Automotive Trucks information on net.

If a full size sports utility vehicle is what you are after, the Toyota 4Runner is one of the best options on the market today. To go along with the Toyota name, this model offers everything that you could possibly want in a SUV plus more. Of course the Toyota 4Runner is great in the reliability department, but it goes well beyond that.

The first thing to notice about the Toyota 4Runner is the rugged good looks that it offers. Compared to some SUV’s that are simply oversized and awkward, the Toyota 4Runner is built with perfect specifications. To take this a step further, the Toyota 4Runner also offers great interior space for people that have a family or have to haul a lot of luggage around all the time. On the road the Toyota 4Runner is also more than capable. It offers a sold on road demeanor, while also giving the drive the ability to go off road as well. Most people will never take their Toyota 4Runner off roading, but if the snow starts to fall the four wheel drive system is a great thing to have.

There are two engines choices available with the Toyota 4Runner, a six and eight cylinder option. Both of them offer more than enough power. The eight cylinder is more for people that want to tow a trailer, boat, or anything else.

Overall, the Toyota 4Runner is a great option. Anybody that is in the market for a full size SUV should consider the Toyota 4Runner.

It is safe to say that the mid size sport utility vehicle class is among the most competitive in the entire automotive industry. But with that being said, there are some SUV’s that do a great job beating out the others. One of these is the Ford Explorer. For years the Ford Explorer has been one of the most popular SUV’s in the United States.

From the outside, the newly redesigned Ford Explorer has a great look and feel to it. You will not get the feeling that it is overly big, but its boxed off look makes it very stylish. The chrome front plate also makes the Ford Explorer stand out in the looks department.

The interior of the Ford Explorer is large enough to handle five people with ease. And if you really want to haul people around, your best option is the optional third row seat. If you have this option in your Ford Explorer you will be able to fit seven people into your car. Talk about spacious!

On the road the Ford Explorer is very comfortable to drive. If you opt for the four wheel drive system you will be able to take your car off road, while also tackling tough weather conditions during the winter months.

The Ford Explorer has been popular for many years, and this is not going to change anytime in the near future. The newly redesigned model is the best one yet, and it is going to carry the torch for a few years.

The latest version of Toyota Tacoma is a completely redesigned one. Its quirky and brawny aura is retained only that its dimensions are expanded to accommodate bigger loading capacity. At first glance, it can be ascertained that the Tacoma these days are bigger and also said to be better than its predecessors.

Toyota Tacoma come in two choices – the 2WD and 4WD. The two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models are available in all body styles. Both are sophisticated and powerful. However, between the two, Tacoma’s 4x4 is getting more sales than the former. Toyota revealed that 40 percent of Tahoma’s sold are 4x4 trucks. The latter feature a two-speed transfer case, optional locking rear differential and a heavy duty chassis. Toyota Tacoma is said to challenge the trucks made by GM, Ford and DCX.

Toyota Tacoma is ruggedly designed to give comfort and remarkable performance while conquering the road. Its double-wishbone type suspension and air shocks provide a smooth ride like that of passenger cars.

On the road, Tahoma can deliver a first rate all-round drive ability. It is also manufactured with powerful Toyota Tacoma performance parts to complement its sturdy built. The rear step bumper, front tow hook, and its 6-foot cargo bed are also made lighter. They are made from durable composite materials to support its purpose and goal as a real truck. V6 Tacoma can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Alternatively, its four-cylinder models can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Tacoma has 2 standard airbags, ABS and brake assist and anchor points for child restraint seats. The four-cylinder Tacoma engine produces 164 horsepower and features 16 valves, DOHC, and variable valve timing with intelligence.

In essence, Tacoma accounts for nearly 10 percent of US Toyota sales. Moreover, the driving factor of Tacoma is the celebrated Toyota build quality and reliability. History reiterates that with Toyota you will lose a lot less bucks.

The most common methods of vehicle tracking vary somewhat depending on the size of the vehicle fleet. Large fleets tend to use equipment that is more elaborate because they can afford the greater cost, while small and medium sized fleets generally use less expensive systems that provide less functionality. New technology, however, is rapidly changing the cost effectiveness and quality of tracking systems available to these small and medium sized fleets.

