Tip- ex show 2012

Short video of Tip-ex 2012, inside and outside the Harrogate show, with exhibitors showing the latest developments in Tippers and bulk haulage. http://www.tip-ex.co.uk/

The Must-Attend Event for the Work Truck Industry

The Work Truck Show, held in conjunction with the annual NTEA Convention, is the must-attend industry event featuring the newest products, dozens of intensive training programs and technical engineering support from hundreds of exhibitors.

As North America’s largest work truck event, it is the ultimate opportunity for attendees to interact with thousands of industry peers; meet with current suppliers; get answers to critical technical questions; experience special events; and visit with hundreds of exhibiting companies. 

 

Product Launches and Innovations

The show floor showcases approximately 500,000 sq. ft. of Class 1–8 vocational trucks and equipment, featuring dozens of product launches:

• Truck Chassis
• Truck Bodies & Equipment
• Snow & Ice Control Equipment
• Cranes & Aerial Devices
• Liftgates & Material Handling Equipment
• New Product Spotlight

The Green Truck SummitHeld in conjunction with The Work Truck Show and produced in partnership with CALSTART, this day-and-a-half intensive program offers valuable insight into real-world deployment and application of green technologies and how they impact commercial trucks:

• Technology deployment
• Fuel utilization
• Fleet and vehicle integration
• Cost justification

The Latest in Green InitiativesIn addition to the Green Truck Summit, several key event components are tailored to address today’s growing interest and demand for hybrid vehicles and alternative fuel technology, including:

• The Green Truck Ride-and-Drive
• CALSTART Clean Technologies and Fuels Pavilion
• Hybrid & Alternative Fuel Curriculum
• Green Product Showcase
• The Work Truck Show Green Award

World-Class Industry TrainingMore than 60 intensive educational programs provide expert knowledge into essential industry topics such as:

• Truck Specification
• Truck OEM Update Sessions
• Industry Trends & Benchmarks
• Fleet Management
• Truck Upfitting
• Regulatory Compliance

www.ntea.com/worktruckshow

ROUSH CleanTech - 2012 Overview

2012 was our busiest and most successful year yet!

Check out this highlight video of some of the notable things we accomplished last year, and some of what's to come in 2013!

http://www.roushcleantech.com/

All-New Citroën Berlingo Electrique 2013

For the full story go to http://www.vansa2z.com/Electric-Berlingo-leads-Citroen-CV-Show-charge.

New generation battery-powered Citroën Berlingo Electrique to make UK debut at 2013 Commercial Vehicle Show. Goes on sale second half of the year.

PALFINGER Corporate Image Video (English)

PALFINGER - The Story of Success.

 

www.Palfinger.com

Knapheide Joins Forces With First Response Team of America

Jan 25, 2013 - The Knapheide Manufacturing Company has partnered with the First Response Team of America to provide truck equipment for use on disaster sites.  Knapheide will be donating a custom Service Body designed to fulfill disaster relief needs of the First Response Team of America.     

The First Response Team of America is a unique non-profit organization, consisting of several committed individuals that are passionate about supplying the help communities need in the first few hours and days following the aftermath of a natural disaster.  The organization travels across the country with a convoy of unique disaster response and recover trucks and equipment from one natural or man-made disaster area to the next.  Many times, the team reaches those in need far in advance of traditional relief agencies and during the crucial moments following the catastrophe.  They conduct joint efforts with local first responders to save lives and restore hope across communities nationwide.

“Our company has seen first-hand the devastation of two major floods,” said Bo Knapheide, Senior Vice President of Distributor and Fleet Operations at Knapheide.  “There is a sense of pride that comes with being able to support this great organization.  First Response Team works tirelessly to restore hope in countless communities across the nation, communities that are battered and bruised by natural disasters and are in desperate need of assistance.”     

The custom Knapheide Service Body will be 11’ in length and 60” in height which will provide abundant storage space.  The body will have both compartment and external work lights to increase safety and convenience in low light conditions.  Often times fuel and maintenance equipment are scarce after natural disasters.  An auxiliary compressor and diesel fuel tank mounted to the body will allow the First Response Team to maintain and refuel their hovercraft, cranes, light towers, generator, Peterbilt trucks, CAT backhoe and skid steer, and more.  Aluminum mechanics drawers installed in a compartment will provide ample storage for tools.  Security features like the telescopic sliding roof that will enclose the cargo area and the Masterlocking system will keep all of the valuable tools and equipment safe and sound on or off the jobsite.

