The North American Commercial Vehicle Show (NACV) that just concluded in Atlanta had plenty of glitz, but it also had plenty of substance. While electric trucks, fuel cell tractors, electrification and e-mobility played a large role, a number of companies introduced lower-profile products that are an important part of ensuring trucks stay on the road and trucking companies are profitable.
Below is a roundup of some of the noteworthy products introduced this week.
SkyBitz adds GPS tracking for light-, medium-duty vehicles
SkyBitz announced a new GPS tracking device for light- and medium-duty trucks. The SA2012 is equipped with 4G LTE with 3G fallback capability. The hardware can be installed using the SkyBitz Ops Center mobile device, either directly plugging it into the vehicle diagnostic port or covertly installing it behind the dashboard, depending on customer preference. Once installed, the device feeds into the Ops Center platform; users can manage this device alongside all others via a single interface. Customers will have coverage across North America.
The SkyBitz SA2012 comes with several pricing options, including the basic package, which features GPS location data and estimated odometer and engine hours. With several options leading up to the Pro package, SkyBitz offers a variety of location, engine and safety data that customers can select based on their operational goals and budget. Advanced alarms, notification schedules and over-the-air upgrades are available.
Freightliner adds FlowBelow locking wheel cover as option
The new FlowBelow locking aerodynamic wheel cover will be offered as an option on Freightliner Cascadia models beginning in the second quarter of 2020, the company announced. Currently, FlowBelow’s quick-release aerodynamic wheel covers are standard on Cascadia Aero and AeroX packages. The new locking function adds a key option, allowing fleets to ensure the wheel cover can’t be stolen off the tractor.
FlowBelow also announced that the International LT and RH series tractors will be available with a custom drive wheel fairing system. Gordon Virginski, vice president of OEM and dealer programs at FlowBelow, said the system was custom designed with Navistar engineers to ensure it was optimized for the tractors.
Virginiski said testing has shown the wheel covers provide a 0.7% fuel savings, while the entire tractor aero system offers a 2.23% savings. The company’s trailer Aero Slider product, which Mesilla Valley Transportation is installing on its trailers, adds fuel savings of 2.07%.
