Partnerships among manufacturers of idle-reduction systems could pay off both for customers and the OEMs. By pooling resources, vendors potentially tap into greater innovations that offer higher returns on investment for customers, and fleets benefit from utilizing more advanced equipment. OEMs agreed that to succeed in the manufacture of idle-reduction systems, for example, they had to constantly seek out innovations and improvements, and with the struggling economy, there wasn’t much profit to be had in trucking.

Partnerships Lead to More Advanced Idle-Reduction Systems for Customers

Manufacturers of idle-reduction systems have begun combining their strengths to create solutions that meet user needs across a wider spectrum of applications. It’s a trend likely to increase with time. Last February, for example, Bergstrom, Inc. and Kohler Power Systems announced that the companies had joined forces to offer a “hybrid” idle-reduction system.

“We have partnered with Bergstrom to create a new hybrid power system,” said Sean Kenefick, sales manager for Kohler. “Basically, it pairs the new battery-driven NITE Plus system from Bergstrom, which is 30% more powerful but has the same footprint as the original NITE system, with Kohler’s 3APU power unit. The Bergstrom system manages the heating and cooling while the Kohler unit recharges the batteries. The only time that the system is not CARB-approved is when the battery charger is running, but we are working now to get full system approval.

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