Economy

Auto trannys improve fuel economy: study

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Automated Manual Transmissions can improve fuel efficiency by up to 22 percent over conventional automatic transmissions, according to a study conducted by Roush Industries for the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center/National Automotive Center.

DD says BlueTec SCR engines almost market ready

DETROIT -- Detroit Diesel says it's ahead of schedule in testing its BlueTec emissions technology for 2010, having completed 25 million miles of testing.

U.S. institute studies idle reduction technology ROI

ARLINGTON, Va. -- A recent study has found that anti-idling technology can reduce a truck's idle time by up to 78 percent, but it could take a while to recover the initial upfront cost of the equipment.

Yellow taps strategy officer to lead turnaround

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.-- The board of directors of beleaguered LTL giant YRC Worldwide has appointed Richard Williamson as its new chief strategy officer.

Carrier closures slow in 2Q

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The U.S. economy may still be in the dumps, but it hasn't translated to more trucking carriers going under.

Joan Wilson to manage truck shows

TORONTO -- Joan Wilson, a face familiar in the trade-show world and a veteran of the trucking-industry, is the new manager of Truck World and ExpoCam, Newcom Business Media announced this week.

Yellow submarine stays afloat with credit deal

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Yellow-Roadway Corp. says it has amended a $950 million credit agreement with lenders.

Canadian economy has slight uptick in June

OTTAWA -- It was ever so slight, but the Canadian economy had a slight uptick in June, its first since July 2008.

Class 8 sales rebound forecast tepid

NEW YORK -- Class 8 retail sales for the balance of 2009 and 2010 are expected to be worse than previously forecast, according to Merrill Lynch Machinery Research.

CPx sale keeps company in familiar hands

SURREY, B.C. -- The co-owner of long-haul trucking firm Coastal Pacific Xpress has sold his stake in the company, but the in-house sale is expected to keep the carrier running with business as usual.

Benz to drive Sprinter van sales

MONTVALE, N.J. -- Mercedes-Benz USA is returning to the commercial vehicle business, as it takes on the sales, marketing and distribution of Sprinter vehicles.

Daimler says Cummins ISX option 9Gs more

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Daimler Trucks North America says its Cummins big-bore ISX15 engine offering will have an added emissions surcharge of $9,000 per vehicles.

Ford unveils new proprietary Power Stroke diesel

DETROIT -- Ford has rolled out its own 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, which will debut in the next-generation F-Series Super Duty trucks.

Heavy truck orders strongest in a year

NASHVILLE, Ind. -- Net heavy-duty truck orders across North America totaled 10,758 units in August, the strongest showing since November 2008, according to a preliminary by FTR Associates.

B.C. truckers high-five new tax

VICTORIA -- Canada's westernmost province is planning to harmonize its provincial sales tax with the federal GST next July and the trucking industry here stands to benefit from the idea.