Pickup Truck Technology Trims Fuel Costs

Powertrain and aerodynamic advances yield performance gains for pickup trucks.

November 9, 2009

Although pickup truck sales figuratively fell off a cliff, manufacturers have resisted the temptation to rein in technical innovation. In fact, competition continues to heat up, with manufacturers producing more efficient powertrains and improving aerodynamics to squeeze out the best mileage possible.

While some changes are an evolution of existing products, there are also revolutionary innovations that promise to shake up the status quo.

Stay up-to-date on what's new with pickup truck technology:

Ford Trucks Renovates Diesel Offering
General Motors Focuses on Fuel Savings for 2011 Chevy and GMC Trucks
Dodge Trucks Improve Aerodynamics
Toyota Trucks Deliver Efficient Gas Engines

Knowing how often the crane will be lifting, what will be lifted, how much weight needs to be lifted and how much reach is required will help operators select the type, length and capacity of the crane.

Building a Mechanic Truck That Works for You

The ideal truck will maximize on-location maintenance and repair.

The project will demonstrate how control systems and electric-hybrid components can help hydrogen-fueled engines meet or exceed the power density and transient performance of traditional diesel engines.

Caterpillar Launches Program to Develop Hydrogen-Hybrid Power Solution

The project will demonstrate how control systems and electric-hybrid components can help hydrogen-fueled engines meet or exceed the power density and transient performance of traditional diesel engines.

Guide to Toolbox System Configuration for Mechanic & Service Trucks

Guide to Toolbox System Configuration for Mechanic & Service Trucks

Discover how to elevate construction efficiency with the ultimate toolbox system guide! Find your perfect match for higher productivity.

The products include an Adjustable Tri-Ball Hitch for 2-in. Hitch Receivers, a 12-ton Receiver Mount Pintle Hook and a pair of Class 5 Service Body Hitch Receivers.

Buyers Products Offers Towing Solutions

The products include an Adjustable Tri-Ball Hitch for 2-in. Hitch Receivers, a 12-ton Receiver Mount Pintle Hook and a pair of Class 5 Service Body Hitch Receivers.

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Despite High Prices, Optimism for Logistics Future Continues

This is the seventh time in the last eight months that the LMI has shown expansion. This growth is driven by the buildup of inventories, the subsequent tightening of warehousing, and the ongoing slow yet steady recovery in transportation.

The Isuzu NRR truck chassis features a GVWR of 19,500 lbs. and is built sturdy to handle bulk fluid delivery to sites ranging from paved commercial and institutional sites to off-road construction sites.

Thunder Creek Launches Class 5 Isuzu NRR Chassis

The Isuzu NRR truck chassis features a GVWR of 19,500 lbs. and is built sturdy to handle bulk fluid delivery to sites ranging from paved commercial and institutional sites to off-road construction sites.

Designed for Class 5 chassis applications, the PAL Pro 58 and PSC 8600 TEC Service Crane are engineered to deliver reach, weight reduction and performance on jobsites.

PALFINGER PAL Pro 58 Mechanics Truck and PSC 8600 TEC Service Crane

Designed for Class 5 chassis applications, the PAL Pro 58 and PSC 8600 TEC Service Crane are engineered to deliver reach, weight reduction and performance on jobsites.

Hoses are available in 18-, 30- or 50-ft. lengths, with auto retracting reel available for refueling of loaders, dozers, excavators, skid steers, mowers, tractors, trucks and more.

FuelPro Trailers Releases FuelPro 990 with 990 Gallon Capacity

Hoses are available in 18-, 30- or 50-ft. lengths, with auto retracting reel available for refueling of loaders, dozers, excavators, skid steers, mowers, tractors, trucks and more.

Guide to Toolbox System Configuration for Mechanic & Service Trucks

Guide to Toolbox System Configuration for Mechanic & Service Trucks

Discover how to elevate construction efficiency with the ultimate toolbox system guide! Find your perfect match for higher productivity.

The company aims to meet the evolving needs of businesses with vehicle designs and functionalities.

Shyft Group Showcases Work Truck Solutions

The company aims to meet the evolving needs of businesses with vehicle designs and functionalities.

The 1Key Ultralock lock-and-latch system guards against theft and the versatile key allows users to manage one truck or an entire fleet of truck boxes by coding every truck box to the single 1Key.

WEATHER GUARD Launches 2024 Saddle and Lo-Side Boxes

The 1Key Ultralock lock-and-latch system guards against theft and the versatile key allows users to manage one truck or an entire fleet of truck boxes by coding every truck box to the single 1Key.

