The Slider, a side-fairing product from Aerofficient, has been honored with a Frost & Sullivan 2012 North American Trailer Aerodynamics New Product Innovation Award. The Slider automatically expands and contracts when the trailer’s wheel assemblies are moved forward and rearward, the company said.
“Aerofficient’s innovative Slider technology will be a game-changer, a solution which the trailer aerodynamic market has not seen before,” said Frost & Sullivan researchers. “Fixed-side fairings have been proven to save money, but the Slider technology enhances the trailer even further.”
According to the researchers, the Slider increased fuel savings up to 80% in zero wind conditions with a trailer setting of 41 ft., compared to only having a standard side fairing installed. Fleets can expect to see an approximately 7% boost in fuel economy compared to only using a fixed-side fairing, which provides on average 3 to 5% in fuel savings, Frost & Sullivan said.
“Our decision was based in part upon a comparison of competing products’ technological innovation, durability, product design, quality of materials, and value added to customers,” said Wallace Lau, lead researcher. “These parameters were used to derive the innovativeness of new trailer aerodynamics enhancement products in terms of augmenting customer value through the enhancement of fuel efficiency and reduction of lifecycle cost associated with the products across a wide range of duty cycles and application areas. At the core of Aerofficient’s products is the embodiment of these crucial traits. They are exceptionally lightweight and durable, fabricated from quality materials, and engineered to survive the rigors of long-term use. These traits were key factors resulting in Aerofficient being presented with the new production innovation award.”
Jim Reiman, Aerofficient CEO accepted the award at a banquet in San Jose, CA.
“We are extremely honored by this award,” said Reiman. “Aerofficient is all about customer ROI, so when an independent research firm with the standards of Frost & Sullivan says our products are better than our competitors’ because they yield superior savings and are more durable, it is a validation of our efforts and approach.”