Tad Agoglia, creator of First Response Team of America, said, “We have been to floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and more.  We carry a lot of equipment because you can never fully know
what you will need until you arrive, different situations call for different equipment.  The people that we meet and help have had everything go wrong for them, their home, their community, their life destroyed in a short time, they have lost hope.  The last thing we want to happen is a piece of equipment go down.  We heavily rely on the equipment to restore hope in the minds of the effected people.  To a private contractor down equipment can mean loss of profit, to our organization it can mean loss of life.  Reliability is of the upmost importance to us and we knew Knapheide could build us the ideal service truck.  This truck will be the lifeline to keep our fleet of vehicles and equipment up and running properly.  We are grateful for the employees and executives at Knapheide and their generous contribution.”



About The Knapheide Manufacturing Company
Since 1848 Knapheide has provided its customers with high quality, work ready transportation solutions. The Knapheide family has owned and operated the company since its inception over 160 years ago. Today, The Knapheide Manufacturing Company is the nation’s leading manufacturer and provider of commercial vehicle solutions. Knapheide’s main manufacturing facility, Westphalia, is located in Quincy, Illinois and is over 480,000 square feet. Westphalia is highly automated and has the most technologically advanced equipment and processes in the industry. Products manufactured by Knapheide include: Service Bodies, KUV Bodies, Platform Bodies, Gooseneck Bodies, Dump Bodies, Forestry Bodies, Pick Up Accessories, Van Equipment, Mechanics Trucks, Water Trucks, and Fuel/Lube Trucks. Knapheide’s vast distribution system includes 200+ distributors strategically located throughout North America. The ability to evolve into new technology, processes, and products has made Knapheide the leader in the industry and allowed the company to move into new markets to better serve our distributors, fleet customers and end users.  For more information on The Knapheide Manufacturing Company, please visit www.knapheide.com

About First Response Team Of America
When all hope seems lost, when confusion reigns, when the only thought on a survivor’s mind is, “What now?” – that’s the moment the First Response Team arrives, bringing new light to communities in their darkest hours.  We fill the gap between the onset of a disaster and the arrival of traditional relief agencies, when too many communities must fend for themselves because the resources necessary for rescue and recovery – equipment, tools and personnel – are damaged, inaccessible or unavailable.

By studying weather patterns and communicating with leading meteorologists, we’re able to anticipate when and where the next disaster may hit.  We position our rapid response team near storm locations nationwide and, when alerted to potential disaster, deploy immediately with our fleet of more than $1 million in specialized disaster response equipment.  Our goal is to arrive in the crucial moments following the catastrophe, and our mission is to reduce the time it takes for help to reach those in need – so we can join local first responders in saving lives and restoring hope.  For more information, visit www.firstresponseteam.org

Fontaine Modification Joins Alliance AutoGas Network

Charlotte, N.C. (Jan. 21, 2013) — Fontaine Modification Company has joined the Alliance AutoGas network, with all eight of its modification centers nationwide certified as Alliance AutoGas conversion centers. As a result, fleets can have their vehicles converted to run on propane autogas (LPG) at Fontaine’s modification centers in Garland, Texas; Denton, Texas; Laredo, Texas; Charlotte, N.C.; Dublin, Va.; Gainesville, Ga.; Springfield, Ohio; and Williamstown, W.V.

            “One of our strengths as a company is our ability to process alternative fuel system installations and truck modifications for thousands of vehicles in multiple locations consistently, so the first truck is the same as the last truck, and a truck modified in Texas is handled exactly the same way as its counterpart in North Carolina,” explains Paul Kokalis, executive vice president of the Fontaine Modification Alternative Fuels Group. “That consistency means no surprises for our customers, just reliable results.”

 

            Alliance AutoGas is a national consortium of more than 50 partners that work together to provide everything fleets need to convert their vehicles to run on autogas, including conversion kits, installation, fuel, safety training and ongoing technical support. Autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world. It reduces emissions, costs less than gasoline and is produced almost entirely in the United States.

