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RALEIGH, N.C. — The federal stopping-distance rule announced in late July will generate lots of technical choices for truck buyers, but manufacturing executives told fleet managers here the engineering changes should be minimally disruptive.

President Obama has approved an increase on the tariff charged on car and light truck tires imported from China, the Associated Press reported.

Alliance Parts, Daimler Trucks’ private-label parts unit, said it has partnered with ArvinMeritor, Troy, Mich., to provide remanufactured brake shoes for commercial vehicles in North America.

While sales of new Class 8 trucks continue to languish, several used truck dealers said they have noted recent “sporadic” increases in business that they believe could signal a market bottom. However, they added that financing problems were restricting sales.

For trucking fleets that operate different vehicles for an array of uses, an important challenge is to equip each one with the correct tires.

President Obama must decide by Sept. 17 whether to accept the recommendation of the U.S. International Trade Commission to impose tariffs on passenger and light-truck tires made in China, the second-largest U.S. trading partner.

Daimler Trucks North America said it will add a $9,000 surcharge to its 2010 trucks for customers who select independent manufacturer Cummins Inc.’s 2010 heavy-duty engine.

The heavy-duty aftermarket industry, which had passed through the previous two recessions relatively unscathed, has been hit hard this time, with one analyst saying revenue will be down 8% to 10% this year compared to 2008, which itself suffered a 4% drop from 2007.

Detroit Diesel Corp. said it will submit its first heavy-duty 2010 engine for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certification during September, joining Cummins Inc., Mack Trucks Inc. and Volvo Trucks North America, which already have submitted applications to the agency.