Two new hybrid electric trucks developed for the U.S. Army are being tested for operational service and this is according to UQM Technologies, Inc. The said hybrid trucks were developed by Armor Holdings using UQM’s electric propulsion technology. The tests are being conducted at Ft. Lewis in Washington.

Before the two hybrids underwent the Military Utility Assessment Testing, they have already been tested at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Grounds first. The hybrid trucks performed well in the nearly 3,000 miles of testing and therefore all of them passed for the MUA tests.

The hybrid trucks are powered by electric motors developed by UQM which can produce as much as 120 kW. The development of the vehicles is in connection with the U.S. Army’s Future Tactical Truck System or FTTS. The program aims to create a cutting edge tactical wheeled vehicle which will give the U.S. Army quite an advantage in theaters around the world. The use of hybrid technology is also a response to the administration’s energy independence policy.

Chris Chambers, the Vice President of Programs and Business Development of Armor Holdings’ Tactical Vehicle System Division, has this to say about their partnership with UQM in developing the new hybrid trucks for the U.S. Army: “The MSV design and development exercise has overcome many of the hybrid technology challenges this class of vehicle presents. Our work with UQM puts us at the forefront of this area and we are particularly pleased to have had the opportunity to assist the Army as they scope their potential future tactical vehicle requirements.”

Armor Holdings is the leading producer of military vehicles. Its Tactical Vehicle Systems Division which supplies the U.S. Army with the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles.

UQM, on the other hand, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance electric motors for the different industries including the auto industry. William G. Rankin, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, has this to say about their partnership with Armor Holdings and the hybrid vehicles they have produced: “We are pleased to be a member of the Armor Holding’s team and have their vehicles move to this important next step of testing as part of the US Army’s Future Tactical Truck System program. The 120 kW UQM® electric propulsion systems powering these hybrid vehicles incorporate our latest technology advancements which further improve their performance, power density and efficiency, as well as their reliability, durability and cost. Armor Holdings’ plans to incorporate the lessons learned from conducting this demonstrator phase across their vehicle systems product development area to ensure that the U.S. Army continues to have available the most advanced tactical truck fleet in the world. The advantages of our systems are being recognized in a number of military vehicle applications, which we believe represents an important and growing market for the Company.”

The hybrid vehicles are expected to perform at a level like that of a truck equipped with conventional engine complete with auto gasket and other components. Whether the vehicles will be deployed on the field will be determined by the tests they are currently undergoing.

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FOR MORE CAR VIDEOS & REVIEWS CHECK OUT www.kbb.com Hybrid Trucks. Full-size pickup trucks have to be versatile. In addition to transporting their passengers, they also need to tow and haul heavy loads. This makes designing a hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain for such vehicles more challenging than designing a system for a passenger car. General Motors hybrid vehicle expert Stephen Poulos tells Kelley Blue Book how his company was able to accomplish this feat in the just-announced Chevrolet Silverado hybrid, plus he outlines other GM hybrid initiatives. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit kbb.com today.

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Joe Thompson

Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.

UQM Technologies, Inc has been working in conjunction with Armor Holdings, Inc. to begin the Military Utility Assessment (MUA) testing of two hybrid electric future heavy trucks demonstrators at Ft. Lewis, Washington. During the test, the two hybrid electric future heavy trucks will go on rigorous services concerning military operations and assignments. The two hybrid electric vehicle demonstrators have already successfully completed a 3,000-mile test run that took place at U.S. Army’s Aberdeen and Michigan Proving Grounds.

UQM Technologies, Inc. develops and manufactures high efficiency electric motors and alternative energy technologies and the company has provided the hybrid electric propulsion systems to the vehicles, which was developed by Armor Holdings, Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of military vehicles and other military products.

Chris Chambers, Vice President of Programs and Business Development of Armor Holdings’ Tactical Vehicle Systems Division commented, “The MSV design and development exercise has overcome many of the hybrid technology challenges this class of vehicle presents. Our work with UQM puts us at the forefront of this area and we are particularly pleased to have had the opportunity to assist the Army as they scope their potential future tactical vehicle requirements.”

“We are pleased to be a member of the Armor Holding’s team and have their vehicles move to this important next step of testing as part of the US Army’s Future Tactical Truck System program. The 120 kW UQM® electric propulsion systems powering these hybrid vehicles incorporate our latest technology advancements which further improve their performance, power density and efficiency, as well as their reliability, durability and cost.” said William G. Rankin, President and Chief Executive Officer of UQM Technologies, Inc.

The hybrid electric future heavy trucks demonstrator is equipped with a 118 hp (120 kW) UQM hybrid electric propulsion systems. As an all-terrain vehicle like those Jeep models with Jeep ignition control system, the two vehicles will undergo a series of tests as a part of Armor Holding’s contract with the US Army’ Future Tactical Truck System (FTTS) to develop a next generation tactical wheeled vehicle called the Maneuver Sustainment Vehicle (MSV). At the midst of the development, the U.S. Army will evaluate the needs and performance required for a future tactical vehicle by conducting these test programs.