 

            “A leading truck modification services provider with decades of experience, Fontaine Modification is a welcome addition to Alliance AutoGas as a new certified conversion center,” says Stuart Weidie, president of Alliance AutoGas and founder of Autogas for America. “The Alliance network is continuing to expand as more fleets demand affordable alternative fuel in the face of rising gasoline prices. Autogas is the most practical fuel choice for fleets because it’s clean, reliable, cost-effective and widely available, now.”

 

About Fontaine Modification                                               

            Based in Charlotte, N.C., Fontaine Modification is North America’s most comprehensive provider of truck modification services for OEMs, dealers and fleets. Fontaine uses established ship-thru agreements with all major truck manufacturers to streamline the final delivery process to the end-user.

 

Fontaine is a Marmon Highway Technologies (MHT) company. MHT companies support the transportation industry worldwide with a wide range of high-quality products and services. MHT companies are members of The Marmon Group, an international association of business units that operate independently within diverse business sectors. The Marmon Group is a Berkshire Hathaway Company.

 

For more information about Fontaine Modification, call 800.FONTAINE (800.366.8246) or visit www.fontainemod.com.

 

 

About Alliance AutoGas

Alliance AutoGas enables fleet managers to use clean, economical, American-made autogas through vehicle conversions, on-site fueling and ongoing safety training and technical support. For fleets interested in new propane autogas-powered vehicles, Alliance also provides OEM vehicles through partnerships with automotive experts at ROUSH CleanTech as part of the complete program.

 

The Alliance AutoGas partner network of propane marketers and conversion centers is experiencing tremendous growth, now including 64 partners and spanning 40 states, Washington, D.C., and the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland& Labrador. Learn more at: www.allianceautogas.com.

 

Try Out Real-World, Fuel-Efficient Vehicles at The Work Truck Show® 2013 Green Truck Ride-and-Drive

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI (Jan. 22, 2013) — The Work Truck Show’s Green Truck Ride-and-Drive is the only event of the year that lets attendees test-drive more than 20 commercially viable advanced hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles in a real-world environment. In 2013, 21 trucks, vans, and buses featuring the latest innovations in fuel efficiency are available to show attendees as part of the free Ride-and-Drive. An additional four vehicles are staged as stationary displays nearby to provide demonstrations of energy-efficient equipment, including aerial devices, hybrid cranes and refrigeration systems.

The Work Truck Show^® 2013, North America’s largest work truck event, runs March 6−8 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Educational programming and the Green Truck Summit start March 5. The test drives are conducted on city streets outside the convention center March 6 and 7 from 12:00pm to 4:30pm.

“Unlike some other new product test drive events, the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive offers vehicles that are viable in the real world right now,” says Bob Johnson, director of fleet relations for NTEA. “Drivers get to take real commercial vehicles out on actual city streets in order to get a true idea about how they perform. There’s no other event where you can get behind the wheel of so many cutting-edge vehicles like these on an open course.”

New technologies in this year’s Ride-and-Drive vehicles include high-efficiency engines, hybrid powertrains, alternative fuel systems, noise reduction systems and lightweight, aerodynamic bodies. The broad spectrum of vehicle power systems represented includes diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), autogas (propane), bi-fuel, hydraulic hybrid and electric hybrid (series and parallel).

The Green Truck Ride-and-Drive is sponsored by Hino Trucks. The companies providing vehicles are:

