OEMs

There is a debate about the difference between OEM and aftermarket replacement parts, with many people thinking aftermarket parts manufacturers can't provide the quality, availability, and warranty as OEMs. At least one aftermarket parts manufacturer thinks that is changing. Commentary by Aftermarket Contributing Editor Denise Rondini.

The inaugural HDTX brought fleet decision-makers and host suppliers together in Phoenix for two days of networking, one-on-one meetings, education, and inspiration. Photos by Kareem Girgis

For 2017, several major OEMs returned to the Mid-America Trucking Show. Editor in Chief Deborah Lockridge was there on the show floor and has video highlights from each manufacturer's exhibit.

The Mid-America Trucking Show returns this week, going from March 23-25 in Louisville, Ky., and this year it once again features several major manufacturers and suppliers exhibiting new technology and equipment.

After a year in which none of the major Class 8 OEMs exhibited at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Kenworth and Peterbilt announced that they will return to the show for 2017.

HDMA has announced the formation of the Commercial Vehicle Research Council, a dedicated research council to provide a forum for key trends and issues within the heavy-duty commercial vehicle industry.

After an up and down year of sales and a new one on the horizon, all of the major truck manufacturers are showcasing their visions for the future.

It seems like truck makers are acknowledging they have fallen short in their efforts to help fleets improve uptime and lower their total cost of ownership.

“There’s a silver lining in this, and it’s that they still believe in the show,” said Toby Young, who heads the sponsoring organization. "They want to be here in 2017, and I think they’ll be assessing the damage by not being here in 2016.”

Big data analytics generated $93.9 million in revenue in the trucking industry in 2014, according to research firm Frost & Sullivan, which projected that amount would grow to $1.6 billion by 2022.

The 2015 Mid-America Trucking Show opened Thursday, March 26, showcasing everthing from trucks to fitness gear. HDT's editors share the sights in photos.

OEMs are increasingly getting involved in the web of smart devices, sensors and data.

Phillips Industries announced the retirement of Steve Davis, national OEM truck sales manager, effective July 2014.

Preliminary numbers from two industry data analysts show the number of heavy and medium-duty truck orders in March were solid.