The Work Truck Show 2008 Draws Thousands with New Products, Hybrid Trucks and Alternative Fuel Technology

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., March 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thousands of professionals gathered at The Work Truck Show 2008 in Atlanta, GA, Feb. 26, 2008-28, to take advantage of the unparalleled opportunity to examine and compare the latest developments in vocational trucks and equipment, explore new hybrid and alternative fuel technology and learn from industry experts.

The Work Truck Show is North America's largest vocational truck event. It is produced annually by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA). The Work Truck Show 2008 was held in conjunction with the 44th Annual NTEA Convention at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Convention and educational sessions opened Feb. 25.

More than 7,200 professionals attended the business-focused event. Attendees included representatives of some of North America's largest work truck fleets, truck equipment distributors/upfitters, manufacturers and truck dealers.

A record 538 exhibitors covered more than 450,000 square feet of display space at the show with trucks, components and accessories. New and updated products could be found in every aisle, as more than 100 were highlighted at the event.

Show attendees voted Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products the winner of The Work Truck Show 2008 New Product Innovation Award for its mobile workspace shelving, storage areas, rugged docking stations and vehicle mounts featuring eCoupled(TM) technology. Leggett's use of eCoupled technology transforms ordinary vehicle work and storage surfaces into wireless charging centers, eliminating the need for portable charging devices and electrical outlets.

"The Work Truck Show 2008 was a great success," says Jim Carney, NTEA executive director. "The size and scope of the show floor, cutting-edge educational sessions and new product and technology launches were unmatched. It is a testament to the effectiveness of the event that demand for exhibit space at the Work Truck Show 2009 is incredibly high."

Hundreds of attendees kicked off the event by participating in the Hybrid Truck and Alternative Fuels Summit on Feb. 25. The Honorable Clarence H. "Bud" Albright, Jr., under secretary, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), gave an informative keynote address, followed by presentations from a number of industry leaders, manufacturers and customers.

Over the next two days, attendees drove 14 of the latest hybrid and alternative fuel commercial vehicles as part of the Hybrid Truck and Alternative Fuels Ride-and-Drive. Additional hybrid and alternative fuel technologies and products were displayed in the Advanced Truck Technology Pavilion.

The new Modec electric truck was selected by trade media editors as the most innovative product to debut at the show. The truck, which generates zero emissions, has a 4,400 lb. load capacity and a range in excess of 100 miles on a single charge, won The Work Truck Show 2008 Editors' Choice Award for New Product Innovation.

Many exhibitors have already reserved their booth space for next year's show, and remaining space is selling quickly. The Work Truck Show 2009 will occupy the new West Building at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, March 4-6, 2009 (45th Annual NTEA Convention starts March 3).

Online registration opens in September. For more information, call 1-800-441-NTEA (6832), or visit www.ntea.com.

About the NTEA

Established in 1964, the NTEA is the leading association supporting the $131 billion commercial truck and trailer industry. The Association currently represents more than 1,800 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, bodies, equipment, trailers and accessories. The NTEA maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and a government relations office in Washington, DC.