Dana Guthrie

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Hunter Engineering has received a 2024 MOTOR Top 20 Award for the HawkEye XL Commercial Aligner. “Hunter is honored to be recognized in our industry, and we thank the MOTOR panel for the opportunity,” said Alan Hagerty, Hunter alignment product manager. “HawkEye XL is truly a top-notch investment, and we’re thrilled by the productivity and efficiency it provides our customers every day.” According to a company press release, the annual awards recognize the most significant advancements in the automotive industry. The 2024 competition saw a record number of entries across diverse categories, including tools, equipment, software solutions, training platforms and events. Hunter has been named a winner five times in the past four contests by a panel of industry experts. The release noted that the HawkEye XL is designed for maximum speed, durability and ease of use for a wide range of commercial vehicles, providing highly accurate measurements in four minutes or less. The key component is visionary new camera technology with extra-long range and extra-large targets, expanded from the HawkEye Elite aligner. “For more than three decades, MOTOR has honored the innovations that make a real impact in the automotive industry,” said Jeff Nosek, MOTOR president. “The products and solutions recognized this year demonstrate the ongoing commitment to progress and excellence in the industry. MOTOR congratulates this year’s Top 20 winners and applauds their contributions to advancing automotive.” The 2024 MOTOR Top 20 Awards will be presented at AAPEX in Las Vegas in November.

GLENDALE, Wis. — Clarios has announced its expansion in software-based vehicle services with Clarios Connected Services, a new way for drivers, commercial fleets, original-equipment manufacturers and repair shops to monitor battery power and health in real time. “Clarios has been evolving as a data provider for many years now to enhance vehicle performance today and develop vehicles of the future,” said Federico Morales Zimmermann, vice president and GM, Global Customers, Products and Engineering at Clarios. “We’re also always listening to our customers. Clarios Connected Services will marshal all of our technology to keep pace and stay ahead of the curve of rapidly evolving market needs.” According to a company press release, Clarios Connected Services combines artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and cloud computing for a new level of battery intelligence. The system uses proprietary algorithms to transform battery data into actionable insights, with the goal of helping fleets and drivers reduce their operating costs and carbon footprint. “Clarios’ data platform leverages more than a century of battery development and manufacturing expertise across multiple battery chemistries with proprietary software and advanced trend analysis,” the company said. “It is secure and adaptable for all low-voltage battery chemistries and vehicle applications. Clarios will offer digital services in EMEA under the VARTA Automotive brand. Combining our global leadership position in low voltage batteries with our new dedicated connected services team makes Clarios uniquely positioned to transform the way vehicle power systems are monitored, managed and maintained, paving the way for the digital and automated future in transportation. In addition, access to battery usage and vehicle operations data will enable and accelerate future product, software and service innovation.” Clarios Connected Services Pilot Already Underway in Europe Clarios Connected Services is launching with a focus on heavy duty fleets. The initial product focus will create improved visibility into the state of the battery to help fleets avoid unexpected downtime events and improve operating efficiency. Clarios and a European fleet operator are levering Clarios hardware, analytics and software to reduce unnecessary idling. By sending drivers real-time alerts on when the engine needs to be started and stopped to maintain the optimum battery state of charge, vehicle idling times can be significantly reduced while still maintaining heating and air conditioning systems for a comfortable cabin environment without the risk of being stranded with a dead battery. Reducing unnecessary idling will reduce fuel costs and emissions for drivers and commercial fleets. Initial results are indicating a potential 40% reduction in unnecessary idling time is achievable, equating to a typical per vehicle fuel savings of 1300 Euro/year for a heavy-duty truck in EMEA and 2500 kg/year reduction in CO2 emissions.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Trucking companies serving the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach face significant challenges achieving zero-emission drayage fleets by 2035 in compliance with California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation, according to a new study commissioned by the Los Angeles Business Council. According to a media release, the study recommends steps to facilitate the transition to safeguard the economic vitality of the country’s largest port complex and establish Southern California as a leader in the emerging multibillion-dollar green commercial transportation industry. The report from USC researchers at the METRANS Transportation Consortium will be discussed at the 18th Annual LABC Sustainability Summit, attended by top business, government, and nonprofit