Truck Quality, Fuel Efficiency to Drive Strong Orders into 2016
“We do not think economic conditions have to be amazing to have a good trucking industry," said a Freightliner executive, predicting strong truck orders into 2016.
by Staff
October 5, 2015
Model year 2017 Cascadia Evolution trucks spec’d with DT12 automated transmissions will see 7.15 mpg, Freightliner says.
2 min to read
Model year 2017 Cascadia Evolution trucks spec’d with DT12 automated transmissions will see 7.15 mpg, Freightliner says.
The trucking industry will enjoy strong orders through the end of the year and into 2016, according to Brian Cota, vice president of sales, national accounts for Daimler Trucks North America. Speaking at the recent ACT Research Seminar, Cota touched on a number of factors during his presentation.
He is optimistic about the truck market for 2016 “because of the quality and fuel efficiency of the trucks.” He said model year 2013 Cascadias with Detroit engines had average fuel economy of 6.5 mpg. Model year 2017 Cascadia Evolution trucks will achieve 6.82 mpg, he said, and those same trucks spec’d with DT12 automated transmissions will see 7.15 mpg.
Ad Loading...
“We do not think economic conditions have to be amazing to have a good trucking industry," he said. The growth in truck sales has been driven by the increased fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance needs of today’s trucks, Cota believes.
Freight is still strong, Cota said, but added that some shippers are concerned about capacity. He thinks contract rates will come down, but some shippers will be looking to lock down capacity early.
In spec’ing trends, he said, Daimler has seen a great deal of interest in its integrated drivetrain. In addition, 66% of the trucks the company sells have high aerodynamic content, 11% of its sleepers are being spec’d with auxiliary power units, 13% with battery HVAC systems, 10.5% with wide base single tires, 40% with direct drive transmissions and 40% with collision mitigation systems. The company is also seeing an increase in the take rate for 6x2 axles, which are being ordered on 2.5% of Daimler’s trucks.
CARB says the California Clean Fuel Reward program will begin offering point-of-sale rebates of up to $120,000 for electric commercial trucks starting June 26.
Along with unveiling its EPA 2027-compliant MP13 engine, Mack outlined powertrain changes across its Class 6-8 lineup, including new Cummins-based X10 engines.
Volvo says advances in combustion and aftertreatment helped its new EPA 2027 D13 engine avoid the fuel-economy penalties many once expected from tighter NOx emissions limits.
Tesla’s Semi chief at ACT Expo outlined production growth, lower-cost models, charging expansion, and why the company believes fleets are leaving money on the table by waiting on electric trucks.
A new report from the Electrification Coalition outlines key barriers slowing electric truck charging deployment and offers policy solutions to accelerate infrastructure growth.
Westport and Volvo are demonstrating a 500-hp truck with diesel-like efficiency — one that also offers what Westport says is a better pathway to using hydrogen fuel in trucks.
Relying on diesel alone exposes fleets to fuel price volatility. Here’s why diversification with electric, natural gas, and renewable fuels can reduce risk.
Range Energy said its production-ready eTrailer system proved it can boost stability, safety, and efficiency in sub-zero winter conditions as the company moves toward scaled deployment.
