Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/510235
72 COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | MAY 2015 MATS ROUNDUP Navistar announced enhancements to its International ProStar ES (efficiency spec), which include availability of Cummins' new Adept powertrain, with SmartTorque2 and SmartCoast. The Adept is anchored by the Cummins ISX15 and uses a suite of advanced electronic features that allow the engine to interact with automated manual transmissions. These features also are available on non-ES ProStar models powered by the Cummins ISX15. The ProStar ES also is avail - able with Navistar's proprietary N13 engine coupled with the Eaton Fuller Advantage automated manual transmission. Navistar also announced: s It now offers Bendix's new integrated Wingman Fusion active safety system. s Its OnCommand Connection remote diagnostics system now will be free and standard on all 2007 and newer model International trucks. The company will give new OnCom - mand subscribers a "telematics credit" that fleets can use to buy hardware and data service for a fleet telematics system. – James Jaillet NAVISTAR INTRODUCES UPGRADES TO PROSTAR ES PeopleNet announced its selection as the telemat- ics partner for Peterbilt's SmartLinq and Kenworth's TruckTech+ remote ve- hicle diagnostics systems set to launch later this summer on power units equipped with Paccar MX-13 engines. The system will incor - porate PeopleNet's vehicle health monitoring system, which includes the PeopleNet Mobile Gateway, man- aged network, cloud services and an online portal for fleets and dealers, as well as analytics from Kenworth and Peterbilt engineers. The company also announced the availability of an introductory version of Cummins Connected Di - agnostics on the PeopleNet g3 platform that will pro- vide fault code analytics and severity to allow fleet managers to make real-time maintenance decisions. – Jeff Crissey Shell Lubricants announced a partnership with AirFlow Truck Co. to develop a hyper-fuel-efficient Class 8 truck and trailer concept vehicle. The StarShip centers on aerodynamics and aims to buck trends in conventional truck design, said Bob Sliwa, AirFlow president. The companies are planning a cross-country fuel economy test in 2017. Initial designs call for the truck and trailer to be joined as a single integrated unit, ridding it of the truck and trailer gap, a significant source of aerodynamic drag. It also will be outfitted with a newly designed hood, side skirts, front end and custom interior. Some of the truck's elements, like those eliminating the truck-trailer gap, will retract under 35 mph to allow for better maneuverability. The StarShip also will be powered by advanced engine and drivetrain technology. Shell said it will be offering technical consultation on powertrain components and the lubricants the StarShip will need. Sliwa has been morphing trucks to his liking since the 1980s, when as an own - er-operator he reshaped the hood of his cabover to reduce aerodynamic drag. Using a Kenworth T2000 as the base, Sliwa and AirFlow also built the Bullet Truck, which was unveiled in 2012. On a coast-to-coast test, it averaged 13.4 mpg with a 65,000-pound GVW, he said. – James Jaillet The ProStar ES features aerodynamics, powertrain/transmission combinations and other technologies to maximize fuel efficiency. PeopleNet is the telematics partner for Peterbilt's SmartLinq and Kenworth's Truck- Tech+ remote vehicle diagnostics systems. SHELL DEVELOPING FUTURISTIC FUEL- SAVING CONCEPT TRUCK PEOPLENET TOUTS OEM REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS PARTNERSHIPS The StarShip's initial design shows the truck and trailer joined to eliminate the drag created by the truck-trailer gap.