The American Trucking Associations (ATA) on Tuesday, June 24, urged the Bush administration and Congress to implement a comprehensive plan to increase domestic oil supplies and ensure an affordable supply of oil for the nation’s 3.5 million truck drivers and American consumers.

Speaking at a National Press Club press conference hosted by Consumers For More Energy, ATA Senior Vice President Tim Lynch encouraged Congress to implement policies that will reduce oil demand, accelerate the development of research and technology, prudently increase government oversight of the petroleum markets and increase domestic oil supplies.

“ATA recognizes that the solution to this problem is multifaceted,” Lynch said. “We need a broad relief agenda that includes increasing domestic oil production to address the escalating cost of fuel and relieve the financial hardships of the trucking industry and all drivers.”

Lynch was joined at the press conference by the American Highway Users Alliance, National Defense Council Foundation, The National Grange and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council.

ATA is urging the federal government to help bring down the price of diesel fuel by doing the following:
· Allow environmentally responsible exploration of oil-rich areas in the United States that are now off-limits;
· Allow environmentally responsible development of crude resources in oil shale and tar sands in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming;
· Streamline the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulatory framework for reviewing and processing applications for additional refinery operations;
· Establish a national diesel fuel standard;
· Work with the 50 state Attorneys General to combat any fuel price gouging that might occur;
· Continue to fund EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership Program, which encourages fuel-saving strategies;
· Require speed limiters set for 68 mph or lower on all new trucks;
· Set a national maximum speed limit of 65 mph;
· Eliminate the collection of the 12 percent federal excise tax on motor carriers’ purchase of auxiliary power units, which cut the consumption of fuels in idling truck engines;
· Require states to grant a weight exemption for APUs;
· Eliminate “splash and dash” — a tax benefit for imported biodiesel that subsequently is exported; and
· Release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

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MAHLE Clevite has been involved in the Heavy Duty aftermarket now for over 50 years and offers a wide range of replacement parts for Heavy Duty engines found in Agriculture, Construction, Trucking, Marine and Oil Field operations.

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Genuine BOWER tapered roller bearings

Recognized for their high precision and excellent performance, genuine BOWER bearings are the brand of choice for many professionals in the heavy-duty truck market.

All BOWER tapered roller bearings are made from high-quality carburized steel and have greatly increased durability and extended life span. The bearings are produced in the United States under stringent quality standards and are available in a wide range of sizes for wheel (truck & trailer), transmission, differential and engine applications. In addition, the unmatched local inventory of BOWER bearings allows for prompt, reliable delivery and helps you reduce your freight costs.

For your nearest dealer call 800-323-2358 ext 354 or visit www.genuineBOWERbearings.com.

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company unveiled the next generation of its Toughbook mobile computers, the Toughbook U1, designed for use in harsh environments, such as heavy-duty truck service shops.

Panasonic said the U1 is the first “rugged, ultra-mobile PC” equipped with the high-performance, low-power-consumption Intel Atom microprocessor. The full-feature computer incorporates “robust features” previously only available on the company’s full-size Toughbook models in a portable design.

“Panasonic builds the new Toughbook U1, but our customers designed it,” said Kyp Walls, Panasonic’s director of product management. “The form and functionality is a direct result of more than two years of feedback we solicited from an array of government and commercial organizations seeking to address the needs of a broad range of mobile users.”

Among the features of the Toughbook U1 are: an LCD touchscreen; solid state drive; optional fingerprint security scanner; optional 1D and 2D barcode readers; optional two megapixel digital camera; long-life battery with dual hot-swappable bays; and wireless connectivity using WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G mobile broadband. It is compatible with full versions of both Windows XP and Vista operating systems.

The new Kenworth Environmental Programs website (www.kenworth.com/environmental.asp) is designed to offer customers a convenient way to learn about Kenworth’s green products and initiatives.

“The new Kenworth Environmental Programs website makes it convenient to learn more about Kenworth vehicles equipped with industry-leading technology and our commitment to lower fuel costs and reduced emissions,” says Gary Moore, assistant general manager of marketing and sales for the Kirkland, Wash.-based truck maker.

Kenworth says the green Internet site leads off with the Kenworth Clean Power no-idle system and an easy-to-use calculator to help figure savings; also featured are Kenworth alternative fuel trucks and hybrid programs. Rounding out the site are sections on Kenworth dealerships, Paccar engines, the in-cab Kenworth Driver Information Center, Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay models and Paccar Environmental Leadership.

Daimler Trucks North America has recognized Phillips Industries as one of its best suppliers for 2007 by presenting the Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based company with its prestigious Masters of Quality Award. DTNA presents this award annually to an elite group of suppliers that meet its rigorous standards and also show a commitment for continual improvement.