leaders. The researchers found several hurdles to replacing the current fleet of nearly 24,000 diesel powered drayage trucks – which carry cargo on short-haul trips between ports and distribution hubs – within 10 years. These include the high cost of zero-emission vehicles, the lack of electric charging and hydrogen fueling stations, and the prevalence of small trucking companies without the financial means to make the conversion. “There remains a significant gap between the current market and the infrastructure needed to comply with the ACF timeline,” said the study, Navigating California’s Transition to Zero-Emission Drayage Trucks. However, if the transition is successfully implemented, the state can become the model for how to navigate a critical economic and environmental challenge, asserting its leadership in creating new green markets.” The researchers modeled the transition to a 100% zero-emission fleet by analyzing data from the San Pedro Bay Ports truck registry, accounting for cargo growth and differences between battery-electric and diesel trucks in range, fueling time and weight. The model assumed a transition to all battery-electric trucks, due to insufficient data on the hydrogen fuel cell market. The researchers also interviewed a range of stakeholders. According to the study, underscoring the urgency of the challenge, the analysis indicated that 854 trucks – over 3% of the drayage fleet – would have to be retired in 2025, based on mileage and age limits set by ACF regulations. Those numbers then rise quickly, adding pressure to phase in zero-emission trucks to keep pace with cargo volumes. Only 345 zero-emission trucks were in service at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in June 2024. The study’s mid-range estimate shows the ports would need 31,684 battery-electric trucks by 2035 to be compliant. “This study quantifies just how new the zero-emission drayage market is, and how much work will need to be done in order to bring this important economic sector into compliance with state guidelines,” said Marlon Boarnet, director of METRANS and one of the report’s authors. The San Pedro Bay port complex is a vital economic engine in the region, supporting over 165,000 jobs and generating $21.8 billion of direct business revenue to local service providers. Drayage is an essential link in the supply chain but also a major source of pollution. “The stakes couldn’t be higher for the health of our economy and the health of communities near the ports and along transit corridors,” said Mary Leslie, president of the Los Angeles Business Council. “However, California has an extensive history of pioneering ambitious sustainability initiatives, and we see an immense opportunity for California to become a global leader in the sustainable supply chain.” The report outlines several recommendations to support the timely transition to zero-emission trucks, including: Accelerate the development of electric charging infrastructure. Streamlining the permitting process will be necessary to boost electrical power generation and distribution. Interviewees said it currently can take five years or longer for substation upgrades and two years for municipal permits to install electric charging depots. The report recommends creating a state coordinating body to track projects and permits and advise on infrastructure gaps, creating model municipal permits, and considering exempting zero-emission transport infrastructure projects from CEQA to support the rapid buildout of infrastructure required. Expand subsidies to cover steep truck prices. New battery-electric or hydrogen-fuel-cell trucks can cost between $400,000 – $600,000, up to four times the price of new diesel trucks and five times that of used diesel trucks – which are typically used by small drayage firms. Current federal and state subsidies reduce the cost only by half. The report recommends increasing government subsidies to support firms until technological advances and market growth help drive down prices. Support the development of a secondhand zero-emission truck market. Small operators with up to 20 trucks account for 72% of local drayage businesses. Those firms typically purchase and operate used (secondhand) trucks. The report recommends that California prime the development of a secondhand market through various time-limited incentives, such as purchase guarantees, subsidies or even a waiver of restrictions to allow small firms to buy existing diesel trucks that haven’t reached their age and mileage limits. Increase investment in hydrogen-powered truck technology and fueling infrastructure. Hydrogen trucks do not have many of the operational constraints of their battery-electric counterparts, due to faster fueling and longer range. The report recommends building on recent federal investments to catalyze the growth of hydrogen technology, which is preferable for many trucking firms if properly supported yet several years behind the battery electric market. In the past two months alone, California was awarded $102.4 million for its plan to deploy charging and hydrogen fueling stations for trucks along key freight corridors and nearly $500 million to provide incentives to Southern California businesses purchasing battery-electric cargo trucks, among other commercial vehicles. “The San Pedro Bay ports have been on the leading edge of investing in the transition to zero-emission operations, a role that strengthens our resolve to accomplish the