Fleet Equipment News

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s electronic onboard recorder 2010 final rule for motor carriers with significant hours-of-service violations does not protect truck drivers from potential harassment by their employers, a federal appeals court has ruled.

Balqon Corp., which makes electric drive and battery systems for heavy trucks, said it intends to sell 8.2 million shares of its stock to the public.

The more than year-long surge in orders for new trailers showed signs of leveling off in June, increasing just 6% from 2010 levels, compared with an overall 65% gain over the first half of 2011, ACT Research Co. said.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. said second-quarter earnings at its Cooper Tire division fell to $12 million, or 18 cents a share, from $19 million, or 30 cents, a year ago.

It takes a significant effort on the part of suppliers and customers alike to ensure that strains on key supplier-customer relationships are avoided, and there is a common focus on the contributions that create value.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. said its second-quarter profit as sales jumped 24% to a quarterly record.

Two truck component makers reported lower second quarter profits late last month.

Engine maker Cummins Inc. said Tuesday its second-quarter profit doubled to a record on higher sales, and it boosted its earnings outlook for the full year.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems said late Monday it will acquire Iteris Inc.’s vehicle sensors business, including Iteris’ lane departure warning system.

Tom Linebarger, who will become Cummins Inc.’s next chairman and CEO on Jan. 1, said the company is well positioned to meet the competition of North American truck makers offering “vertically integrated” packages of their own trucks and engines.