Allison Transmission, Inc.
Ÿ Shuttle bus with parallel electric hybrid transmission system
Altec Industries
Ÿ Aerial device with hybrid idle management system
BAE Systems
Ÿ Tractor with heavy-duty hybrid electric propulsion system
Chelsea Products Div. of Parker
Ÿ Truck with noise-reducing PTO system
Chevrolet & GMC Commercial Truck
Ÿ Bi-fuel CNG Silverado 2500HD
Crosspoint Kinetics
Ÿ Shuttle bus with parallel electric hybrid drive system
ECHO Automotive
Ÿ Plug-in electric hybrid van
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation
Ÿ MT-55 van with parallel hydraulic hybrid drive system
Freightliner Trucks
Ÿ 114SD natural gas powered dump truck
Hino Trucks
Ÿ Two COE 195s with diesel-electric hybrid powertrains
IMPCO Automotive
Ÿ Bi-fuel CNG truck
International Truck
Ÿ CNG TRANSTAR ISL-G day cab
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.
Ÿ Bi-phase propane autogas N-Series truck
Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies
Ÿ Truck with all-electric refrigeration system
Ÿ Ultra-high thermal efficient refrigerated truck body
Kenworth Truck Co.
Ÿ CNG-powered T660 tractor
Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products
Ÿ CNG-powered cargo van
Odyne
Ÿ Flatbed/crane truck with parallel electric hybrid power system
Peterbilt Motors Company
Ÿ CNG-powered 382 day cab tractor
Propane Education & Research Council
Ÿ Pickup truck with propane autogas fuel system
Ÿ Freightliner S2G Custom Chassis with propane autogas system
Ram Commercial
Ÿ 2500 series truck with CNG/gasoline dual fuel system
ROUSH CleanTech
Ÿ Autogas-powered pickup truck
Wrightspeed, Inc.
Ÿ Truck with series electric hybrid drive system

“We’re very encouraged by the extensive exhibitor involvement in this unique event,” said Johnson. “The number of green truck enhancements available as factory installments has grown tremendously in recent years. It’s obvious there is a strong market for fuel-efficient vehicles, and The Work Truck Show is the best place for fleets to find the green trucks they need.”

Participation is free and all vehicles are available on a first-come, first-served basis to all Work Truck Show attendees wishing to participate in the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive. A CDL is required to drive some of the vehicles. (Anyone without a CDL is welcome to ride in these vehicles as they are driven by manufacturer representatives).

Complete vehicle descriptions are available at http://www.ntea.com/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=28187. Visit www.ntea.com/worktruckshow/greenproductsandprograms to learn more about the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive, Green Truck Summit and other Work Truck Show 2013 green programs and products on display.

Produced annually by the NTEA, The Work Truck Show brings together thousands of work truck industry professionals, including fleet managers, equipment buyers, maintenance personnel, manufacturers, distributors and dealers. To register for The Work Truck Show 2013, visit www.ntea.com or call 1-800-441-6832.

Connect with the NTEA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NTEA.TheAssociationForTheWorkTruckIndustry, and join the Work Truck Show conversation on Twitter with the official hashtag: #wts2013.


About NTEAEstablished in 1964, NTEA, the Association for the Work Truck Industry, represents more than 1,550 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to the Association. The NTEA provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services, and produces The Work Truck Show. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and a government relations office in Washington, DC.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp Starts New Year With 650 Truck Orders

• Malaysia's leading waste disposal company SWM continues to rely on Fuso with a purchase of 466 news trucks
• Australia's largest freight and logistics services providerStarTrack banks on 185 new commercial vehicles by Fuso
• With its “FUSO 2015” growth strategy Daimler is on track to its international medium-term target of 200,000 sold units per year

 

The Japanese subsidiary, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), starts the new year with a favorable orders position in the Asia-Pacific export markets of Malaysia and Australia. The current large orders for a total of 650 light-duty Fuso Canter trucks and medium-duty Fuso Fighter trucks underscore the company´s commitment to sell 200,000 commercial vehicles per year in international markets in the medium term.

 

“With large orders like these we are sustainably reinforcing our export business in important markets like Malaysia and Australia,” emphasized Kai-Uwe Seidenfuss, MFTBC Senior Vice President of Sales and After Sales Fuso. “Our broad-based sales network in over 150 countries and our strong sales partners are the best prerequisites for tapping into further market potential in our export countries.”

 

 

 

SWM Owns Largest Fleet of Fuso Vehicles in Malaysia

 

Fuso has won yet another large order from the waste disposal provider SWM (Southern Waste Management) founded in 1995. With 474 Fuso vehicles already in customer use today, SWM is expanding its Fuso fleet by 466 new medium-duty Fuso Fighter trucks to a total of 940 commercial vehicles of the Japanese Daimler subsidiary. This makes SWM into Malaysia's largest operator of Fuso trucks. Southern Waste Management is responsible for the collection, transport and disposal of all kinds of waste on the entire southern peninsula of Malaysia. SWM carries out the entire waste disposal activities of the Malaysia region, which is home to over 4 million people, with continued reliance on the dependable and eco-friendly vehicle technologies of its fleet vehicles.

