Washington DC - Driving National Security and Economic Competitiveness Invites You to a Presentation & Discussion on: Beyond “Fortress America”: National Security Controls on Science and Technology in a Globalized World.
Featuring Gerald Epstein – Senior Fellow for Science and Security, Homeland Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Two key safety indicators improved to their best-ever levels during 2007, according to data just released by the Department of Transportation and analyzed by Transport Topics.
Both the truck-related fatality rate and the truck-related fatal crash rate were the best since DOT began tracking the data in 1975; it was the third straight decline for the fatality rate and the second straight decline for the crash rate.
Vertical integration is a by-word in Volvo powertrain engineering. Its hybrid developments follow that doctrine as far as possible, though the vital integrated starter/alternator/motors (ISAMs) are being sourced, initially at least, from a little-known Canadian company, TM4 Transport of Boucherville, Quebec. Volvo has chosen a parallel rather than a series layout for its bus (and truck) hybrid drivelines, to a large extent for cost reasons. A normal mechanical drive between the engine and the rear axle is retained, which is to say that electric traction power cuts in as and when demanded to assist, or temporarily take over from, engine drive.
The Tanfield Group, parent of the UK battery-electric CV maker Smith Electric Vehicles, has incorporated a US subsidiary, Smith Electric Vehicles US. Smith Electric Vehicles first announced plans for US market entry in December 2007, but now has a concrete market opportunity in the form of an agreement just confirmed by Ford to supply electric versions of the Transit Connect light van for the US market in 2010. A planned factory will have capacity for 10,000 units a year, with production scheduled to begin in 2010, if, say reports, Tanfield is able to raise about US$10m from US investors who would take a majority stake in the new company.
A multifaceted energy strategy – driven by a “more energy, less carbon dioxide” mantra – can help ensure global sustainability and prevent economic volatility, such as the record-high diesel fuel prices the United States experienced during the summer of 2008, said David Sexton, president of Shell Oil Products U.S., earlier this week during Heavy Duty Dialogue 2009 in Orlando.
“With all of the energy sources – and here is something you probably did not think that I would say, we support solar, we support wind … and we are probably the biggest seller of biofuels in the world today – we support all of that,” said Sexton. “Because if we don’t have all the biofuels, all the solar, all the wind, all the nuclear, all the hydrocarbons, the world that you know and that your industries rely on will suffer.”
Paccar Parts has announced extended warranties up to 24 months on several of its Paccar-branded all-makes aftermarket parts, including clutches, air springs, fuel tanks, mufflers, mirrors and fenders.
“We’re pleased to offer these enhanced warranties to provide extra security to truck fleets and owner-operators looking to get aftermarket parts with the best quality and value,” says Jeff Sass, general marketing manager for Renton, Wash.-based Paccar Parts, which distributes the brands exclusively through Kenworth and Peterbilt dealers in the United States and Canada.
SAF-Holland Group GmbH has appointed Dr. Reiner Beutel CEO, effective February 2nd. His predecessor, Rudi Ludwig, will retire from day-to-day operations on February 28 but will remain on SAF-Holland S.A’s board of directors.
Beutel comes to SAF-Holland from Schefenacker AG in Schwaikheim, Germany, where he was CEO & CFO, in charge of the operational and financial realignment of the automotive supplier.
"There is nothing typical about a typical recession. They're all unique," said Bill Strauss, senior economist and economic advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, during Heavy Duty Dialogue '09 last week.
The annual event, sponsored by the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association the day before Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week, is a business conference for the commercial vehicle supplier industry, offering information on industry and market trends, forecasts, and strategy.