They called it the “Snowquester,” the winter storm that roared across the United States in early March, closing roads, cancelling flights and cutting power from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic. But all that snow couldn’t put the work truck and equipment industry on ice. Despite losing some attendees who couldn’t make it to Indianapolis due to the weather, The Work Truck Show 2013 was a major success. The show was bigger than ever in terms of exhibit space and educational programming. A total verified attendance of 10,351 was the second-highest in NTEA history, just 51 people short of the record set in 2012.
Produced annually by the NTEA, The Work Truck Show was held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN, March 6 to 8, with educational sessions kicking off March 5. The Green Truck Summit, jointly produced by NTEA and CALSTART, was held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show March 5 to 6.
“The NTEA is proud to provide the industry’s ultimate platform for sharing new work truck products and cultivating business relationships,” says Steve Carey, NTEA Executive Director. “It is clear that The Work Truck Show has truly become the single most important forum for work truck professionals throughout North America. With a record level of exhibitor booths already sold for the 2014 show, we are confident that the industry is again poised for growth in the upcoming year.”
New product introductions played a significant role in creating buzz at The Work Truck Show 2013. With more than 120 products debuting at the event, two major product categories dominated the news: vans and fuel-saving technology. Commercial vans were shown by Chevrolet & GMC Commercial Truck, Daimler Vans USA LLC, Ford Commercial Truck, Nissan North America and Ram Trucks & Commercial Vehicles. Dozens of companies featured “green technology,” including alternative fuels and technologies to improve commercial vehicle fuel efficiency. For example, Allison Transmission Inc. introduced a new hybrid transmission, ECHO Automotive unveiled its EchoDrive bolt-on hybrid electric kit for fleet vehicles, eNow Inc. introduced solar panels for trucks, Green Alternative Systems and ROUSH CleanTech debuted a propane-powered Ford F-550 chassis cab, and SmartDrive Systems showed its enhanced SmartDrive Fuel program.
Work Truck Show 2013 attendees checked out the latest vocational trucks, vans, equipment and accessories from more than 520 exhibitors covering more than 500,000 square ft. of exhibit space. Exhibitor demand has led show organizer NTEA to further expand the exhibit floor in 2014. More than 95% of display space for The Work Truck Show 2014 has already been sold.
The Work Truck Show 2014 returns to the Indiana Convention Center March 5 to 7, 2014, with educational programming and the Green Truck Summit kicking off March 4. Online registration opens at NTEA.com in October.