Large fleets

Large fleets that can take advantage of economies of scale typically use some form of GPS tracking and a central base station or dispatch point. The vehicle units can be quite expensive, as can the base station infrastructure and staffing requirements. Only the largest fleets can usually afford the capital investment that is required and the long timeframe that is needed to gain a return on that investment. Additionally, these types of systems require a monthly fee that can quickly become quite expensive.

Small and medium fleets

Most small and medium fleets will use some variation of vehicle tracking that is less costly to implement and maintain. For some this means using radios and a dispatch center, mobile telephones and a central office, or something similar. They may have a computer-based tracking process in the central location or, for very small fleets, they may opt instead for a simple map and manual tracking.

Quite a number of small fleets, in the range of one to ten vehicles, do not use active vehicle tracking at all. This may be due to the costs involved, lack of experience with tracking processes, or lack of awareness of the significant benefits that can be realized by an effective vehicle tracking system.

New technology

The newest technology available has the potential to radically alter the affordability and efficiency of vehicle tracking systems. Pioneered by AutoAlert, this system uses a small unit installed in the vehicle and a web based interface that is accessed by a standard mobile telephone, laptop computer, or PC.

The advantages are many. First, the start up cost of the system is extremely reasonable due to the relatively low cost of the vehicle unit itself. Second, there are no ongoing subscription or maintenance fees, thereby minimizing operating costs. And third, fleet managers can access tracking information from wherever they may be with just their mobile telephone. This allows them more freedom to get out of the office and into the field where their time is best utilized.

Truck rental is huge in many ways, the trucks are most certainly big and the industry is huge. Millions of persons, families and companies relocate to a new home or office every year. Whether across town or across the country, renting a truck is the best and easiest option to transport your belongings.

The efficient truck rental companies can help you to relocate to any location with minimal stress and setbacks. You can find many rental services that offer moving truck rentals. If you need a truck rental there are some important points you should consider before you choose which truck rental service to work with.

Determine how much space you will need or how much space your belongings will take up. This is an important factor. Generally a roomful of household furniture will take up roughly five square feet of cargo space inside a truck. Call the truck rentals and inquire about their fleet of trucks for rent. Then you can choose a truck that will fit your belongings in one go. Return trips should be avoided as they are time consuming and costly.

Check the truck first before you agree to rent it. Make sure the truck can transport your properties safely. Truck rental companies also provides hand trucks, packing paddings, adhesive tapes, ropes, packing paper, mattress bags, padlocks, boxes etc at a nominal cost.

Make sure the truck is in good working condition. Also, familiarize yourself with the truck. Most of the rental trucks have air conditioning, FM radio, power steering, automatic transmission, power brakes, walk off ramps, lift gates etc and they are really comfortable.

When you have found the right truck, make sure that the documents, such as insurance, rental agreement, inspection sheet, driver trip report and other paperwork, are good. The rented trucks are often covered by roadside assistance. The internet websites of truck rental companies are full with information about types of trucks, prices etc. Most websites have a very user friendly interactive page where the pick up and drop off locations are mentioned. Online reservations and quoting rates are available on the sites.

If you are an independent truck driver and take very good care of your truck then you know how important is to get a good hand wash and to go to a truck wash which does not use hydrochloric acid. Indeed, I can understand how you feel if you have had your aluminum dulled or turned white due to the use of this chemical or other harsh chemicals.

Well regarding being up set, no one was more upset when one particular truck wash chain etched all my aluminum and turned it white with Hydrofluoric. My gosh, it took me months to get it back half way decent and I cancelled my entry at both Walcott and Kentucky Truck Shows, too bad that would have been good PR for our team (I run CarWashGuys.com) to come away with a prize.

You see, I had Magnesium Chloride all over my truck due to Michigan's use there on the road for Ice, jerks. Can you believe they put it on the road in little clumps and let the trucks spread it around, then the DOT all year gives tickets out for corrosion violations?

Go figure, what a complete sham and perpetual money generator for that state against trucks. But I had to get it off and so I went to this certain truck wash chain rather than waiting to get to Southern, IL where I could have gotten a real truck wash? I guess I learned the hard way why the truck drivers have a slanderous name for this particular truck wash chain; Ouch?

Perhaps you have heard they are planning to build an Intercontinental Highway system, which goes through Texas and starts in Mexico and will go all the way to Canada. This is part of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Canadian-American free trade agreement. It makes sense to have our economies working together rather than working apart and causing trade wars. It will be just like a many European Union only it will be a North American free trade union, which should help all three countries including our own.

