[kaltura-widget wid="d8y34rox20" width="260" height="211" addpermission="" editpermission="" align="right" /]The biggest change facing medium-duty trucks for 2010 involves new technologies designed to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s tighter emissions standards. Beyond that, there are a few other touchups worth noting, such as new standard positions, updated safety features and options. To view the article and specs in CCJ’s digital magazine format, click here. Here are some highlights of what to expect:

Chevrolet/GMC: Although General Motors ceased production of its medium-duty Kodiak and TopKick models in July as a response to its restructuring efforts and weak sales, the company is assuring dealers and customers that it will continue to offer parts and service support for those trucks. Moreover, GM says it is still in the truck selling business, with GMC Truck and Chevrolet dealers still in place and an inventory of more than 6,000 new trucks.

Dodge: The 2010 Ram Chassis Cab 4500 and 5500 models are diesel emissions-compliant with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection based on urea-injection selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. An integrated trailer brake controller is optional, while four upfitter switches have been integrated into the instrument panel, each capable of running 25-amp loads using 12-gauge wires (continuous) and a dedicated underhood power distribution center. The diesel engine’s base alternator increases from 136 amps to 180 amps, and a B20 package is available to fleet customers.

Crew cab models increase leg room by six inches, while refurbished design and exterior styling includes a chromed lean-forward grille, sheet metal, bumper, mirrors, headlamps and a taller hood for more cooling capacity. Comfort and convenience features include heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, automatic temperature control, memory systems, express up/down windows and automatic headlamps. Polished 19.5-inch aluminum wheels are available on 4500 and 5500 models.

Ford: The E-Series full-size van is available with the company’s Sync voice-activated communications and entertainment system, as well as its Work Solutions technology package. Also available is a navigation system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display integrated into the instrument panel, and a flexible door system that permits doors to be held open at 105 degrees and opened to 178 degrees with a push.

The F-450 pickup offers a towing capacity in excess of 24,000 pounds and maximum payload of more than 6,000 pounds. An integrated tailgate step and stowable bed extender offer cargo-hauling flexibility, while a refined chassis and suspension help improve ride and handling with available options for a premium turning radius. For towing, the PowerScope power-fold power-telescoping trailer-tow side mirrors help improve rear visibility, while the TowCommand System features an integrated trailer brake controller and the TorqShift transmission helps improve towing performance. A rearview video camera backup system helps enhance visibility at the rear of the box to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces or line up the truck’s hitch with trailers.

Freightliner: Daimler Trucks North America announced pricing for meeting EPA 2010 standards with its Cummins midrange engine emissions technologies. An emissions technology surcharge of $7,300 will be added to vehicles equipped with the Cummins ISC8.3 engine, and a $6,700 surcharge will be added to the price of vehicles equipped with the Cummins ISB6.7 engine. The surcharges reflect costs associated with adding SCR.

Daimler continues to develop versions of its Freightliner Business Class with alternative fueling and propulsion. The Business Class M2e Hybrid truck, equipped with an Eaton hybrid-electric drivetrain system, can reduce fuel use and emissions by up to 30 percent in stop-and-go operations, the company says. Freightliner is working to expand its hybrid offerings into new applications; earlier this year, the company developed a hybrid hazmat Business Class M2e truck for Pennington Gas Service in the Midwest, representing the first application of the Eaton parallel-electric hybrid system to a hazardous material delivery application.

Hino: Hino Trucks says it will implement an emissions surcharge of $6,700 per vehicle to accommodate SCR technology, and that DEF will be available through all 176 of its dealers. Hino also introduced its HinoStyle line of stainless-steel truck accessories for its 2005-2010 model year trucks; the line includes items such as the sun visor, hood deflector, bumper covers, door handle trim, window and cab trim, anti-sail mud flaps, steps and step covers.

International: Navistar – which stands out as the leading manufacturer to shun SCR technology – announced that prices for International trucks equipped with MaxxForce 7, DT, 9 and 10 advanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) diesel engines will increase $6,000 with next year’s emissions-mandated change.

The company says the International DuraStar Hybrid tractor is capable of producing fuel savings from 20 to 25 percent in standard in-city pickup-and-delivery applications, while also reducing the amount of emissions released into the air; overall, the DuraStar Hybrid emits up to 33 percent less hydrocarbon emissions and 35 percent less nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions versus standard diesel trucks. DuraStar Hybrid trucks employ a parallel-type diesel-electric hybrid architecture supplied by Eaton.

Navistar and ArvinMeritor announced in July that, under the terms of a long-term supply agreement, Meritor axles are now in standard position on International medium-duty trucks.