kscarbel2

Vlad, Windows XP Pro, in my opinion, remains the best OS out there. It's straightforward, without all the silly bells and whistles. I absolutely hate Windows 8 or 10. Microsoft had said it would stop supporting XP. But in the end, Microsoft was forced by China to continue providing basic support because it is still the most popular OS there.

Part 3 -

Video - Kenworth T610 test drive Steve Brooks, Owner/Driver / February , 10, 2017 Labelled by Paccar as "Our Best Truck Yet", the Kenworth T610 and T610 SAR line-up was put through its paces at the Mt Cotton Training Centre's test track in south east Queensland on February 7. Steve Brooks took the various configurations for several laps around the winding and undulating circuit, and was particularly impressed with the performance of the T610 B-double configuraton with 18-speed Roadranger gearbox. Video - https://www.ownerdriver.com.au/product-news/1702/kenworth-t610-test-drive

Prime Mover Magazine / February 14, 2017 The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has opened consultations on the use of 40 channel truck radios. Use of these radios is currently set to become illegal after 30 June, 2017. The Government imposed this time limit in 2011 to reduce congestion with the use of this equipment. The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has raised the issue with the Federal Government on the impact this may have on the trucking industry, and the need to keep the equipment in use. "The Government is now proposing to extend the use of this equipment beyond 30 June 2017, and remove the limitation on the interlinking of CB repeaters," the ATA said in a statement. "ACMA considers that other changes in 2011 have already reduced congestion, and maintaining the time limit would be an unnecessary burden on users. "The ATA will be making a submission on the future use of 40 channel truck radios, and we want your comments and views on use of this equipment." The ATA says concerned parties can provide feedback through their respective member associations.

IVECO confirms International ProStar will have Aussie identity IVECO Trucks Australia / February 13, 2017 Any notion that the International ProStar – soon to be part of IVECO’s model line-up – will simply be a right hand drive variant of a North American model, has been dismissed. While engineers wanted to maintain the key strengths of the North American vehicle including its durability, class-leading aerodynamics, good visibility and excellent ride and handling, extensive changes were made to meet Australia’s unique operating environment. International’s local Engineering Manager, Adrian Wright, says the project followed a comprehensive integrated product development process that left nothing to chance. “We began by working out the key requirements for this market,” he said. “Obviously, one was RHD – fortunately the cab was designed from the outset to accommodate either LHD or RHD, so we had a solid place to start from, we also wanted a short bumper to back of cab for B-double applications, and a 15 litre 550 horsepower engine.” “The Cummins X15 was the obvious choice – it is the evolution of the ISXe5, an engine now well proven in Australian conditions.” Cummins have the local expertise on the 15 Litre SCR engine, Australia being the lead market where the engine platform was introduced, and the company assisted with both the engine installation and certification and testing. Having carefully evaluated local requirements, IVECO selected a specification list and model mix that is unique to Australia and well suited to a wide range of local applications The ProStar models will have the power operators need for high GCM work, and with a short bumper to back of cab will suit many combinations – the day cab will fit in front of virtually any Australian trailer set. The ProStar could also be used as a truck and dog and will be suitable for 34 pallet B-double, 36 pallet B-double and even B-triple and two trailer road train work. Other benefits of the model include superior aerodynamics when compared to other bonneted vehicles, resulting in up to a 10 per cent drag reduction – this combined with the latest engine technology from Cummins has shown impressive fuel consumption figures in local trials. As well as aiding aerodynamics, the sloping hood provides exceptional forward visibility, while the interior cabin has been designed to provide a more car-like driving position with optimised ergonomics for reduced driver fatigue on extended hour routes. IVECO and the local engineering team is confident that the new ProStar will live up to market expectations. “We’re excited to introduce ProStar into the market as part of the IVECO range and we’re also very pleased to get back to the roots of International in Australia as an economical, efficient truck for fleet operators and owner drivers, something perhaps that has been missing from the market in recent years,” Mr Wright said. Photo gallery - https://www.iveco.com.au/whatson/iveco-confirms-international-prostar-will-have-aussie-identity

Transport Engineer / February 13, 2017 Cable-drum supplier Marlin Industries has replaced its mixed artic fleet with 11 DAF XF Superspace cab tractors and says the new vehicles have resulted in an immediate boost to productivity and fuel efficiency. Supplied by dealer Imperial Commercials, the Wrexham-based operator’s new additions are 10 XF 460 FTG 6x2x and one XF 460 FT 4x2, and were selected after a multi-brand evaluation and input from drivers. “We employ highly experienced drivers,” says Stokes. “Almost without exception, they told us the DAF XF would be their truck of choice. If you factor in DAF’s whole life cost and the impressive levels of aftersales support from Imperial Commercials which we’ve already seen, then it’s a combination that’s hard to turn down.” The trucks are supplied on a five-year funding deal with Paccar Financial – with Marlin reporting this to be the most competitive package on the market. “Although we have a gvw of 44 tonnes, we only gross out at 34 tonnes and we’re already seeing 10-plus mpg from the new DAF XFs,” says Marlin’s group transport manager Mike Stokes. “That’s extremely encouraging in just the first few weeks in operation, and much better than the old Euro 5s.” .

