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Truck maker Volvo AB said its sales for the first two months of the year fell 13%, as U.S. deliveries plunged following new emissions standards that boosted truck prices, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

Truck and engine maker Navistar International Corp. said Tuesday it saw signs of strength in non-traditional and overseas vehicle markets, despite a 6% downturn in Class 6-8 North American truck and bus shipments in its fiscal first quarter.

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.

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.

Dedicated Transport, a private trucking company based in Cleveland, said it bought Baker’s Transport Service of Lakeland, Fla. Terms were not released.