Batteries Not Included - Discharging Hybrid Battery Hype?
October 30, 2008
UPS orders hybrid hydraulic vehicles | fleetowner.com
Fleet operators are continuously seeking optimum solutions to equipment cost and fuel economy. Various alternative fuels and hybrid drive systems are being evaluated prior to major fleet-wide commitments. Despite the head start for electric drive-battery hybrids there are other options.
October 28, 2008
Reviewing biofuel policies and subsidies | www.fao.org
The push for alternative energy has increased competition between planted crop acreage for food vs. biofuel production. As more regions of the world struggle with tight food supplies the UN has questioned the wisdom of increased biofuel production.
Clean Air War: California vs. Truckers
October 28, 2008
CARB releases draft of new regulations | fleetowner.com
California seeks to force even the smallest truck fleets to invest in expensive upgrades to reduce diesel emissions. These costs will be passed on as higher freight charges and ultimately as more expensive consumer goods. Some fleets may not be able to bear the financial burden of the up-front investment.
October 23, 2008
Global Stainless Steel Output Expected to Rise in '08 | www.engineeringnews.co.za
The events of the last few months have showed that expectations for a stainless steel production increase for this year wher wrong.
Trucking Industry Fights Back in CA
October 15, 2008
ATA Renews Attack on Port Trucking Plan | fleetowner.com
Environmental legislation requires an economic impact analysis to ensure continued viability of commerce. California's Clean Truck Program for port operations has withstood such challenges but is now faced with litigation claiming it unlawfully regulates the trucking industry.
Platinum set to rebound on new demand for off-road diesel emissions?
October 13, 2008
CAT, Perkins announce Tier 4 interim plans | www.dieselprogress.com
Starting in 2010 precious metal catalysts will be required on off-road diesel engines in the US. This incremental demand, coupled with a rebound in automotive production, may stretch supplies thin again as seen in 2007. With regulatory impact increasing demand through 2015 worldwide the long term outlook for Pt should be sound.
Incentives may accelerate diesel penetration in US auto market
October 10, 2008
IRS, EPA Helping Diesel Cars? | www.dieselprogress.com
Diesels are ~25% more fuel efficient vs. gas but cost more to build. Diesel fuel prices above unleaded in the US have dampened hopes for greater diesel share as mpg advantages are diluted. Government incentives to help offset sticker price penalties for diesel may help future prospects as fuel price parity returns.
Can fleets afford Green Diesel investments?
October 10, 2008
Are emissions-reducing strategies working? | fleetowner.com
The EPA and individual states have offered some subsidies to retrofit older diesel engines with emission reducing technologies. Newer engines [2007 - 2010 models] are factory equipped with advanced emission control systems but the majority of the existing US fleet still has older, dirtier engines. Faced with significant costs to retrofit each engine the industry is reluctant to commit to this investment in the face of crippling fuel costs and a soft economy.
Not so fast either...outsourcing continues
October 8, 2008
Is Outsourcing to China Over? | www.inc.com
The writer of the article is seemingly unware of the trends that are taking place in outsourcing to low cost producing countries, including China and India and has not been following the apparent trends that are shifting the landscape not only for large manufacturing companies but even the mid sized and the smaller , these do not only include metal bending but also engineering brains beyond IT.
SCR and Urea logistics for 2010 trucks
October 8, 2008
DEF Infrastructure in good shape. | fleetowner.com
2010 EPA NOx regulations are leading most OEMs to design in Urea-based SCR catalysts. Truckers will need to refill the Urea tank periodically and need widespread availability of the chemical solution at most truck stops and fuel depots. While readily available, the intermodal distribution of Urea presents some logistics issues for the industry.
Chesapeake Energy bites the natural gas bullet
January 25, 2012
Flurry of newbuild drilling rig deliveries in 2012 may dampen rig rates
January 20, 2012
Talisman joins the ranks of cautious E&P companies
January 12, 2012
Early signs of caution begin to cloud frontier exploration and production
January 4, 2012
It's too early in the game to write off Shtokman
December 8, 2011