Scania Group Press Release / February 13, 2017 Scania has signed an agreement in principle with the Iranian province of Isfahan and Shahr-e Atiyeh investment company on the delivery of 1,350 buses for public transport for Isfahan and four other Iranian cities. The first of these new buses will be in operation at the end of 2017. Two Memoranda of Understanding have been signed in Teheran, in the presence of the Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and the Swedish Minister for EU Affairs and Trade Ann Linde, by Henrik Henriksson President and CEO of Scania, Hamid Akbari Rad Member of the Board of Scania’s Iranian partner Oghab Afshan, the Governor of Isfahan and the Managing Director of Shahr-e Atiyeh. There is a clear need to expand and renew public bus systems in Iran. With the two memoranda of understanding, Isfahan, 450 km south of Tehran, and four other leading and far-sighted Iranian cities, will get sustainable public transport solutions. Scania and Oghab Afshan will supply Isfahan with 350 buses and in the frame agreement with Shahr-e Atiyeh, up to 1,000 buses will be financed. Air pollution in Iranian cities has steadily increased in recent years, claiming lives and affecting quality of life, but also hampering economic activity. In cooperation with Iranian authorities, Scania has developed solutions that ensure that local emissions are kept to a minimum with the current fuel quality. The new buses to Isfahan and Mashhad are equipped with engine technology that offers the lowest emissions levels in the country. Iran is one of Scania’s top ten bus markets globally. Privately owned Oghab Afshan has been Scania’s bus partner and distributor in Iran since 2000. The company employs close to 1,100 persons in its Scania operations, including 860 in the bus factory. “Together with our partners, we have a strong presence in Iran with comprehensive industrial operations and an extensive service network,” says Scania’s President and CEO Henrik Henriksson. We look forward to developing this market even further to provide the best services and sustainable transport solutions to our customers.” Iran continues to be an important market for Scania. Its two established and privately owned distributors Oghab Afsahan and for trucks, Mammut Diesel, have a solid presence in the country to service customers.

Head of Daimler Trucks & Buses resigns Fleet Owner / February 13, 2017 Wolfgang Bernhard – the head of Daimler Trucks & Buses and a member of Daimler AG’s board of management – resigned last week “at his own request and for personal reasons,” according to the company. In a statement, Daimler AG noted that Bernhard “has been released from his duties with immediate effect” and that Dieter Zetsche will head Daimler Trucks & Buses until a successor is appointed. Bernhard leaves big shoes to fill on the commercial vehicle side of Daimler AG’s business. He took over the Mercedes-Benz Vans division in 2009 and then was tapped to join Daimler AG’s board of management in February 2010. Until March 2013, he served as the board of management’s member for production and procurement at Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans before taking over as head of Daimler Trucks & Buses in April 2013. Bernhard had championed a variety of different initiatives at Daimler AG, including the connected truck, which he believed needed to be “opened up” amongst the world’s truck makers. “We need open platforms eventually to make connected truck platform valuable to customers,” he said during an event at the company’s headquarters last year. “We have to open it to everybody.” He also believed that diesel power would remain “the most important ‘alternative’ in the United States” in terms of truck power for some time to come. “We still have 200 times more diesel stations than natural gas stations, and engines must be up for the task of hauling long distances,” Bernhard explained in a speech a few years ago. “My alternative fuel is diesel because I don’t see any replacement for diesel in the long run.” He also called for more “sensible” regulatory policies in the U.S. as well; a position that subsequently has become a major policy theme of the Trump administration. “If the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] goes beyond the point where the customer is willing to pay for it, we are making a mistake,” he said. “The customer’s payback for buying new technology needs to be around 18 months. We should push EPA to use this rule of thumb and make sure we aren’t doing stupid things.”