Now then would it be a great place to put a truck wash on a gigantic highway Intercontinental tollway system? It seems when they build the giant Toll Way - Intercontinental Highway from Mexico to Canada thru Texas that someone might be able to build another truck wash on that road. That is to say if you can get in with the right group of folks and Texas kind of works that way any how.

How long until something like this is completed or until they break ground; probably 10 years out minimum, Although with the new DOT lady maybe sooner for ground breaking; hard to say? What kind of truck wash would you want to put in? Well it would have to be a very large facility to wash that number of trucks and it would be best if it was semi or fully automated and robotic. However we need to be careful with robotic truck wash equipment in the present period, because they're not up to speed yet and do not perfectly watched the trucks; Perhaps in a few years.

For those who are in central Texas they might be reminded that the San Antonio fully automated robotic truck wash is still sitting vacant I believe, as it had some fully automated issues. Yes fully automated bothers me, truck drivers will not go for that really, well at least until these robotic truck wash his start doing a better job and I believe that technology is coming within the next few years and we shall see the first 100% robotic perfect truck wash capable units. Please consider this in 2006.

In truck washing you want something, which works, does not break down, has good service to fix it, does not use too much water and is affordable considering the ROI. So addressing equipment is key, people come second. That is to say the people selling the equipment come second. Sure they might be professional, nice folks and what have you, but in reality does that really matter? You need the best equipment first and foremost.

Now then it does not pay to call the salesmen scoundrels or question their shifty eye syndrome, as in the end we all know that pragmatism is needed in the primate politics of this species. What can you expect to pay for a robotic system? Well a lot really and if it does all they say it can then it might be worth it? But chances are that $350K is not doable for you, unless it includes the building and such; "Turn Key" if you will, if not well, you probably cannot go there. If it includes turn-key that might not be bad. Always remember ROI.

Also it behooves you to go and look at other robotic systems that are already in place and watched them watch and see what the quality is as the trucks come out. Are they acceptable? Will independent truck drivers and corporate company drivers be satisfied that the windows are not streaked in the vehicle is indeed actually clean. These are all considerations when thinking about purchasing robotic truck washing systems. Please consider this in 2006.

Due to the problems in the truck wash industry of finding competent and hard-working labor more and more truck watches are going to semi robotic board even fully robotic equipment to clean the trucks. Unfortunately many of the truck drivers do not like the job that is produced by these robotic truck wash equipment machines.

Regarding the guys that make these kinds of equipment and the different manufacturers, well I am not going to bash anyone publicly; the industry is simply too small. I do give them a plug once in awhile, because it is my hope that one day the robotic truck wash equipment will be able to clean trucks better than human labor, because there is a severe crisis with truck wash labor these days.

Some of the robotic truck washing equipment looks fantastic, powder coated finish, high-tech look, but just because their equipment looks nice this not mean it will clean well. Now then, most of the robotic truck wash systems will wash a flat bus okay, not the Bobtails of 18-wheelers however, well at least not very well. Maybe some of this high-tech equipment will someday find itself on the moon cleaning mining equipment?

You operate a concession trailer or mobile catering truck and what you probably do not realize is that you share a common problem with the US Navy, Army, and Coast Guard.

When the US Navy had heat build-up problems with their remote control vehicle trailers; when the US Army had heat build-up problems on their Patriot Missile Launchers; when the US Coast Guard had heat build-up problems on the decks of their coastal patrol ships based in Miami and Puerto Rico they all went looking for a solution. They required a solution that did not involve additional power to support supplemental air conditioning systems.

They found it in a relatively new product to enter the market – Insuladd!

Basic white roof coatings (paint) are simply reflectors of light (radiant energy) that turns into heat when it strikes an object such as the roof or walls of concession trailer or mobile catering truck. As the white coating becomes dirty from normal contaminants in the air its ability to reflect radiant energy is reduced until it reaches a point where it is reflecting very little radiant energy what-so-ever and the heat is being transmitted directly to the interior of the trailer or building.

Insuladd has developed ceramic microspheres, to be a broad spectrum (visible and infrared) radiant energy reflectors. When Insuladd is added into ordinary paint or other roof coating it creates a radiant barrier, not simply a radiant reflector as white paint is. As an example: By painting the underside of a concession trailer roof with Insuladd the interior will be noticeably cooler in summer and warmer in the winter. Regular white paint alone does not contain the properties to perform this temperature stabilization.

