FENTON, Mich. — Truck heating and cooling solutions supplier Webasto was awarded the renowned 2008 Frost & Sullivan Anti-Idling Systems Technology Innovation Leadership of the Year Award, which highlights excellence in developing the "most innovative, efficient, cost-effective and emission-reducing solution to the problem of truck idling."

The award recognizes Webasto’s Storage Core Technology, named BlueCool Truck, said to be the only zero-emission engine-off cooling technology to have received approval from California’s Air Resources Board (CARB).

"At Webasto, we’re committed to developing and providing technologies that not only meet environmental needs but also are economically and operationally attractive to our customers," said John Thomas, director of Commercial Vehicles-Environmental and Regulatory Affairs.

Unnecessary truck idling is a leading cause of atmospheric and noise pollution, says the company. Many states, provinces, metropolitan areas and municipalities across the United States and Canada are enforcing strict idling regulations that limit the time trucks may idle — which typically takes place overnight or during rest periods when operators use the truck’s engine-powered heating-ventilation system to provide a comfortable cab environment.

Unnecessary idling is also a major cause of diesel fuel expenses. With diesel prices hovering around $4 per gallon, that’s a major contributor to fuel expenditure, which is the largest operating cost for fleets and truck owner-operators, notes Webasto.

"The company has effectively leveraged its competencies in air-conditioning, comfort and convenience technologies, and its proximity to vehicle manufacturers across the globe to develop BlueCool Truck," says Sandeep Kar, Frost & Sullivan Heavy-Truck Technologies Program Manager. "It’s a cost-effective anti-idling solution for heavy truck original equipment and aftermarket channels alike."