Sean Kilcarr, Fleet Owner / February 3, 2017 Integration is just the stepping-off point for future fuel savings The trucking industry is experiencing three phases of powertrain development being driven in part by the Phase 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations, which mandate fuel economy improvements for commercial trucks. That’s what Mike Roeth, executive director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, will tell you. “We’re already through the ‘smart’ phase, where the engine, transmission, and even the axles now include built-in intelligence of a sort,” he explains. “Axles themselves are not ‘smart’ in the sense that like an engine or transmission they feature computer controls. But they come in new configurations such as the 6x2 design and new ratios that give them a flexibility they haven’t had before.” Roeth says the industry is currently in the middle of what he calls the “integration” phase of the truck powertrain development track. “We’re working toward optimization of all three components—engine, transmission, and axles—and are now adding over-the-air update capability for engines and possibly transmissions at a later point,” he points out. That’s going to allow powertrains to morph into different specifications to provide optimized capabilities for obtaining the best fuel economy and performance operating in flatlands or mountains, for example, all without having to change out powertrain hardware to gain those benefits. Prognostication Now, the industry is entering into the third phase of this powertrain evolution process by adding what Roeth dubs “topographical adjustment” capability to the powertrain. “We’re letting the powertrain—the engine and transmission, even the axles to a degree—determine the best rpm, gearing, etc., based on the topo­graphy details it is being fed,” he says. At Navistar, route details are already being programmed into the powertrain on the front end to allow it to improve fuel economy, says Jim Nachtman, on-highway marketing manager. “I think, for us, we are as far as we can go in terms of programming in road terrain for pre­determined routes,” he explains. “Going forward on that level, it’s about improving the algorithm controlling the engine and engine braking to fine-tune fuel savings.” Nachtman says adjusting the shift schedule of the transmission itself with real-time data, literally integrating it with telematics, is next. “That is the next opportunity,” he explains. “There’s work being done here, but it’s where the biggest opportunity for integration remains.” Alex Stucky, global strategy manager for commercial vehicle transmissions at Eaton Corp., adds that truck makers and suppliers are tapping more deeply into real-time and real-world data on the engineering front so they can improve and better integrate component design. “The key is that we are now sharing more proprietary information over a wider course of [truck] duty cycles,” he explains. “We’re also expanding that integration down the drivetrain by sharing more information with axle manufacturers, for example, to gain more visibility across all the powertrain components and how to make them work together better as a single system.” Cummins Engine highlighted the importance of powertrain integration as part of the rollout of its 2017-compliant “X Series” engines. The heavy-duty X15 Performance Series and the X15 Efficiency Series went into production at the end of 2016; the X12 medium-duty engine starts production this year. The X15 Efficiency Series is tuned to provide maximum fuel economy, the company says, noting that it delivers 3% better fuel economy versus 2016 equivalent models and an improvement of over 10% versus 2010 equivalent displacements. The X15 Efficiency Series is rated at 400 to 500 hp. and delivers 1,450 to 1,850 lbs.-ft. of torque. By contrast, the X15 Performance Series is focused on providing more power, especially for heavy loads. It’s rated between 485 and 605 hp. and delivers 1,650 to 2,050 lbs.-ft. of torque. Finally, the X12 medium displacement engine from Cummins weighs in at just 2,050 lbs., cranks out 350 to 475 hp., and delivers 1,250 to 1,700 lbs.-ft. of torque. All three engines are integrated with the Cummins EcoFit Single Module after­treatment system, which is up to 60% smaller and 40% lighter than the previous two-stage units. Added benefits can be gained via the SmartAdvantage integrated power­train Cummins offers with Eaton to allow major fuel savings now and in the future, explains Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of Cummins’ engine division. “By precisely adjusting to grade, vehicle weight and throttle position, together with features such as ADEPT, SmartCoast and predictive cruise control, we can make every driver an expert,” he says. Eaton’s Stucky adds that the Smart­Advantage powertrain is also being offer­ed as a multi-torque model compatible with Cummins SmartTorque2 functionality. It is available in both ISX15 SA and X15 SA engines rated up to 500 hp. and 1,550 to 1,850 lbs.-ft. of torque and will not require the use of a transmission cooler. “The 1,850 lbs.-ft. rating has been added to provide customers with improved grade capabilities and acceleration,” he explains, boosting truck performance in tough spots such as highway on-ramp entrances. And Stucky stresses there still remains lots of room for making improvements in terms of fuel savings and performance. “We keep building on our relationships, and we keep finding little nuggets of savings,” he emphasizes. “Take SmartCoast or neutral coast. For a while, that was difficult to accept—shifting a tractor-trailer going down the road at highway speeds into neutral—but now we do.” Stucky adds that there are probably other features like that out there that haven’t been discovered yet. “Those will develop from further integration opportunities over the next couple of years, especially in terms of meeting GHG targets,” he says. Sean Waters, director of compliance and regulatory affairs for Daimler Trucks North America, says that’s one of the good things about the Phase 2 GHG rules. According to Waters, the key parts that make the Phase 2 GHG rules “good rules” from the OEM’s perspective are its long lead times—with compliance deadlines of 2021, 2024, and 2027—along with flexibility in terms of deploying solutions to meet the rules’ fuel economy targets. “There are lots of different things we can do; we’re allowed to mix and match features,” he explains. “We are also not forcing customers to buy specific technologies. That’s why we don’t think there will be any ‘cliff events’ or prebuys due to the rules.” Mapping it out Having that road map established for the long term—in the case of the Phase 2 GHG rules, for the next decade—is beneficial, though that doesn’t mean complying with the rules from a powertrain standpoint is easy by any means. That’s in no small part because the Phase 2 GHG rules themselves number over 1,600 pages in length; there are between 4,000 and 5,000 pages worth of supporting documents. “It will be a challenge. These are tough standards that will cost a lot of money for R&D, but they are achievable,” Waters notes. The federal government is helping underwrite some of that research and development cost via the funding of SuperTruck projects through the Dept. of Energy (DOE). Those projects—cost-shared public-private partnerships that involve OEMs such as Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) among many others—are helping to step up improvements in powertrain hardware as well, specifically engine design. “SuperTruck resources were used to develop our new common rail fuel system, wave piston, and turbo compounding system, all part of our 2017 powertrain lineup,” notes John Moore, VTNA’s marketing product manager for powertrains. “The resources provided by the DOE allowed us to gain greater efficiency, along with a deep reduction in cylinder soot output, and also taught us how important the entire vehicle is in gaining higher fuel efficiency,” he adds. Moore notes that the project combined tractor and trailer aerodynamics with low rolling resistance tires, lightweight carbon fiber vehicle components, and increases to the “brake thermal efficiency” of the engine by using waste heat recovery technologies. Those efforts, in tandem with the GHG regulations and “competitive market forces,” will drive further intensive integration efforts among truck OEMs over the next few years, he notes. “Smarter integration between the engine, transmission and axles, which in turn improve fuel efficiency, is demanded by our customers and required by impending GHG rules,” he continues. “On the horizon, rear axle ratios below 2.2 in combination with overdrive will drive fuel efficiency even higher for highway applications.” Such “smarter integration” also in­cludes broader links between the power­train and GPS to anticipate powertrain loads created by topography. “I-See, Volvo’s predictive cruise released this year, does just that,” Moore notes. “On the radar is ‘smart programming’ to help engine torque better match load conditions in demanding mountainous conditions, with parameters then switched back once you return to a level road. Such ‘telematics gateways’ will also help drivers find better routes with less congestion in real time.” A big positive The final Phase 2 GHG rule package is straightforward and positive, says DTNA’s Waters. “Ultimately, we decided we really like this rule,” he explains, primarily because the flexibility built into the rules will help motivate the development of technology for real-world fuel economy gains. “That’s a big positive. There will be better total cost of operation for customers in the long run. We’re confident we can do that,” Waters says. Most OEMs remain mum on what it will cost to comply with the Phase 2 rules and how much will be added to the base sticker price of a Class 8 truck. The Environmental Protection Agency projects a two-year payback window for linehaul operations because of fuel savings from these technological improvements, and Waters believes that projection is fairly accurate. “We think that’s a reasonable payback period,” he says. “We think we’ll be delivering a value package that will reduce total cost of operation for the customer.” Integration in the real world Back in 2013, paccar followed an integration path blazed by Cummins Engine Co. and Eaton Corp. by developing an integrated powertrain package called APEX that paired a Paccar MX-13 engine with Eaton AMT transmission units. This initial combination featured optimized shift calibration, weight savings, and proprietary control logic that resulted in an improvement in fuel efficiency of up to 4%. Flash forward four years and now Paccar is rolling out enhancements to its MX-13 and MX-11 engines that include a new single-cylinder air compressor, variable displacement oil pump, and variable speed coolant pump. The OEM also extended the oil and fuel filter change intervals from 60,000 mi. to 75,000 mi. for those engines, and it introduced a single-canister aftertreatment system much like Volvo’s EATS (exhaust aftertreatment system), which reduces weight by 100 lbs. How does any of that help fleets, especially those that don’t operate for extended lengths of time at steady-state highway speeds? The answer can be found with Reliable Trucking, a construction fleet that hauls dirt, aggregate, cement, and fly ash, among other material, in the San Francisco Bay Area and in the Sacramento Valley. Reliable recently started spec’ing lightweight Kenworth T880 tractors equipped with MX-11 engines integrated with Eaton Fuller UltraShift Plus AMT. By switching to an 11L versus 13L engine, the fleet sliced 400 lbs. from its overall truck weight, with another 100 lbs. tacked on from other spec’ing changes. By using an integrated powertrain built around the MX-11, which generates 430 hp. with 1,550 lbs.-ft. of torque, Reliable didn’t sacrifice on performance yet saved on fuel. “We’re getting the same pulling power as we were with our previous engine but with better fuel economy. That can mean up to $1,000 a year in fuel savings per truck,” Joe Sostaric, Reliable’s general manager, says. “Those are big numbers with a big payback. And when you can increase your payload by 2%, you’re talking substantial dollars. This is a very competitive business.” Gary Wagner, one of Reliable’s drivers, has been operating trucks for nearly 30 years. He notes that switching from a manual to an AMT connected to a smaller engine in Reliable’s trucks didn’t rob him of performance. “I’m never left begging for power with the MX-11 combination,” he says. “I can’t tell the difference between this and the bigger MX-13 engine we were driving before.”

