Just like the new spring sun that struggled to peek out between torrential rains and snow flurries earlier in the week, a few rays of cautious optimism shone during the Mid-America Trucking Show, March 21-23.

Officials from a number of companies noted there had been increases in freight tonnage and other indicators that the industry might be climbing out of its long slump – in the granny lane, to be sure.

Truck builders reported a small surge in new truck orders, possibly from fleets jittery about the potential cost, reliability and efficiency of new engines coming later this year (see article on page 20). Like a song you can't get out of your head, engine builders and truck builders alike kept hearing the question, "How much is it gonna cost?" to which they all chorused: "We don't know yet." Generally, estimates of the increase ranged from $3,000 to $5,000.

Meanwhile, the industry is already looking ahead to 2007, when even tighter emissions controls are scheduled to take effect. How tight? As an executive at Volvo said, "Anybody know how to burn water?"

The engine questions aside, major industry suppliers continued the trend of the past couple of years of announcing few new or improved products. Medium duty and/or vocational vehicles were key parts of the news from nearly all major truck builders. Sales of construction trucks have suffered less than Class 8 trucks from the economic downturn.

Safety was also a key theme. For instance, Kenworth announced it would offer a night-vision system option later this year that extends visibility in darkness to 1,500 feet or more. The system also helps penetrate fog, such as that which lay over the Chattanooga area in early March when some 120 vehicles piled up.

Organizers declared the show as a success, with 980 exhibitors (down slightly from last year's record) and some 68,164 attendees from 47 states and nine foreign countries. Next year's show will be March 20-22. See www.truckingshow.com for details.

Among the newsmakers:

International

Vastly increased storage space is claimed for the new Premium and Eagle sleeper interiors for International's 9000i series. New seats, interior colors and gauges are featured for tractor cabs.

Storage space is enhanced with airliner-style overhead cabinets that make use of heretofore wasted space near the sleeper's ceiling. A rear-wall cabinet provides space to hang clothes, and a lift-up bunk with automatic lighting exposes more storage under the bed, some of it lockable.

Three levels of driver and passenger seating are now available, with standard dual armrests and increasing amounts of adjustability and support features.

Ivory-colored gauge faces offer a classic look, and include a digital odometer and a fuel mpg readout. Simulated wood trim is used on the instrument panel and doors.

Top-of-the-line options for International 9000i tractors include a dresser cabinet with pull-out work table, a tower wardrobe for hanging clothes, and an outside temperature and compass display on the dash. Special packages are available for telephone, cable TV and AC wiring, and a DC-to-AC power inverter that doubles as a battery charger when plugged into "shore power."

International also showed off a new 8600 regional daycab tractor featuring distinctive aerodynamics, plus a 7600 vocational truck, both using 10-, 11- or 12-liter Caterpillar or Cummins power. Both have the new wide, steel cab used on the new 4000 series, which has automotive styling and increased room compared to the old 4000 series. The new 4000 and 7000 series are also available with a four-door crewcab and a 26-inch extended cab, the latter with extra storage, seating or a bunk for naps or overnighters.

The 8600, a highly maneuverable, 107-inch BBC regional haul tractor, is available with up to 12-liter engines. The cab has a low hood, large windows and well-designed mirrors for excellent visibility.

Both 4x2 and 6x4 models are available with an extended cab with a 26-inch DOT-legal bunk, so drivers can relax while waiting to load and unload. The bunk lifts to 75 degrees to reveal 9 cubic feet of storage. Ventilation in the bunk is enhanced by optional swing-out side windows. Cab air suspension is standard.

Freightliner

With officials saying Freightliner Trucks' turnaround plan was on target, the company announced it is replacing its 11-year-old Business Class medium/heavy-duty series with a totally redesigned "M2." The M2 is roomier, quieter and smoother-looking than the current models, and should be battling competitors' recently introduced Class 5 through 8 midrange models.

Freightliner also reintroduced its premium Coronado long conventional. It originally debuted at the Dallas truck show in late 2000, but was withheld from production due to the recession. The deluxe tractor is now slated for building starting in June.The company will continue to build the venerable Classic and Classic XL models.

And it announced a "factory reconfigured" Century daycab, rebuilt from used 72-inch high-rise SleeperCabs at its refurbishing center at Tooele, Utah. SleeperCabs have become surplus since the economic slowdown, but demand for daycab tractors remains strong, so converting the OTR sleepers into local/regional tractors makes sense. They'll be sold through dealers and the builder's own SelecTrucks outlets.

