Came accross another article in my "Light and Medium Truck" magazine (which, BTW, you can sign up to get for free on their website). The article is entiltled "Truck Makes Brace for mpg Rules" by Jonathan Reiskin. The article is specifically addressing the forthcoming 2014 & 2017 CO2 standards for medium & heavy duty vehicles (think 3/4 ton pickups up to semis). Here's the quote that stood out to me:
Quote:
...The rules also account for varying applications by setting standards for the Class 7 and 8 tractors, sleepers and day cabs and three types of roof heights for tractors. However, each of those combinations must be tested.
Jerry Thrift, a recent chaiman of the Truck Manufacturers Association and the senior manager for new product development at Ryder System, said he was concerned the regulations could lead to fewer options.
"Even OEMs have limited resources, and I think all of the testing will drive them to offering fewer option," he said. "There are a myriad of customer applications to satisfy, and this means there will be fewer pegs to use relative to the holes that need to be filled.
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I hadn't thought of these types of situations. The medim and heavy duty truck market is one with a wide variety of applications, and for good reason (utility trucks, tow trucks, roll backs, logging trucks, drilling rigs, etc.). I wonder if regs like these will mean less diversity, and therefore customers having to use trucks not as well suited for the job.