Inventor's Fuel-Saving Mud Flaps Make Splash With Truckers

摘要

For fleet managers, coping with today's diesel-fuel crisis often requires creative thinking-right down to the lowly mud flap. The drive for fuel efficiency drove Barry Andersen of Chattanooga, Tenn., a 25-year veteran truck driver, to bring his idea of a perforated flap to market. Heavy-duty trucking fleets are using Andersen's aerodynamically designed EcoFlaps as they look for any extra edge to conserve fuel consumption. The flaps allow 75% of air to pass right through it, reducing wind drag. This can save about 3% per year in fuel. That is not bad for an accessory that will cost a trucker about $100 for two flaps and take about 10 minutes to Install, the supplier says.