tallest task we’ve ever faced: Overhauling the drayage fleet,” said Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. “It’s all about bringing people to the table, making sure the private and public sectors have a voice and work together. I’m very encouraged by the folks who have been participating thus far.” Businesses like Forum Mobility have begun building charging depots near ports and along major drayage routes while also arranging financing to enable truck operators, especially small companies, to buy or lease new electric trucks. “Forum Mobility is building a network of safe and secure truck charging depots, from ports to freight destinations. We make it easy for fleets large and small to make the transition to zero emission,” said Neil Brennan, the company’s operations director. To read the full report, visit labusinesscouncil.org.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — As part of World EV Day,  Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation have announced the awarding of $25.3 million in grants to build charging stations along interstate corridors through the initial round of funding made available from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. “Today, I am proud to take another step toward making Illinois a national leader in clean energy,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Thanks to the NEVI program, we’re able to build an integrated network of charging stations that will help ensure we meet our goal of putting 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. As Illinois leads the electric vehicle revolution, we’re fulfilling our commitment to cleaner, greener energy and travel in every corner of the state.”  According to a media release, in addition to making travel by electric vehicle more reliable and accessible, the funding advances Gov. Pritzker’s continuing commitment to make the state an industry leader and fight climate change by putting a million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030.  Administered by IDOT using federal funds through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, the state’s NEVI program aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by providing access to charging at least every 50 miles along interstates. The NEVI program is part of a series of comprehensive initiatives to achieve the state’s goal of becoming a leader in manufacturing and deploying electric vehicles.  “We’re proud of our work to make Gov. Pritzker’s electric vehicle goals a reality,” said Omer Osman, Illinois Transportation Secretary. “This round of funding will bring new life to those efforts in communities large and small, further positioning Illinois as a leader in the growth of electric vehicles. Under Gov. Pritzker, IDOT is committed to providing the public with safe, reliable options on how they wish to travel. Building EV infrastructure also creates new economic opportunities throughout the state.”  The release noted that a total of 37 projects throughout the state were chosen in this first round of NEVI funding, which will facilitate the construction of 182 new charging ports. Selected locations will have at least four DC fast charging ports, each of which can fully charge a typical EV from empty in less than 30 minutes.  The charging stations to be built include: Cook County $484,818 to Red E Charging LLC, Gas N Wash, 800 S. Cicero Ave., Cicero.·      $573,326 to BP Products North America Inc., BP station at 4306 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago.·      $774,533 to Francis Energy Charging LLC, Taco Bell, 12716 Ashland Ave., Calumet Park.·      $688,644 to Meijer Stores Limited Partnership, Meijer, 1301 Meijer Drive, Rolling Meadows. DuPage County    $451,634 to Electrify America LLC, York Center Plaza, 601 N. York St., Elmhurst. Madison County      $649,240 to Universal EV LLC, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Gateway Drive, Collinsville. Clark County      $854,641 to Phillips 66 Co., Phillips 66 station, 939 N. Illinois 49, Casey. Macon County      $1.1 million to Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc., Love’s Travel Stop, 3925 County Fair Drive, Decatur. Tazewell County      $595,841 to EVgo Services LLC, Kohl’s, 401 N. Main St., East Peoria.  The entire list can be viewed at Drive Electric Illinois. “As we electrify transportation across the country, we must strive to build smarter, faster charging infrastructure in Illinois,” said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. “Our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and combating the climate crisis is unwavering, and this initiative stands as a testament to that dedication. This federal funding will propel the decarbonization of our transportation sector while engaging Illinoisans in the process and expanding our workforce.” According to the release, all of the awards are contingent on the selected recipients entering into a grant agreement with IDOT.  “Expanding access to reliable charging stations for electric vehicles helps lower fuel costs and reduce emissions across our state,” said U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Illinois Department of Transportation as we keep working to grow Illinois as a leader in electric vehicles and make EV use more accessible for all Illinoisans.” The next application period for funding is anticipated in late 2024. For more information on NEVI in Illinois, visit Drive Electric Illinois or email [email protected]. 

