Companies are continually facing new challenges and pressures from the constantly evolving truck equipment industry, and this is only the beginning, according to the North American Truck Equipment Industry Outlook and Strategy Report.

The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) recently commissioned Acclaro Growth Partners (Washington, D.C.) to conduct a study to help NTEA members and industry professionals understand factors shaping and changing the industry and the implications for truck equipment firms.
"The report does not predict the future. Time alone will tell where the industry will be in five or 10 years," said Jim Carney, NTEA executive director. "However, the report does state with certainty that the truck equipment industry is going through some major structural shifts that are and will likely continue creating major changes." According to the report, these key factors impact the industry:
• Technology is transforming products, services, people and processes throughout the industry and chassis manufacturers are leading the way.
• Customers of all sizes are driving changes in the truck equipment industry.
• Globalization is also changing the industry. Fuel and raw materials costs are directly affected by global demand that has an impact on operating costs and product prices.
• Consolidation of companies in the supply channel, as well as customers, is another driver of change that is blurring the clearly defined roles between truck equipment manufacturers and distributors.
• Government at state and federal levels is passing laws and writing regulations to make trucks safer, more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. These actions heap heavy regulatory compliance burdens on manufacturers and distributors.
The report - $149 for NTEA members and $299 for nonmembers - can be ordered online at the "Storefront" section of www.ntea.com.
Those purchasing the report by Dec. 28, 2007, will receive a free pass to the "Surviving & Thriving: Trends Reshaping the Truck Equipment Industry." This special session will take place at the 44th Annual NTEA Convention and The Work Truck Show, Feb. 25-28, 2008, at the Georgia World Congress Center (Atlanta). Scheduled Feb. 25, the special session gives an overview of the report's findings.
Established in 1964, the NTEA is the leading association supporting the $131 billion work truck and trailer industry. The association represents more than 1,700 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. The NTEA provides in-depth technical information, education and member programs and services, and produces The Work Truck Show.