Vikner Predicts Fewer Trucks To Be Produced...

[Barry]

U.S. truck manufacturers will make fewer trucks this year with engines that meet 2007 emission standards, Paul Vikner, president and chief executive officer of Mack Trucks said at the ATD Convention & Exposition in San Diego last month. Manufacturers still have engines made in 2006 and dealers still have inventories of 2006 models for truck customers who want to buy. With those inventories and the expected sharp drop in truck sales, many of the trucks sold this year will have pre-2007 engines. "Frankly, we think there is a better way to handle this," said Vikner, adding that the trucking industry must encourage governments to offer incentives to stimulate sales of trucks with cleaner-burning engines and to ensure the industry has a strong voice in future environmental regulations. "Moving into the future, I can tell you some of Mack's biggest customers are talking about environmental responsibility, and it will become very, very important for truck manufacturers and dealers ... to meet these kinds of requirements for them."

Regarding speculation over the development of a one-world truck, Vikner indicated that to remain competitive, it is almost required that all truck makers have a presence in Asia, all of Europe and all of North America. However, he told dealers that would not translate into a single truck model. While individual manufacturers will probably use common truck-cab architecture, there will continue to be different dashboard components, interior doors and steering columns among their brands, he said. Meanwhile, he suggested manufacturers probably would seek to trim costs by cutting back on the number of spec'ing options available.

Source: Transport Topics, April 23 print edition.

[Packer]

I wonder if some of the states that have "Rail Road Commisions" as compared to DOT'S, have anything to do with the hassel truckers get???

I was an O-O in 1974 when the first fuel crunch came about. 'Overdrive' put together a truck strike for O-O that worked somewhat. WE at least got a fuel sir-charge out of it. However the railroad got government subsidizing!!!!!!

The railroad is the truckers competition - - - They get the goldmine truckers get the shaft!

Been wanting to get this out for 33 years - - - maybe I'll sleep better at night now.

Packer

[HK Trucking]

Regarding speculation over the development of a one-world truck, Vikner indicated that to remain competitive, it is almost required that all truck makers have a presence in Asia, all of Europe and all of North America. However, he told dealers that would not translate into a single truck model. While individual manufacturers will probably use common truck-cab architecture, there will continue to be different dashboard components, interior doors and steering columns among their brands, he said.

I think he's trying to break the news to us gently that soon, in addition to the camouflaged Volvo engines, Mack trucks will be equipped with Volvo cabs, but the Volvo cabs will be camouflaged with dashboards, door interiors and steering wheels with Mack Bulldogs on them.

Wonder if it will have a slanted bar across the grille with a Bulldog emblem on it.

Meanwhile, he suggested manufacturers probably would seek to trim costs by cutting back on the number of spec'ing options available.

Already done. You can't get a new Mack with a Mack engine anymore.