FlowBelow announced that its Tractor AeroKit aerodynamic device is now a factory-installed option on Volvo trucks, noting that the product delivers an estimated fuel savings of up to 2.23% based on SAE J1321 fuel economy tests using EPA SmartWay guidelines. The announcement was made at a Feb. 23 briefing at the Maintenance & Technology Council’s annual meeting in Atlanta.
Volvo also offers factory-installed FlowBelow wheel covers and drive wheel fairings, and the Tractor AeroKit can be specified with Volvo’s Xceed fuel efficiency package. The system is available for VNL and VNR models in 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 axle configurations.
It also incorporates a specific bracket for the center fairing, to support installations. Aftermarket versions of FlowBelow products have been available for select Volvo trucks since 2017.
“We worked directly with Volvo Trucks engineers to create the most effective and durable solution specific to their VNL and VNR models,” said Kyle Walker, FlowBelow’s vice-president – engineering. “We were able to reduce complexity while maintaining strength and durability.”
The company’s products will also be added to Daimler Trucks North America’s Alliance Parts catalog as of April. That will include first-fit drive wheel fairings and wheel covers for Freightliner and Western Star models.
In the process, Alliance Parts customers will be able to have FlowBelow products drop-shipped to locations within 24 hours.
New CEO
The Austin,Texas-based company also announced that it has found a new CEO in someone who was first exposed to the industry though his family’s trucking business, which operates out of Toronto, Ontario.
Richard Ruebusch has 15 years of experience in the automotive sector and 10 years in private equity. That, according to FlowBelow, equips him to launch the business on “an aggressive path of expansion through organic growth as well as acquisitions.”
Earlier in his career, Ruebusch worked with his family’s trucking business. His other experience has involved positions with firms in the heavy-duty products, small engines, and performance automotive aftermarket realms.
In past roles, he served as president and CEO of North America’s largest steel foundry and was CEO during the 2015 turnaround of MSD Performance Group, a manufacturer of automotive aftermarket products. Most recently , Ruebusch was CEO of Allied Aerofoam Products, an independent foam fabricator.
“FlowBelow has great potential to lead the industry through its reliable and advanced trucking aerodynamic products and I’m eager to move our business forward,” Ruebusch said.
“Rick’s unique mix of experience in finance, sales, marketing and international operations adds great value to FlowBelow and aligns perfectly with our future objectives,” said FlowBelow Aero President and Founder Josh Butler.
The company also announced it just gained its ISO 14001 environmental designation.
“We continue to evolve as an organization,” said Gordon Virginski, vicepresident of OEM and dealer programs. “FlowBelow is actually looking to grow a lot in the next couple of years.”
