Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1515056
I DA U N I V E R S A L J a n u a r y - Fe b r u a r y 2 0 2 4 27 TRENDS AND TIDBITS continued from page 21 With increasing emission regulations for diesel equip- ment, moves toward fuel options and more telematics and technology, work truck original equipment manufac- turers (OEMs) face many challenges. However, the goal of an effi cient, durable piece of equipment that performs in harsh and demanding environments remains the same. Accomplishing this in today's environment compli- cates the process, though. International Trucks and Ford experts discuss how their companies are taking up the gauntlet and facing these challenges. GHG Emission Regulations According to Andy Hanson, director, product marketing for International Trucks, 2024 will bring another greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standard for heavy- duty vehicles and with that diesel engines will again be evolving. "International is releasing an engine technology that requires no active regeneration of the emissions system which will relate to more uptime on the jobsite in truck applica- tions that see a large amount of engine idling," Hanson said. "International's S13 Integrated Powertrain boasts an engine that uses a clean burn technology that allows for the elimination of the exhaust gas recir- culation cooler (EGR) and diesel oxidation catalyst." Because the engine maximizes the fuel's potential, the engine produces less soot and puts less strain on the diesel particulate fi lter. New Technologies Over-the-air updating is one technology trend that most work truck OEMs are including. is allows work trucks and other equipment to be updated when new so ware or capabilities are available. is includes technology such as a truck's electronic control modules and a few select programmable parameters. "At International this service is called OnCom- mand Connect and it comes standard on our heavy trucks. OnCommand Connect comes with a 4G transceiver called the N2 and a 5-year service contract. is hardware and service combination ensures [that] the truck uses the most up-to-date so ware to maximize performance and effi ciency," Hanson said. "It also gives fl eet managers easy and quick access to parameters such as road speed limits and maximum idle times. e trend here is to expand beyond the proprietary components and off er remote program- ming services for supplier- supplied components, such as engines and transmissions. Also, remote programming opens the door to other conve- niences such as remote door lock and unlock." Technology is also a priority for Ford work trucks, according to Kevin Lieberum, commercial truck brand manager, Ford Pro "Our full range of ... vehicles, like the F-150 Lightning and E-Transit, are supported by a high- tech suite of always-on digital integration so ware, service and charging solutions through Ford Pro—so our customers not only have the right tools for the job, but they always have the support they need to maximize uptime and keep their businesses and agencies on the road." Work Truck OEMs Face the Challenges of Climate Change Prevention & Technology Integration An International Trucks service truck includes built-in Diamond Logic, OnCommand Connection proactive and predictive tools and factory-installed li axle options.International Trucks Over-the-air updating allows work trucks and other equipment to be updated when new so ware or capabilities are available. Story continued on page 28