Chevy's 2017 Cruze diesel hits milestone with 52 mpg highway rating Automotive News / February 13, 2017 The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel will achieve the highest highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid/electric vehicle on the market. General Motors said Monday the EPA certified the compact sedan at up to 52 miles per gallon highway and 30 mpg city when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The car with an available nine-speed automatic transmission is certified at an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 47 mpg highway and 31 mpg city. The combined fuel economy for both the manual and automatic transmissions is 37 mpg, the company said. The car is powered by a new lightweight, 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder turbodiesel engine offering 137 hp and 240 pounds-feet of torque. Pricing for the diesel-powered Cruze starts at $24,670, including $875 for shipping. GM has begun shipping the car to U.S. dealers. A hatchback version of the car will follow later this year for the 2018 model year, GM said. “Chevrolet is dedicated to offering customers a wide range of propulsion options,” said Steven Majoros, director of Chevrolet marketing. “We know there are customers looking for the right combination of fuel efficiency, driving dynamics, fuel type and more.” GM product development chief Mark Reuss hinted that the diesel-powered Cruze would achieve higher than 50 mpg highway at the 2017 Detroit auto show. The car is GM’s first non-hybrid vehicle since the Geo Metro XFi (rebadged Suzuki Cultus), with a 1-liter, 3-cylinder engine, in the 1990s to get an EPA-certified fuel economy rating of at least 50 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Sedan Gets Up to 52 MPG Car & Driver / February 13, 2017 Despite all the Volkswagen muck that has besmirched diesel power, Chevrolet is one of the manufacturers that are sticking with the alternative powertrain and pushing forward with new models. Chevrolet is once again launching a diesel option for the latest generation of its compact, the Cruze, and its just-announced EPA ratings of up to 52 mpg highway should raise some eyebrows. The diesel’s fuel-economy numbers are notably better than the gasoline-powered model’s. According to the EPA, the Cruze diesel sedan paired with a six-speed manual transmission (yes!) gets 30 mpg city, 52 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined. With a nine-speed automatic, the figures are 31 mpg city, 47 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined. The gasoline-powered Cruze with manual transmission is rated at 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined and with automatic gets 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. The engine in the Cruze diesel is a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four, and Chevrolet says it makes 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, although it did not specify where in the rev range those numbers occur. As we previously reported, the Cruze diesel sedan starts at $24,670 with the manual transmission and $26,270 with the automatic. The diesel engine also will make its way into the Cruze hatchback for the 2018 model year. With the Golf and Jetta diesels gone for good, the Cruze is now the only compact car to offer such an engine, so it has that part of the market cornered. Is this where disaffected TDI buyers will come to find solace? Chevrolet must hope so. Photo gallery - http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/tdi-tonic-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-sedan-gets-up-to-52-mpg

