Daimler Trucks North America has delivered its first fleet of U.S. EPA 2010 trucks to Meijer, a retailer headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Meijer purchased 75 EPA 2010 Freightliner Cascadia trucks, equipped with Detroit Diesel DD13 engines and BlueTec emissions technology.

According to Daimler, when comparing the new 2010 Freightliner Cascadia with an average EPA 2007 truck, the vehicle should reduce fuel consumption by nearly 11,500 gallons of diesel fuel per truck; cut fleet fuel costs by nearly $30,000 per truck; lower CO2 emissions by 124 U.S. tons per truck; and reduce NOx emissions to near-zero.

"DTNA has invested more than a decade in the design and evolution of emissions technologies to optimize the entire powertrain system for our North American trucking customers," said Randy DeBortoli, EPA 2010 program manager, Daimler Trucks North America. On behalf of Detroit Diesel Corporation, Daimler Trucks and DTNA invested more than $2 billion toward the development and commercialization of the new Detroit Diesel engine family, BlueTec emissions technology and the modernization of Detroit Diesel's engine production facilities.

The new trucks meet Meijer's specification for a short wheel base and tandem axles, Daimler said. The optimized chassis packaging on the new 2010 Meijer fleet trucks delivers maximum freight and fuel efficiency, manages overall vehicle weight distribution, and maintains vehicle maneuverability.

"While it's thrilling to be at the front end of the rollout of such innovative technology, it's also exciting to partner with another Michigan-based company, Detroit Diesel Corporation, to help stimulate the economy and provide jobs right in our own backyard," said Tom McCall, vice president of logistics for Meijer.