The American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council’s Annual Meeting is ongoing this week in Atlanta, Georgia, where prominent trucking industry suppliers have announced updates to their products or services. For full coverage of TMC news, see this compilation on Overdrive sister site CCJ. Here are a few highlights from TMC:
Eaton establishes electric vehicle business unit: Eaton announced the formation of its new eMobility business unit. The new unit will be part of the company’s Vehicle Segment business group and will leverage expertise from Eaton’s Electrical Sector business group for use in future development of electric components and power management for passenger car and commercial vehicles.
Eaton expects the adoption of battery-electric commercial vehicles to grow from 2 percent in 2016 to 9 percent by 2030. The company plans to invest $500 million in electrification research and development in the next five years.
“The trucks of the future are going to require a lot of intelligence and efficient operation,” said Bennett. “To achieve that efficiency, we need a lot of electrification on board.”
FlowBelow aero kit now optional for Navistar LT Series: FlowBelow at TMC announced a new partnership with Navistar that brings its Quick Release wheel covers and Tractor AeroKit as optional equipment on new International LT and RH Series trucks.
FlowBelow says its products will be warranted by International Truck. It will also be made available for aftermarket purchase through all International Truck dealers in the U.S. and Canada, the company said. FlowBelow is optional at Freightliner, Kenworth and Peterbilt. The system is available via aftermarket for Mack trucks.
The blue components are part of Michelin’s new trailer aerodynamics package.Michelin intros aerodynamic package for trailers: Michelin on Sunday introduced Energy Guard, a complete five-piece SmartWay-verified aerodynamic trailer kit for the commercial trailer market.
Consisting of a resilient trailer skirt, trailer-end fairings, aerodynamic mud flaps and a wake reducer, Michelin says its integrated kit eliminates the need for boat tails or combining elements from various vendors. Available for use on 53-ft. dry-van truck load, refrigerated truck load and other long-haul and super-regional applications, Energy Guard “contributes to the sustainable progress” to moving people and goods, says Adam Murphy, vice president, B2B marketing at Michelin North America.
Michelin Americas Truck Tires also on Sunday introduced its X One Line Grip D drive tire. The first launch in the revitalization of the X1 portfolio, the X One Line Grip D will be available in May. Murphy says the tire is developed to maximize driver confidence in harsh weather operating in long-haul and super-regional routes.