 

 

Australian Logistics Provider StarTrack Buys 185 Fuso Trucks

 

StarTrack, Australia's largest freight and logistics company is supplementing its existing fleet of 3,000 trucks with 185 new vehicles of the light-duty type Fuso Canter. StarTrack has relied on the quality of the Fuso brand for quite some time. In 2011, the company established itself as operator of the largest fleet of hybrid vehicles on the Australian continent. The “green” fleet consists of several dozen Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid commercial trucks. StarTrack’s fleet of conventional and alternative-drive vehicles processes over 1.2 million shipments throughout Australia each week and thus relies to a particularly great extent on trucks with efficient fuel consumption.

 

On the Way to Becoming a Profitable Player with the “FUSO 2015” Growth Strategy

 

With the “FUSO 2015” growth offensive launched in the previous year, the company is striving to establish itself as a profitable global player with a strong base in the Japanese home market and a doubling of international sales in the medium term. The ambitious growth program is based on the five strategic pillars: Leader in Green Innovation, Customer Number One in Japan, Profitable Global Player, Efficiency Leader among Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturers, and Employer Number One in Japan. With a view to the successful implementation of the growth strategy, in the middle of 2012 Fuso optimized the sales structure to better satisfy customers´ requirements in over 150 markets worldwide.

Dual purpose truck takes Isuzu to the finish line

The equipment needed to succeed in motor racing and the excavation business rarely fits the bill for both, but Russell Hardy has created an exception, a crew cab Isuzu FRR 600 which doubles, maybe triples, as excavation equipment, a race car and crew transporter as well as a service vehicle.

Russell, managing director of Hardy’s Excavations and Hardy’s Motorsports, is a successful participant in both enterprises, most recently storming to second and third placing in the recent AMCA Nationals Title held in Darwin.

And it was in transporting two cars and crew from his company’s Pottsville, New South Wales base to that event, that his FRR 600 was put to its first test.

Hardy’s Excavations, founded in 1986, is a family-owned company managed by Russell, his wife, son and daughter.

The company’s 25 employees provide rock crushing services, plant screening, plant hire and underground cable installation for large road base construction companies.

Russell said he was looking for a truck that would be ideal for multi-purpose use and have the capacity to carry his race crew to and from race meetings.

“We chose the Isuzu FRR 600 because it fits the bill and eliminates the use of a second vehicle to carry my race crew," Russell said.

The truck tows a 10 tonne capacity tri-axle trailer imported from trailer manufacturer, United Trailers in Indiana, USA.

Once the trailer arrived on Australian shores, it was modified by a local Lismore body builder to include a number of cabinets and drawers to store all the necessary servicing equipment to maintain Hardy’s Excavations’ fleet of earthmoving machines.

The truck’s maiden voyage was a two-day road trip from Pottsville to Darwin for the aforementioned Northern Territory AMCA Nationals titles.

With a round trip of over 7000 km of road to conquer with two drivers, the truck was put to the test with long hours of non-stop driving punctuated by overnight camps.

According to Russell, the FRR 600 did not disappoint in its debut.

“The trailer was loaded with two race cars, including all spares necessary to maintain a two car race team, also accompanied by a two man pit crew and the truck drove without a hitch all the way to Darwin and return," Russell said.

“With its standard Isuzu Sitec 236HP engine, the truck effortlessly climbed all the hills we encountered.”

The FRR 600 joins two other Isuzu trucks, an NQR 450 and NPR 200, which are currently used as service trucks.

Russell said he chose Isuzu because he previously had a smaller Isuzu FRR 500 he used for carrying his race cars and was happy with the quality of its finish and operating comfort.

“Isuzu makes great light to medium trucks that are reliable and get the job done without a hassle,” Russell said.

“The full interior trim and padded roof lining is the icing on the cake.

“We would definitely have the Isuzu brand front of mind if we ever need another service truck or race car carrier.”

