Dometic sees day cabs as ripe for idle reduction
NEW ORLEANS. Dometic Environmental Corporation, a supplier of battery-based idle reduction solutions, was among the exhibitors at the 2008 American Trucking Assns. Management Conference and Exhibition held here this week.
While many companies are reporting serious declines in their business for 2008, Dometic is seeing its business go up, according to Lou Siegel, senior vp of strategic business development for Dometic.
“Our business is actually up for the year,” Siegel said. “More people seem to be moving to battery-based idle-reduction solutions.” While the new California Air Resources Board (CARB) idling regulations have contributed somewhat to the uptick in sales, Siegel noted, it has not been the only reason for the increased interest in battery-powered idle reduction systems.
“The new CARB regulations have made a little difference to our sales and tax grants and incentives for idle reduction have also helped a little,” he added. “However, we are also seeing a growing interest in battery-based systems for day cabs, which often idle 55% of the time or even more. Since we are one of the only suppliers with a solution specifically designed for day cabs, it has become a growth market for us. All fleets today are looking for ways to control fuel costs, not just long-haul carriers operating sleeper cabs.”
