Automatics Gear Up for ’07 Medium-Duty Diesels

Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

ransmission manufacturers say they can alleviate some of the cost burden that will fall on buyers of 2007 medium-duty engines with their new exhaust treatment packages.

Although engine testing still is underway, fleet operators have been warned to expect a loss of performance, compared with current engines, and a drop-off in fuel economy at a time of historic fuel prices.

The transmission people say they have changed some of their products’ characteristics in an effort to offset the losses.

The engines will burn ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel, which has slightly lower energy content than current diesel fuel, according to studies. This is one of the key reasons somewhat lower efficiency is expected of the ’07 power technology.

For the full story, see the May/June of Equipment & Maintenance Update, a supplement to the May 15 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.