MONTREAL, Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - PIT Group, a
research and engineering group focused on improving fleet
maintenance and operations in the North American transportation
industry, today announced that it was chosen by International Truck
to test the fuel efficiency of its newest model and engine.
"International Truck commissioned PIT Group to test its new
LT Series tractor and A26 engine after taking part in the
In-Service Fuel Testing we conducted last year for a large PIT
Group fleet member," said Yves
Provencher director, market and business development at PIT
Group. "They trusted our unbiased fuel efficiency testing
capabilities after witnessing the credibility of our processes in
that evaluation of a variety of tractor and powertrain
combinations. PIT Group is proud of its involvement in a project of
this magnitude."
"We appreciate that International Truck recognized the value
of our testing procedures and the professionalism of our team,"
stated Dwayne O. Haug, Business
Development at PIT Group and head of its U.S. operations.
"Our growing operations in the U.S. are the result of our
credibility with a wide range of OEMs and manufacturers. We look
forward to working with more trucking industry suppliers to
validate the fuel efficiency of their technologies."
For International Truck, the PIT Group tested the fuel
efficiency of its new LT Series 625 Class 8 tractor and A26 engine
against competitive tractors with similar specifications. For the
test, PIT Group procured 2018 model year vehicles with 2017 GHG
compliant engines. The 6x4 tractors were fitted with full
aerodynamics and pulled 53-ft van trailers with side skirts.
The test followed TMC Fuel Economy Test Procedure – Type IV
(RP 1109B) consisting of three valid
test runs. The 341-mile test route covered flat and hilly terrain,
and it was divided into two segments, with the midpoint being
situated at 173 miles from the start. Trailers and drivers paired
with tractors in the first test segment were switched to the other
tractors during the following segment.
Fuel consumption was also measured by weighing portable tanks
before and after each run, according to TMC Fuel Consumption Test
Procedure – Type III (RP1103A). Gravimetric measurement of fuel
consumption according to TMC Type III procedure is more precise and
accurate than volumetric measurement, as it is not affected by
temperature variances.
Since 2007, PIT Group has evaluated the fuel efficiency of over
280 technologies for manufacturers across North America. Included are trucks, tractors,
trailer aerodynamic devices, tires and wheel balancing systems,
tarp systems for dump trailers, fuel, oil and gear lube additives,
and alignment and tire pressure settings.
"Fuel costs remain the second greatest source of expense in
the transportation industry," said Haug. "We work closely
with both manufacturers and fleets to help them improve fuel
efficiency, and we believe these results will be of great interest
to fleets looking to reduce costs and grow the bottom
line."
Formed in 1902, International Truck is a leading producer of
medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks and severe-service trucks.
Its products, parts and services are sold through a network of
nearly 1,000 dealer outlets in the United
States, Canada,
Brazil and Mexico. Visit www.internationaltrucks.com.
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding
company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International®
brand commercial and military trucks, proprietary diesel engines,
and IC Bus® brand school and commercial buses. An affiliate also
provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate
offers financing services. Additional information is available at
www.Navistar.com.
About PIT Group
PIT Group, a division of
FPInnovations, is a neutral, third-party organization that focuses
on testing technologies and evaluating operational effectiveness
for member fleets. PIT Group's four main areas of focus are:
testing fuel efficiency of technologies using its Energotest,
verifying that ELD solutions meet the US and/or Canadian
requirements, assessing fleet operations for areas of improvements
and research, testing and development of smart mobility
solutions. PIT Group's Energotest is recognized in the
trucking industry as the gold standard for fuel economy tests and
is ISO 17025 certified. Fleets across North America rely on PIT Group's insight and
advice because of their operations and maintenance expertise. For
more details, visit http://www.thepitgroup.com.
SOURCE FPInnovations