Obama Spends Millions to Boost Long Haul Truck Fuel Efficiency 50%

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truck long haulOwners of corporate fleets and long-haul trucking firms should reap the benefits of a new stimulus package that aims to boost the fuel efficiency of U.S.-manufactured vehicles.

The $187 million injection will be augmented by another 50 percent in funding from the private sector, Reuters reports.

A total of nine projects are receiving funds, reports the Detroit News.

Three of those have a goal of boosting the fuel efficiency of long-haul trucks by half or more.

Cummins Inc. is getting $38. million to develop a more efficient, cleaner-burning diesel engine, an aerodynamic tractor-trailer and a waste heat recovery system. The company also will use the funds to develop an auxiliary fuel cell power unit to be used in lieu of engine idling during stops, according to a press release.

Daimler Trucks North America LLC is getting $39.6 million to downsize engines, electrify oil and water pumps and improve aerodynamics, waste heat recovery and hybrid vehicles.

Navistar Inc. is getting $37.3 million for similar projects, as well as developing reduced rolling resistance tires.

In the automotive sector, Chrysler is getting $14.5 million to improve minivan fuel efficiency and emissions.

Cummins is getting another $15 million to develop a diesel engine that is 40 percent more fuel efficient.

Ford, Delphi, GM and Robert Bosch also are receiving awards ranging from $7 million to $15 million.

Foreign vehicle manufacturers also are gearing up for massive energy efficiency gains.

For instance, Toyota has said it wants to increase the average fuel economy of its new vehicles by 27 percent by 2011, compared to a baseline of 2002.

And, with or without national standards, California and Quebec are adopting higher standards on vehicle emissions.

Quebec's rules, which are modeled after California's, take effect Jan. 14.

Environment + Energy Leader