Technology Briefs — September 26 - October 2
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The Latest Headlines:
- Volvo Unveils Automated Transmission
- Japanese Automakers Consider Ethanol
- GeoLogic Solutions Buys Motient’s Wireless Service
- Terion Launches Reefer Monitoring System
- Japanese Automakers Consider Ethanol
Volvo Unveils Automated Transmission
Volvo Trucks North America said last Wednesday it will offer an automated transmission for Class 8 trucks that company officials said will improve fuel economy.Scott Kress, VTNA’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, said a combination of new technologies will improve fuel efficiency by 3% for trucks using ulta-low-sulfur diesel fuel.
Japanese Automakers Consider Ethanol
Japanese automakers Honda, Nissan and Toyota are positioning themselves for a possible spike in ethanol popularity by developing vehicles and technologies that utilize the alternative fuel, the USA Today reported Friday.In August, Nissan added a flex-fuel version of its Armada sport utility vehicle to a North American lineup that already includes a flex-fuel Titan pickup truck, USA Today said.
Flex-fuel vehicles can burn any combination of gasoline and E-85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% standard petroleum.
Toyota is considering a flex-fuel version of its Tundra pickup, while Honda announced last month it had developed a more efficient way to refine ethanol from biomass, or waste plant matter, USA Today reported. Transport Topics
GeoLogic Solutions Buys Motient’s Wireless Service
Wireless tracking firm GeoLogic Solutions has acquired the wireless data service of Motient Communications to streamline the offering of new services to the trucking industry.John Lewis, president of GeoLogic, said the company purchased the service known as iMotient Solutions from Motient Communications for an undisclosed sum. GeoLogic also changed iMotient’s name to CrossBridge Solutions to give it a new identity with customers, he added.
CrossBridge, based in suburban Chicago, provides data communications on the Cingular Wireless and Sprint networks to the trucking industry. The company also provides satellite access through the Orbcomm network.Transport Topics
Terion Launches Reefer Monitoring Systems for Carrier Trailers
Trailer tracking firm Terion last Tuesday introduced its FleetView 3R system for monitoring Carrier refrigerated trailers.The wireless-enabled system monitors reefers for unacceptable temperature variances, fuel shortages and low battery levels.
The system is also capable of storing temperature logs, Terion said in a statement. Transport Topics
