NTEA’s Economic Outlook Conference Delivers Business-Planning Information for 2006
The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) will host its annual Economic Outlook Conference (EOC) Sept. 21 at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn in Dearborn, Mich. Featuring forecasts delivered by top economists and industry experts, the EOC is a business planning resource for 2006 and beyond designed to help commercial truck and transportation equipment professionals gain insight and find answers to issues affecting the industry that impact their businesses. The full-day conference is geared to those involved in strategic business planning, such as top executives and managers, as well as marketing and sales personnel.
Freightliner Profits Soar
DaimlerChrysler AG’s Freightliner unit, the largest North American heavy-truck maker, expects record profit this year and next before new U.S. pollution rules slow the truck market in 2007, the unit’s CEO said.
Oshkosh Truck Corp. to Invest $4 Million to Upgrade Facility for Remanufacturing of Defense Trucks
Oshkosh Truck Corp., a manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies, has purchased additional manufacturing facilities near its headquarters in Oshkosh, Wis. The company has begun upgrading the 300,000 square foot production facility and plans to invest approximately $4 million to optimize it for remanufacturing defense trucks, many of which are returning from extensive service in Iraq.
ArvinMeritor Refocuses CVS Field Operations
ArvinMeritor’s Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) business unit has refocused its field organization in order to better serve its North American fleet and dealer customers. The reorganization includes increased contact and support, including sales and technical counsel and training, according to CVS.
Amsoil Adds Donaldson Filters for Heavy-Duty Applications
Amsoil Inc. has made available to its dealer network Donaldson Co.’s full line of aftermarket heavy-duty air, oil, coolant, fuel and hydraulic filters. Amsoil’s distribution network includes more than 80,000 dealers worldwide.
SAE Heavy Trucking Symposium Begins Tomorrow
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International will hold the Heavy Truck Handling, Dynamics & Control Symposium May 3-5 in Greenville, SC. Terry Gettys, president, Michelin Americas Research and Development Corp., will provide the welcoming remarks for the symposium. Michelin is the host company for the Symposium.
ATA Truck Tonnage Index Fell 3.3 Percent in March
American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) advanced seasonally adjusted for-hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 3.3 percent in March, corresponding with the modest economic slowdown that has appeared in other economic data in recent months.
National Truck Equipment Association Releases Manufacturer Compensation Report
According to a new report from the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), the typical truck equipment manufacturer has $12 million in annual sales and 85 employees. Other such facts and figures can be found in NTEA’s recently released 2005 National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Manufacturer Employee Compensation and Benefits Report.
Haldex and SKF to Jointly Develop Wheel-End System for Heavy-Duty Use
SKF and Haldex Group have announced plans to jointly develop an advanced wheel end system for commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and trailers. The system will be based on Haldex’s new generation of disc brakes with a fixed caliper dual disc concept and SKF truck hub, bearing and sealing technology.
Domestic Intermodal Loadings and Truck Freight Show Signs of Weakness, Say Forecasters
According to the FTR Association, a longtime transportation forecasting firm, domestic intermodal loading and truck freight are showing signs of weakness as of the start of 2005. According to FTR reports truck freight grew only 0.4 percent year-over-year in February, substantially below the 5 percent to 6 percent increases seen in the first half of 2004.
FedEx Announces Plans to Add up to 75 ‘Clean Air’ Hybrid Trucks to Fleet
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., today announced plans to add up to 75 hybrid, diesel electric trucks to its service fleet in the next 12 months. The announcement coincided with the unveiling of two FedEx hybrid trucks in the nation’s capital on Thursday, which brought the company-wide total of hybrid trucks in use to 18. The Washington, D.C. rollout is a joint initiative with Environmental Defense and Eaton Corp.
Navistar’s South American Engine Subsidiary to Acquire Another Diesel Engine Company
Navistar International’s South American engine subsidiary, International Engines South America, has agreed to acquire MWM Motores Diesel Ltda (MWM), a major Brazilian diesel engine producer. Owned by the Thiele family, MWM began operations in Brazil in 1953. The company is headquartered and has manufacturing operations in Sao Paulo, Brazil.