Daimler’s suppliers are evaluated semiannually on more than 100 criteria related to quality, service, aftermarket parts availability, engineering, warranty and purchasing; only those rated at the top are recognized with this award. Phillips Industries supplies DTNA with cab harnesses, trailer cables and other related products.

“To be honored by Daimler Trucks North America with their Masters of Quality Award is an achievement in which everyone at Phillips can be proud,” says Bob Phillips, president and chief executive officer of Phillips Industries. “We understand the significance of meeting the standards set by a company with Daimler’s reputation. We strive to achieve this high level of quality throughout our company, and we appreciate being recognized for that effort.”

ArvinMeritor announced that it recently received the 2008 Corporate “Closing the Gap” Award from New Detroit, a coalition of local community, business and labor leaders. ArvinMeritor was honored for its economic and philanthropic support of the Southwestern/Fort Street community; specifically, Detroit’s Southwestern High School.

The company has contributed to the construction of new facilities at the high school such as a new football field and all-weather track, as well as a renovation of the performing arts theater; created cooperative education programs; and funded scholarship and internship programs with Kettering University for Southwestern High School students.

ArvinMeritor also was recognized for its efforts to help rebuild the City of Detroit through restoration projects. In addition, employees have donated time and resources to numerous community programs, including Core City Neighborhoods and the Motor City Makeover. ArvinMeritor was nominated for this award by Latino Family Services of Detroit.

“On behalf of our employees worldwide and the 400 employees at our Detroit campus, it is an honor and privilege for ArvinMeritor to be named the recipient of this award,” says Chip McClure, chairman, chief executive officer and president. “Certainly, our work is not done, but we are proud of our accomplishments.”

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, announced a plan Sunday, June 22, to crack down on excessive energy speculation and fully close the “Enron Loophole” to ease the impact of skyrocketing gas prices.

Obama’s campaign says the “loophole” was created by former Texas senator Phil Gramm – campaign co-chair of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Arizona Sen. John McCain – at the behest of Enron, and exempts most over-the-counter energy trades and trading on electronic energy commodity markets from regulation.

“For the past years, our energy policy in this country has been simply to let the special interests have their way – opening up loopholes for the oil companies and speculators so that they could reap record profits while the rest of us pay $4 a gallon,” Obama said in his prepared statement. “My plan fully closes the ‘Enron Loophole’ and restores common-sense regulation as part of my broader plan to ease the burden for struggling families today while investing in a better future.”

Obama said that because of the “Enron Loophole,” “the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is unable to fully oversee the oil futures market and investigate cases where excessive speculation may be driving up oil prices.” Many economists believe that the speculation could be adding between $20 and $50 to the price of every barrel of oil, the Illinois senator said.

“A vibrant oil futures market can help producers and buyers hedge against swings in the price of oil, but an absence of common sense rules allows a few energy lobbyists and speculators to undermine the public confidence in the integrity of the market,” Obama said. “It’s another example of the special interest politics that put the interests of Big Oil and speculators ahead of the interests of working people.”

Obama also announced that he wants to:
· Ensure that U.S. energy futures cannot be traded on unregulated offshore exchanges;
· Work with other countries to coordinate regulation of oil futures markets; and
· Call on the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to vigorously investigate market manipulation in oil futures.

McCain spokesman Tucker Bonds told news agencies Sunday, June 22, that the bill with the “loophole” was signed into law by former President Clinton and that McCain supports efforts to close it.

Clevite

MAHLE Clevite has been involved in the Heavy Duty aftermarket now for over 50 years and offers a wide range of replacement parts for Heavy Duty engines found in Agriculture, Construction, Trucking, Marine and Oil Field operations.

Click Here for more information about Clevite!

Genuine BOWER tapered roller bearings

Recognized for their high precision and excellent performance, genuine BOWER bearings are the brand of choice for many professionals in the heavy-duty truck market.

All BOWER tapered roller bearings are made from high-quality carburized steel and have greatly increased durability and extended life span. The bearings are produced in the United States under stringent quality standards and are available in a wide range of sizes for wheel (truck & trailer), transmission, differential and engine applications. In addition, the unmatched local inventory of BOWER bearings allows for prompt, reliable delivery and helps you reduce your freight costs.

For your nearest dealer call 800-323-2358 ext 354 or visit www.genuineBOWERbearings.com.

HD America (HDA) announced that industry veteran, Don Reimondo will join its organization, headquartered in St. Louis, as senior vice president.

