ProStar recognized for eco-responsibility

WARRENVILE, Ill. — The International ProStar has officially been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as a SmartWay eligible tractor for its significantly better environmental and fuel consumption performance compared to traditional tractors and trailers, the agency announced.

The specifications to be considered for the program are aimed at achieving fuel savings of between 10 and 20 percent, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and significantly reducing NOx particulate matter and other air pollutants.

SmartWay eligible tractors include: 2007 model year engines, integrated cab high roof air fairings, side fairing gap reducers, fuel tank side fairings, aerodynamic bumpers and mirrors, options to eliminate periods of extended engine idling and fuel-saving low rolling resistance tires.

Volvo’s new VN was also recently named a SmartWay eligible tractor.

During the development of the ProStar, International worked with Caterpillar, Cummins and International Engine to design a tractor that could accommodate the 2007 emissions compliant engines offered by each of these manufacturers — including the CAT C13 with its clean-diesel ACERT Technology, Cummins ISX engines from 385-600 horsepower and the MaxxForce 11 and 13.

According to the company, the new Class 8 tractor has 9 percent less aerodynamic drag than the nearest competitor, which can mean more than 4 percent better fuel economy for customers. A 4 percent improvement in fuel economy translates to $2,000 per year per truck for someone driving 120,000 miles per year, currently averaging six miles per gallon and paying $2.65 per gallon for fuel.

Also, on the aerodynamic side, a patented “pod” air fairing on the roof, which creates a more streamlined shape that guides the air around the trailer reduces drag by up to 20 percent, allowing for up to 10 percent improved fuel economy. And a patented aerodynamic mirror that incorporates a “trip strip” is said to reduce drag by up to 2 percent, allowing for up to 1 percent improved fuel economy.

Chassis-skirts that run along the side of the cab and cover the fuel tank and battery box are designed to reduce drag by as much as nine percent, allowing for a four percent improvement in fuel economy.

Furthermore, available on all ProStar models is a factory-installed, integrated no-idle auxiliary power unit (APU) system designed by Mechron specifically to fit this truck.

The EPA maintains that SmartWay trucks will, on average, be 22 percent more fuel efficient than trucks that aren’t comparably equipped, and will be at least 10 percent more fuel efficient than the best combination-unit trucks on the road today. The agency intends to revise the criteria in 2010 and will seek an additional 10 percent fuel-economy gain as well as meeting the more stringent 2010 emission standards.