Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire said that its Greatec wide base drive and trailer tires have been added to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay-certified list of fuel-efficient commercial tires. Tires that earn EPA SmartWay certification must achieve at least 3 percent better fuel economy than the average new tire.

Eaton Corp. and Dana Holding Corp. agreed to renew their Roadranger marketing agreement for an additional five years. The agreement gives truck buyers the option to select Eaton and Dana products as a complete system for single-source specification, and service and support for those products.

ArvinMeritor’s Mascot Truck Parts signed a new long-term supply agreement to provide remanufactured transmissions and axle carriers to Navistar Parts under the ReNEWed brand. Mascot, which ArvinMeritor acquired in December, has produced remanufactured components since 2000 for the ReNEWed program as the exclusive supplier.

SAF-Holland S.A. acquired Austin-Westran’s landing leg product line and its China-based production operation, which SAF-Holland says significantly expands its presence in that market.

Hino Trucks announced that all models now will have an optional extended cab version. The 30-inch extension – which has the same cab height as its standard cab – will have side windows with operating vents, as well as a fully trimmed Hino interior.

With 2010 approaching, engine manufacturers are beginning to talk more frequently and thoroughly about their emissions solutions. Cummins and International are focusing on an engine-based approach for reducing the required levels of NOx using exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), while Volvo/Mack, Detroit Diesel and Paccar are preparing to roll out aftertreatment systems that use a catalyst to break down NOx into harmless byproducts. At the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., in March, Daimler Trucks North America – parent of Detroit Diesel, as well as Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star – devoted much of its press conference to a defense of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) from both an environmental and economic standpoint.

“No disaster is looming” with the introduction of SCR technology, declared Mike Delaney, senior vice president of marketing for DTNA, in response to criticism leveled by engine makers choosing a different approach. Emissions reduction addresses both human stewardship and business needs, Delaney said. “It flat-out needs to be done.” Daimler’s BlueTec SCR system – already in use in Europe – would deliver on the responsibility to reduce total emissions “to the lowest possible level. … But we also have a goal to provide truckers sound business solutions and to produce the most fuel-efficient trucks on the road.”