Thermo King on Friday showcased its new SLX trailer refrigeration unit and discussed company strategy for the future.
Marketing Manager Craig Fisher said the SLX was recently introduced in Europe, but was displayed at the Mid-America Trucking Show to gauge customer interest and gather feedback. Fisher said the unit is designed for performance, reliability, low life-cycle costs and environmental impact improvements.
Fisher reported that the unit attains 20 percent lower fuel consumption, 40 percent less particulate emissions and 60 percent less noise than earlier designs. It is also thinner, taking up less space on the front of the trailer.
The emissions reduction is the result of the Tier II design of the engine. The fuel economy and noise improvements are largely a result of designing the engine to turn 300 rpm slower than earlier powerplants, the company said.
President and CEO Dave Regnery said the company’s goals are to offer products that meet customer expectations and performance needs, continue research and development and continuous quality improvements, and produce next generation platforms that will deliver fuel consumption benefits.
The company recently dedicated a $10 million research and development facility.
Thermo King also introduced the Environmental Management System that electrically reduces airborne pathogens, greatly improving food safety, the company said.
