Databook Changes

INTERNATIONAL TO DROP DETROIT DIESEL: International Truck and Engine will drop Detroit Diesel engines from its databooks starting in October. International president Steve Keate said the company has invested millions to accommodate changes from other manufacturers as they re-work their engines to comply with tougher emissions standards coming into force in October. “It didn’t make any sense for us to continue to invest our resources in a company that, quite frankly, is owned and controlled by a primary competitor,” he said. Detroit Diesel is a subsidiary of Freightliner parent, DaimlerChrysler.

VOLVO LAUNCHES SATELLITE SERVICE: Volvo Trucks North America entered the satellite communications business last month, introducing a two-way communications system integrated with the truck. The system, called Volvo Link, is aimed at fleets that want two-way messaging and wide geographic coverage but not the expense or sophisticated back office support of Qualcomm’s OmniTRACS product.

Volvo takes integration to new territory. For example, the driver uses the windshield wiper control arm on the steering column to scroll through a list of standardized pre-formatted messages or to create customized messages. An LCD screen, already incorporated into the dash of every 2000 model-year and newer Volvo truck, provides the display for incoming and outgoing text. Dispatchers use the Internet to send or receive messages and to retrieve information transmitted through a modem on the truck. Truck location, diagnostics, and reports concerning engine performance and routing information can be generated with a simple command.

The monthly service fee is $14.95 US, plus per-usage fees that typically range between 20-50 cents. For now, the funds must be drawn on a bank account in the United States. “We’re close to an agreement that would allow a debit on a credit card, which would make billing a lot more convenient for Canadian customers,” said Volvo Trucks spokesman Randy Bolinger.

BRIGHT BUMPER STANDARD ON 387S: An aluminum bumper clad in stainless-steel is now standard for Peterbilt’s Model 387. The bumper’s surface is 10 times thicker than chrome plating and the aluminum substructure reduces weight by about 50 pounds compared to chromed steel bumpers. The mirror-finish bumper is backed with a five-year, unlimited-mile warranty.