Hardy’s Excavations pays tribute for its success to its longstanding relationships with major companies like Leighton’s, Baulderstone, Abigroup Essential Energy and Boral Quarry.

 

See more about Isuzu Truck in Australia at www.isuzu.com.au

First Nissan NV Vans With Quigley 4x4 Units Are Off Production Line

Latest News From the Quigley 4x4 website:

 

Our first orders started to arrive the beginning of October 2012.  The first two are off the production floor and finishing up in QC!  We are excited to be under way on our latest product offering.  The photos below show our first 2 production orders passing our online QC checks and ready to be lowered.  From here the units will go through our alignment analysis and then off to our final QC testing and approval.  The final QC process includes many rigorous procedures including a thorough drive test sequence.  Our sales staff is waiting to hear from you, 800-233-9358, on the Nissan NV 4x4!

 

See more about Quigley products at http://www.quigley4x4.com/

2013 Ram 1500: The Road to 36 MPG (HR)

Learn how the all-new 2013 Ram 1500 has achieved Best-in-Class fuel efficiency with Chief Engineer Mike Raymond. From the lighter, yet stronger frame, to the 3.6L Pentastar V6, it's easy to see why the Ram 1500 is Motor Trend's 2013 Truck of the Year®

2013 Ram 1500: North American Truck/ Utility of the Year

 

January 14, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The new Ram 1500 has been named 2013 North American Truck/Utility of the Year by a panel of automotive experts. The award is unique and considered by many to be one of the world’s most prestigious based on its diverse mix of 49 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada who serve as the voting jurors.

The winners were announced at a news conference today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

“For the Ram Truck Brand, this ranks as one of the proudest days in our history,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “Every truck-maker aspires to win the North American Truck/Utility of the Year. I tip my hat to the folks who worked behind the scenes to make the 2013 Ram 1500 a technological triumph.

“In no other truck will you find Ram’s incredible combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency – 25 miles per gallon -- Pentastar and HEMI engines matched to TorqueFlite 8-speed transmissions, air suspension. Uconnect Access and 12 fuel-saving technologies that have raised the bar in the fullsize pickup segment.”

This is the 20th year of the awards. The Ram has won North American Truck of the Year honors just once: in the award’s inaugural year 1994.

For 2013, the new Ram 1500 offers buyers best-in-class 25 MPG fuel efficiency, new technology and new features without sacrificing capability. Ram 1500–the most recognizable pickup on the road–marks a milestone for Ram as this truck delivers a truckload of pioneering and fuel-saving systems. Equipped with a choice of engines, including the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine or the award-winning Pentastar V-6, the Ram 1500 offers the best powertrains in the industry and are known for their reliability.

The 2013 Ram 1500 features first-in-segment technologies: eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and active air suspension. The 2013 Ram 1500 is available in nine trim levels and starts at $23,585 including $995 destination charge.

Ram engineers changed every area of the truck – from a newly designed frame to new engines and transmissions to a new interior with the next-generation Uconnect® access system. With best-in-class ride and handling and best-in-class aerodynamics, the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers unmatched content, performance and capability to truck buyers.

About NACTOY
To be eligible, a vehicle must be all new or substantially changed. After considering dozens of vehicles this year, the jurors finally narrowed the field to the 11 cars and 10 trucks/utility vehicles on which they voted.

Early in December the jurors voted on those short-list vehicles, sending their ballots directly to Deloitte & Touche in Detroit.

On those ballots jurors were given 25 points to distribute among the cars and 25 points to distribute among the trucks. However, no more than 10 points may be given to a single vehicle and those maximum points may be given to only one truck and one car. Jurors must use all their points.

That vote narrows the field to three cars and three trucks. Those finalists were disclosed at a luncheon held by the Automotive Press Association in Detroit.

Then the jurors voted again on those three cars and three trucks/utility vehicles.

In that vote jurors have 10 points for the cars and 10 points for the trucks. All 10 points may be given to a single vehicle or they may be divided up. All the points must be used.

This year, to reflect the growing numbers of crossover vehicles in the North American market, jurors voted to change the name of North American Truck of the Year to North American Truck/Utility of the Year.

The awards are financed by the jurors’ dues and the organization does not accept advertising or fees from automakers.

