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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s decision to cut the maximum allowed stopping distance for large trucks by 30% will increase truck buyers’ costs somewhat, but will not force a widespread shift to new technology such as air disc brakes, industry groups and manufacturers said.

Grocery retailer Safeway Inc. said it will begin inflating its truck and trailer fleet tires with nitrogen instead of compressed air.

Diesel emission standards change again in January 2010, but unlike the previous modifications when all manufacturers used essentially the same emission-controlling technology, medium-duty truck buyers next year will have a choice of competing systems.

The accuracy of the Global Positioning System could be compromised as early as next year if the U.S. Air Force cannot meet an ambitious schedule for space and ground infrastructure deployment, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.

BOSTON — Volvo Trucks joined the argument over allowing longer, heavier trucks on U.S. highways, saying Congress should allow them on the interstate system to relieve congestion, increase productivity, conserve fuel and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

SAN DIEGO — A “perfect storm” of a weak economy, high fuel prices and governmental missteps have led to a 70% drop in new-truck sales in North America, according to Jim Hebe, senior vice president of North American sales for Navistar.

Federal researchers said they have confirmed manufacturers’ claims that single wide tires can boost a truck’s fuel economy, but one tire expert said they may not be suitable for every fleet.

Several companies that blend diesel exhaust fluid, the urea solution used in truck engines with selective catalytic reduction systems, have had their blends certified by the American Petroleum Institute.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Navistar Inc. said it soon will introduce a 15-liter engine, which combines the fuel-induction technology of its 11-liter and 13-liter MaxxForce models with the block and other basic components of a Caterpillar C15 power plant.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Cummins Inc. said it is confident the Environmental Protection Agency will approve the company’s use of copper zeolite in engines de-signed to meet 2010 emission rules, removing any potential roadblock for the new models.