TRUCKMAKERS' NEWS * USA - Court revives antitrust lawsuit against Mack Trucks

A federal court of appeals has reinstated an Ohio dealership's allegation that Mack Trucks violated antitrust laws by limiting competition among its dealers

Allentown,PA,USA -The Allentown Morning Call, by Tyrone Richardson -17 June 2008: -- ... In 2006, a federal district court judge threw out Toledo Mack Sales and Service claim that Mack Trucks tried to block it from selling outside its immediate territory... On Tuesday, a three-judge panel at the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that Toledo Mack had presented enough evidence that the Sherman Anti-Trust claim should have gone to jury... Mack admitted it might have sold trucks and parts to some franchises and customers at lower prices than it sold similar items to Toledo Mack. But it said the sales were not part of an organized program to discriminate against the dealership, and the other distributors were not direct competitors of Toledo Mack, according to court documents... (Photo by Don Fisher/Morning Call - The Mack Trucks bulldog shown outside Mack's World Headquarters along with two trucks in October, 2003)


* Volvo to Develop Lightweight Sleepers

Scottsdale,Arizona,USA -Transport Topics -17 June 2008: -- Volvo Trucks North America said it will develop lightweight prototype sleepers made with advanced composite material technology as part of a U.S. Army program to reduce the weight and improve fuel economy of trucks... Because of their generally lighter weight, the use of composite components can improve truck fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. TPI’s processes yield components that are lighter and stronger than composite components formed using traditional methods... In addition, composite materials resist corrosion, insulate better and may provide a quieter sleeping environment for resting drivers... Three sleeper cabs will be produced as part of the project, with the first to be delivered late next year. The project is slated to run for 21 months, with Volvo and TPI sharing the $2.5 million funding...