About Ram Truck BrandThe Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

Ram Truck Brand Continues 'Road to the Ram® Jam' All-star Country Music Series With First of Five Charity Auctions Beginning Jan. 22

Kellie Pickler is the first artist to auction off her Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck to benefit USO Warrior and Family Care

January 18, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Ram Truck brand continues its successful “Road to the Ram® Jam” all-star country music series with the first of five charity auctions where each participating artist will auction off their 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck to benefit a charity of their choice.

Starting at 1 p.m. EST Tuesday, Jan. 22, fans can bid for Kellie Pickler’s Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck with all the proceeds from the auction benefiting the USO Warrior and Family Care program, a comprehensive long-term effort designed to help the nation’s wounded, ill and injured troops, their families and caregivers navigate through the challenges of recovery. To get more information on the charity auction hosted on eBay Giving Works and to bid on Pickler’s truck, visit www.ebay.com/roadtoramjam.

As part of the Road to the Ram Jam series, all five participating artists – Kellie Pickler, Brantley Gilbert, Billy Currington, Zac Brown Band, and Easton Corbin – received a one-year lease on a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. Those trucks will be auctioned off in the next three months with all proceeds benefiting a charity of each artist’s choice. Fans will have two weeks to bid on each artist’s truck.

Gilbert’s truck will go up for auction Feb. 5 with all proceeds benefiting Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Currington follows Gilbert on Feb. 19 with proceeds benefiting Team Rubicon, Zac Brown Band on March 5 with proceeds benefiting Camp Southern Ground, and Corbin on March 18 with proceeds benefiting the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund.

“Ram was proud to partner with these five great country music artists on the 'Road to Ram Jam'," said Fred Diaz -President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico. "It is nice to know how much they each loved driving their trucks and now we wholeheartedly encourage Ram truck and country music fans to support the auctions and the wonderful charities they benefit.”

“I love everything there is to love about my Ram Truck,” Pickler said. “And I have to be honest I am a little sad about giving it up, but it's for a great cause and we really want to raise a lot of money for the USO, so please log on and bid.”

“USO Warrior and Family Care provides services that help our heroes heal with honor,” added Kelli Pendleton, programs manager for USO Fort Campbell. “We are so grateful to Kellie for thinking of the USO and the work we do to support our nation's wounded, ill and injured as well as to Ram and everyone who casts their bids in support of such a worthwhile initiative.” To learn more about USO Warrior and Family Care visit http://uso.org/warriorandfamilycare.

The Road to the Ram Jam series was the ultimate country music fan experience. It helped bring fans closer to some of their favorite artists with exclusive video content, the opportunity to win prizes, free music downloads, as well as a chance to enter to win trips for two to the exclusive Ram Jam concert. The invitation-only 2012 Ram Jam concert event, held on Dec. 29 in Nashville, Tenn., was a huge success with performances by all five participating artists. Those who missed the live stream of the concert event on Ram Country on Yahoo! Music can go to http://music.yahoo.com/programs/ram-country/ and check out some of the highlights from the night.

About Kellie Pickler
Kellie Pickler grew up immersed in country music in the small town of Albemarle, North Carolina with the words of Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton shaping her musical footing. At the age of 19, she gained fame as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol where it was evident to all that she was a star. In 2006, she signed to 19 Recordings/BNA Records to release her debut, "Small Town Girl," which has gone on to sell more than 800,000 copies worldwide and produce three singles, “Red High Heels,” “I Wonder” and “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind.”

In 2008, Pickler released her self-titled sophomore record featuring country radio hits “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” “Best Days of Your Life” (co-written with Taylor Swift and her first Top 10) and “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You.” Having established herself as not only a powerful vocalist, but also a songwriter, Pickler released her third studio album, "100 Proof," with famed producer Frank Liddell (known for his work with Miranda Lambert) and Luke Wooten. An avid supporter of the U.S. military, she has performed on six USO Tours, having most recently visited Afghanistan in December 2012. Pickler also just announced that she has signed with a new label, Black River Entertainment in Nashville, and will begin work on a new album expected in 2013. For more information, visit www.kelliepickler.com.

About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. They provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the United States and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. They also provide critical support to those who need it most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.

