Chassis

Navistar Inc. has launched its International TranStar regional haul tractor with MaxxForce 13 engine with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) emissions technology.

General Motors Co. announced that the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust (UAW VEBA) has started a secondary public offering of up to 45,454,545 warrants to purchase GM common stock.

The record-setting pace of light-vehicle sales in the United States – especially for pickup trucks – is  projected to remain high, and that should boost freight demand from the automotive industry through the close of the year.

Sixty-five percent of fleet executives plan to place orders for Class 8 trucks in the next three months—an increase from the 53% that responded affirmatively during the second-quarter survey in April.

Eaton’s lineup of manual transmissions is now available as an option on Freightliner chassis equipped with Cummins Westport ISX-12 G heavy-duty natural gas engines.

Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR) announced that second-quarter revenues grew to $120.9 million, up 5.7% from the same quarter in 2012, due to growth in the Specialty Vehicles segment.    

Preliminary data shows July Class 8 truck net orders at 17,307 – up 38% from the same month a year ago, according to FTR Associates.

North American Class 8 net orders were 36% higher in July over last year, with the preliminary count coming in at 17,600 units.

Truck manufacturers are anticipating busier order books in the second half of the year thanks to new models and impending new emissions regulations, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Kenworth Northwest has opened a new 26,400-square-foot, full-service facility in Lakewood, Wash., with easy access to Interstate 5.