American Durabilt introduced the 100% stainless steel “truckers' bumper.” The bumpers come with a lifetime warranty against rusting, chipping and peeling. They're offered in stock sizes compatible with most models of Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Western Star, International and Mack trucks. Custom bumpers can be special ordered. www.truckersbumpers.com or call 866-866-6628.

Newest Western Star is top-of-the-line Stratosphere Star Light sleeper. The 82-incher provides full stand-up room and a flat floor throughout cab and sleeper and is available on all Western Star 4900 models. It comes in three trim levels with numerous cabinet, storage, window and lighting options. Four different bunk configurations are offered, including an optional dinette/sleeper package. www.westernstartrucks.com or 305

Celebrating its fifth anniversary as a truck maker, Sterling Truck Corp. now has 302 dealer locations in the U.S. and Canada, Sterling captured 6% of the U.S./Canada Class 8 truck market in 2002 and 3.3% of the Class 6/7 market, and that 2003 is off to a strong start with order intake outstripping the company's build rate. For a list of dealers, go to www.sterlingtruck.com.

Delco Remy's Road Gang line of premium electrical systems now includes maintenance free heavy-duty truck batteries manufactured by Delphi Automotive Systems. The electrical system package also includes brushless alternators with remote temperature compensation, starters with Semi-Solid Link overcrank protection, and low voltage disconnects. www.delcoremy.com.

Truck-Lite Co. has introduced LED lamps to it Signal-Stat product line. The company said the new Signal-Stat LED lamps are “engineered to offer quality LED lamps (made in the U.S.) at prices competitive with imported lamps.” Truck-Lite said the lamps exceed legal requirements, feature an extensive pattern of multiple diodes and carry a two-year limited warranty. They will be initially available in 4-in. round and oval stop, turn, and tail models as well as in 2- and 2.5-in. round marker clearance models. www.truck-lite.com or 311

Aftermarket parts distributor FleetPride Inc. is launching its “NationWide Training Tour” using three custom-built 28-ft. “TechTrailers” outfitted with an array of brake-related training aids. Sponsors of the tour include ArvinMeritor and Haldex Brake Systems. Each trailer will contain a working demonstration system to help techs learn how to diagnose and service air brakes. For more details, contact a FleetPride branch, go to www.fleetpride.com or call 866-4FleetPride.

Survey results released by seat-belt system developer IMMI found that 87% of truck drivers are required to wear seatbelts and that 77% comply with that requirement. Top truck-driving hazards identified by the drivers who responded to the survey include weather, passenger vehicles, heavy traffic and cellphones. www.imminet.com.

Hendrickson International has put an updated version of its Road Show tractor-trailer back on the highway, visiting fleets with both technical training and demonstrations of its latest suspension, axle and heavy-truck components. Last year the Road Show truck made over 400 stops as it covered 40,000 mi. www.hendrickson-intl.com.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has released test results showing air disc brakes to have longer wear life than what it calls typical S-cam drum brakes. Comparing wear on linings to pads, and drums to rotors, the test ran two tractors with non-braked control trailers over a 54-mi. hilly circuit. The tractor equipped with Bendix SB7000 air disc brakes and 17-in. rotors on both front and rear axles showed 87% longer life than the tractor with 15-in. x 4-in. front and 16.5-in. x 7-in. rear S-cam brakes. www.bendix.com