Vehicles

SAE recommended practice puts new shine on corrosion testing Offering a range of tests covering a large number of variables, a new SAE recommended practice, J2721, aims to improve the corrosion resistance of parts and assemblies used in medium- and heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and buses. Read full story

Mercedes unveils prototype fuel-cell hybrid bus Combine Mercedes-Benz experience with fuel-cell buses to date with the hybrid drive elements of the diesel-electric Citaro G BlueTec serial hybrid bus and what is the result? The prototype Citaro fuel-cell hybrid bus, shown at the recent UITP Congress (the World Congress of the International Association of Public Transport) in Vienna. Read full story

Lightweighting heavy trucks Heavy trucks that weigh less but still carry the same payload—that’s the future according to Volvo Group engineers. Though lightweight technology has mainly been the domain of Volvo Aero for its aircraft engine components, engineers at AB Volvo’s research company, Volvo Technology, believe using similar technology can reduce the weight of the cab and chassis in heavy trucks by at least 20% within 10 years. Read full story

Ford could be first with lithium-ion on all-electric U.S. van/wagon Ford's imported van/wagon, the Transit Connect, will be converted to all-electric at a U.S. plant by Smith Electric Vehicles. It will be offered with two different-capacity battery packs, one rated for 70 miles, one for 100 miles. Availability is scheduled for start of second quarter of 2010. Read full story