The new headache racks are available in four styles, including a Half Bar, Hex, Louvered and Open Frame.

WEATHER GUARD Releases Headache Racks for Truck Protection

The new headache racks are available in four styles, including a Half Bar, Hex, Louvered and Open Frame.

Ram was the first to achieve the 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque milestone with the Cummins I-6 Turbo Diesel, now rated at 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque.

2024 Ram Heavy Duty Launched at Work Truck Week

Ram was the first to achieve the 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque milestone with the Cummins I-6 Turbo Diesel, now rated at 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 2024 Ram ProMaster features the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine paired with a segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission.

2024 Ram Commercial ProMaster Unveiled at Work Truck Week

The 2024 Ram ProMaster features the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine paired with a segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission.

Guide to Toolbox System Configuration for Mechanic & Service Trucks

Guide to Toolbox System Configuration for Mechanic & Service Trucks

Discover how to elevate construction efficiency with the ultimate toolbox system guide! Find your perfect match for higher productivity.

The RTV520 Crossroads Edition comes with a factory-installed package that includes several accessories such as full cab with tilt out windshield, sliding windows, LED front and rear work lights and a cargo mat.

Kubota Releases RTV520 Crossroads Edition

The RTV520 Crossroads Edition comes with a factory-installed package that includes several accessories such as full cab with tilt out windshield, sliding windows, LED front and rear work lights and a cargo mat.

“I’ve been using Bobcat equipment for years on my farm in Waco, and I can’t imagine working without it. My Bobcat machines have empowered me to bring some of my biggest ideas to life,” said Gaines.

Bobcat Hires Magnolia Co-founder Gaines

From tending gardens to managing goats, pigs, and horses, Gaines is already sharing the work he is accomplishing with his Bobcat equipment.

The XL Knight 80 MFG Trailer offers 29 ft. of main deck loading space and a loaded deck height of 18 in. for versatile hauling.

XL Specialized Trailers Releases XL Knight 80 MFG Trailer

The XL Knight 80 MFG Trailer offers 29 ft. of main deck loading space and a loaded deck height of 18 in. for versatile hauling.

The off-grid charging system will consist of a generator powered by renewable propane and 120 kW charger.

Mack Trucks Releases Mobile Off-Grid Charging System

The off-grid charging system will consist of a generator powered by renewable propane and 120 kW charger.

This easy-to-use design offers a more ergonomic and user-friendly experience.

Stellar Unveils Upgrades to TMAX Mechanic Trucks at Work Truck Week 2024

Aimed at enhancing functionality and the user experience, updates to the Stellar TMAX lineup include new boom-tip lights on cranes, which offer a smaller profile to fit into tighter spaces and feature six LED lights for optimal brightness.

Venco Shot

What’s Next for Venco Venturo

Ian Lahmer, vice president of sales and marking for Venco Venturo Industries, discusses the company’s history with NTEA, plans for the future and more at Work Truck Week 2024. Tune in to learn more about what this company has its sights set on next.

Stellar anticipates utilizing the newly purchased property to expand its manufacturing capacity over the next few years.

Stellar Expands Manufacturing with New Facility in Iowa

With more than 800 employee-owners companywide, Stellar is excited to continue to grow job opportunities and contribute to the community.

Attendees are invited to visit booth 4101 to explore a range of equipment designed to set new standards in operational efficiency and environmental sustainability in the work truck sector.

Load King and Custom Truck One Source Showcase Electric, Hybrid Trucks at Work Truck Week 2024

Join Load King and Custom Truck One Source at NTEA Work Truck Week 2024 to experience the future of the work truck industry.

2022 Contractors Top 50 New Products Award 63f589c68dad5

Nominations Now Open for the Equipment Today Contractors’ Top 50 New Products

The 2024 award will highlight the best new product introductions and enhancements in the construction industry. Submissions close May 24.

The 2023 exhibit hall.

Truck Industry Heads to Work Truck Week

New technology, emission regulations, and the ride and drive are all highlights this year.

The RTV-X1130 features a 6-ft. long bed that offers several configuration options to handle various types of cargo.

Kubota Launches RTV-X1130 UTV

The RTV-X1130 features a 6-ft. long bed that offers several configuration options to handle various types of cargo.

Guide to Toolbox System Configuration for Mechanic & Service Trucks

Guide to Toolbox System Configuration for Mechanic & Service Trucks

Discover how to elevate construction efficiency with the ultimate toolbox system guide! Find your perfect match for higher productivity.