Insuladd has been used by companies such as Container House International, to paint their shipping containers in order to reduce the interior temperature and lessen the loading on refrigeration units.

Insuladd can be purchased as paint or as an additive that can be blended with paint or other coatings.

Call it MOPAR madness or call it sheer, ingenious automotive marketing and engineering, but whatever you decide to call the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, you must realize one thing: no production vehicle has effectively combined off road ruggedness with on road durability. Until the Grand Cherokee SRT8 came along that is. Yes, not since the GMC Typhoon has an SUV proven to be a highway dominator as well as an off road maven. However, the Jeep Cherokee SRT8 goes well beyond any 4x4 vehicle by delivering a versatile, pavement pounding, all-around SUV.

The folks at Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group could not leave well enough alone. From the Neon to the Viper and from the 300C to the Ram pickup truck, no model has been too sacred to receive a proper work over from the team. First it was a bevy of Dodge models, then it was the Chrysler 300C, but no Jeep model had yet been targeted for the group’s overhaul. The Grand Cherokee however was past due as fond memories of the GMC Typhoon likely played a part in the decision to inject “SRT steroids” into a widely acclaimed Jeep model. Indeed, the SRT group knew that 0 to 60 in five seconds with the Grand Cherokee would beat the Typhoon’s numbers by about four tenths of a second, easily making the Jeep model the all time leader on the road as it is already off the road.

Much like the full size SRT cars sold by Dodge and Chrysler, a 6.1L Hemi V8 was the engine of choice for the SRT team tasked with building the beefy Jeep. With 420 h.p. and 420 lb.-ft of torque, the burly Hemi would serve duty in the Grand Cherokee SRT8 along with 20 inch Goodyear performance tires, Bilstein shocks, four piston Brembo brakes, a Quadra-Trac On-Demand four wheel drive system, and a capable five speed automatic transmission. Indeed, when the project was completed, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 was paired against the Porsche Cayenne SUV and the Jeep won!

If the Grand Cherokee SRT8 isn’t fast enough for you or if you want to experience a rich, deep tone while driving, then the aftermarket parts industry has just what you need.

Magnaflow Exhaust has developed a performance exhaust system that pairs well with the Grand Cherokee SRT8. Developed from airliner quality stainless steel, a Magnaflow Exhaust delivers more horsepower, frees up more torque, and provides a rich tone not found on the typical Jeep exhaust system.

When it comes to air intake systems, Dubair and Airaid have induction systems that work great with your engine. Dirt is filtered out and cool air is invited in to deliver more horsepower, enhanced torque, while offering a deep, throaty tone that is certain to inspire you.

Naturally, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has something that neither the current day Porsche Cayenne or the long since past GMC Typhoon could offer: thorough off roading capabilities. Like all Jeep SUVs, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is trail rated so you get the best 4x4 capabilities matched to its top notch road competency. A true competitor no matter where you take it: the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8!

If you are thinking about purchasing a new or used pickup truck with a diesel power plant then there are some things you need to be aware of. The advantages of the diesel engine are numerous. It burns considerably less fuel than a gasoline engine doing the same work. It has no ignition system to attend to. It can deliver much more of its rated horsepower on a continuous basis than can a gasoline engine. It's fuel economy is greater than gas powered trucks of the same size and make. In fact some Dodge truck owners with the Cummins diesel are reporting 22 - plus mpg highway. The same trucks with gasoline engines are turning in around 14 - 16 mpg highway. With the cost of gasoline and diesel almost the same you cannot underestimate this advantage.

Planning to haul a trailer or a boat? This is here a diesel engine really comes into its own. The typical Ford F250 / Chevy 2500 three-quarter ton trucks with diesel power plants can pull four tons with ease, yet fuel economy barely suffers. The same trucks with gasoline engines experience fuel economy dropping by half or worse. Also if you plan to do alot of hauling keep in mind a diesel holds up better than a gas motor. In fact a gasoline engine's life span decreases exponentially while pulling heavy loads for extended periods of time while a diesel is hardly affected.

Todays diesel also enjoy much improved performance in the area of driveability. No more do you step on the accelerator an wait for the engine to wind up. Todays PowerStrokes, Duramax and Cummins diesels have plenty of get up and go right off the line. Merging with traffic is no longer the white knuckle experience it used to be.

