Equipment

Class 8 truck sales plummeted 48.3% in January, compared with totals from a year ago, as dealers moved only 9,600 vehicles, the lowest number since the depths of the previous sales collapse, in 2003, according to data from WardsAuto.com.

Navistar International Corp. introduced its new LoneStar heavy-duty truck at last week’s Chicago Auto show, which it said has improved ergonomics, enhanced suspension, advanced electronics and a quiet cab.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. said Thursday it earned $52 million, or 23 cents a share, in the fourth quarter, compared with a loss of $358 million, or $2.02 per share, a year earlier.

Ryder System’s board approved a 2-cent increase in its quarterly dividend, to 23 cents a share.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Uncertainty about the life cycle of key emission control components and higher maintenance costs have emerged as the top concerns fleets have with 2007 heavy-duty diesel engines, maintenance and equipment heads at several major carriers said here.

Westport Innovations said Tuesday that Wal-Mart Stores will introduce four liquefied natural gas-fueled Peterbilt 386 trucks at its distribution center in Apple Valley, Calif.

Volvo Trucks North America said Monday it will offer a heavy-duty engine made by Cummins Inc. that is certified for 2010 emissions standards for its Volvo VN Class 8 trucks, extending an existing agreement between the two.

Visteon Corp. said it sold some of its non-core underhood and remanufacturing facilities to Centrum Equities. Terms were not disclosed.

Karmak Inc., a software supplier for the trucking industry, said it has released a major update of its Legend business management system, designed solely for the heavy-duty trucking industry.

Diesel engine maker Cummins Inc. said Friday its fourth-quarter profit rose to $198 million, or $1 a share, from $189 million or 94 cents, a year ago.