For companies investing in new trucks, safety is always a determining factor. That's why International will soon offer a number of enhanced features, including the latest collision mitigation technology, to help keep drivers—and those around them—safe.

Every year thousands of trucks are involved in rear-end collisions that could be preventable. To help drivers mitigate, or possibly avoid, these costly and dangerous incidents, International® ProStar®+ and International TranStar® trucks, as well as select vocational vehicles, now offer Bendix® Wingman® Advanced™—a collision mitigation technology. The technology combines adaptive cruise control with braking, along with collision mitigation braking.

The Bendix Wingman Advanced system delivers both warnings and active interventions to help drivers potentially avoid rear-end collisions or help reduce their severity.

This collision warning and mitigation functionality uses the Bendix® ESP® full stability system as a foundation, which can assist in both under-steer and over-steer loss-of-control situations. The integrated systems help operators negotiate the most common on-the-road situations (collision, rollover, loss-of-control) in a single feature package. And by building on a full-stability platform, all brakes—steer, drive, and trailer—are available and can be controlled as necessary to provide maximum braking power and a more even braking distribution.

"Full stability provides a critical foundation for Wingman Advanced because roll-only systems don't possess all the sensors and braking capability needed to interpret many conditions and respond appropriately. By integrating full stability, adaptive cruise control with braking, and collision mitigation, the Bendix approach can do more to help fleets and drivers in more situations," says TJ Thomas, director of customer solutions for electronics at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems.

The system provides always-available following distance alerts—regardless of whether or not cruise control is engaged—and, if necessary, will also actively intervene to help drivers maintain a safe following distance behind a forward vehicle by reducing throttle; engaging the engine retarder; or, if necessary, applying the foundation brakes. Offering up to a three-second warning of any large metallic object blocking their lane of travel, these alerts are especially handy in difficult-to-see conditions like fog, rain, snow or smoke.

The ProStar+ can also be equipped with a number of other Bendix safety solutions, including a Bendix® all-wheel air disc brake package that not only meets the new reduced stopping requirements, but exceeds them. Also available is the AutoVue® lane departure warning (LDW) system from Bendix. AutoVue, the market-leading, vision-based Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System, alerts truck drivers if they inadvertently drift out of their lane. When this occurs, the unit automatically emits a distinctive rumble strip or other audible warning sound, alerting the driver to make a correction.

Another option for fleets interested in collision mitigation is the Meritor OnGuard™ Collision Safety System with Active Braking. This technology helps drivers avoid or reduce the impact of rear-end collisions by applying braking as needed. Sensors monitor the distance of the moving vehicle ahead, and when OnGuard detects a potential collision developing, it sends audible and visual warnings to an in-cab dash display. Additionally, the Meritor system's active braking can activate the brakes when unsafe distances are detected.

For more information on collision mitigation systems, visit: http://bendix.com and http://meritor.com

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The evolution of the green movement has resulted in a variety of vehicle options for environmentally conscious fleets. But "going green" can mean very different things to different operations. Before choosing an emissions solution, it's essential that truck owners first establish their green goals.

For some businesses, their environmental goals may be reducing greenhouse gases; for others, it could mean cutting back on the consumption of fossil fuels produced by foreign countries. Yet another view might be centered on sustainability and the usage of renewable natural resources with a minimal impact on the environment. "Depending on your green goals, the approaches you take could be quite different," says Bob Neitzel, vocational marketing manager, Navistar.

Neitzel suggests taking stock of your operational needs, as well as the financial realities associated with various alternative engine technologies and fuel sources, before formulating a plan. For example, adding natural gas powered trucks to your fleet may indeed help reduce your emission of certain greenhouse gases; but if your vehicles travel nationwide, the lack of an interstate refueling infrastructure means the technology is not a viable option for you. Plus, the additional purchase price of natural gas vehicles may make them cost prohibitive in a down economy.