Some disadvantages to diesel engines are that they're very heavy for the horsepower they produce, and their initial cost is much higher than a comparable gasoline engine. Repairs cost more, but diesel generally require fewer repairs than gasoline engines. Where you purchase the truck has some bearing too. Diesel powered pickup trucks bought in Florida and other parts of the south for example generally hold up better than those purchased in the harsher northern climates.

As always we recommend that whatever type of engine you choose to operate, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and procedures, as those folks know their product better than anyone else does.

Kenworth Truck Company announced today that Interstate Equipment Leasing will supply 3,000 new Kenworth trucks over the next three years for use in Swift Transportation's owner-operator fleet.

The Kenworth trucks will be specified with many options desired by owner-operators and will foster driver recruitment and retention at Phoenix, Ariz.-based Swift Transportation, operating the largest power unit fleet of any truckload motor carrier in the United States.

Swift (Nasdaq: SWFT) is the holding company for Swift Transportation Co. Inc., a truckload carrier headquartered in Phoenix. Swift's trucking subsidiary has regional operations throughout the continental United States.

Kenworth Truck Company, a division of PACCAR Inc, is a leading manufacturer of heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is the recipient of the 2003 J.D. Power and Associates award for Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Pickup and Delivery Segment Class 8 Trucks. Kenworth's Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. The World's Best.

Innovative Alliance Leads to Low-Emission, High-Efficiency Vehicle

Designed to Dramatically Reduce Emissions, Save Fuel

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX), has placed into service the first of its new, low-emission, hybrid electric powered delivery vehicles in concert with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, Environmental Defense and Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN).

The official roll out took place at a state capitol ceremony today attended by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The FedEx OptiFleet E700 hybrid electric vehicle will decrease particulate emissions by 90 percent, reduce smog-causing emissions by 75 percent and travel 50 percent farther on a gallon of fuel, reducing fuel costs by one-third.

Two FedEx OptiFleet E700 hybrid electric vehicles have been tested in Sacramento since late February following an agreement with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (AQMD) to demonstrate the commercial viability of the lower-emission powertrain in heavy-duty vehicles. The project was made possible in part by a grant provided by the AQMD.

FedEx Express will place 18 additional hybrid electric diesel delivery trucks into service in selected cities throughout 2004. New York City, Houston, Washington, D.C., Denver and several other cities are possible locations for future rollouts of the hybrid electric trucks. These hybrid electric vehicles will endure real-world FedEx operating conditions during 2004 to verify and prove their viability in commercial applications.

"FedEx Express is proud to be the first company to make a long-term market commitment to develop and utilize hybrid electric delivery trucks," said David J. Bronczek, president, FedEx Express. "FedEx Express recognizes effective environmental management as a global corporate priority, and is actively involved in environmental innovations and technologies. Utilizing innovative technologies such as our hybrid electric truck, California is yet again leading the nation in protecting the environment," Bronczek said.

"We are proud to work with FedEx Express, Environmental Defense and Eaton in bringing this advanced heavy-duty hybrid technology to Sacramento," said Norm Covell, Sacramento's Air Pollution Control Officer. "These clean, efficient vehicles are just another example of how Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District aims to deliver healthier air to our community. We want to thank the members of this project for working to make this technology commercially available so that the significant air quality and energy efficiency improvements can benefit the broadest possible market applications."

FedEx Express also welcomed the opportunity to work with Environmental Defense, an organization recognized for its long history of working with industry leaders to leverage their purchasing power to create real environmental benefits that protect the bottom line.

"Four years ago Environmental Defense was looking for an innovative company to help us revolutionize truck technology in the U.S. and FedEx Express accepted that challenge," said Fred Krupp, president, Environmental Defense. "Today, these two trucks put Sacramento on the leading edge of the effort for cleaner air and better mileage. Environmental Defense now challenges other companies to increase their fleet's contribution to reduced air pollution, oil dependency and climate change impacts."

Cleveland, Ohio-based Eaton Corporation, one of the world's most recognized industrial manufacturers, produced the hybrid electric powertrain for the vehicle.

"Eaton is pleased to make this innovative, environmentally advanced technology available to FedEx Express and Environmental Defense for this ground-breaking project," said Jim Sweetnam, senior vice president and group executive, Eaton Corporation, Truck Group. "Our team will continue to work closely with FedEx Express and Environmental Defense in Sacramento and additional markets as we take this innovative project to the next level."

