ZF Emphasizes Safety with Newest Innovation Concept Truck

ZF Innovation Truck 2016 Photo: ZF

ZF rolled out its Innovation Truck 2016 concept vehicle at the IAA show in Hannover, Germany, to demonstrate its capabilities for developing autonomous-driving technologies.

Noting that it is keeping at the forefront its “Vison Zero” goal of attaining accident-free driving, the Germany-based component supplier said it's “working on enhancing current assist systems for practical use on the road.”

The company said those efforts have led to developing a Highway Driving Assist (HDA) that helps to keep the vehicle in its lane and an Evasive Maneuver Assist (EMA) system that allows a truck to independently evade obstacles and brake. ZF noted that EMA was developed in cooperation with Wabco.

ZF said its Innovation Truck 2016 also “boasts a highly efficient solution with its autonomous maneuvering function,” dubbed SafeRange. “Its intelligently networked systems allow the concept vehicle to autonomously maneuver to the loading bay in a precise and efficient manner, and if needed, with zero local emissions,” the company stated.

By applying its expertise in sensor technology, control electronics and mechatronic systems, ZF said it has enabled the Innovation Truck 2016 “to see, think and act” for safer and more efficient driving.

According to ZF, here is how each of the three new systems function:

Daimler and trailer maker partner on European fuel-efficient rig

New European tractor-trailer setup promises real-world fuel savings of up to 20%. Photo: David Cullen

Daimler's Mercedes-Benz Truck unit along with Germany-based trailer maker Krone have teamed up to put together a linehaul tractor-trailer they say delivers up to a 20% cut in fuel consumption compared to existing combinations.

The rig, rolled out at the IAA Truck Show in Frankfurt, Germany, consists of the latest generation Mercedes-Benz Actros over-the-road cabover mated to Krone's new Profi Liner Efficiency, an aerodynamically enhanced curtain-side trailer fitted with low-rolling-resistance tires.

According to Daimler, the specific Mercedes-Benz Actros unveiled at IAA features an efficiency package that includes the latest generation OM 471 six-cylinder in-line diesel engine as well as the OEM's Predictive Powertrain Control (described as an “anticipatory cruise control system”) and “A-label” low-rolling-resistance tires.

When combined with the new Krone Profi Liner Efficiency trailer, Daimler said “it promises a reduction in fuel consumption, and therefore CO2 emissions, of up to 20% compared to existing combinations.” A standard semitrailer-tractor combination from 2014 is the basis of the comparison. The manufacturers said that their second yearly “Efficiency Run” involved five fleet customers that tested the fuel efficiency of the rigs and verified the results.

Daimler and Krone laid out the various contributions that added up to the 20% efficiency gain:

The trailer's aerodynamics were improved with new self-engineered Krone side panels made of impact-resistant plastic that cover all the sides, including those of the three trailer axles and a four-part folding “rear wing,” also made of robust plastic.

"In 2015, the first Efficiency ...Read the rest of this story

Utility introduces new flatbed trailer

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company and Tautliner curtainsided trailers announced the introduction of the new 4000AE flatbed trailer.

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FleetLocate Harnesses Solar Power to Track Trailers

Spireon has developed a solar-powered trailer and asset telematics solution, providing location information and rich data powered by a renewable energy source.

The self-powered solution is compatible with a wide-range of transportation vehicles and equipment including dry vans and intermodal applications such as containers.

“Spireon FleetLocate is a complete trailer management solution that captures a wealth of Rich Data at the trailer level, then translates the data into easy-to-understand, actionable Business Intelligence,” stated Steve Blair, senior vice president of sales at Spireon. “From automating yard checks to right-sizing fleets and increasing driver satisfaction, Spireon customers see dramatic improvements across all areas of their operations, ensuring a rapid return on investment.”

The trailer-mounted all-in-one solar panel and telematics unit can be installed in under 20 minutes, according to Spireon. The solar panel provides increased power source reliability and integrates with the Spireon FleetLocate solution. Trailers and assets can gather telematics information without drawing power from an external battery.

The solar-panel creates an ideal solution for providing reliable trailer visibility when hooked to a tractor going down the road or unhooked sitting in a yard. The reliable energy source can maintain the connection to assets and trailers that remain dormant for extended periods.

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Purkeys Offers Products Through Fontaine PartSource

Image via Purkeys

Purkeys, a company that provides electrical solutions for the heavy-duty trucking industry, has announced that its products will now be available through Fontaine PartSource.

Parts buyers and fleet operators can buy all Purkeys' products directly from Fontaine. Fontaine sells several commercial product lines, of which Purkeys is the latest addition.

Fontaine PartSource is the aftermarket parts company for Fontaine Commercial Trailer. It has provided products to the heavy-duty trucking industry for more than 75 years and is a resource for original equipment manufacturer supplied product lines.

“At Fontaine, we have seen the support that Purkeys has provided to their fleets and the Truck Maintenance Council for many years,” said J. Aaron Puckett, Fontaine PartSource vice president and general manager. “We believe that their innovative product lines will provide great new opportunities for our sales group and distribution partners.”

Related: Purkeys Adds Accessory to Liftgate Double Check

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New International LT Series boosts fuel economy 7%

International Launches Flagship LT Series Truck Line

The International LT Series Long Haul. Photo: International Trucks

International Trucks has launched the International LT Series, a new flagship line of Class 8 over-the-road trucks developed with a driver-centric design, featuring new technologies and better fuel economy than previous models.

“The new International LT Series reflects our vision for the future of the trucking industry, with a host of advancements that support improved driver safety and productivity, as well as fuel efficiency and uptime,” said Bill Kozek, president, truck and parts, Navistar. “This new vehicle reflects our strong belief that integrating the best technology will provide customers with a significant operating advantage.”

In keeping with the company's DriverFirst product design focus, International undertook extensive research with truck drivers, including driver clinics that gathered input from hundreds of drivers. International used this research to design the LT Series' interior and identified multiple new and improved features to enhance driver appeal.

The LT Series includes better elbow room, hip room and leg room and features a mix of high-tech and traditional features to emphasize driver ease of use. The gauge cluster includes a digital driver display that offers drivers real-time monitoring offer economy and other important alerts.

The truck was also designed with the goal of keeping the truck on the road and facilitating quick service when the need arises. Features to improve reliability and serviceability include: