Heavy-duty supplier Webasto is launching a new web site in conjunction with a recent legislative and media event held at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. that showcased the emerging safety and environmental technologies
of a dozen vehicle parts suppliers.
The new web site, at www.makealeap.org, is based on the LEaP acronym that stands for Lowering Emissions and Particulates (the latter term has traditionally been used to measure pollution levels associated with diesel engines).
"For more than 50 years Webasto has been committed to the pursuit of developing and providing engine-off comfort and environmental solutions to the global transportation industry," said John Thomas, Webasto vice president of marketing. "One area where Webasto's products have been ahead of technology trends is in environmental consideration and consciousness, so it makes sense that we share our collective knowledge to help the growing awareness in the U.S. that some simple changes in people's habits can significantly shape and improve the environment around us. This new web site will help that cause."
There are five core messages on the new web site that will likely surprise most visitors. Information will show tangible opportunities that can be achieved via idle reduction, such as:

• Reducing the United States' dependency on foreign oil
• Reducing GHG (Green House Gases) / CO2
• Revenue generation via reduced idling and enforcement
• Public health improvement
• Job creation
" Commercial trucks collectively burn up more than 500 million barrels of oil each year, and in most cases it's to maintain driver comfort with heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. There are some alternatives that do the same job without idling the engine."
Webasto Product North America, Inc., based in Fenton, Mich., provides a range of thermosystems and other products to the heavy-duty truck OEM and aftermarket, as well as passenger vehicle, RV, defense, cargo and marine industries. For additional information go to www.webasto.us or call (800) 215-7010.