Commercial Vehicle Market

Is it just me, or was there one large, yet unofficial theme at the show this year? Whether you were visiting the show's famous pork sandwich stand or at one of the booths, a certain subject seemed to work itself into every conversation. Of course, there were the events we expect from the commercial vehicle market's leading trade show. The product unveilings were just as dramatic as ever with Kenworth's aerodynamic T700 taking center stage. The overwhelming breadth and depth of the exhibitors was there too, covering every aspect of the trucking life one would expect with some unexpected surprises brought to us from our friends in the wild west wing. However; the underlying theme and most talked about topic seemed to be the 2010 EPA regulations. 

I heard the 2010 EPA topic amongst drivers asking one another, "Which way are you going?" There is a very public competition among technologies to meet the new regulations.  On the show floor, the 2010 regulation theme was reflected in the new exhibitors related directly to the distribution and storage of additives related to the SCR solution. Then again, there was the curiously positioned Innovative Trucking Solutions booth located directly opposite PACCAR's new line of 2010 compliant MX engines. The Innovative Trucking Solutions booth seemed to be the public relations center for the Advanced EGR option currently being developed by Navistar Corporation along with several part suppliers. 

Opinions about the two technologies were not in short supply. In fact, while visiting the "camps" of each technology it was easy to believe in the positives of one and the negatives of the other. The SCR solution has a proven track record with operation in Europe for years; it will be employed by Cummins, Mack, Volvo, PACCAR, and Detroit Diesel. While the Advanced EGR solution is a newer and developing technology, which promises the chance at innovations and opportunities previously unimagined. 

At this point, the line appears to be drawn, with the industry awaiting a clear winner. However, I believe the 2010 regulations are a great opportunity for the industry to compete at the highest levels to truly draw out the best and brightest technologies. In fact, the "winner" may very well end up being a combination of the two competing technologies. Whatever the outcome, 2010 MATs will be remembered as the event where everyone was still asking, "What way are you going?"

Please let me know what you think. Am I on my own with this one? Did you hear the 2010 EPA discussion as well?

Posted by Joseph Bond, Account Representative, Commercial Vehicle Solutions, Polk (04.01.2010)