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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.

Truck and auto parts maker Eaton Corp. said Tuesday it named Curt Hutchins president and vice president of its heavy-duty transmission unit, effective April 1.

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.

WASHINGTON — Trucking and law enforcement groups said a recent report claiming the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has failed to ensure trucking safety was unproductive and poorly research

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