THE NTEA Truck Product Conference featured nearly 500 professionals from NTEA member companies and manufacturer representatives from Dodge, Ford Trucks, GM/Isuzu Commercial Trucks, International Truck & Engine Corporation, and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc to discuss the 2005 model year products.
The event, held September 20-21 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan, included: new model year modifications; product literature and data books; access to chassis manufacturers, engineers, and marketing staff; information on specifications, design, markets, and availability; opportunities to discuss compatibility issues on truck body and equipment design, installation, and modification; and the newest truck and chassis product offerings.
Each participating manufacturer presented a program and display:
Dodge shared updates to its expanding commercial truck program, including Ram 3500 Single Rear Wheel Box Delete availability and Dual Rear Wheel Box Delete development. For 2005, Sprinter has a new GVWR available on the cab chassis, marking Sprinter's entrance into the Class 3 market. Also new for Sprinter are standard 225/75R 16" dual rear wheels on the 3500 Sprinter Cab Chassis. Adding to Sprinter's already expansive optional equipment offering, many new options will be added for 2005 that will be of significant interest to any upfitter.
Ford Trucks discussed updates to its LCF and F-Series, including a preview of the 2006 LCF; the new kick frame Pro Loader model of the 2005 F-650 and F-750; and the 2005 F-250 and F-550. A chassis measuring session was offered for the 2006 LCF. Also featured were new offerings for the 2005 MY E-Series, including the TorqShift five-speed electronic automatic transmission with tow-haul mode available on over 8,500 lb gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) gas engines; the 6.0L diesel with TorqShift five-speed transmission; standard electronic throttle control; and standard stationary elevated idle control on over 8,500 lb GVWR is also incorporated into the powertrain control module.
GM/Isuzu Commercial Trucks discussed updates to its 2005 product lineup and introduced the 2005 four-wheel C4500.
International Truck and Engine Corporation introduced the new CF Series truck designed in, and built for, the North American market. The first of two cab-forward models in the lineup included the International CF 500 that targets the Class 4 market with a 16,000-lb GVW rating, and the International CF 600 model that targets the Class 5 market with a 19,500-lb GVW rating. Both models are powered by the new International VT 275 diesel engine.
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc introduced its completely revised Class 3 through 7 product line. Fuso trucks have been enhanced with new cabs, new frames, new engines, and transmissions.