The National Truck Equipment Association(NTEA) welcomed 576 attendees at its annual New Model Truck Product Conference September 17-19 at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn in Dearborn, Michigan.
Ten leading chassis manufacturers presented new product updates and vehicle displays:
Dodge announced 2008 model year product enhancements on its full line of commercial trucks and vans, including the all-new Dodge Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cabs, Caravan/Grand Caravan C/V, and the Dodge Sprinter.
Ford Commercial Truck presented information on the next-generation 2008 E-Series that has an all-new brake system, improved ride and handling, and gross vehicle weight rating increases to 14,500 lb. Ford also spoke on the 2008 F-250-F-750 Super Duty and the 2008 Ford LCF.
Freightliner Trucks discussed exhaust-modification guidelines and new exhaust-system options available, and gave updates on the latest features and enhancements to its truck lineup for the 2008 model year.
General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operations provided information on the 2008 model Express/Savana commercial vans and cutaways. Attendees also heard technical updates on GM's new 2008 commercial Silverado/Sierra line of trucks and the Kodiak/Topkick and Colorado/Canyon.
International Truck and Engine Corporation presented information on features of its 2008 lineup, including MaxxForce engines and DuraStar, and its newly designed Diamond Logic System for different vocational applications.
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc discussed the latest features of its all-new 2008 N-Series that delivers more cab room, enhanced safety features, and more power, and meets new, more stringent 2007 US and state of California diesel emissions standards.
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc presented information on its 2008 FE and FK models, addressed power takeoff electronic control and dealer programmable set speed, and discussed additional enhancements to its 2008 lineup.
Sterling Truck Corporation presented body builder-relevant information for the Acterra, L-Line, 360, and Bullet. Sterling also addressed additional Environmental Protection Agency 2007 exhaust configurations in the works, chassis information for each product, the company's body builder book and Body Builder Exhaust Modification Guidelines.
Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. & Hino Trucks presented information on its 2008 lineup, including the Tundra and Tacoma. Hino Trucks reviewed its 2008 model vehicles and discussed features relevant to upfitters and available options on Hino trucks.