Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/71813
Truck makers discuss meeting looming fuel economy standards Glen Kedzie, vice president of energy and environmental counsel for the American Trucking Associations, said the industry will deal with "low-hanging fruit" to meet the first round of changes under the new fuel economy standard that beings in 2014, while the challenge will be in meeting the second round of standards by 2018. Kedzie was the moderator of a panel that spoke on the subject at the Great West Fleet Executive Conference held in Las Vegas June 13-14. Kristine Koblenzer, western division manager for Cummins, said, until recently, engine companies have been focusing on meeting particulate matter and NOx level reductions. Starting in 2013 and 2014, the attention will turn to reducing carbon dioxide and improving fuel efficiency since engines are at near-zero levels on NOx and PM. David McKenna, director of powertrain sales and marketing for Mack Trucks, said OEMs have to maximize operating efficiency of the vehicle, because they are not getting cheaper over time. We have to do our best to make them as efficient as humanly possible." Moving forward, McKenna said those changes likely will be incremental, with solutions such as load-based variable power programming, smooth cruise speed options, electronic programmable shifting and other options, PEACE OF MIND IS HAVING THE RIGHT TO CHANGE YOURS UP TO 30 DAYS LATER. SelecTrucks is so committed to your satisfaction, we offer the industry's best guarantee. If for any reason you're not happy with your SelectCertifi ed truck, bring it back within 30 days and we'll exchange it. That's peace of mind. ® each contributing about 1 percent fuel economy gain. Dan Kieffer, director of emissions compliance for Paccar, said waste heat recovery and finding replacements for today's auxiliary power units are challenges and opportunities for engine companies. — Staff reports (Continued on Page 70) selectrucks.com/selectcertifi ed | 1-866-697-1843 Copyright © Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved. SelecTrucks is a brand of Daimler Trucks North America LLC. Daimler Trucks Remarketing Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company. *Exchange available within 30 days of purchase. Available exclusively at participating SelecTrucks Centers. Details subject to change, see your Center for complete details. JULY 2012 OVERDRIVE 25 Circle 050 on Reader Service Card or visit overdrive.hotims.com