International ProStar saves $5,800 in fuel annually over rivals, Navistar claims
Navistar estimates that the International ProStar’s aerodynamic design can save 1,400 gallons of fuel annually per truck over competitive aero trucks.
The Trucker News Services
5/7/2008
WARRENVILLE, Ill. — Record diesel prices are driving on-highway trucking customers to look for every edge to curb fuel costs, beginning with their choice of truck. Navistar on Wednesday released what the company calls definitive results of extensive testing confirming that the International ProStar is the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient Class 8 truck on the road.
Recent tests demonstrate that the International ProStar is 7.3 percent more aerodynamic and 7 percent more fuel-efficient than Freightliner’s Cascadia, ProStar’s closest competitor, Navistar claims.
Class 8 trucks rack up a lot of highway miles each year consuming large amounts of diesel fuel. At 120,000 miles a year, Navistar reports each ProStar can save approximately $5,800 annually in fuel over its nearest competitor.
“Clear and decisive fuel-economy leadership is great news for our customers,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The ability to save thousands of dollars in fuel with one truck over the course of a year is extremely significant, especially with the financial pressures placed on truck and fleet owners.”
Both over-the-road and wind tunnel tests used rigorous TMC and SAE testing procedures, regarded as the highest standards of testing in the transportation industry, according to Navistar.
In public road testing, a ProStar and the Cascadia each were driven three times over a 444-mile course of public interstate highways. After each run, fuel economy was calculated for both vehicles. Navistar contracted the Transportation Research Center Inc. to conduct the TMC Type IV tests which confirmed ProStar to be 7 percent more fuel-efficient.
Wind tunnel tests were conducted at the National Research Council Institute for Aerospace Research in Canada utilizing SAE J1252 wind tunnel testing practices.
Navistar estimates that the International ProStar’s aerodynamic design can save 1,400 gallons of fuel annually per truck over competitive aero trucks (based on 20,000 gallons of fuel used per year and 7 percent fuel savings; 120,000 miles per year at a 6 mpg baseline).
At the national average price of diesel today ($4.15 as of May 7, 2008), saving 1,400 gallons of fuel would save each customer about $5,800 per truck annually.
“International’s aerodynamic superiority represents 25 years of internal research on the major components that affect aerodynamic drag, from hood design to headlamps, wind visors, mirrors, windshield angle and bumpers,” said Ron Schoon, chief aerodynamics engineer, Navistar.
Navistar also offers customers other ways to save on fuel costs.
• MaxxPower APU — Operating at 4.2 kW, the MaxxPower APU equates to best-in-class fuel consumption of .18 gallons per hour. It features EPA Tier IV certification and is in the process of acquiring CARB ’08 emissions compliance. Several states currently offer incentives for trucks with idle reduction systems. Production is slated for later this year.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates trucks use 10 percent of diesel fuel a year while idling. According to DOE figures, the national average for a long-haul sleeper is approximately 1,800 hours per year idling. At a rate of one gallon burned an hour at the national average price of diesel, MaxxPower APU can save nearly $7,600 a year in fuel.
• MaxxForce Engines — MaxxForce 11 and 13 Big Bore engines will be in the marketplace in June, 2008. These engines offer a high-pressure commonrail fuel system and are lighter in weight for further fuel efficiency. Results from fuel economy testing with these new engines will be available in the coming months.
• Maxximum MPG Customer Offer — Customers who spec any 2009 model year International ProStar, LoneStar, TranStar or 9000 Series unit with pre-determined specifications to maximize fuel efficiency, will be eligible to receive a $1,000 voucher for the cost of the truck.