SAE Commercial Vehicle Congress

Budget cuts fueling military collaborations Collaboration has become a watchword for the many aspects of vehicle development projects over the past years as cost-strapped vehicle makers added complex electronic features and functions to vehicles. Military developers also are planning to use even more of these linkups as military budget cuts loom. Read full story

Hybrids face challenges in military usage Hybrid and electric vehicles are being eyed by the military, which has often found it difficult to supply fuel when many vehicles are on the move. But a number of challenges must be overcome before warfighters see electrified vehicles in the field. Read full story

DOE testing to help shape the future of 'connected' trucks A handful of government-sponsored tests for connected vehicles will begin next year, providing insight into technical issues and factors such as privacy that will play a major role in determining which projects will get a green light for development and deployment. Read full story

Accelerating the process of commercial-vehicle test system implementation HIL testing is used to shorten development and testing time for both engine and machine control systems. To use this process, many of these companies have to develop and maintain expertise in the area of model-based development. Read full story

Turning engineers on—and off Top engineering executives from Daimler Trucks North America lead the technology discussion at this year’s SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress, covering topics paramount to both on- and off-highway engineers. Read full story

Researchers compare tractor trailer aerodynamic evaluation methods The need to improve the aerodynamic performance of a class 8 truck has become a higher priority for manufacturers with the constant increase in fuel costs and implementation of stricter governmental regulations on emissions. To meet these requirements, the ability to predict the aerodynamic performance and hence evaluate the impact of new designs and evaluate add-on devices is of critical importance. Read full story

AVL charges up new testing lab A $2.6 million investment at its Ann Arbor technical center marks the first significant upgrade to the Michigan facility in the past decade. Read full story

Report recommends ways to improve, regulate fuel economy of heavy vehicles “This is very timely,” Dr. Andrew Brown Jr., Executive Director and Chief Technologist for Delphi Corp., said of the National Research Council report “Assessment of Fuel Economy Technologies for Medium and Heavy Duty Vehicles,” for which he served as committee chair. Brown, the 2010 President of SAE International, presented the report’s findings and recommendations for attendees of ComVEC on Oct. 5. Read full story