Cat Electronics

Look ma, no engine accessories. By 2004, Cat Electronics, the engine controls arm of Caterpillar Inc., will let you brag to your mom, or anyone, that your truck diesel needs no separate alternator, air compressor, air conditioning compressor or water pump.

The so-called MorElectric system will instead use electrically driven accessories powered by a large engine-driven generator that doubles as a starter motor. This is bolted to the engine at the flywheel. Accessories will run only when needed, reducing parasitic drag on the engine by up to 23% and boosting fuel economy by 9 to 14%.

For cab and sleeper heating, ventilation and cooling, an HVAC module will run off the engine's generator, or from plug-in "shore power." An auxiliary power unit (shown here) driven by a small diesel will supply energy if no plug-in power is available. The electrically driven HVAC module should eliminate most idling of the truck's main engine during long breaks, saving fuel and cutting air pollution.

MorElectric is designed for today's 12/14-volt electrical systems, not another futuristic 36/42-volt apparatus requiring radical alterations of the vehicle. The generator-starter and other MorElectric devices will be available to all engine and truck builders, says Cat Electronics, which is developing the system with the U.S. Department of Energy, Kenworth Truck Co. and two specialty suppliers.

SmartBrake

Infinite air-operated settings have been added to the SmartBrake exhaust brake, allowing varying retarding force throughout the engine's operating range. A dial on the dash allows the driver to set the power he needs for any situation. The brake also helps warm up the engine, keeps the cab warm and act as an emergency shut-down in instances of runaway revving.

SmartBrake Air Set develops significant retarding power but emits a quiet growl instead of the sometimes loud rapping that has caused many municipalities to outlaw engine brakes.

SmartBrake costs less and weighs less than engine brakes and electric or hydraulic retarders, and can be installed in less time, the company says.

Truck-Lite

It looks like a regular oblong-shaped tail/stop/turn signal light with an incandescent bulb, but it's actually an LED lamp with a single diode. That makes Truck-Lite's Super 66 lamp less likely to be stolen, and it will probably burn for 11 years before needing any attention from you or your shop people.

The Super 66's color is the deep red characteristic of LEDs, and illumination is instantaneous. But its reflector and lens are designed to emit a homogeneous light pattern, like an incandescent. LEDs have caught truckers' fancy, so they are targets of thieves, Truck-Lite explained. Super 66 now costs a bit more than the company's 6-diode LED tail/stop/signal lamp, but eventually should cost less.

Truck-Lite also showed an amber LED unit that's a combination side marker light and turn signal for trailers. The Super 60 is the first LED that qualifies under DOT standards for both uses, so it could replace two side lamps. It has 11 diodes and is available with grommet mounts or the more secure reinforced flange mounts.

IMMI Komfort Latch

IMMI, the company that brings you the yellow Komfort Latch on your shoulder belt, now has a sliding version that's said to be more comfortable. The sliding version of the latch allows more extreme up-and-down movements as the seat bounces in response to road bumps, and lets you to reach forward to operate various switches and controls. The familiar yellow latch sometimes releases under such movements, pulling the shoulder belt against your chest. So drivers complained, and IMMI listened.

The Sliding Komfort Latch will fit on a variety of lap-shoulder belt arrangements and is available through many truck builders. Making belt-wearing more comfortable and convenient encourages drivers to wear their belts, and makes them safer, the company said.

Haldex

Haldex Brake Systems announced two new air dryers, advanced-technology friction materials, and simplified connectors for its anti-lock brakes using PLC multiplexing.

Both air dryers use a multi-treatment cartridge with five-step cleaning that removes 99% of moisture and contaminants. The DRYest unit has an integrated turbo protection valve to prevent engine horsepower loss. An integrated regeneration valve and high air flow ensure sufficient air for high-volume applications. The PURest unit uses an integrated purge valve which eliminates the need for a separate purge tank. It also features a universal mounting bracket so a PURest unit can replace other dryers.

Haldex "Hx" brake blocks "are a new prescription for friction" because they use polymer chemistry to bond lining to the shoe's table. The chemistry allows better mixing of friction ingredients with fewer abrasive fibers, improving lining and drum life. Four Hx Performance products are offered: Fleet, for on-highway use; Premium, for high-speed operators wanting longer life; Universal, also for highway service; and Heavy, for heavily loaded axles.

PLC Select ABS has simplified connectors that eliminate wiring for easier installation at the vehicle factory. It's designed for the two-sensor/one-modulator anti-lock braking systems that go in 70% of trailers today. Like other Haldex ABS products, it uses powerline carrier multiplexing to send malfunction signals to the tractor's warning light.

