared to the same period in 2010. Its market share also increased by 10.9 per cent compared to last year.

The 2007 year model of this yard tractor truck was powered by a diesel Cummins ISB07 engine which when mated with the Allison Gen IV automatic transmission, delivered 200 horsepower. This truck had a wheel base of 116 inches. With a GVWR of 42,500 pounds, this truck was quite useful in loading heavy duty loads. The weight of the front axle of these Ottawa trucks was 12,500 pounds, while the weight of the rear axle was 30,000 pounds.

This truck had an engine block heater as well as a fuel water heated separator. The tires of the Ottawa 30 measure 22.5. This tractor truck also made use of a synthetic transynd transmission fluid. To enhance the safety of this truck, the front axle Meritor FF-961 made use of 16.5″x5″ brakes.

Some other features of this truck include piloted hub wheels, slack adjusters which are automatic on both the rear and front axles, rear fenders which are flexible, brakes which are anti-locking as well as mud flaps located behind the steer axle. Even the drive axle has mud flaps placed in front of it.

The cab of the Ottawa 30 tractor truck features a raised cab roof, a vent window wing on the cab’s left side, cloth seats by Bostrom as well as heated mirrors, air conditioning, hot wire CB radio overhead and a fan.

The Ottawa YT30 is another yard tractor truck model. This truck is powered by a 3126E Caterpillar diesel engine, which delivers 210 horsepower. This truck has a lifting capacity of 70,000 pounds. Both the rear and front wheels of this truck are composed of steel which provide better support for the frame of the truck.

The weight of the front axle of these Ottawa trucks is 12,000 pounds, while the weight of the rear axle is 24,000 pounds. The fuel tank has a carrying capacity of 50 gallons. Some of the other features of the Ottawa YT30 include an air ride suspension for the cab, heated mirrors for better visibility in foggy conditions, seat belts, wipers, an air dryer and a full lights package.

This Ottawa YT30 model is a conventional cab configuration. The rear tires of this truck measure 11R22.5, while the ratio of the rear end of this truck is 7.17.

Olof Persson will be assuming the position for AB Volvo’s president and Volvo Group’s CEO, on September 1, when the current CEO and President, Leif Jonhansson, will retire. By May 1, this year, Olof Persson will be the deputy CEO as well as the executive vice president and will work with the current CEO and President, Leif Jonhansson.

Meanwhile, the successor to Persson, as the president of the Volvo Construction Equipment division, is not yet known as of now. Olof Persson had begun his career at the ABB, and between the other assignments, he also held a many executive positions at the Bombardier and AdTranz. Together with his designation to the post of President of the Volvo Aero in the year 2006, Olof also became the Volvo’s executive committee group member.

The Volvo Board Chairman, Louis Schweitzer, said that, during Olof Persson’s time at the Volvo Aero as well as the Volvo Construction Equipment, he had gained the required amount of experience and also demonstrated the very characteristics which have made him a highly suitable candidate for the post of AB Volvo’s president and Volvo Group’s CEO, and to replace Johansson who had managed to strategically grow and transform the Volvo Group, and still maintain the company’s core values.

Olof Persson has performed quite well, first as Volvo Aero’s president and then as Volvo Construction Equipment’s president. When at the Volvo Construction Equipment, during the time of the financial crisis, Olof had success in restructuring Volvo, and made it the most successful auto manufacturer in this industry, both in the terms of size and profitability, which is not a small achievement.

The International 1800 truck is available in a host of different configuration models to better suit your work purposes. This truck is powered by a diesel 3406 Caterpillar engine and coupled with an 8 speed transmission is capable of delivering 330 horsepower. For better comfort, the International 1800 truck is equipped with an air ride 4 bag suspension. This truck measures 96 inches in width.

All the wheels of this truck are composed entirely of steel. The International 1800 has tandem rear axles for better support and efficiency. This truck is also available in different cab options, and depending on the time and nature of your work, you can opt for either the standard or sleeper cab options. This flat bed truck is equipped with metal sides that are five feet in height to help keep the cargo secure.

These metal sides can also be removed depending on whatever freight or cargo that you want to transport, making it more flexible. These International trucks also have a forklift that is mounted in the rear to make loading and unloading cargo easier. Added to the front axle of this truck is a spring leaf suspension. The Palfinger Palreach all terrain forklift has a lift capacity of 5000 pounds.

The International 1754 is another popular old model. This truck is powered by International’s own 9.0 liter engine which is capable of delivering 250 horsepower. These trucks are also available in different configurations like crane trucks or as forklift models. The 1983 model crane truck is supplied with a boom weighing 11.5 tons.

The International 1754 truck also has down and front out stabilizers. It has a 55 feet hydraulic stick and a 23 feet jib. This crane truck can easily lift cargo up to a height of 88 feet. Some of the added features that are thrown in with this truck include a 2 speed winch, an auxiliary hydraulic, a ball and hook. The tires of the International 1754 truck are 10×20 and of 70 per cent plus tread.

This truck is capable of carrying out all heavy duty work operations like moving heavy duty construction equipments and other machinery equipments. The exterior of this truck is painted a red and white color. It also features lights all over the exterior of the truck to increase the visibility of the truck during work operations. Apart from the crane configuration, this truck is also available in a dump truck and a semi trailer truck configuration.

