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Lisle-based Navistar to expand electric vehicle lineup

Ebuzz

Lisle-based Navistar plans to expand its line of all-electric vehicles, which are gaining popularity with delivery services and utility companies.

Currently, Navistar sells eStar, a van-styled, electric-powered truck for commercial use that can be driven with a regular driver's license. Other models are being planned, said Mark Aubry, Navistar vice president of eStar.

“We have a lot of options that we're exploring at this point,” Aubry said.

The eStar was unveiled in 2009. Since then, FedEx has purchased and uses four eStars in Los Angeles. UPS also has some. Another 30 to 40 more vehicles soon will be on the streets in other U.S. cities, including in Chicago in coming weeks, Aubry said.

One of the most significant features in eStar is its new battery technology. The smaller device packs just as much power as the older batteries of years ago, he said.

The cassette-type battery can be changed in about 20 minutes, when necessary. The battery also can be fully recharged in about eight hours and operate the vehicle for up to 100 miles on a single charge.

In addition, eStar has no tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 10 tons annually, Navistar said.

Surfing: Mazak Corp.'s Midwest headquarters and Technology Center in Schaumburg will be expanding with a new auditorium, more room for seminars, an area for customer projects and testing, as well as expanded machine tool technology demonstration facilities. The company targets April 2012 for the grand opening. Follow its progress on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MazakCorp) and at Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Mazak-Corporation/117154221639).

ŸBring your PCs for free checkups, cleaning and repairs by Aurora University students and faculty from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday in Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, Aurora. Services will include spyware, anti-mallware and virus check and removal, a tuneup for quicker operating speeds and installation of free software.

ŸSchaumburg-based Sparton Corp. has relaunched its website at www.sparton.com that shows off a new logo. The company manufacturers electronic and electromechanical devices for defense, security, and the medical industries.

ŸBarrington-based Applied Technology Publications hosts its 8th annual Maintenance & Reliability Technology Summit on April 26-29 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont. About 400 attendees are expected over its four-day run. Visit www.martsconference.com.

ŸAfter all the controversy about the drink Four Loko for its recently reformulated alcohol and caffeine content, Chicago-based Phusion Projects LLC, has launched a new website, www.phusioncares.com to tout its charitable giving and community involvement.

ŸFollow Anna Marie Kukec on LinkedIn and Facebook and as AMKukec on Twitter.