Truckstops and retail service stations can expect to get about 80 percent of the vocational market for diesel exhaust fluid when the new EPA 2010 emissions standards goes into effect

, according to a research study conducted by Quixote Group Research.

The study also found that there will be new opportunities for growing supply and distribution of DEF among automotive retail chain stores and fleet base refilling operations, as well as dealer service networks, independent service centers, card key lots, worksite and mobile refueling operations.

The study, which surveyed vocational fleets encompassing Class 3-8, also reported that 46 percent of the industry refuels at retail service stations. Seventy-one percent of fleets that operate Class 3-5 prefer retail service stations, while more than 50 percent of those involved in construction and distribution and services refuel at retail service stations.

The objective of the research was to determine fueling, service and maintenance, and fluids and chemicals purchase patterns for vocational trucks to better understand the distribution requirements for DEF. The study was conducted on behalf of more than 300 original equipment manufacturers, DEF supply companies and related organizations involved in the North American SCR Stakeholders Group, an ad-hoc alliance committed to the introduction of selective catalytic reduction technologies for meeting 2010 emissions standards.

According to the study, automotive retail chains, such as NAPA and AutoZone, can also expect opportunities to distribute DEF. Forty-two percent of government fleets said they purchase fluids chemicals at automotive retail chain stores, while 50 percent of Class 3-5 fleets said they regularly go to these stores for the same purpose.

While retail locations can expect a market in DEF opportunities, company-owned facilities will also play a large role, as over 80 percent of all fueling, maintenance and fluid refills are handled at base facilities, in the government sector. For other vocational respondents, including construction, petroleum and bulk transport in particular, they use their own facilities for DEF refilling 67 percent of the time.

The research was conducted by Quixote Group, an independent market research and analysis firm with extensive experience in trucking, emissions technology and diesel exhaust fluid industries. Study data came from an online survey designed by Quixote Group fielded among Heavy Duty Trucking magazine subscribers in late July 2009.

More info: www.quixotegroup.com