U.S. Medium & Heavy Truck Aftermarket to Exceed $12 Billion in 2010
The U.S. aftermarket for medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) truck components and parts is projected to increase at an annual rate of 3.9 percent, exceeding $12 billion in 2010. Some segments of the market such as electronics and emissions controls are expected to experience even faster growth, according to Cleveland-based market research firm The Freedonia Group.
BFNAT Pitches in For First Hybridfest
Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) will be a premier sponsor and the sole tire supplier for the inaugural Hybridfest, a national event dedicated to hybrid-electric vehicles. More than 100 hybrids – many fitted with Bridgestone Ecopia tires – will be on display, including all 11 hybrid models currently on the market, and one-of-a-kind vehicles like the General Motors EV1.
Tomorrow’s Technician Editor Serves as Team Judge to Winning Team in National Student Auto Skills Competition
Earlier this week, 50 two-person student teams from across the country competed against each other, and against the clock, to accurately diagnose and fix vehicles in the 2006 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals. The competition took place June 27 in Dearborn, MI. Two aspiring techs Bradley Bolton and Aaron Clay, seniors at Paris High School in Paris, TX, only needed 29 minutes and 34 seconds to accurately diagnose and fix their Ford Mustang Convertible and win the 2006 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills national finals on Tuesday. Ed Sunkin, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician, a B-to-B automotive tech magazine that is distributed to 1,200 NATEF-certified schools, reaching more than 50,000 automotive technician students, served as a Team Judge for the Paris, TX, duo.
U.S. Medium- and Heavy-Duty Truck Aftermarket to Exceed $12 Billion in 2010
A new study from The Freedonia Group shows that the U.S. aftermarket for medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) truck components and parts is projected to increase at an annual rate of 3.9 percent, exceeding $12 billion in 2010. Some segments of the market such as electronics and emissions controls are expected to experience faster growth.
Raser Technologies Wins Frost & Sullivan’s Technology Innovation of the Year Award
Frost & Sullivan has selected Raser Technologies, Inc. as the recipient of the 2006 Motor Drive Systems Technology Innovation of the Year Award for developing and innovating the Symetron AC induction motor-based P-50 hybrid propulsion integrated starter alternator (ISA) drive technology. Frost & Sullivan has selected Raser Technologies, Inc. as the recipient of the 2006 Motor Drive Systems Technology Innovation of the Year Award for developing and innovating the Symetron AC induction motor-based P-50 hybrid propulsion integrated starter alternator (ISA) drive technology.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Goes to Washington
At MEMA’s recent Legislative Summit, congressional representatives discussed aftermarket issues with the association’s members. Counterman Managing Editor Michael Freeze spoke with a number of industry execs at the event, and asked: As an attendee at the MEMA Legislative Summit, what industry issue do you feel most passionate about?
Meijer to Sell Ethanol Blend: Fuel Due Soon at 20 Locations
E85, which some view as automotive fuel of the future, will soon be available at about 20 Meijer stores in Michigan. Meijer Inc. and General Motors Corp. will announce today, with Gov. Jennifer Granholm, plans to make the ethanol-gasoline blend E85 available at Meijer filling stations. More than 4 million flexible-fuel vehicles on the road are capable of burning E85 or gasoline or a combination of the two. However, most owners fill up with regular gasoline because of a shortage of filling stations offering the fuel.
DENSO Develops New Hybrid Vehicle Components
DENSO Corp. has developed three components for hybrid vehicles that the company claims are “smaller, lighter and deliver better performance.” DENSO’s three new hybrid components include a DC-DC converter, a battery-monitoring unit and a system main relay.
Lear Introduces New ‘Core Dimension’ Product Strategy
Lear Corp. is rethinking the way it brings products to market with a new product strategy dubbed the “Core Dimension” product strategy. The company will now introduce product and technology solutions as one of seven consumer-focused dimensions: comfort & convenience, commonization, craftsmanship, environmental, flexibility, infotainment and safety. These categories highlight dimensions of consumer emphasis where Lear believes it offers products that make vehicles more attractive to consumers and can potentially influence a purchasing decision.
PACCAR Accelerates Hybrid Vehicle Programs
Global truck maker PACCAR has targeted an ambitious goal of 30 percent improvement in vehicle fuel efficiency for selected medium-duty applications over the next seven years. The company plans to achieve this by utilizing hybrid technology as a key contributor. Availability of hybrid-powered PACCAR trucks is targeted for 2008 in defined medium-duty applications. PACCAR design engineers are working with Eaton’s Hybrid Power Systems business unit to advance the company’s hybrid leadership position.