Power of Innovation Produces New Vehicle

FedEx Express and Environmental Defense began working together in 2000 to create a delivery truck that would dramatically decrease emissions and fuel use. Through a competitive process, Eaton Corporation was selected from more than 20 manufacturers who expressed interest in creating a cleaner vehicle using a variety of technologies. Since the beginning of the project, progress toward goals has been assessed against the 1999 FedEx Express W700 standard delivery vehicle, which represents the most common model in the FedEx Express fleet.

Eaton's Innovative Technology Produces Hybrid Electric Powertrain

Eaton's hybrid electric powertrain effectively combines a diesel engine and electric motor to drive the vehicle. A computer determines the most efficient combination, depending on current operating conditions and driver demand. A four-cylinder engine replaces the six-cylinder version currently used in the FedEx Express W700 delivery vehicle. The engine size is reduced because of the added power provided by the electric motor. A particulate trap has been added to the truck to further reduce emissions.

The officials at American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. weren't quite finished their presentation, but Bob Lutz had heard enough. General Motors' vice-chairman was visiting AAM's Detroit engineering center recently to review the supplier's future chassis systems. Accompanied by GM T800 program boss Terry Wochowski, Lutz was shown a new independent rear suspension (IRS) module that can be bolted straight into General Motors' full-size SUVs and pickups.

Prestol An IRS in place of a live axle, installed in line sequence. It's called I-Ride, and requires no changes to the bill of process.

AAM chief engineer Dan Sagady waited for Lutz's reaction. Dick Dauch, AAM's chairman, watched the faces of the two GM executives.

Lutz turned to Wochowski. "Why aren't we doing this?" he asked. "It makes so much sense."

That's music to the ears of Dauch and other chassis-systems suppliers. With OEMs targeting "car-like" ride and handling for their future SUVs and pickups, suppliers are touting the advantages of IRS combined with 4-wheel steering (4WS). MM, Dana Corp., ZF North America, ArvinMeritor, Delphi Automotive Systems, TRW Inc. and Magna Corp. are readying new bolt-in module designs for customer review. The most sophisticated of these integrate rear-wheel steering hardware and electronics into an IRS unit.

Delphi's Quadrasteer, introduced on '02 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, performs superbly. But cost is high (a +$4,000 option) and it's based on a live axle.

Competitors believe they can do better. AAM, which has already won the axle business for GM'S 2005 T900 program, aims to beat Delphi with "a higher-value, lower mass 4WS," notes Sagady.

But while the competition chases the rear steer market for light trucks, Delphi has taken the concept one step further. It's Unified Chassis System (UCC) integrates electric-powered rear steer with TraXXar controlled-braking. Integrating the systems electronically allows them to compliment each other.

And IRS applications are expanding beyond luxury German and Japanese sport-utes. Ford has designed it into the '02 Explorer, Mountaineer and upcoming Lincoln Aviator. Ford is also considering a bolt-in IRS for its hot-rod SVT trucks.

"There's no question that IRS gives a tangible benefit to on-road handling, should engineers choose to take advantage of it," says Aaron Robinson, technical editor of Car and Driver magazine in Ann Arbor, Mich. "And it offers better packaging for a third seat row." But he notes the tradeoffs with IRS are limited off-road capability and higher cost, versus a live axle.

ArvinMeritor designed its IRS concept without any request by an automaker and did it in only nine months, says Robert P. Carlstedt, vice president, suspension module engineering.

Instead ArvinMeritor worked with several key suppliers to develop the system, which like AAM's IRS, can be supplied in line sequence for virtually any full size light truck or SUV. (It will be shipped with its shock absorbers and springs included in the crate.)

"The integration capability is what is really important," Carlstedt says.

The supplier took on the project so it would have the IRS expertise when a customer came calling. Now it has a system ready to go if and when an automaker wants to switch over to an IRS.

"We don't want our customers to be our learning ground," Carlstedt says.

ArvinMeritor's IRS is much like its competitors with a multi-link suspension, four-wheel steer capability and adaptive ride, in a modular design. It can be installed on the same assembly line as existing live axle suspensions and major attachment points are nearly common, says ArvinMeritor.

Next ArvinMeritor will begin shopping its system to potential customers. The concept is currently installed on a Yukon Denali, which currently does not have a production IRS.