Wireless charging J2954 testing to 11 kW in 2017 for LD, HD starting up to 250 kW; autonomous charging and infrastructure proposal for California Green Car Congress / February 13, 2017 SAE International is working to ensure that electric vehicle wireless power transfer systems from diverse manufacturers will interoperate seamlessly with each other to prepare for commercialization in 2020. The SAE TIR (Technical Information Report) J2954 provides guidance to ensure performance and safety of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) Systems provided from one vendor as well as interoperability when parts of the system are provided from different vendors. SAE International is engaged with the Idaho National Lab and US Department of Energy (DOE) in bench-testing of WPT 3 (11 kW) levels in 2017, said Jesse Schneider, chair of the SAE J2954 task force, in his presentation at the SAE 2017 Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technologies Symposium last week in San Diego. In addition, eight OEMs have light-duty vehicle testing planned to begin in third quarter for WPT 1-3 which is scheduled to be completed in 2018. In December 2016, interoperability between the so-called Double D (DD) and Circular Topologies was demonstrated between 3.7 to 7.7 kW (WPT 1 and WPT 2 power levels) with efficiencies exceeding 85-90% under aligned conditions. (Earlier post.) The Recommended Practice SAE J2954 will also contain guidance for vehicle alignment methods and determine a common location for the wireless charging ground assembly. Currently, magnetic field alignment through triangulation using the existing coils and alignment using an auxiliary antenna are being evaluated for this decision. The goal is to provide one methodology to align in order to be able to charge with high efficiency all SAE J2954 stations. This is for both manual (self-parking) and autonomous (automated) alignment possibilities. It is important to know that the only way to charge an autonomous vehicle automatically is to use wireless charging and SAE J2954 Recommended Practice will standardize this. —Jesse Schneider Further, SAE International has made a proposal to Electrify America to start a build-out of multiple hundreds of Light Duty Wireless Chargers starting in 2019 in public locations in California and ZEV states in three stages. The first stage, for light duty vehicles, creates an infrastructure based on J2954 (for example in malls, large workplaces, condominium complexes, etc). SAE also proposes 100 Heavy Duty Chargers in 2020 based on SAE J2954/2 (for example public transit agency, truck stops for anti-idling, etc.) in 2021 to create a wireless charging infrastructure with alignment communications for autonomous vehicles (for example, taxi fleets). This will also help independent organizations or government organizations to quantify how much wireless charging may increase the eVMT (electric Vehicle Miles Traveled) for wireless charging (inductive charging) vs. plug-in (conductive charging) electric vehicles. This could also be quantified in the form of a CO2 reduction potential by implementing wireless charging both in the home and in public locations. In addition, this could also provide some data to help to understand the potential of wireless charging to reduce the pulse in criteria pollutants emitted with the engine cold start of a range extender engine. (The last, noted Ryan Hart from the California Air Resources Board (ARB) in his talk at the SAE symposium, is not a negligible problem.) With a coordinated preliminary rollout of this technology, statistical information to gauge customer acceptance of both this new charging methodology as well as increased acceptance of the electric vehicle (for instance with convenience less or no range anxiety using wireless charging) can be gauged. Additionally, the heavy-duty wireless charging standardization initiative SAE J2954/2 is kicking off on 10 February in San Diego following the SAE symposium to standardize wireless power transfer at 50 kW-250 kW. This is to address opportunity charging at bus stops (similar to the Scania testing in Sweden, (earlier post). In addition, the meeting will launch an investigation of the optimized wireless charging power level to offset idling for heavy duty trucks at truckstops (and address the anti-idling laws). .

Chevrolet 2017 Cruze Diesel EPA-rated at 52 mpg highway, 37 mpg combined Green Car Congress / February 13, 2017 The 2017 Cruze Diesel Sedan (earlier post) fitted with the six-speed manual transmission offers an EPA-estimated highway mileage of 52 mpg (4.52 liters/100 km)—the highest highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid/non-EV in the US. The six-speed manual model returns an EPA-estimated city mileage of 30 mpg (7.83 l/100 km), resulting in 37 mpg (6.35 l/100 km) combined. Cruze Diesel with the nine-speed automatic achieves an EPA-estimated highway economy of up to 47 mpg and 31 city mpg, which results in 37 mpg combined. The 2017 Cruze Diesel Sedan, due to go on sale this spring, features a new B20-capable Ecotec 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine—already proven in Europe and other global markets—offering an SAE-certified 137 horsepower (102 kW) and 240 lb-ft of torque (325 N·m). Cruze Diesel passed all stringent US environmental standards and validation, including Tier 3 Bin 125 emissions standards. The EPA Tier 3 Bin 125 (California LEV III ULEV125) calls for 125 mg/mi of NMOG + NOx, and 2.1 g/mile of CO2. Under Tier 3, the numerical value of the seven bins corresponds to the NMOG + NOx milligram limit. The bins are 160; 125; 70; 50; 30; 20; and 0. The former individual NMOG and NOx limits were combined under LEV III and Tier 3 to provide vehicle manufacturers additional flexibility in meeting the combined limit values rather than the individual limits required under the older LEV II or Tier 2. By 2025, when it is fully implemented, LEV III will result in a 75% reduction in NMOG plus NOx emissions across the California fleet; the federal fleet achieves an 80% reduction in NMOG + NOx and a 70% reduction in PM with Tier 3. Based upon the EPA highway estimate, Cruze Diesel with the six-speed manual transmission has an estimated range of up to 702 highway miles on one tank of diesel fuel. Buyers will be able to option their Cruze Diesel Sedans with either a standard six-speed manual or a new, optional Hydra-Matic nine-speed automatic transmission that includes fuel-saving stop/start technology. A suite of connectivity features includes available OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility through Chevrolet MyLink. Pricing for 2017 Cruze Diesel Sedan starts at $24,670 including $875 destination charge. Base price of the entry-level gasoline-powered Cruze is $17,850. Cruze Diesel Hatch will follow Cruze Diesel Sedan later this year for the 2018 model year.

