Truck manufacturers at MATS are confident they hold the keys to your next truck purchase. The competition is fierce, and that could work in your favor if you're going to need a new truck soon.
Each of the OEMs we've heard from during the press conferences -- Mack, Volvo, Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Navistar and Western Star -- predict that 2013 will be quite similar to 2012 in terms of Class 8 sales. Many told us that 2014 has the potential to be a boom year for moving new trucks.
The makers hinge those predictions on a strengthening economy coupled with an aging vehicle population. They each say they're poised for when fleets and small-business owners are ready to invest in new equipment.
To be frank, I think a fair number of would-be truck buyers have held out on new purchases the past few years because of lingering doubts about the economy, tight bottom lines, and a bit of regulatory fatigue thrown in for good measure. It will be interesting to see where that goes.
Fuel cost is going to be a consideration. Many manufacturers have mentioned natural gas options, mainly for dedicated short runs or regional hauls. Long-haul options for natural gas could still be a ways out, but the infrastructure gap is starting to fill in.
Options and competition are good things.
Showing posts with label Peterbilt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peterbilt. Show all posts
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
A deeper sleeper
If I didn't have other commitments this afternoon, I would probably wander back to the Peterbilt exhibit and sprawl out in the new 80-inch sleeper the company unveiled Wednesday at the Mid-America Trucking Show.
Peterbilt GM Bill Kozek says it's the largest sleeper in company history, and it complements the 579 long-hauler rather nicely.
I've seen apartments with less room.
From the outside, you can identify the larger model because of its ample-sized window on the side.
Once inside, you notice how far Peterbilt has gone to maximize every available space for driver comfort.
I'm 6 feet tall and I barely had to duck to transition from driver seat to sleeper berth. And once back there, it was easy to tune the rest of the world out, even if only for a moment.
Speaking of sleepers, Kenworth introduced a new one today, as well. This one is a 52-inch mid-roof sleeper that matches with the company's award-winning T680.
This sleeper provides an aerodynamic option for tankers or flatbedders on regional hauls.
"It's a big package in a smaller footprint," Kenworth GM Gary Moore said.
Kenworth and Peterbilt – under the Paccar umbrella – are offering flatscreen TVs and other amenities to help you stretch out and spec a comfortable truck that fits your operation.
Peterbilt GM Bill Kozek says it's the largest sleeper in company history, and it complements the 579 long-hauler rather nicely.I've seen apartments with less room.
From the outside, you can identify the larger model because of its ample-sized window on the side.
Once inside, you notice how far Peterbilt has gone to maximize every available space for driver comfort.
I'm 6 feet tall and I barely had to duck to transition from driver seat to sleeper berth. And once back there, it was easy to tune the rest of the world out, even if only for a moment.
Speaking of sleepers, Kenworth introduced a new one today, as well. This one is a 52-inch mid-roof sleeper that matches with the company's award-winning T680.
This sleeper provides an aerodynamic option for tankers or flatbedders on regional hauls."It's a big package in a smaller footprint," Kenworth GM Gary Moore said.
Kenworth and Peterbilt – under the Paccar umbrella – are offering flatscreen TVs and other amenities to help you stretch out and spec a comfortable truck that fits your operation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)