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Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco-D hybrid concept truck seen at the IAA Show in Hannover, Germany, October 2008 – as shown on biglorryblog. For used Mitsubishi Fuso trucks, visit www.roadtransport.com

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Lisa Ziegler

Lisa Ziegler is a 29-year old native of Waldport, Oregon and is currently working as a senior research analyst in a top Automotive Research Consultancy firm.

An airbag is a flexible, inflatable object that contains air or some other gas. It is also called the Air Cushion Restraint System (ACRS). Airbags can actually absorb the impact taken from a car crash by creating a cushion thus reducing the injuries of the vehicle’s occupants. The airbag system consists of three substantial parts: the airbag module, the crash sensor, and the diagnostic unit. Each part plays a significant role during a car crash. The airbag module is the one that contains the lightweight fabric that inflates during collision. Basically, there are two airbag modules located in a conventional vehicle like the new Lincoln Town Car, the driver airbag module and the passenger airbag module. The driver airbag module is located at the center of the steering wheel while the passenger module is dramatically placed at the instrument panel.

Because vehicles can have one or more crash sensors, they are located in different areas – either at the front of the vehicle near the bumper or in the passenger compartment area. The crash sensor works as a triggering device that measures the deceleration, which is the decreased velocity of a car or the rate in which the car slows down. The sensor is activated during the car crash which actually is the force that was generated in the front or rear of a car.

The last part of an airbag system, which is the diagnostic unit, acts as a condition sensor for the airbag. It measures the preparedness of the airbag in case of a car crash. The diagnostic unit activates when the car’s engine is turned on. It checks the airbag if it is in good condition and ready to use. If certain problem occurs, a warning light is activated and signals the driver that the airbag is malfunctioning and needs to be fixed.

During its peak of development, airbags only focus on frontal impacts. It cannot absorb impacts generated from the rear and side of a vehicle thus making it an ineffective safety device for rollovers and side impacts. However, with the latest trend in the automotive industry along with the new technological safety features, vehicles are now equipped with rear, side, and even curtain airbags to protect its occupants from injuries during car collisions. Who knows what other benefits and updates will airbags offer in the future?

For drivers, welcoming summer is good news for them. You see, most believe that running and driving around in icy road conditions is far off worse compared to driving under the hot sunshine. Well, summer has its own share of disadvantages that is why it is important to follow some tips recommended by auto experts to ensure and increase your chances of safe summer trips.

Before you drive off for a long journey, it is important that you do have your car checked first. This should be done at least a week before you go on that journey. Also, it is necessary that you have your car undergo a full service. This way, if there are any parts that need changing, you can always repair them as soon as possible. Also, if there is a need to do maintenance, then it would be the right time for that. Before you start your engine and start your summer crusade for fun, check the following first: your car’s engine, oil fluid, brake fluid, clutch fluid, battery electrolyte, tire pressure, and windscreen washer reservoir.

Always have some spare kits and some spare parts available during the entire duration of your trip. That way, if you do encounter some minor problems that could be easily remedied, then you would be saving yourself the trouble of waiting for help to arrive and you also would be helping your pocket for you would not have to spend on somebody else’s services just to fix any problem. Important items in your spare kit should include a fan belt, some radiator hoses, bulbs, points, a condenser, a pair of spark plugs as well as a roll of insulating tape.

Auto Parts Discount continually renews its commitment in providing and delivering superbly crafted GMC parts that would assist any owner and driver in keeping their vehicle in top shape during these summer trips. The store has an impressive array of auto parts and these parts are considered to be the best parts in the industry.

People, on the other hand, are also becoming very vigilant and they try to scrutinize the vehicles of their choices before they actually decide which one to purchase. Safety is also included in the list of details and features that they are looking for in a car.

In this regard, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have come up with a list of safety features that would gladly help out and assist consumers in deciding which should come in their vehicles. The two organizations suggest that it is important that as a driver, you should be cautious and should take into account the number of passengers who would be more or less ride with you in the vehicle. The driver should also consider the kinds of passengers. Will there be adults? Teenagers perhaps? How about children or infants? These should be taken note of for there are various vehicles that have different safety standards. Some are good enough just for children while others have been crafted well to transport only adults.

Aside from passengers, you should also consider the types of cargo that you may be carrying and transporting. Other things you have to take into account include the distance which you will be traveling as well as the kind of road conditions that you might encounter.

Vehicle ratings have been crafted and written down not just for show. They serve a purpose of providing information to those who need it. And if you are a buyer concerned about safety, it is important that you check the list out. Pay attention to crash test data and ratings. Also look into safety features as well as crash ratings. Make sure that you also know the features in the car you are eyeing. Look for air bags, safety belts, antilock brakes, traction control and child restraints. These are just a few of the most common safety features though you are encouraged to look for further safety features.