Commercial Trucking Industry Seeks Incentives to Adopt New Safety Technology
New truck safety technology including vehicle stability systems, collision and lane departure warning systems, and brake stroke monitoring systems has been proven to help avoid crashes and save lives. This equipment is not mandated and it costs several thousand dollars. A coalition of trucking interests is encouraging key legislative committees and administration groups to support incentives to speed adoption of this technology.
Dramatic Rise in Truck Repossessions Last Year
There was a 110% increase in tractor-trailer repossessions in 2007, says Nassau Asset Management's NasTrac Quarterly Index (NQI). Also, R.L. Polk says registrations of new Class 8 trucks fell 37.8% from 2006 to 2007. Key factors driving the downturn are decreased homebuilding and increased government regulations.
Ford Displays New Taxi Concept
Ford is displaying its New York Transit Connect taxi concept vehicle at New York Auto Show. Its 4-cyl, 2L engine offers 30% better fuel economy and almost 90% lower emissions in an updated package w/ a variety of electronic entertainment features for passengers.
Fleets Retreading Truck Tires Too Quickly Waste Third of Value
Truck tire casings have improved significantly over past several years. Fleets no longer need to retread them on so short a cycle, often wasting as much as 1/3 of the tire tread life by pulling them for retreading with 10/32nd" tread left. Front heavy-duty steer tires are allowed to go to 4/32nd" and drive tires 2/32nd".
