International Truck Chooses PIT Group - New model and engine testing recognizes the value of unbiased, credible fuel efficiency evaluations

MONTREAL, Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - PIT Group, a research and engineering group focused on improving fleet maintenance and operations in the North American transportation industry, today announced that it was chosen by International Truck to test the fuel efficiency of its newest model and engine.

"International Truck commissioned PIT Group to test its new LT Series tractor and A26 engine after taking part in the In-Service Fuel Testing we conducted last year for a large PIT Group fleet member," said Yves Provencher director, market and business development at PIT Group. "They trusted our unbiased fuel efficiency testing capabilities after witnessing the credibility of our processes in that evaluation of a variety of tractor and powertrain combinations. PIT Group is proud of its involvement in a project of this magnitude."

"We appreciate that International Truck recognized the value of our testing procedures and the professionalism of our team," stated Dwayne O. Haug, Business Development at PIT Group and head of its U.S. operations. "Our growing operations in the U.S. are the result of our credibility with a wide range of OEMs and manufacturers. We look forward to working with more trucking industry suppliers to validate the fuel efficiency of their technologies."

For International Truck, the PIT Group tested the fuel efficiency of its new LT Series 625 Class 8 tractor and A26 engine against competitive tractors with similar specifications. For the test, PIT Group procured 2018 model year vehicles with 2017 GHG compliant engines. The 6x4 tractors were fitted with full aerodynamics and pulled 53-ft van trailers with side skirts.

The test followed TMC Fuel Economy Test Procedure ? Type IV (RP 1109B) consisting of three valid test runs. The 341-mile test route covered flat and hilly terrain, and it was divided into two segments, with the midpoint being situated at 173 miles from the start. Trailers and drivers paired with tractors in the first test segment were switched to the other tractors during the following segment.

Fuel consumption was also measured by weighing portable tanks before and after each run, according to TMC Fuel Consumption Test Procedure ? Type III (RP1103A). Gravimetric measurement of fuel consumption according to TMC Type III procedure is more precise and accurate than volumetric measurement, as it is not affected by temperature variances.

Since 2007, PIT Group has evaluated the fuel efficiency of over 280 technologies for manufacturers across North America. Included are trucks, tractors, trailer aerodynamic devices, tires and wheel balancing systems, tarp systems for dump trailers, fuel, oil and gear lube additives, and alignment and tire pressure settings.

"Fuel costs remain the second greatest source of expense in the transportation industry," said Haug. "We work closely with both manufacturers and fleets to help them improve fuel efficiency, and we believe these results will be of great interest to fleets looking to reduce costs and grow the bottom line."

Formed in 1902, International Truck is a leading producer of medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks and severe-service trucks. Its products, parts and services are sold through a network of nearly 1,000 dealer outlets in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. Visit www.internationaltrucks.com.

Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, proprietary diesel engines, and IC Bus® brand school and commercial buses. An affiliate also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com.

About PIT Group
PIT Group, a division of FPInnovations, is a neutral, third-party organization that focuses on testing technologies and evaluating operational effectiveness for member fleets. PIT Group's four main areas of focus are: testing fuel efficiency of technologies using its Energotest, verifying that ELD solutions meet the US and/or Canadian requirements, assessing fleet operations for areas of improvements and research, testing and development of smart mobility solutions.  PIT Group's Energotest is recognized in the trucking industry as the gold standard for fuel economy tests and is ISO 17025 certified. Fleets across North America rely on PIT Group's insight and advice because of their operations and maintenance expertise. For more details, visit http://www.thepitgroup.com.

SOURCE FPInnovations