Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021:
Meritor begins production of electric powertrain
Meritor announced its 14Xe ePowertrain is now available and will be in production this month.
As part of Meritor’s Blue Horizon advanced technology portfolio, the 14Xe ePowertrain is a fully integrated, all-electric drive system and is the only integrated electric powertrain in production for Class 8 trucks in North America, the company says.
“Our 14Xe ePowertrain has been thoroughly tested hauling loads and logging real world miles in various conditions and multiple applications, allowing us to offer the industry a proven, all-electric, zero emissions solution,” said Chris Villavarayan, chief executive officer and President, Meritor.
The 14Xe ePowertrain, produced at Meritor’s manufacturing facility in Asheville, North Carolina, is designed to provide efficiency, performance, weight savings and enhanced space utilization. It is based on Meritor’s 14X axle housing, which maintains existing axle mounting hardware for ease of OEM integration.
The modular design enables the interchangeability of key components, including electric motors, transmissions, gearing, brakes, wheel ends and housings to adopt to customer specifications.
It can be adapted to fit various powertrain needs based on vehicle application and duty cycle spanning Class 5-8 commercial vehicles.
CFI raises $39k in giving campaign
Associates of TFI International subsidiary CFI (CCJ Top 250, No. 7) raised $39,000, which will go toward supporting local charities in communities where CFI employees live and work across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The donations mark the 28th year for CFI’s annual Truckloads of Treasures holiday giving campaign.
Funds are raised entirely through associate donations. Due to the ongoing pandemic, CFI pivoted away from its typical in-person bake sales, chili cook offs and pie competitions in favor of a virtual donation platform.
“We’ve already adapted and evolved to provide consistent, reliable services to the business world, so with Truckloads of Treasures we are bringing the same focus, perseverance and grit to engaging our communities and raising money for key charities that support our fellow citizens in need,” said Greg Orr, CFI’s president.
The campaign contributes to charities nominated by associates and benefits underserved families, children and the elderly during December.
New Kenworth dealership opens in Ontario
To meet the growing needs of local truck fleets, owner-operators and those traveling through the greater Toronto area, Kenworth Truck Centres has opened a second full-service dealership in Mississauga, Ontario.
The new 22,000 square-foot dealership is located at 6999 Ordan Drive in Mississauga, approximately three miles from Kenworth Truck Centres’ primary Mississauga location at Dixie Road and Highway 401. The new location has access from major highways, including Highways 410, 407 and 401.
“Mississauga is one of the largest and most densely populated truck areas in Canada,” said Vince Tarola, Kenworth Truck Centres president. “By opening a second location, we will be able to improve our customer service response time and accommodate our increasing customer demand.”
Kenworth Truck Centres – Mississauga North features nine service bays, 24-hour mobile service, and a 1,500 square-foot visual parts display supported by a 4,500 square-foot parts floor.
The new dealership is open from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The phone number is 905-565-6608.
Kenworth Truck Centres, a privately owned and operated Kenworth dealer since 1980, operates nine Kenworth dealerships in Ontario.
Heavy-duty electric infrastructure provider gets $7.5M in funding
Forum Mobility, a zero-emission fleet and infrastructure provider, announced today it has raised $7.5 million in seed funding to build its operations, broaden its team, and further product development.
The round was co-led by Obvious Ventures and Homecoming Capital, with additional funding provided by Edison International (NYSE: EIX) and Overture VC. Funds will initially target the electrification of the movement of goods in and around the ports of California.
“Forum Mobility is implementing one of the most ambitious heavy-duty fleet electrification programs in the United States, offering excellent customer experience at a lower cost per mile than combustion engines. Our comprehensive, vertically integrated solution delivers a seamless transition for small and large fleet operators, ensuring rapid conversion to a zero-emission future.”
