parts & service
Hybrids gain crew-cab option
Safety system tax credit bill introduced
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Kenworth’s T270 and T370 medium-duty diesel-electric hybrids for P&D and utility applications can now opt for a crew-cab conversion. The 157-in.-BBC crew cab includes a 4-in. raised rear section, providing 61 in. of interior height, and a one-piece fiberglass roof. The remaining structure is aluminum and is 52-in. long and 84-in. wide at the rear. Standard features include Kenworth DayLite door assemblies and door panels, Granite Gray vinyl interior trim, Kenworth interior upper B-pillar and exterior grab handles, and DuPont Imron Elite single-stage paint.
Options include an extended horizontal exhaust pipe, separate heater or heater/air conditioner, exterior access steps, carpet and custom trim packages. Bench and bucket seats are available in addition to fire service SCBA seats, Kenworth noted. www.kenworth.com
Biodiesel law passed in Iowa
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owa’s Senate recently passed legislation creating a new biodiesel fuel quality standard requiring the use of 5% biodiesel fuel throughout the state. The bill was written and introduced by state Senate president Jack Kibbie (D-Emmetsburg) and sponsored by 30 other state senators. It’s being viewed as both an energy-security and jobscreation measure, noted Randy Olson, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. “This vote confirms that biodiesel is not only good for Iowa
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farmers and the environment, but it also adds to national security by decreasing our dependence on foreign oil,” Olson said. “I want to thank the senators for their hard work crafting this legislation.” Senate File 464 would make Iowa the eighth state to adopt a biodiesel fuel quality standard, he added, calling for every gallon of diesel sold in Iowa to be at least a B5 mixture, starting Sept. 1 of this year. It also provides a 3¢/gal. refundable tax credit to retailers that sell diesel of at least a B10 variety.
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ongress will take another stab at passing legislation providing tax credits for vehicle safety systems, including brake stroke monitoring, vehicle stability control, lane departure warning and collision warning technology. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Advanced Safety Technology Tax Act of 2009 (H.R. 2024) mirrors a similar bill introduced last year that failed to get passed. It would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit against income tax for the adoption of safety systems. The legislation encompasses both the original equipment and aftermarket installation and also creates a tax credit valued at 50% of the retail cost of the system with a maximum of $1,500 per technology; allows fleets to purchase multiple technologies, but limits the total credit to $3,500 per vehicle; and allows the overall tax credit for each truck owner or trucking company of up to $350,000 per year for all covered technology purchases.
Web site details air systems and more
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loan Transportation Products unveiled a new web site featuring links to the company’s comprehensive digital catalog of OE and aftermarket air systems, electrical and engine parts. The catalog can be viewed online or downloaded in its entirety. Product specification sheets are also available within the catalog and the site features Sloan’s Master Interchange. This summer, the company says it plans to add a secure, online ordering system to the site as well. www.sloantrans.com
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