‘Biggest Work Truck Event in History’

Green Truck Summit, Work Truck Show Set Records, Expanded Show Is to Return to Indianapolis in 2013

Fleets &Fuels ShowTimes collage of the Green Truck Summit and Work Truck Show 2012 in Indianapolis.

This month’s Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, “was the biggest work truck event in history,” the National Truck Equipment Association reports. The March 6-8, 2012 event broke all standing event records, NTEA says, “with a verified 10,408 attendees checking out work trucks and equipment from 563 exhibitors.”

The associated NTEA-Calstart Green Truck Summit on March 5-6 also hit new highs, with a keynote address from U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu helping to attract a record 772 attendees – a 13% increase over last year’s record turnout.

2013 Is Nearly Sold Out

According to NTEA executive director Steve Carey, event growth and overall positive atmosphere on the show floor reflect improving market conditions as the industry continues to rebound.

“This is the second year in a row that The Work Truck Show has achieved new records for attendance, exhibitor participation and product launches,” Carey said in a release. “We will build on this momentum as we prepare to bring an even bigger Show back to Indianapolis for an unprecedented third straight year in 2013. In response to growing demand, we’re expanding next year’s Show floor – and have already sold 92% of available space.”

More than 120 exhibiting companies launched at least 140 new products in Indianapolis this month, including alternative fuel systems, vehicle components, truck equipment and full-size trucks. Among the many notable launches were a new CNG pickup truck from Chrysler Ram Trucks, General Motors’ bi-fuel 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HD extended cab pickups, and gaseous fuel NPR HD trucks – both compressed natural gas and propane – from Isuzu via Utilimaster. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp launched its dedicated-propane S2G.

OEMs and Upfitters Alike

Westport LD (Westport WiNG) and Venchurs were among the new upfitters increasing the choices in CNG trucks, while the veterans BAF, Impco Automotive and Landi Renzo USA showed new vehicle types and announced new customer relationships. Truck electrification was in evidence too with products ranging from Motiv’s versatile open architecture design for battery electrics to battery aerial lifts from Altec and Terex. Variable Torque Motors and Lightning Hybrids offered hybrid electric and hydraulic hybrid retrofits.

In heavier vehicles, Freightliner showed a new CNG model, the SD114, and Navistar International showed a new CNG DuraStar. Paccar’s Kenworth and Peterbilt units brought Eaton-drive hybrid electric and CNG-fueled trucks, respectively.

Other Work Truck Show 2012 highlights included a sold-out President’s Breakfast and 48^th NTEA Annual Meeting on March 7, with keynote address by President George W. Bush. During the President’s Breakfast, Jim Carney, NTEA senior executive director, was recognized for his 36-year career with the NTEA. He will retire April 30.

Fleets & Fuels ShowTimes published two fact-filled issues covering the Green Truck Summit and Work Truck Show 2012 in Indianapolis.

The Work Truck Show 2013 returns to the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis March 6-8, 2013 – again with more than 500,000 square feet of exhibit space. Educational programming, including the Green Truck Summit, starts on March 5, a Tuesday. Online registration opens at NTEA.com in October.

Established in 1964, NTEA, the Association for the Work Truck Industry, represents more than 1,500 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to the Association. NTEA provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services, and produces The Work Truck Show. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and a government relations office in Washington, D.C.

NTEA, Sheree Campbell, 248-489-7090 or toll-free 800-441-6832; fax 248-489-8590; www.ntea.com

Many Green Truck Summit and Work Truck Show 2012 photos!

Tagged Calstart, Fleets & Fuels Show Times, Green Truck Summit, NTEA, work truck show