FROM a small splinter group in 1964, the National Truck Equipment Association has grown exponentially in 50 years. That growth was evident at this year’s Work Truck Show held March 5-7 in Indianapolis.
The annual convention and trade show attracted 10,160 visitors. The visitors could choose to learn from more than 60 educational sessions, view the wares of more than 500 exhibitors, and/or drive a green truck at the Green Truck Summit that was held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show.
Amid the 500,000 square feet of exhibit space, more than 100 new products were introduced and on display. Several truck manufacturers revealed new chassis during the week the show was held. Among them were the 2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 and the Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America’s 2015 Canter FE130 cabover work truck. In addition, several new technology developments were on display designed to improve work truck fuel utilization.
Several companies also used the show as a platform to announce new partnerships and technology adoptions. For example, UPS and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) announced that UPS is buying 1,000 propane delivery trucks and building 50 fueling stations for a total investment of approximately $70 million.
To celebrate its 50th birthday, the association presented commemorative member giveaways and a look back at the past via a photo retrospective during the President’s Breakfast. The breakfast featured a presentation by keynote speaker Condoleezza Rice.
The Work Truck Show returns to Indianapolis March 4–6, 2015. Educational programming begins March 3. Exhibit space on an even larger Show floor is already 99 percent sold out. ♦
