The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

New 'ATD Commercial Truck of the Year' Award to Recognize Industry Excellence


PHOTO

McLEAN, Va. (Oct. 3, 2008) – The American Truck Dealers (ATD) announced today it will recognize the best medium- and heavy-duty trucks by current model year sold in the United States.

The award, "ATD Commercial Truck of the Year," will be presented each year at the annual ATD Convention and Exposition in April.

"The commercial trucking industry continues to make strides in innovation, design and engine development that improves fuel economy," said Jim Westlake, ATD executive director. "An award recognizing the top commercial trucks as the best in the industry is long overdue."

The ATD Commercial Truck of the Year awards will be based on innovation, design, fuel economy, driver and owner satisfaction, ease of maintenance and safety.

The judges will be an independent panel of respected journalists from the leading truck publications in North America.

To nominate current (2008) model year vehicles for the 2009 ATD Commercial Truck of the Year, vehicles must be greater than 33,000 lbs. (GVWR) and available to the judging panel for a test drive and evaluation. To qualify, vehicles must be reviewed by Dec. 31, 2008.

Beginning in 2009, the award will recognize a truck in the heavy-duty (Class 8) category only. Then in 2010, there will be two awards: one for the heavy- duty truck (Class 8) and one for the medium-duty truck (Class 3-7).

The 2009 winner will be announced at next year's ATD convention, which will be held at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, located just outside of Washington, D.C., April 18-20.

ATD, a division of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), was established in 1970 to provide programs, products and services to more than 2,000 heavy- and medium-duty truck dealers holding nearly 3,000 separate franchises, both domestic and import. For more information, visit www.atd.org or email atd@nada.org.