Navistar to convert USPS delivery vehicles to diesel powertrains

www.chinatrucks.com: Navistar has inked a contract with US Postal Service to develop a "diesel powertrains replacement" for delivery vehicles in the postal service's aging fleet.

As part of the agreement, USPS will deliver one of its Long Life Vehicles (LLVs) to Navistar's engineering and technical centre in Melrose Park, Ill. Navistar will then develop, install and test a diesel powertrains featuring its 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine.

"When the USPS current fleet was first put into service, diesel fuel and advanced diesel powertrains technology were not widely available," said Andrew Dondlinger, vice-president, North America operations, Navistar Engine Group. "Now, by replacing its gasoline powertrains, USPS could realize diesel's benefits of fuel efficiency, long operational life and low service and operating costs."

Navistar suggests a diesel re-power solution could be used to upgrade the USPS fleet over the next decade. The company notes diesel powertrains can achieve 35% better fuel efficiency compared to gas engines. Diesel engines are also less costly to maintain, boast a longer service life and lower cost of ownership.

Navistar is aiming to provide a payback in as little as two years for each repowered vehicle.

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