April 18, 2000 9:19 AM, EDT

P.M. Executive Briefing - April 18

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This Afternoon's Headlines:

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One of Four Family Members Pleads Guilty in Hijacking, Murder of

ainer

Illinois Cracks Down on Load Debris

Electronic Controls to Replace Camshafts in Diesels

Economist: Slowdown Won't Ruin Robust Picture

One of Four Family Members Pleads Guilty in Hijacking, Murder of Mainer

In exchange for being spared the death penalty, a 28-year-old member of a Virginia family suspected of running a truck-theft ring entered a guilty plea to capital murder in the death of a Maine truck driver.

Eugene Lamont Friend pleaded guilty as well to a federal charge of truck hijacking, and both charges are also faced by mother Vallia Carolyn Friend, brother Travis McKinnley Friend, and an unnamed juvenile brother. According to the family's indictment, family members allegedly ran a gang that lured older male truckers away from main highways in Virginia, frequently by having the mother claim to be a prostitute, then subdue the truckers and take their trucks.

Prosecutors struck the plea deal with Eugene Friend, who faces life in prison, in part to learn the location of slain trucker Eugene Lam's body, which was removed by authorities Thursday from a Virginia pond. Travis Friend, accused of pulling the trigger in the trucker's death, could get a death sentence if convicted, while the other two family members could get life behind bars. Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover, N.H.) Online (04/18/00)

Illinois Cracks Down on Load Debris

Illinois legislators last week passed a bill under which trucks can be pulled over if police think debris or tires from the truck may fly off and put other vehicles or drivers in harm's way; at present, police must see debris fall before making a stop. The bill, which carries a maximum fine of $250, exempts pickup trucks, whose inclusion in a similar 1999 bill led to a veto by Gov. George Ryan. Heavy Duty Trucking Online (04/18/00)

Electronic Controls to Replace Camshafts in Diesels

Beginning with the 2007 model year, International Truck and Engine diesel engines will feature electronic valve controls to take the place of camshafts, a move that promises to boost fuel efficiency while cutting emissions.

All top manufacturers are exploring the use of electronic controls, which unlike camshafts can change the timing of the valves opening and closing in the cylinders, enabling the vehicle to respond to changing temperatures or driving conditions. Unlike most past efforts at camless engines, International's technique employs electrohydraulic valves, which work with pressurized hydraulic fluid, rather than electromagnetic actuation.

The company believes this technology will overcome the problems that have beset electromagnetic technologies, while using the company's present fuel rail systems and boosting actuation forces. It also promises to help reduce emissions as federal regulators prepare to enact new emissions rules in 2007.

However, the demands of testing the new technology, including tests in extreme temperature conditions, mean it cannot be available before the 2007 model year. The technology might not be appropriate for passenger cars, due to potential problems with power draw and the higher RPMs of passenger-car engines. Electronic Engineering Times (04/17/00) ; Murray, Charles J.

Economist: Slowdown Won't Ruin Robust Picture

Everybody is asking whether or not the U.S. economy's period of low unemployment, low inflation and steady growth can last.

At the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers' February convention, DuPont senior associate economist Robert C. Fry said yes, at least for a while, due to last year's sharp growth in the leading indicators for manufacturing production. He also pointed to economists' predictions of a 3.8% growth rate for 2000, with a slowdown next year. Fry emphasized that business for truck, bus, and trailer manufacturers is still good despite a sharp drop in sales predicted for this year and a 1.5% rise in the producer price index for trailers.

By comparison, the overall producer price increase rose 3%, Fry said. However, the industry remains endangered by rising fuel prices, expected to boost the consumer price index to 3% by June, compared to a 1998 low of 1.6%. Another reason for a slowdown in 2001 is the labor shortage, and a slowing of job growth will bring a slowdown in income, cutting consumer spending.

Fry predicts a mild slowdown unless the stock market crashes, but a big crash will be needed to ruin the current U.S. economy, he said. The telling factor will be the effect of interest rates on manufacturing production, Fry said, adding it takes about 16 months for a rate hike's full effect to be felt in the economy. Fry said the near term looks good thanks to rising export demand and better-than-expected consumer demand. Trailer/Body Builders (03/00) Vol. 41, No. 5; P. 112; Weber, Rick