By: Michael Dohn
Published: July 5, 2019
- Introduction
Fitzgerald Glider Kits, a Tennessee-based trucking company, installs rebuilt engines and transmissions in “glider kits,”[1] which are new trucks that have factory-installed, remanufactured rear axle assemblies but lack an engine or transmission.[2] Traditionally, the completed glider vehicles have been required to only meet emissions standards that were in place the year the engine block was originally built.[3] Companies such as Fitzgerald typically install engines rebuilt from older models[4] and can therefore avoid installing expensive, later-required engine technologies designed to reduce emissions.[5] This has allowed glider vehicle dealers to sell their wares at a price 10-25% lower than that of new, factory-built vehicles, thus giving the dealers a competitive foothold in the trucking market.[6]