“We are elated to have Don as a part of our team,” said Pat Biermann, HDA’s president. “Don possesses an array of skills in the aftermarket ranging from sales, operations, distribution, inventory control and logistics. Don’s high-level contacts and thorough understanding of the industry will help HDA enhance its position in the marketplace. He knows everyone and has his hands on the beat of the market,” said Biermann.

Prior to joining HDA Reimondo served as senior vice president of customer relationship management at Affinia Group. Previously, he was vice president of global distribution, inventory and logistics for Federal-Mogul Corporation. “He’s a seasoned player in the industry and one of the best I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with,” said Biermann.

In a long-anticipated announcement, Caterpillar Inc. and Navistar International Corp. revealed that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue global on-highway truck business opportunities and cooperate on a variety of engine platforms. The two companies intend to focus on global truck opportunities, including North American severe service construction trucks, as well as technology development for engines worldwide.

In a related move, Caterpillar said it had determined independently that it will not supply EPA 2010 compliant engines to truck and other on-highway original equipment manufacturers. Instead, Caterpillar will work through its alliance with Navistar to target a 2010 introduction of a North American Cat-branded heavy-duty truck for severe service applications, such as road construction, large infrastructure projects and oil and petroleum development.

“We are pleased to be matching the formidable talents and technology leadership of two industry leaders to serve an expanding base of engine, truck and equipment customers worldwide,” said Jim Owens, Caterpillar chairman and chief executive officer. “As the world leader in construction equipment and diesel engines, Caterpillar is now positioning itself for growth in the on-highway truck market. This is an important step for Caterpillar, and we look forward to working with Navistar for the continued benefit of our customers.”

“This relationship is a perfect example of Navistar’s strategy of growth through leveraging our own assets and those that others have built,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO. “In partnership with Caterpillar, we intend to extend our leading-edge product focus that we have in North America into the rest of the world.”

Caterpillar reassured its existing on-highway customers that they could count on the company. “Caterpillar and our dealers will continue to provide product support and service beyond 2010 for all Caterpillar on-highway engines regardless of truck brand,” said Douglas R. Oberhelman, Caterpillar Group president.

Oberhelman said the new severe service truck would give Caterpillar’s construction and mining customers a “a one-stop solution” for its equipment needs. “In addition, with nearly 90 percent of our engine business being off-highway, we’ll continue to concentrate on our substantial and growing opportunities to supply engines in the petroleum, marine, electric power generation and industrial markets – as well as produce engines for our own construction and mining equipment.”

Caterpillar and Navistar have formed teams to explore their truck and engine opportunities. The alliance contemplated by the MOU is subject to completion of due diligence, execution of definitive agreements and regulatory approvals.

Global initiatives

Caterpillar and Navistar envision a partnership that goes well beyond North America. The companies plan to develop, manufacture and distribute a full line of medium- and heavy-duty trucks in both conventional and cabover designs in select regions outside North America.

“The combination of Navistar’s truck design, development and manufacturing expertise and Caterpillar’s unparalleled worldwide distribution creates a significant advantage for global customers through the ability to offer the right vehicle for the right application through more than 4,700 points of distribution around the world,” said Dee Kapur, Navistar Truck Group president. “The North American Caterpillar distribution system provides expanded reach for severe service trucks with big bore power, a segment where Navistar has traditionally not been as focused.”

Navistar has a substantial distribution network in Mexico and Latin America, while Caterpillar currently sells on-highway truck engines in Australia and New Zealand, Mexico and throughout Latin America, as well as in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Russia, China and South Africa.

Engine cooperation

Under the alliance, Caterpillar and Navistar plan to cooperate on engine development, including diesel engines for mid-range applications such as school buses and utility trucks. This engine development would support each company’s stated path not to utilize urea-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology.

“There are many opportunities for technology sharing and development that would result in the ability to better meet the worldwide demand for diesel engines in both on- and off-highway applications,” said Jack Allen, Navistar Engine Group president.

“In the past 15 years, Cat has become significantly less dependent on the sale of on-highway truck engines in the total contribution of our global engine profitability,” said Oberhelman. “Our global power systems business has grown significantly – in fact, we supply approximately 400,000 diesel engines annually outside of the on-highway truck market. We intend to remain the world leader in clean diesel engines, and this collaboration is a key enabler.”

The companies also intend to expand their existing remanufacturing relationship to include Navistar’s recently introduced MaxxForce on-highway engines. The companies expect to pursue additional remanufacturing opportunities as new vehicles and engines are developed.

Today’s announcement follows months of speculation within the trucking and construction industries regarding an upcoming alliance or possibly even an ownership arrangement between Caterpillar and Navistar. Until Thursday, officials of both companies had declined to confirm any such talks, but nor did they deny them.