David was referring to the improvements made in fuel efficiency which will result fromt the standards of fuel economy set by the NHTSA for heavy duty work trucks, which wil begin implementation with the trucks of the model years 2014, and also the other breakthroughs like the communications between vehicles.

Strickland said that, as a nation, they may not have pure inexpensive labor to offer as that of other countries, however they lead when it comes to innovations around the world, noting that companies in America have an opportunity to lead when it comes to development of vehicle technologies that are fuel efficient.

Strickland also suggested that fuel economy standards of president Obama for the HD vehicles offer an opportunity to make the next big breakthrough in technology, which will be level with the 1800′s development of railroads and 1900′s mass production of automobiles as well as the Interstate system development.

The goal for the 21st Century is how to build on that. The main choice which the president has given is how to improve in the fuel efficiency standards as well as the profile of greenhouse gases of the entire line up of trucks which included HD trucks. Setting the standards of fuel economy for HD vehicles will help to improve the quality of air as well as lessen the dependence of America on alien oil.

As fuel is the largest cost which affects the operation of trucks, Strickland acknowledged that many question a government mandated standard for fuel economy. He noted that hey had witnessed the market imperfections, where the technologies which have the opportunity to save resources and fuel didn’t percolate the way they should have. He added that the government would not be mandating a specific solution in the program.

Strickland said that they set the standards for performance and do not pick technologies, as doing so would be like trying to bet on which technology would lose or win. Not only everyone would want to opt for a natural gas or hybrid option and that there are also many other ways to get there.

The Kenworth C500B is semi trailer truck which is powered by a 3306 Caterpillar engine and delivers a horsepower of 300. This truck has a tri axle chassis and cab. It has an 8 speed transmission and a walking beam Hendrickson suspension. The Kenworth C500B measures around 33 feet and 2 inches in length, while the width of this truck is 8 feet and the height is 10 feet and 4 inches.

The Kenworth C500B has a wheel base of 242 inches which is quite practical. The cab to axle measures 156 inches, while the cab to end measures 216 inches. The Gross Vehicle Weight of this truck is 76,460 pounds. The tires of this truck are 12 R24, while the rims are 24 inches open and 20 inches open for the lift axle. The ratio of this Kenworth C500B truck is 6.21. The rear uses Eaton and weighs 58,000 pounds.

The Kenworth K130 is a cabover truck which is powered by a turbo diesel 8.3 liter Cummins engine. This truck has a 6 speed transmission. This truck has a hydraulic PTO tank and has a two way valve. The cab has a flat bed which measures around 4 feet. It also comes with a headache rack.

Some of the other features of the Kenworth K130 truck include a set up for fifth wheel, a pintle hook as well as an air and electric to rear bumper. The Kenworth K130 was also available in different body configurations, one of which includes the dump body measuring 7 yards.

These Kenworth trucks have a mileage of 12 to 15 and 7 to 7.5 when they are pulling a trailer of 5 car ranging from 12 to 13 tons. You can also find this model in a refrigerated truck configuration, which is 22 feet in length. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of this truck is 33,000 pounds. The 8.3 liter Cummins engine delivers a horsepower of 210.

The weight of the front axle measures around 12,000 pounds, while the weight of the rear axle measures around 21,000 pounds. The refrigerated truck has a 6 speed transmission and also has power steering facility. The truck body has an insulation which is 4 inches thick. The rear doors have four panels and it also has a curbside door. The flooring of this truck is of an extruded aluminum.

The refrigeration unit of this truck has a TDII39 MAX Thermoking with a cycle sentry. It has a refrigeration capability of minus 20 degrees.

The present F-650 commercial pick up has an inline six Cummins diesel engine, which is a variation of the same oil burner six cylinder engine that is offered in the Ram HD chassis cabs and pick up trucks. Kauffman said that with the prices of diesel outstripping that of gasoline by 10 cents and more in many places in the nation, the entry of a gasoline powertrain makes for a perfect timing in the medium duty pick up truck segment.

The 6.8 liter powerful engine gives a diesel like horsepower of 362 and a torque of 457 pound feet. This engine will be paired with the new six speed 6R140 gearbox which has double overdrive gears and has power takeoff. The gas powertrain is expected to cost $8,000 less to a comparable diesel engine. The starting price for the Cummins diesel engine powered F-650 meanwhile is $57,180.

Though diesel powered trucks are fuel efficient by more than 30 per cent compared to gasoline engines, Ford hopes that with the right calibrations of powertrain, it will be able to close the fuel efficiency gap to around 10 per cent. The 6.8 liter engine will also be made available in an option of compressed natural gas. The F-650 Class 7 truck with the 6.8 liter V10 engine has a GVWR of 30,000 pounds and a GCWR of 33,000 pounds.

The orders for the gas powered F-650 will commence by the Q3 of 2011. This truck will be available in two different chassis configurations. One is the Pro-Loader which has 19.5″ wheels or the dock height which has 22″ wheels. Both the Ford F-750 and F-650 trucks will receive a new interior design which they will share with the Super Duty F Series pick up trucks by Ford. Meanwhile, the 6.8 liter F-650 can be ordered from October this year, and has its production schedule beginning from the Q1 of the next year.