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Ironman Tires has introduced four additional improved tires into its lineup of I-Series Gen 2 truck tires.   “Ironman I-Series Gen 2 tires are designed to maximize customer satisfaction and minimize returns,” said Marshall Gillespie, director, proprietary brand commercial merchandising for Ironman Tires. “The I-Series Gen 2 truck tire lineup marks a significant upgrade that represents the culmination of years of research and development that delivers confident performance and value to our customers. We’re proud to offer a product line that our customers trust to meet their varying needs.”  According to a company press release, the new series features a completely upgraded, full line of innovative and cost-efficient tires, designed specifically to meet the rigorous demands of today’s evolving trucking industry.  “Ironman Tires stands behind the I-Series Gen 2 with utmost confidence, offering an improved Peace of Mind Warranty, which was increased for the I-Series Gen 2 to six years, up from the previous five,” the company said in the release. “The extended protection policy covers defects in workmanship and materials and includes a casing allowance for two retreads. This enhanced coverage ensures drivers can trust in the performance and reliability of their tires, driving with confidence.”   Ironman is adding the I-31M, I-42W, I-28D and the I-52A to its I-Series Gen 2 portfolio, joining the I-19A, I-37D, I-48T and I-61S that were introduced in August 2023.    I-28D: Regional/Long-Haul Drive Tire  Crafted with advanced compounds to minimize rolling resistance, boost fuel efficiency, with improved durability, traction and longevity to meet fleet and owner-operator demands.  Deeper 28/32nds tread depth and wider contact patch improve traction and enhance vehicle stability. Zig-zag sipes and grooves offer superior traction in adverse weather conditions. Solid closed shoulder ensures rigidity and stability for long-haul and regional driving.   I-31M: Versatile, All-Position Tire for Rugged On- and Off-Highway Use  Superior traction and dependability with deeper 22/32nds tread depth and advanced heat-resistant compound delivering a 10% increase in mileage performance.  Stone ejectors protect the casing from stone penetration and a curb guard in the sidewall adds protection against impacts. A jagged shoulder reduces heat buildup and boosts traction in various off-road scenarios.   I-42W: Wide-Base All-Position Tire for Heavy Loads On- and Off-Highway  Deep treads, broad width, and large block pattern increase mileage in mixed-service applications. Enhanced compound delivers a 10% boost in mileage and better cut-and-chip resistance.  Optimal tire bars and semi-open shoulder design enhance drainage and traction in off-road situations. A curb guard shields the sidewall from impacts and damage.   I-52A: Steer/All-Position Tire for High-Scrub Regional Environments  Engineered to endure the demands of stop-and-start regional routes with increased fuel economy. Deep 22/32nds tread depth deliver maximum mileage and 5% wider tread for prolonged, even wear.  Wavy outer grooves enhance tear resistance while stone ejectors shield the belts from penetration.   “Ironman makes it fast and easy for our customers—providing reliable, high-quality tires they can trust without breaking the bank,” Gillespie said.  

COLUMBUS, In. — August preliminary North America Class 8 net orders were 16,400 units, up m/m but down 16% y/y, according to ACT Research.  “Class 8 orders remained at directionally and seasonally expected levels in August,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “Historically, August is the last month of weak orders before the OEMs open their books to next year’s orders. As such, the month enjoys a large seasonal factor that boosts Class 8 orders nearly 12% above nominal levels to 18,600 units.”  Complete industry data for August, including final order numbers, will be published by ACT Research in mid-September.    “Preliminary Classes 5-7 orders improved from July, rising 1,200 units m/m to 17,300 units in August,” Vieth said. “While up m/m, MD net orders fell 16% y/y. Historically, August is the beginning of stronger orders for Classes 5-7 vehicles as school bus order season gets underway.”  According to Vieth, in aggregate, August NA Classes 5-8 net orders were generally in line with moderating expectations.   “The drivers of those expectations are unchanged for the Class 8 market, overcapacity in the US tractor market leading to generational lows in for-hire carrier profits and a continued lack of traction in freight rates are a primary concern,” Vieth said. “For the MD market, the focus is on increasingly overextended US consumers, the impact of high interest rates on discretionary spending, and extremely weak RV demand.”