Heavy duty LIGHTWEIGHTING

Optimization of tractor-trailer systems and component design helps to reduce overall vehicle mass, a key strategy in improving fuel economy and meeting upcoming Phase 2 GHG regulations.

Passenger cars and light-duty trucks are not alone in the quest to shed pounds in an all-out effort to meet stricter fuel efficiency requirements. Lightweighting is cited by the U.S. EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a key strategy to help medium and heavy trucks and trailers meet the first phase and Phase 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) and fuel efficiency standards. Cutting weight from trucks offers the bonus of potentially increasing payload capacity.

Altair and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) recently recognized vehicle mass-reduction innovations for the fifth consecutive year, bestowing Enlighten Awards on four winners (read: articles.sae. org/15545/). Though the top honors went to automotive companies, the awards are open to the commercial vehicle segment-and this year saw three finalists sharing their lightweighting work related to medium and heavy truck applications.