Now this.....it should read "too, not "to" Wrong "no challenge is to great." Correct "no challenge is too great." .

Certainly not my area of expertise, but it appears that the Oroville's weakness is by design, in that it is an earthfill "embankment dam". In my mind, this type of dam carries with it more risks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embankment_dam

Well done.

There was an minor issue, but Barry has resolved it. I run Firefox (as does Barry) and have not encountered any problems using it. If you run Firefox with the add-ons BetterPrivacy, Ghostery, NoScript and uBlock Origin, you'd be hard pressed to find a more secure browsing experience.

Nearly 200,000 people told to flee crumbling California dam spillway Reuters / February 13, 2017 Evacuation orders for nearly 200,000 people living below the tallest dam in the United States remained in place early on Monday after residents were abruptly told to flee when a spillway appeared in danger of collapse. Authorities issued the evacuation order on Sunday, saying that a crumbling emergency spillway on Lake Oroville Dam in north California could give way and unleash floodwaters onto rural communities along the Feather River. "Immediate evacuation from the low levels of Oroville and areas downstream is ordered," the Butte County sheriff said in a statement posted on social media. The California Department of Water Resources said on Twitter at about 4:30 p.m. PST (0030 GMT Monday) that the spillway next to the dam was "predicted to fail within the next hour." Several hours later the situation appeared less dire, as the damaged spillway remained standing. The state water resources department said crews using helicopters would drop rocks to fill a huge gouge, and authorities were releasing water to lower the lake's level after weeks of heavy rains in the drought-plagued state. By 10 p.m., state and local officials said the immediate danger had passed with water no longer flowing over the eroded spillway. But they cautioned that the situation remained unpredictable. "Once you have damage to a structure like that it's catastrophic," acting Water Resources director Bill Croyle told reporters. But he stressed "the integrity of the dam is not impacted" by the damaged spillway. Asked about the evacuation order, Croyle said "It was a tough call to make." He added: "It was the right call to make." 'DO NOT TRAVEL NORTH' Butte County Sheriff Korey Honea told an earlier news briefing he was told by experts that the hole forming in the spillway could compromise the structure. Rather than risk thousands of lives, the decision was made to order evacuations. Officials said they feared the damaged spillway could unleash a 30-foot wall of water on Oroville, north of the state capital Sacramento. They said evacuation orders remained in place for some 188,000 people in Oroville, Yuba County, Butte County, Marysville and nearby communities and would be re-evaluated at dawn. The Yuba County Office of Emergency Services urged evacuees to travel only to the east, south or west. "DO NOT TRAVEL NORTH TOWARD OROVILLE," the department warned on Twitter. Evacuation centers were set up at a fairgrounds in Chico, California, about 20 miles northwest of Oroville, but major highways leading south out of the area were jammed as residents fled the flood zone and hotels quickly filled up. Javier Santiago, 42, fled with his wife, two children and several friends to the Oroville Dam Visitors Center in a public park above the dam and the danger zone. With blankets, pillows and a little food, Santiago said: "We’re going to sleep in the car." The Oroville dam is nearly full following winter storms that brought relief to the state after four years of drought. Water levels were less than 7 feet (2 meters) from the top of the dam on Friday. State authorities and engineers on Thursday began releasing water from the dam after noticing that large chunks of concrete were missing from a spillway. California Governor Jerry Brown asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Friday to declare the area a major disaster due to flooding and mudslides brought on by the storms. The earthfill dam is just upstream and east of Oroville, a city of more than 16,000 people. At 770 feet (230 meters) high, the structure, built between 1962 and 1968, is the tallest U.S. dam, exceeding the Hoover Dam by more than 40 feet (12 meters). Photo gallery – http://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-dam-idUSKBN15S04W Video - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2017/feb/13/tallest-dam-in-us-on-brink-of-bursting-aerial-video

