Groups such as the American Trucking Association have supported the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009 resulting in safer highways, cleaner air and less costly freight transportation. The bill authorizes states to allow the operation of trucks on the Interstate Highway System with a gross weight of 97,000 pounds. Current law limits the weight of 5-axle trucks traveling on the Interstate System to 80,000 pounds.

The legislation requires that trucks operating above 80,000 pounds must add a sixth axle to compensate for the extra weight. The extra axle adds two more brakes, preventing an increase in stopping distances, and avoids additional pavement damage.

Most importantly, the operation of this new, more efficient vehicle will allow trucking companies to deliver the nation’s freight while making fewer trips. The result will be a reduction in the number of truck-involved crashes, less fuel use — and thus reduced emissions and carbon — and less congestion on our crowded highways. Fewer miles traveled also means less pavement damage, lowering highway maintenance costs.

The bill requires states to report safety and infrastructure cost impacts to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, who is authorized to discontinue operations in a state if safety problems are detected.

(Source) Press

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Six engineers under Volvo were cited for their contribution in the development of the world’s first commercially viable hybrid solution for heavy vehicles. The award was presented by Leif Johansson, President and CEO of Volvo, at the Annual General Meeting of AB Volvo today.

Volvo’s Technology Award this year recognizes the work to develop I-SAM, Integrated Starter Alternator Motor, a combined starter, generator and drive motor in a parallel hybrid that, in addition to an electric motor, also has a small compact diesel engine.

The combination can reduce fuel consumption for buses by up to 30%, for trucks by 20% and, in a best case scenario, as much as 50% for wheel loaders. This reduces fuel costs and provides significant environmental benefits through lower emissions of carbon dioxide. The quiet and emission-free electric drive also improves environment conditions in the vehicle’s immediate surroundings.

The Volvo Technology Award was established in 1988 and was awarded this year for the 22nd time. The award is an expression of appreciation for particularly prominent technical achievements within the Volvo Group that contribute to the technological profiling of the Volvo Group and stimulate efforts that further advance the Group’s technical skills and expertise.

(Source) Press

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Consumers may be shying away or are trying to avoid purchasing a new car and most likely, they are exhausting all means to try and improve their current vehicle in tow. April is National Car Care Month, the time of year to focus on taking better care of your second largest investment. Most motorists would like to add years of reliable life to their vehicle and, during these uncertain economic times, they are looking for the best value when it comes to auto repair, according to the Car Care Council.

“The economy is on everyone’s mind these days and National Car Care month is the perfect time to remind car owners that putting off vehicle maintenance now can lead to more extensive repairs down the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

R.L. Polk & Co. recently reported that the median age of passenger cars in operation has increased to a record high of 9.4 years in 2008. “This trend, coupled with the current economic environment, has led motorists to seek affordable vehicle maintenance to keep their vehicles in safe working order,” said White. “Because value is on the minds of most Americans, many are turning to their local repair shop for maintenance and service.”

According to a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, vehicle repairs cost an average 34 percent more at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops, resulting in $11.7 billion in excess costs annually to consumers.

(Source) Press

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