Navistar is bucking the pack by being the only US diesel engine manufacturer planning to use an improved exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system to meet the stiffer 2010 EPA emissions regulations. Navistar intends to meet the standard by 2012 and use previous credits to avoid penalties during the delay.
The current economic downturn is taking its toll on the rental car market. Avis, Hertz and Dollar Thrifty posted disappointing results in the third quarter and expect financial problems to accelerate in the fourth quarter. But all have cost-cutting measures in place to weather the "perfect storm" hitting the industry.
New York City dealers are seeing mixed sales results with domestic brands down, Asian bands mixed, and European brands mostly up. They are still doing better than average, but reductions in leasing are hurting business.