Wal-Mart orders 300 Freightliner Cascadias
The Cascadia and the DD15 engine met specific criteria for reliability, fuel economy, durability and serviceability set by Wal-Mart, DTNA said.
The Trucker News Services
6/20/2008
PORTLAND, ORE. - Daimler Trucks North America reports that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has purchased 300 Freightliner Cascadia trucks equipped with Detroit Diesel DD15 engines.
The Cascadia and the DD15 met specific criteria for reliability, fuel economy, durability and serviceability set by Wal-Mart, DTNA said. Two Cascadias equipped with DD15 engines were tested within Wal-Mart’s fleet prior to the purchase.
“Wal-Mart is committed to making its private fleet 25 percent more efficient by the end of 2008,” said Jeff Byrne, senior director of purchasing and fleet maintenance for the Transportation Division at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. “We are constantly evaluating new technology and new innovation as we look for additional ways to improve our fleet’s efficiency and reduce our company’s carbon footprint.”
The combination of the Cascadia, billed by DTNA as the most aerodynamic Class 8 commercial vehicle, with the DD15 engine, results in the most fuel-efficient Class 8 truck on the road today, the manufacturer claims.
“The Cascadia and the DD15 are a powerful pairing of aerodynamic truck and fuel-efficient engine,” said Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales for Daimler Trucks North America. “Daimler Trucks North America is committed to designing and engineering ground-breaking technologies that benefit our customers.”
Delivery of the Cascadia 60-inch XT sleepers to Wal-Mart are slated to begin in September.
The DD15 achieves its fuel-efficiency, power and performance goals through the application of a new Amplified Common Rail System (ACRS), as well as innovative turbo compounding technology, according to the company. With its combination of exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter for reduced emissions, the DD15 is ready to take on the upcoming EPA 2010 standards with a simple downstream selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device that optimizes fuel efficiency while reducing harmful NOx emissions.