Radcliffe firm's black box tells road 'fortunes' 

EconoCruise product is tested in K.C. run, saving truckers on fuel and environment from pollutants.

November 15, 1999 -- By BILLIE SHELTON, Register Correspondent

Thanks to an Iowa company, over-the-road truckers now can have a psychic on board.

The "seer" is EconoCruise, which uses Global Positioning System data to control fuel usage and vehicle exhaust emissions. The new invention, a little black box hooked to the accelerator, can "see" the road head of a vehicle and is a major improvement over existing vehicle cruise controls.

The product, developed by Radcliffe-based Mirenco, was tested earlier this fall by a semi driver with TMC Transportation of Des Moines.

Dave Cole, a veteran TMC driver, first took a 200-mile test run on Interstate 35 from Des Moines to Kansas City to program the route using GPS. Data on fuel mileage and engine emissions was stored on computer disk.

On a second trip in mid-September, EconoCruise automatically adjusted the vehicle throttle position over the same route. The system precisely controls the truck accelerator pedal position and vehicle speed.

"I like the system," Cole said, adding that he equipment is easy to operate.

"EconoCruise will benefit both te driver and the company," Cole said, "because most companies compensate their drivers for better mileage. This system makes the best he can be."

Mirenco officials were pleased with the results of the historic trip. "With EconoCruise installed on a semi, we can mimic a company's best driver," explained Dwayne Fosseen, Mirenco CEO. He said the smart cruise control will maintain 10 percent to 15 percent better mileage, saving trucking companies up to thousands of dollars annually just on fuel.

"The most simple, overlooked solution to a cleaner environment and improved fuel mileage is to take it easy on the vehicle throttle," Fosseen added.

EconoCruise can be installed on any vehicle with a throttle.

So far, TMC Transportation is involved with testing only. The firm, the largest privately held flatbed carrier in the nation, moves freight primarily in the eastern two-thirds of the country.

"We're always interested in technological advances that provide for greater efficiency, safety and ease of operation for our drivers," said Mark Kilian, TMC executive vice president.

Mirenco has also developed DriverMax, a simple black box that increases fuel economy while controlling emissions. It is being used on bus fleets in several cities in the United States and Canada to conquer problems of air pollution and gas usage. 

About Mirenco

Mirenco is a Radcliffe, Iowa-based Company that specializes in patented vehicle management technology and consultative services for reducing vehicle emissions, improving fuel economy and lengthening the service life of heavy-duty diesel vehicles.  More information is available at www.mirenco.com, or via e-mail at info@mirenco.com or by calling 800.423.9903.

Some of the statements made in this press release are forward-looking in nature.  Actual results may differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements.  Additional information concerning Mirenco, Inc. can be found within Mirenco's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Statements in this release should be evaluated in light of this additional information.

Contact Information:
Dwayne Fosseen
fosseen@mirenco.com
800-423-9903