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Recent advances in rubber compounding processes have helped make tires more durable and fuel efficient, according to manufacturers who compare the techniques to the culinary arts.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration continues to be dead set on forcing every commercial vehicle in the United States to carry an electronic onboard recorder — better known as an EOBR — despite the device’s hefty price tag and general uselessness as a safety tool.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. reported a first-quarter loss, citing refinancing charges that offset higher revenue.

Commercial Vehicle Group’s first-quarter profit improved, the truck and auto components maker said.

Meritor Inc.’s fiscal second-quarter profit rose 18% on stronger performance in its truck segment.

Visteon Corp. reported a first-quarter loss on Wednesday, citing restructuring charges.

New orders for trailers continued at a strong pace in March, despite dropping 30% from a year ago, ACT Research Co., Columbus, Ind., reported, adding that total orders for the first quarter were down just 1% from the strong performance in the first three months of 2011.

American Trucking Associations urged members of the upcoming House-Senate highway-bill conference to include a mandate for electronic onboard recorders, in order to help drivers and carriers meet federal hours-of-service mandates.

Component maker Accuride Corp.’s first-quarter loss narrowed as sales rose, the company said.