Electronics key to truck performance

Sept. 26, 2003
DALLAS, TX – Tom Diefenbaker will tell you that electronic engine systems are not only critical for getting the most out of today’s trucks, they will become even more vital when the next engine-emission rules go into effecting 2007. “Along with the new emission standards in 2007, we also face an onboard diagnostic system requirement as well,” Diefenbacker, director of electronic products for Detroit
DALLAS, TX – Tom Diefenbaker will tell you that electronic engine systems are not only critical for getting the most out of today’s trucks, they will become even more vital when the next engine-emission rules go into effecting 2007.

“Along with the new emission standards in 2007, we also face an onboard diagnostic system requirement as well,” Diefenbacker, director of electronic products for Detroit Diesel Corp., told Fleet Owner.

“In 2007, we have to be able to constantly monitor the performance of the emission system, logging data in case the system doesn’t cut emissions enough,” he explained at the Great American Truck Show. “That’s why diagnostic information will become so important in 2007.”

Diefenbacker added that engine electronics will also help fleets better manage the major factor driving the fuel economy of their low-emission trucks: driver behavior.

“Driver behavior is the biggest factor in the fuel economy trucks get,” he said. “Having engine performance data, then, helps drivers improve their ability to meet the standards fleets set in order to get the best fuel economy and performance from their trucks. That information will become even more important to help offset the fuel economy impact of low-emission engine technology in the future."

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Editor in Chief

Sean previously reported and commented on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry. Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

Sponsored Recommendations

Reducing CSA Violations & Increasing Safety With Advanced Trailer Telematics

Keep the roads safer with advanced trailer telematics. In this whitepaper, see how you can gain insights that lead to increased safety and reduced roadside incidents—keeping drivers...

80% Fewer Towable Accidents - 10 Key Strategies

After installing grille guards on all of their Class 8 trucks, a major Midwest fleet reported they had reduced their number of towable accidents by 80% post installation – including...

Proactive Fleet Safety: A Guide to Improved Efficiency and Profitability

Each year, carriers lose around 32.6 billion vehicle hours as a result of weather-related congestion. Discover how to shift from reactive to proactive, improve efficiency, and...

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry during this informative webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!