Novi-based Stoneridge Inc. has partnered with Shell Lubricants and AirFlow Truck Co. to fit MirrorEye camera monitoring system on a hyper-fuel-efficient truck called the Starship Initiative.
MirrorEye is a camera monitor system that replaces a truck’s mirrors with integrated external digital cameras and digital monitors inside the cab of the truck.
Based on the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, the Starship truck attained 28.4 percent better fuel economy, averaging 8.9 miles per gallon compared to the average U.S. fuel economy of 6.4 miles per gallon for transport trucks. The streamlined, aerodynamic design of the truck was improved with the addition of MirrorEye in lieu of traditional side mirrors.
“Stoneridge is proud to be a part of this leading venture in efficiency. Our MirrorEye system provides a solution to the safety and fuel economy challenges facing commercial vehicles and fleets while providing a platform for future growth adjacencies,” says Jon DeGaynor, president and CEO of Stoneridge Inc. “The future of safety and emissions technologies is here, and MirrorEye is at the forefront.”
Stoneridge’s MirrorEye mirror replacement system not only improves safety by diminishing blind spots, but can also allow for the removal of side mirrors to achieve a more streamlined, fuel-efficient vehicle. Other benefits of MirrorEye include full-color night vision, trailer panning, expanded fields of view, and high definition camera and display technology.
“MirrorEye provides such a great field of view,” says Bob Sliwa, principal owner and designer of AirFlow Truck Co. “The night-vision capability blows traditional mirrors out of the water, and the aerodynamic design of the cameras helps to keep rain water off of the lenses, so you always have a clear view. The look-down camera and monitor virtually eliminated the front passenger side blind spot of the tractor, which made for a much safer ride.”