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Power Torque Magazine / February 2017 It’s often said that the Australian road transport operation is one of the most efficient in the world. Certainly, other countries envy our ability to run B-doubles and road trains, already one jump ahead of the Europeans with their single semitrailers. While the Europeans are experimenting with the idea of platooning, we are already way past the idea of having multiple prime movers, each running with one trailer, travelling so closely to each other that every one in the group relies on autonomous technology intervention to avoid an accident. With multiple trailer combinations such as we operate in road train application, Australia offers the productivity that Europe is trying to achieve, but with the added benefit of using just one high-horsepower prime mover out the front hauling multiple trailer combinations. The advent of Performance Based Standards (PBS) has resulted in further opportunities to improve productivity, aligned with higher safety standards. But in order to take advantage of what PBS approval can offer, it takes an operator with foresight and determination to carry through a project from the ideas stage to completion. Melbourne-based Maxwell Freightlines (MFL) has taken delivery of two new A-double PBS High Productivity trailer sets, adding to its growing interstate linehaul fleet. Developed in conjunction with Vawdrey Trailers and the NHVR, these first two A-double combinations are soon to be joined by a further two combinations, and, as they prove their effectiveness, there are further orders in the pipeline. The A-double road train combinations are at 30 metres in length and can run up to HML weights of 85.5 tonnes, providing exceptional efficiency possibilities to MFL’s expanding customer base. Coupled with the latest IAP Tracking technology and safety equipment including EBS, ABS, roll stability and E-Max weighing systems, the commencement of these A-double combinations on interstate running from Melbourne places MFL at the forefront of efficiency and safety. The attraction of improved productivity and efficiency means that for every two A-double road trains brought into the fleet, the company is able to carry the same volume and weight that previously required three B-doubles. Given that the industry is very concerned about current, and in particular future driver shortages, this initiative is capable of going a long way to assisting Australian operators to handle the forecast increase of the freight task. MFL is not the first operator to run A-double road train combinations from the eastern states, as NSW-based Hills Tankers is using A-doubles to carry up to an increase of 30 percent in payload. This is achieved while offering a greatly reduced carbon footprint and benefiting the environment with the lowest emissions per tonne of carbon carried on an Australian road today. With EBS and ABS throughout the entire combination, Hills Tankers is using Volvo FH prime movers that incorporate all the latest levels of driver intervention technology such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert and Wabco reverse warning systems. What makes the MFL A-double operation unique is how the company took up the challenge itself to organise all the necessary planning and approvals of road and bridge weight analysis through a two-year consultation programme with local authorities and shires. Once the approvals were granted, it enabled MFL to become the first Victorian-based transport operation to commence an interstate A-double road train service from Melbourne. In similar fashion to the experience of Hills Tankers, MFL is therefore able to benefit from the increased productivity of the A-double concept, that in MFL’s case enables it to operate as two 20-pallet trailers within a 30 m overall length. The Vawdrey Titeliner trailers were built specifically for this operation with a focus on low tare weight to achieve maximum payloads. Total operating flexibility is also ensured through the new trailer sets being supplied in straight-deck and in drop-deck configuration incorporating two mezzanine decks. Using Hendrickson INTRAAX axles with HXL7 hubs, the Vawdrey Titeliner trailers feature Super Strap load restraint curtains, lightweight aluminium extruded floors and alloy gates throughout, plus Alcoa alloy wheel rims. Jost Australia was selected to provide landing legs and fifth wheel couplings, with the dolly featuring a Jost JSK37 greaseless fifth wheel. Lighting is by Hella Australia, and Emax Air-Weigh digital on-board weighing systems are featured throughout the trailers and dolly. The A-doubles are currently able to operate at CML weights of 81.5 tonnes, and this weight level may be subject in the future to an increase to 85.5 tonnes once further bridge assessment reviews have been completed. The prime movers are themselves rated for road train application at 90 tonnes. MFL has never been afraid to pioneer different ideas in transport, with experience in operating quad/quad skeletal trailers and B-doubles. Since MFL was established in 2008, the MFL fleet has grown to its current position where it operates more than 30 interstate linehaul rigid and B-double combinations. Because of the overall length restrictions applicable to A-double combinations, the company has moved from its traditional selection of Mack prime movers to that of Volvo FH and Kenworth K200 6×4 units. As Tony Tomarchio, general manager of Maxwell Freightlines, told PowerTorque: “Above all, we pride ourselves on our service and safety records. We had to find different ways of being more productive and responsive to the needs of the industry. “We are a general freight carrier, not an express freight operation. From a profitability point of view we have done the numbers and it comes down to how the A-doubles fit in to our style of operation. “We know the future of transport is to have less combinations on the road, where two A-double units can carry the same load as three B-double combinations. “As the A-doubles come into play, bonneted trucks are not going to suit this application, so cabovers are the future for this type of operation. “For our B-double operation we currently run Macks rated at 650 hp, Volvos rated at 700 hp and Kenworths rated at 600 hp, all fitted with automated manual transmissions (AMTs). We fit all cabs with TVs and fridges and we try to get the biggest bunks we can, as driver comfort is very important to us. At the end of the day, that is their workplace. We don’t do two-up anywhere and where possible we work to a one-driver/one-truck regime. “In A-double application the Volvo FH700 and Kenworth K200 with PBS approval authorised by the NHVR have produced an exceptional focus on safety, with Wabco EBS, ABS, roll stability and Emax Air-Weigh onboard weighing systems. We also include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring systems. “We don’t need to upgrade our horsepower and torque ratings to move from B-doubles to A-doubles, but the prime movers are not interchangeable between the two different applications. “Under PBS requirements the prime movers have to be designated to run with the A-double combination and are limited to a maximum road speed of 90 km/h, with different gear ratios and final drives. “All have IAP units so we are able to monitor everything, and we aim to maintain a one driver per truck system,” added Tony. The difference in vehicle specification due to the higher weights of PBS-approved A-doubles and the maximum permitted road speed of 90 km/h sees a typical rear axle ratio of 4.56:1 for Kenworth and 3.78 for Volvo. The prime movers operating currently on B-double work have diff ratios of 4.33:1 for Kenworth, 3.4:1 for Volvo and 3.73:1 for Mack. In terms of tyre fitment, MFL has a tyre maintenance programme administered by Samuels Tyres running with Kumho KRT01 275/70R22.5 tyres on the trailers with inflation pressures of 90 psi. The fitment of Hendrickson TIREMAAX PRO automatic tyre inflation systems, as standard, safeguards tyre performance and the average tyre life is said to be 250,000 to 300,00 km. Other tyre preferences include Michelin Multi-D and Bridgestone M766 drive tyres, running at inflation pressures of 95 psi, and Toyo steer tyres. Haulmax 11R22.5 sized tyres are fitted to the road train dolly. “With the fleet consisting predominantly of new prime movers, the service requirements are completed under a contract maintenance programme with the manufacturer through the local dealership network,” said Tony Tomarchio. “That gives the benefit of a complete paper trail. We know how it works out on a fuel economy basis. If you know your fixed costs then you can lock in for that TCO with just a few variables. With a locked-in contract maintenance programme in place for 48 or 60 months, dependent on the application, you know your costs. “The Volvos are slightly better on fuel with little variation between KW and Macks in B-double work. We think that in the long term Volvo might be superior, but we have not been running them for long enough at this stage, with all of them being at Euro 5 emissions levels with AdBlue. The Kenworth K200s are good on AdBlue, usually around 4.0 percent of fuel use. It doesn’t vary much. “Driver training takes a high priority in MFL, with regular requirements for medical checks, and alert systems in place for upgrades and renewals. We don’t have a major driver turnover, which is to our advantage. “The drivers are very accepting of the new safety intervention systems. They appreciate they are there to assist them, and if this technology is available why would we not introduce it? It’s part of our usual business regime to have the safest, most cost effective vehicles on the road. “We are not an express freight operation so our trucks are generally off the road at midnight. We keep the drivers to a regular regime as the safest way to operate and have found that in the long term it pays dividends. All the things we need to do ensure our safety and the safety of our drivers,” added Mr. Tomarchio. .