Volvo

Volvo has a new, optional satellite communications system, Volvo Link, which can be fully integrated into any new Volvo. The system also can be retrofit to any model year 2000-up Volvo VN or VHD truck. It requires no keyboard in the cab. Designed for owner-operators and small fleet owners, Volvo Link is relatively affordable compared with other systems. Service fees are $14.95 per truck per month, with per-message fees ranging from 20 t0 50 cents.

Messages are viewed on the driver information display. With the unit turned on, the windshield wiper control stalk on the steering column becomes a "mouse," used to scroll through a menu of pre-formatted messages, or to create new ones. The unit has a built-in GPS system and a proprietary modem. Volvo Link can transmit truck location, vehicle diagnostics, fuel economy reports and more. Messages can be retrieved at company locations via the Internet. Using GPS features, Volvo Link serves as a locator in case of theft.

Kenworth

Kenworth will offer the Bendix X-Vision using the Bendix infrared camera and processors, but with Kenworth's proprietary flat-panel in-dash monitor. The display will also integrate TV cameras and other safety and information systems.

Kenworth also introduced its extended day cab for T-600, T-800 and W-900 models. It adds 6 inches to current cab length, allowing the driver's seat to be two inches farther from the steering wheel, while letting the seat back recline to 21 degrees. Two-and-a-half cubic feet of added storage are available along the back wall. The most obvious feature are the optional corner windows, which make lane changes and backing easier and safer.

Bendix

Bendix, now a part of Europe's Knorr-Bremse Group, announced that a new generation of air disc brakes has been developed for the North American market. The ADB 225 is 30% lighter than its European counterpart, where ADBs have 80% of the market. ADBs stop an average of 26% shorter than drum brakes. Performance tests were done on the 8-mile long, 7% westbound grade at the Eisenhower Tunnel. S-cam brakes required 60-70 psi. In the same application, discs needed only 30-40 psi. Another test showed S-cam brakes slowing a truck 20 feet per second, while ADBs managed 24-25 fps at the same pressure. From 60 mph, ADBs will stop a truck in 215 feet. At 75 mph, they can stop a truck in 345 feet – 172 feet,sooner than drum brakes. The ADB 225 will be available here this fall, after final field trials.

Delphi

Delphi got drivers' attention by doing installations of satellite radio systems designed for truck use during the show. Its receivers will be offered as options on Peterbilts and Freightliners.

Delphi also showed its new Freedom Extra Battery. It has no free liquid. All electrolyte (acid) is absorbed in a fiberglass mat, similar to a sponge absorbing liquid. The battery is leak-proof and spill-proof, allowing mounting anywhere within a vehicle – inside a cab, sideways or even upside down. It uses gas recombinant technology in a heat-sealed, maintenance-free structure. It costs about 50% more than ordinary batteries, but provides twice the life.

Delphi also announced that its previously shown Truck Productivity Center is now available. Running on the Windows CE operating system, the TPC can integrate audio, GPS and wireless communication. Voice commands enable you to send and receive short e-mail messages, auto-dial a cell phone, and set audio devices like your radio.

XM Satellite Radio

The Truck Writers of North America gave their annual Technical Achievement Award to XM Satellite Radio. The award marks the first time the award has gone to a service rather than a hardware item. XM has won a slew of awards, and reports fast growth as the receivers hit the market.

Drivers who have signed up for sat-radio rave about it – they love the variety of choice, the clarity and the simple fact that the signal doesn't fade out after 30 or 40 miles, but stays strong and clear all across the country.

Most visitors at MATS were unaware that a U.S. Senator was among them, admiring the shiny trucks and big engines. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colorado) – a former truck driver who still is licensed – was taking a few days off from making law to enjoy the simpler pleasures of chrome.

I spotted him on the last day of the show, strolling through the Paul K. Young Memorial Truck Show. He said he had just bought a Sterling 9500 to tow trailers (he's also an avid biker – check his Senate Web site www.senate.gov/~campbell) and was looking for ideas to dress it up.

With a laugh, he said he bought the Sterling in Maryland and drove it home. In Ohio, a trooper flagged him down. "He asked me if I knew how fast I was going. These new trucks have so much power, I didn't realize I was going too fast!" Campbell said. The trooper let him off with a warning.

Sighting a vintage cabover, Campbell reminisced about his early days behind the wheel, grappling with twin-stick transmissions and low-powered engines. His favorite truck at MATS was "Shadow Dancer" owned by A.J. Leonhardt and shown here. — Bill Hudgins