ArvinMeritor, Inc. hosted Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood at its headquarters in Troy, MI, to showcase the company’s advanced technologies for Class 8 commercial vehicles. Highlighted technologies included its dual-mode hybrid Class 8 drivetrain and that stability control and collision safety systems offered by the company’s Meritor Wabco joint venture.
LaHood and other members of the Department of Transportation (DOT) met with the company’s executive leadership team and got test drives in two heavy-duty trucks that demonstrate the firm’s hybrid drivetrain and highway safety technologies. LaHood also took part in a town hall meeting with ArvinMeritor employees.
“We were honored to host Secretary LaHood and members of DOT, and were particularly pleased to demonstrate our alternative-power solutions for heavy-duty trucks which reduce energy consumption, emissions and greenhouse gasses,” said ArvinMeritor chairman, CEO & president Chip McClure. “We were also proud to demonstrate our leading-edge safety technologies to DOT which have the potential to significantly reduce accidents and save lives.”
LaHood stated that "ArvinMeritor is one of the leaders in developing safer and more environmentally sound technologies for heavy trucks and other vehicles. I appreciated having the opportunity to visit and learn about the new and innovative ideas for making truck transportation safer."
ArvinMeritor noted that its hybrid truck features the first Meritor diesel-electric drivetrain that combines both mechanical and electrical propulsion systems and is designed for linehaul trucks, which comprise the largest segment of the commercial vehicle population. With regard to safety systems, the current administration is studying the impact and benefits of stability control systems in Class 8 vehicles, the company added.