The Work Truck Show 2009 to Bring Green Trucks and Training to Chicago

CHICAGO, January 21, 2009: As part of The Work Truck Show(R) 2009, the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) is bringing the latest "green" vocational trucks, equipment and technology to Chicago, March 3-6, 2009 (exhibits open March 4). The event kicks off with a full-day Green Truck Summit: The Future of Hybrids and Alternative Fuels.

The Work Truck Show is North America's largest event focused on vocational trucks and equipment. It is held in conjunction with the 45th Annual NTEA Convention at the McCormick Place West Building.

From aerodynamic mud flaps to truck bodies made of recycled materials, idle-reduction technology to full-size electric trucks, manufacturers have developed products and technology to lessen the environmental impact and improve the fuel utilization of work trucks. Many of these new products will be displayed across the 500,000 square feet of exhibit space at The Work Truck Show 2009.

Show attendees can drive a dozen of the latest hybrid and alternative fuel trucks as part of the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive during show hours on March 4-5. The Ride-and-Drive will feature vehicles and components from Baker Equipment, Bosch Rexroth Corp., Chelsea Products Div. of Parker, Dodge, DUECO Inc., Ford Commercial Truck, Freightliner Custom Chassis, Freightliner Trucks, General Motors, International Truck, Kenworth Truck Co., Peterbilt Motors Co., Smith Electric Vehicles and Unicell Body Co. Fuel systems include electric, compressed natural gas (CNG), hydraulic hybrid, stored energy, plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), electric hybrid and dual mode electric hybrid models. Smith Electric Vehicles is sponsoring the Ride-and-Drive and a special Green Truck Pavilion on the show floor.

"Work trucks are everywhere," says Jim Carney, NTEA executive director. "They are the tools used to build and maintain our infrastructure, clear our streets, deliver our packages, collect our garbage, trim our trees and more. The Work Truck Show 2009 provides an unbeatable opportunity for the people who use work trucks on the job every day to see what's new and learn how to maximize their investment in green technology."

Event Includes "Green" Training

Fluctuating fuel costs, environmental concerns and new emissions regulations are helping to make hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles a fast-growing segment of the work truck industry. The Green Truck Summit on Tuesday, March 3 guides fleet managers, equipment manufacturers and upfitters in determining how "green" vehicles will affect their businesses. Now in its third year, the Green Truck Summit is considered the foremost education forum on the real-world impact of green technology in the commercial truck market.

The Green Truck Summit, sponsored by International Truck, includes four general sessions and 15 breakouts led by top industry and academic experts. The Summit provides an overview of current and future technology and how it applies to commercial vehicles. A panel of fleet managers from businesses and government agencies across the United States also will offer insight on how the equipment works in the field.

Three additional courses related to hybrid vehicles and fuel utilization are offered through the Work Truck Show's educational conference on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5.

Produced annually by the NTEA, The Work Truck Show showcases Class 1-8 vocational trucks and equipment. It brings together thousands of work truck professionals, including fleet managers, equipment buyers, maintenance personnel, manufacturers, distributors and dealers.