Wal-Mart Displays Concept WAVE Truck
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Wal-Mart Advanced Vehicle Experience concept truck is giving attendees at the Mid-America Trucking Show a glimpse into the future.
The truck, which is making its first public appearance, is expected to turn heads of fleet executives, equipment manufacturers and drivers because of its futuristic aerodynamic styling, advanced turbine-powered hybrid-electric powertrain and first-of-its-kind trailer made from carbon fiber panels.
Wal-Mart originally announced the concept WAVE truck in February.
The prototype WAVE tractor-trailer, developed in collaboration with Peterbilt Motors Co., Great Dane Trailers, Capstone Turbine and many other vendors drew a crowd of onlookers and media representatives March 26 in advance of the official opening of MATS on March 27.
The vehicle’s trailer, which was displayed at Great Dane’s booth, is the first to use carbon fiber panels for the roof and sidewalls, saving nearly 4,000 pounds compared with traditional steel or aluminum trailers.
“This road-ready prototype trailer is a bold step in transportation technologies,” said Adam Hill, vice president of product and sales engineering at Great Dane. “We look forward to further collaboration with Wal-Mart to create more fuel-efficient vehicles of this type in the future.”
Great Dane also showcased a refrigerated trailer that has “broken the 12,000-pound barrier” using a combination of new manufacturing techniques and materials. The company also announced that it would extend its CorroGuard anti-corrosion application to flatbed trailers for the first time.
