With fuel economy, weight and cost being ever-important concerns, truck OEMs stay hard at work in developing fuel-efficient solutions while complying with the latest regulations. The new SCR, or selective catalytic reduction, technology to meet 2010 federal emissions standards will do just that. And, though it carries a higher price tag, it will pay for itself over the long term in improved fuel efficiency and reduced wear on the engine. Thanks to a modest pre-buy, Class 8 sales will finish near its forecast at 105,000 sold. That number is expected to grow in 2010, yet remain below year-over-year levels. OEMs expect “more normalized” sales in 2011 to 2012.

With sticker prices set to climb $6,000 to $10,000 and freight volumes – much less rates – still stuck in the doldrums, most truck OEMs expect at best a very lackluster sales environment for most of 2010. That being said, though, conversations with OEM executives reveal some possible bright spots do exist on the road ahead.

Scott Kress, senior vp-sales& marketing for Volvo Trucks North America, told FleetOwner that the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology his company is using on its Class 8 trucks to comply with the 2010 emission regulations will improve fuel economy in the neighborhood of 3% to 5%.

“When we look at fuel economy, there will be a payback with this technology,” Kress said. “Longer term, though, SCR will allow the engine to run under less stress. So there are benefits that can offset the higher cost of this new technology. The key is when the clouds will clear on the freight market and whether fleets can get better rates from shippers.”

Click here to visit Fleet Owner and read the complete story.