Power Torque Magazine / February 2017 Two years since the preview of the International ProStar at the last Brisbane Truck Show, IVECO is starting to ramp information as to the detailed specification of the trucks that form the return of the American brand name to the Australian market. The key to its intended success from day one depends on the work completed by the engineering team to ensure that the Pro-Star is not just viewed as a right hand drive version of an American truck, but is engineered to incorporate design changes that will enable the Pro-Star to rival any other existing conventional on the Australian market .These attributes are focussed on durability, class-leading aerodynamics, good visibility and excellent ride and handling. Having worked on the development of the CAT Truck for the Australian market, Adrian Wright, in his new role of International’s local Engineering Manager, says the project followed a comprehensive integrated product development process that left nothing to chance. “We began by working out the key requirements for this market,” he said. “Obviously, one was RHD – fortunately the cab was designed from the outset to accommodate either LHD or RHD, so we had a solid place to start from, we also wanted a short bumper to back of cab for B-double applications, and a 15 litre 550 horsepower engine.” “The Cummins X15 was the obvious choice – it is the evolution of the ISXe5, an engine now well proven in Australian conditions.” Cummins have the local expertise on the 15 Litre SCR engine, Australia being the lead market where the engine platform was introduced, and the company assisted with both the engine installation and certification and testing. The ProStar models will be aimed at operational requirements in the truck and dog segment and will be suitable for 34 pallet B-double, 36 pallet B-double and even B-triple and two trailer road train work. Other benefits of the model include superior aerodynamics when compared to other bonneted vehicles, resulting in up to a 10 per cent drag reduction – this combined with the latest engine technology from Cummins has shown impressive fuel consumption figures in local trials. As well as aiding aerodynamics, the sloping hood provides exceptional forward visibility, while the interior cabin has been designed to provide a more car-like driving position with optimised ergonomics for reduced driver fatigue on extended hour routes. .

Big Rigs / February 12, 2017 IVECO reckons it's done well in the Australian market through the past 12 months with its revitalised product range combined with increased management stability and growing professional Dealer Network. This has reflected extremely positively in Australia and New Zealand, with IVECO achieving a combined full year volume growth of over 25 per cent in 2016. IVECO New Zealand recorded its best sales performance on record, with a 45 per cent volume increase on 2015 full year results. In Australia, IVECO achieved a 6 per cent full year volume increase, the brand's best sales performance since 2013. IVECO Australia Marketing Manager Darren Swenson said the company was pleased with the result as it marked a turnaround for the brand and would help build a foundation for additional future growth. "The last two to three years has seen considerable change at IVECO, a new management structure has been implemented, our manufacturing facility has undergone restructuring and there has been considerable time and effort devoted to better meeting the needs of our customers,” Mr Swenson said. "Wholesale changes of this nature obviously take time to effect, so it's exciting to already be seeing some early benefits as an organisation as well as for our customers.” Boasting one of the widest product ranges of any manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand, from car-licence van and cab chassis through to road train-capable prime movers (Australia only) and an off-road range second to none, IVECO will continue with its new model releases and product upgrades into 2017. Due for launch this year is the award-winning Euro6 Eurocargo, International Truck of the Year 2016, while Daily van, cab chassis and Daily 4x4 models would also benefit from upgrades along with selected Stralis variants to name just a few. Exciting new products aside, Mr Swenson also nominated the brand's continued investment in its Dealer Network and promoting its aftersales products and services, as key priorities for 2017. "The Dealer Network has grown markedly over the past 12 months and now encompasses over 60 outlets comprising of full line, light duty and parts and service outlets,” he said. "This number will expand in 2017 with additional strategic appointments and the further evolution of existing outlets. "Similarly, through our successful 'Trusted' messaging, we'll further promote the brand's aftersales offerings in an effort to increase buyer awareness of Dealer servicing and our range of extended warranties, program maintenance contracts and related products. "A big thank you to all the buyers who supported IVECO in 2016 - rest assured that the company is focused on continuing to meet their transport requirements well into the future.” .

Hino Dakar 2017 photo gallery - http://www.hino-global.com/dakar/gallery/index.html