Fuel Economy Dominates MATS as Suppliers, Manufacturers Tout Products, Innovations
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fuel efficiency was the top theme as the nation’s truck supply community hosted throngs of customers and prospects at the Mid-America Trucking Show, which officially opened here on Thursday.
While three truck makers introduced new models — and others touted improved versions of their existing ones — the topic of improving fuel efficiency was heard throughout the vast halls of the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Purveyors of goods and services looked to tap into widespread interest in maximizing dollars spent to power the trucks that move the nation’s freight.
While an increase such as 7 to 7.35 mpg may seem trivial to a layman, a 5% improvement in one year is a triumph for a truck maker, said David Hames, a general manager with Daimler Trucks North America.
Manufacturers of all sizes and products kept bringing the topic back to fuel economy.
Cummins Inc. teamed with transmission maker Eaton Corp. to fight back against the tide of vertical integration at DTNA and Volvo Group, with the display of their synchronized engine-transmission package that improves fuel economy.
Allison Transmission said its TC10 TS tractor transmission is the superior choice for boosting economy, and axle makers such as Dana Holdings Corp. talked about lowering gear ratios, lighter-weight materials and 6×2 configurations rather than more traditional 6×4 arrangements, all for the purpose of giving fleet customers more miles per gallon.
Low rolling resistance tires are one of the main components of improving mileage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program. Tire makers, such as Goodyear, Michelin and Double Coin, told potential customers that their products also can contribute to greater fuel efficiency.
For additional coverage, see the March 25 issue of Transport Topics.
