ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

GE Capital Solutions and the Blackstone Group said Friday they would acquire PHH Corp. for $31.50 per share, or about $1.8 billion.

Eaton Wins Patents for Hybrid-Electric Power • CSX Joins EPA Greenhouse-Gas Reduction Program • UPS Boosts Technology Offering

For decades, diesel engines — prized for their durability and pulling power — have dominated broad segments of the heavy truck and equipment markets. As gasoline prices rose in the 1970s, diesels made quick inroads in light-duty markets as well.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s recently proposed rule mandating the use of electronic onboard recorders for habitual violators of federal hours-of-service regulations has set in motion an industrywide discussion about the plan’s merits.

WASHINGTON — Legislation proposed last week could allow federal weight limits for trucks to rise to 97,000 pounds and for the first time set fuel-efficiency standards for trucks.

Sales of new Class 8 trucks fell 19.3% in February, while orders for new vehicles plunged more than 70%, according to companies that track the market.

While much of the heavy-duty truck sales hoopla during 2006 focused on truck makers as they set new monthly and yearly sales records, trailer makers were quietly posting their third-best sales year ever, according to new data from ACT Research.

WASHINGTON — Legislation proposed last week could allow federal weight limits for trucks to rise to 97,000 pounds and for the first time set fuel-efficiency standards for trucks.

LAS VEGAS — Leaders of the Truckload Carriers Association said they will take a more active role in shaping trucking’s policy in the coming year and emphasize the need to provide drivers a safer work environment and wage stability.