The USO is a private, nonprofit organization, not a government agency. All of their programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of their corporate partners and the dedication of their volunteers and staff. To join them in this patriotic mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.

About Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

Predictions and Challenges for a Great 2013 | Real World Sales Wisdom

PLEASE NOTE: These are not economic predictions. They are based on my personal observation and first-hand knowledge of sales forces across the United States - their present situation, and their future hope based on market conditions and readiness.

And please DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELVES. Rather ask yourselves: Am I ready to win more based on these predictions and challenges?

1. PREDICTION: More business will be available as the economy begins to surge and the elections become a reality. CHALLENGE: Are you ready for an increase in business, not just with product and inventory ability - but with better attitude, mood, friendliness, and morale of the entire company?

2. PREDICTION: There will be pricing challenges even in the wake of greater business. CHALLENGE: Now is the time for PROFIT. You have left too much money on the table for the past two years. Create a better value proposition, and use it rather than having to justify (and perhaps lower) your price.

3. PREDICTION: There will be an emphasis on 3rd party purchasers and buying groups in order to leverage pricing. CHALLENGE: Build value-based relationships that the customer would lose out on if they joined the group. Get testimonials from customers that decided not to participate.

4. PREDICTION: Full participation in business social media is no longer an option for your company. CHALLENGE: Counsel your counsel and determine what you CAN do. Do that as fast as you can. Your plan must include all forms of business social media, and interaction with customers one-on-one. Need examples? There are plenty of them online right now. One of them may even be your competition.

5. PREDICTION: Full participation in business social media is no longer an option for you personally. CHALLENGE: Set up a business Facebook page where people can "Like" you and invite all your customers to begin to comment on your products, service, and impact of ownership or service provided. Your LinkedIn connections must exceed 501 and you must have at least 10 recommendations. This makes your image look powerful, structured, and reputable. Twitter must attract 500 followers, and you must tweet twice a day. Your YouTube channel must have at least 10 testimonial videos that use the most searchable words in your business category. Your blog is the real-world outlet for yourself and your customers - make it valuable and interact with customers one-on-one.

6. PREDICTION: Your personal reputation and brand will play a greater role in getting a sales meeting and getting a favorable decision. CHALLENGE: Google yourself to establish your base in January. Then take WEEKLY actions to enhance your status. Get testimonials. Volunteer for charity. Speak in public. Post on your blog. Get others to praise you. And build your reputation one action item, and one good deed, at a time.

7. PREDICTION: You will need to be able to differentiate yourself from the competition (in the mind of your customer) to be greater than ever. CHALLENGE: Begin by asking yourself and your present customers what differentiates you from your competition. Then take actions to widen the gap. HINT: The ordinary things are a great start. Use Ace of Sales emails (www.aceofsales.com) to begin the process.

8. PREDICTION: Your company will finally (after three years) begin to provide sales training. CHALLENGE: Is the training relevant? Is the training acceptable to your sales team? Is the trainer acceptable to your sales team? Does the training incorporate the voice of your customers? Is the training working?

9. PREDICTION: You will lose more than one sale to an inferior competitor. CHALLENGE: Find out why and fix it. HINT: It ain't price!

10. PREDICTION: More face-to-face meetings will be necessary to build relationships, or you will become vulnerable to the competition. CHALLENGE: Double your existing face-to-face meetings from last year, and double your networking hours.

11. PREDICTION: Breakfast will be the new lunch. CHALLENGE: Your connections, relationships, and even your prospects are crunched for time. The two-hour lunch will wane. An early morning, 30-minute meeting over coffee will net more, and better, results. Set a goal of three breakfasts a week.

12. PREDICTION: Your sales plan/goal/quota/numbers will be much more attainable. CHALLENGE: The business is out there for you to earn. Your perceived value, your perceived difference, and your reputation will determine your numbers way more than your price.

12.5 PREDICTION: Your personal dedication, or rededication, to excellence will reach new heights. CHALLENGE: Allocate three hours a day to YOU. Allocate an hour for social media and personal branding. Allocate an hour for customer interaction. And allocate an hour for reading and study. You will have to allocate more time for personal development and training because the new challenges require new knowledge.

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