On the flip side, a local waste hauler driving short distances that manages its internal fueling operations may find natural gas is a perfect fit. And because many refuse companies are finding ways to convert waste into compressed natural gas to fuel their own trucks, the long-term savings can offset the higher purchase price while helping achieve a goal of lower emissions.

With a range of 100 miles per charge, electrical vehicles also offer potential for short-range applications—particularly delivery fleets. However, the technology behind the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles is still relatively new and carries a premium price. Still, image-conscious operations looking for a long-term solution could find the benefits of electric trucks and their lower-per-mile operational costs worth the investment. "When choosing an alternative to traditional diesel-powered trucks, there are always going to be costs associated with the trade-offs," says Neitzel.

The alternative fuel option with the least impact on operational costs—and with the most potential for on-highway operations—is biodiesel. While switching to biodiesel will not eliminate the need for fossil fuels from overseas, it is a sustainable resource that will reduce the amount of foreign oil needed to power your fleet; plus, it generates slightly less emissions than petroleum diesel.

Produced from domestic, renewable resources such as plant oils, animal fats, used cooking oil, and other sources, biodiesel is combined with petroleum to fuel a vehicle—with biodiesel representing up to 20% of the fuel blend. Blends up to B20 can be used in most diesel engines with little or no modifications, and there is a robust infrastructure in places throughout North America. In fact, some of the diesel fuel you're currently using is probably already part biodiesel.

But if your immediate goal is to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases without sacrificing any power density or adding operational costs, there's an even simpler solution: Buy a 2010-compliant new truck. According to the Diesel Technology Forum, new trucks are more than 98% cleaner than 2000-era models . Engines such as those in the MaxxForce® portfolio emit zero methane and zero fluorinated gases and substantially less nitrous oxide—three of the principal greenhouse gases regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). And trucks such as the new International® ProStar®+ are achieving significant fluid economy gains when compared with previous generation trucks; when properly spec'd, it's not uncommon for fleets to achieve 8 or even 9 miles per gallon.

Of course, International offers vehicles across the alternative fuel spectrum—from natural gas to hybrid-diesel options. And the company's goal will always remain the same: To provide trucks that meet its customers' operational needs.

However, when picking an emissions solution, customers must remember to utilize the same analytical thinking they use when considering a new truck purchase. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. So factor in your goals—both your green goals and your business goals—and then choose the green solution that's the best fit for you.

WorkStar CNG

This month, Navistar completes its move to a new state-of-the-art headquarters in Lisle, Illinois. The 87-acre campus represents a $110 million investment in the company's future—and an opportunity for customers to benefit from the truck and engine maker's continued emphasis on efficiency and innovation.

The primary goal of the new campus, according to senior management, is to bring Navistar's product development talent together under one roof. The company expects the Lisle facility to break down barriers and help employees work better together while inspiring them to do their best work. For example, the closer integration will allow engineers to work more closely with functional experts in other areas to improve every facet of vehicle design—from cost and quality to aerodynamics and fluid economy—for the benefit of customers.

Along with the Lisle headquarters, Navistar is in the process of creating a new testing and validation center in its historic Melrose Park, Illinois facility. The building is the former home to Navistar's Engine Group headquarters and has been part of Navistar's history for nearly 65 years.

The Lisle campus will house business operations and support functions such as Purchasing, HR and Legal, along with product design work, clay modeling and executive management offices. Melrose Park will encompass more "hands-on" product efforts, including truck and engine prototype builds, testing and validation, as well as low-volume I-6 engine assembly, test and trim.

"Three things come to mind when I think about the new Lisle campus and changes at Melrose Park: integration, collaboration and innovation," says Don Sharp, vice president and chief information officer, Navistar. "If we want our employees to drive integration and innovation, we have to think about new ways of working together. And that's exactly what we're doing."

"As we are faced with increasingly complex emission standards and strive for higher product performance, it's important that we provide a place where our people can thrive and do their best thinking," adds Jack Allen, president, North America Truck, Navistar.

