Leasing Group Eyes Engines, Economy

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img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>Truck leasing executives were expected to get an update on new diesel engine development, plus an analysis of the economy and U.S. war preparations at the Truck Renting and Leasing Associations' 25th annual convention March 12-16 in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Daniel C. Ustian, chief executive officer of Navistar International Corp., parent of International Truck and Engine, was slated to deliver a keynote address. A spokeswoman for Trala said it would be Ustian’s first speech since assuming the CEO post Feb. 19.

Top executives of Mack Trucks, Volvo Truck North America and Freightliner Corp. were also expected to discuss industry plans to develop diesel engines to meet tougher emissions standards in 2007, said Trala President Peter J. Vroom.

Like many trucking companies, leasing firms last year expressed concern about the cost and reliability of lower-emission engines required by the Environmental Protection Agency after Oct. 1.Vroom said Trala members want to work with manufacturers earlier in the process as they develop the next generation of engines for 2007.

Other speakers scheduled for the Trala meeting included George Rodriguez, director of land and cargo security for the Transportation Security Administration, and Eli S. Lustgarten, a financial analyst with H.C. Wainwright & Co.

This article appears in the March 10 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.