ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As competing engine makers continued their public battle over the best technology for meeting 2010 federal emission standards, analysts said the outcome of the competition could dramatically transform the industry.

Nissan Motor Co. will spend $118 million to convert an underused Mississippi truck plant and build its first commercial vehicles in the United States, Bloomberg reported.

German truck maker MAN AG plans to expand its commercial-vehicles division as it seeks to make more international sales, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

Truckload carrier Celadon Trucking Services said it earned the top score awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for freight carriers that participating in EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership.

Bulk and tanker carrier Quality Distribution Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., said it purchased an insurance policy to cover all accident liability claims between $2 million and $5 million.

Last week’s Institute of Supply Management report that showed continued contraction may actually be good for the trucking industry’s outlook, according to an industry analyst, the Associated Press reported.

Eastern freight rail line Norfolk Southern Corp. said Monday it will take a first-quarter charge of 2 cents per share, related to settlement of an accident claim.

As we move closer to the next federal mandate on emissions — which comes into force for 2010-model heavy-duty trucks — proponents of the two competing technologies are beginning to publicly argue over the superiority of their choices.

Volvo Trucks North America said its heavy-duty engines can now be equipped with an option to meet California’s anti-idling restrictions.