Feds And Industry Join To Improve Environmental Impact Of HD Trucks

DEARBORN, Mich. November 13, 2002; The AP reported that The federal government and auto industry are expanding a partnership to develop more fuel-efficient heavy trucks and buses, U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said Tuesday.

"Our goal is to dramatically improve the energy efficiency and safety of trucks and buses, while maintaining a dedicated concern for the environment," Abraham said in remarks prepared for delivery at an energy forum in this Detroit suburb.

The expanded partnership will focus on building engines that use alternative fuels and heavy-duty trucks that use gasoline-electric powertrains. The initiative is called the "New Vision for the 21st Century Truck Partnership."

In April 2000, then-Vice President Al Gore announced the original government research agreement in a speech in Romulus.

The new program also will look at ways to minimize or eliminate engine idling, reduce energy loss from aerodynamic drag and improve the safety of heavy-duty trucks.

The partnership now includes 16 companies, up from the initial nine.

The effort is expected to help the trucking industry by speeding up the introduction of safety advances such as collision avoidance and rollover-prevention devices.

Heavy trucks and buses are a major source of oil consumption and air pollution, said Jason Mark, director of the clean vehicles program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

They make up about 2 percent of vehicles on U.S. roads but account for two-thirds of soot pollution and nearly 30 percent of smog-forming pollution from highway vehicles, Mark told The Detroit News.

The same vehicles consume about 2.3 million barrels of oil a day -- about the same amount of oil imported from the Persian Gulf, Mark said.

"The challenge for a research and development program is getting technologies out of the laboratory and onto the road," Mark said.

The partnership includes various federal agencies, General Motors Corp., DaimlerChrysler AG, and engine and truck manufacturers.

Abraham also announced a "roadmap" for expanding use of hydrogen for such uses as in fuel-cell powered cars and trucks