To that end, Navistar pursued a sustainable and energy-efficient design that also serves as a healthy workplace for employees. The scenic outdoor space features lakes and landscaped walking trails and a path that leads to more trails in the nearby DuPage Forest Preserve.

Visitors to the Lisle headquarters will be greeted by a 6,350-square-foot product display area off of the front entrance, which serves as a showcase of the very best of the company's extensive brand portfolio—a combination of current and historical vehicles. Navistar has collected several historically significant vehicles over the last few years, including some dating back to 1907. Trucks will periodically rotate through this area and the company's 25,000-square-foot museum at Melrose Park.

"We're all proud of our products. Our products represent us, and we have a lot of pride in what we deliver," says Steve Ostarello, vice president, Powertrain Product Development, Navistar. "And now, with our new world-class facilities, we'll have the technology, tools and showplace that will really emphasize their outstanding features and benefits."

"Moving to our new campus is all about creating better integration within Navistar, and using that integration to improve the customer experience," says Phyllis Cochran, president, Parts Group, Navistar.

International is showing its complete dedication to the construction industry at this year's World of Concrete show. Attendees can view several iterations of the tough International® WorkStar® alongside the MaxxPro® MRAP, a military vehicle built on the same platform as the commercial WorkStar, as well as a full suite of integrated products from subsidiary Continental Mixers.

With its growing lineup of work vehicles, International is showing the audience at World of Concrete—happening January 23-27 in Las Vegas—why it's the market leader for Class 4-8 severe service trucks for five years running. Among the trucks built to serve the needs of the concrete and construction industries is the sloped hood version of the International WorkStar 7600. Perfect for dump body applications, the new design brings excellent visibility, as well as increased safety and productivity, to construction operators.

Also on display at World of Concrete is a WorkStar with auto drum speed control and Bridgesaver control—a system that calculates the maximum payload per axle spacing to help customers carry the maximum legal payload.

A new addition to this year's show booth is the battle-tested MaxxPro MRAP. The MRAP, which stands for "mine-resistant ambush protected," was designed by International to help protect U.S. troops serving in battle zones overseas; at World of Concrete, the truck demonstrates the uncompromised durability available to International customers when they choose the WorkStar.

"The two vehicles come from the same DNA. They were both built by International engineers using the same diligence and truck know-how," says Dan Osborne, vocational marketing manager, Navistar.

International is also debuting new productivity-generating features available for the WorkStar, including a radio accommodation package that offers customers the option to put their own radio in their truck or forgo a radio altogether. Additional flexibility is available in the form of an option that lets buyers omit the passenger seat—giving customers an easy way to gain additional space for tools or equipment.

"Many construction drivers don't have passengers at the jobsite, so this allows them to maximize space while also saving money," says Osborne.

To further illustrate the continued integration between International and Continental Mixers, the two brands are sharing the same show booth at World of Concrete. (Continental Mfg. Company, Inc., now doing business as Continental Mixers, was acquired by International's parent company, Navistar, Inc. in 2010.)

Attendees can view this integration firsthand in the form of a new Continental Mixer built on a WorkStar chassis. Plus, Continental is showcasing its own front discharge and super slurry mixers, both of which feature MaxxForce® engines. Additionally, representatives from both companies can discuss the efficiencies of one-stop purchasing, service, warranty and support now available for mixer customers. This integrated approach offers the best of all worlds: the expertise of the body builder coupled with the efficiency of a one-stop shop.

"Now there's one service center, one person that's accountable, one company that can service the whole unit," says Rickie Grooms, vice president of dealer services for Continental Mixers.

But the big takeaway for those who visit the 2012 World of Concrete will be International's full commitment to serving construction fleets as business continues to improve and their equipment needs grow.

"We know customers are holding on to their trucks longer than ever," Osborne notes. "But when they're ready to buy, we have a portfolio of fully capable work trucks and support solutions to meet their needs."

For more information on the International WorkStar and other construction products, visit: http://internationaltrucks.com/Trucks/Trucks/Series/WorkStar