Chevrolets trucks  new Silverado aims to give Ford’s F-series pickups a run for their money.

Why are pickups so popular?

We once posed that question to a friend of ours, a former chief engineer for the American Automobile Association. “It’s the American way,” he replied. “Everyone has to have a truck at one time or another.”

Looking at the numbers, he may be right. The two best-selling vehicles for 1998 are both full-size pickups, one from Ford and the other from General Motors. Not far behind is Dodge’s Ram, which ranks sixth. American truck manufacturers sold or leased about two million full-size pickup trucks this year, cornering the market, at least for now.

We say for now because Toyota, having withdrawn its T-100 pickup from the market, is reportedly ramping up to be the first Japanese manufacturer to sell a full-size pickup truck in America.

Ever since Ford built the first pickups in 1925, the vehicles have taken on a dual role as a virtual beast of burden and the American family’s second car– personal transportation for people who put a lot of stock in their rugged image.

Despite its seemingly ordinary looks, the full-size pickup is a vehicle of many configurations. Generally three- or six-passenger vehicles, they can be purchased with two, three or four doors. You can buy a regular-cab, two-door model or choose a three- or four-door extended or crew cab model.

There are smooth-riding pickups for city and country duty, and heavy-duty pickups for hauling big loads–all of which are equipped with two-wheel drive. If you need to take your truck off-road, the manufacturers offer light and heavy-duty pickups with four-wheel drive capability.

With Toyota trying to crack the market, 1999 could be a watershed year for pickups. A lot is riding on Ford’s F-series truck. It’s the best-selling vehicle in the country, and Ford intends to keep it that way. GM, on the other hand, hopes its all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups will gain on Ford and cut its lead in sales. And Dodge, which seems to have cornered the market for styling with its Ram trucks, would like to see its sales numbers climb too.

SAFETY and driver convenience were the focus of Kenworth Truck Company’s newest T2000 high-tech tractor, which was unveiled at the 2000 Mid-America Trucking Show March 23-25 in Louisville.

Kenworth is once again utilizing a T2000, the company’s premium on-highway model, as its “smart” truck. (Kenworth’s previous high-tech truck, introduced at last year’s Mid-America Trucking Show, proved so popular that it now costars in TNN’s top-rated action drama “18 Wheels of Justice.”)

“Kenworth’s new T2000 High-Tech Truck is designed to provide better information in two key areas: to other drivers in the vehicle’s vicinity and to the truck driver,” said Ed Caudill, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice-president. “This will help to promote safety and driver efficiency and comfort.”

The truck especially emphasizes safety. Kenworth’s objective is to explore technologies that can help make trucks safer both for truck drivers and for other vehicles sharing the road.

The vehicle features a number of safety-related items:

*A vision sys- tem uses miniature video cameras with monitors in the cab to aid the driver in making lane changes, backing up, and turning tight corners. Cameras in the side mirrors provide rear-viewing images, and a sleeper-mounted, passenger-side camera offers a curb view.

*Forward-looking infrared night vision extends the driver’s vision farther down the road and outward onto the shoulder.

*A drowsiness monitor tracks the driver’s performance in keeping the vehicle in its lane and gives an alertness rating based on that performance. When that score falls below a predetermined threshold, the system beeps an audible warning and displays a “stop driving” message.

*A clutchless, automatic transmis- sion makes the truck easier to drive and helps reduce driver fatigue.

*An electronic navigation system lets the driver enter a destination and get visual directions. Verbal directions also are available, helping to keep the driver’s attention on the road.

he Hummer’s conceptualization began in 1979. It was basically being designed for the US army and was to be built as a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). At that time many companies were asked to put forth their best designs for the same. Out of the many that presented their ideas, the three that were chosen were those of General Dynamics, Teledyne and AM (American Motors) General. But this was just the beginning for the companies to prove their worth. The army was very demanding in wanting a vehicle not only of high quality but also that could withstand any kind of pressures, glide through any kind of terrain, and that would be light and easy to maintain! And voila AM General was able to give the most supreme prototype and in the least possible time! Their model called the Hummvee, proved to be just what the army had commanded. It came out with flying colors in the various tests to gauge its superiority. Then the first Hummvees, that was around 55,000 of them, were given for production over a period of 5 years in 1983 to AM General. AM General won this race too and within just 6 months the Hummvee was ready for use. With time the general public too could not resist the desire to drive these Humvees. Thus AM General decided to come out with a civilian version of the Humvee called the Hummer. In December 1999 the Hummer brand and the authority to market and distribute it were sold off to General Motors by AM General. AM General however still manufactures the Hummer.

The Hummer is an SUV-a sports utility vehicle and is the rage with those who are fond of sturdy, long and rough and tough cars. The Hummer seems to have no competitor in this area. The first and original Hummer is now called the H1. It is said that the Hummer was made as a result of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s persuasion as he had seen the Humvees and was very impressed. The popularity of the Hummer is such that the US boasts of several groups and clubs of Hummer owners who come together and drive them either for recreation or for some good causes. Well why good causes, read on to find out. As the Hummer is well known for its great strength and durability, it is often employed in disaster hit areas. Such Hummer owners provide their vehicle for these purposes and thus put them to use for a noble cause. In fact a group has been formed of Hummer owners who have been trained in first aid and CPR. Thus the Hummer has spread its wings to touch all of humanity.
The most recent and a very well known Hummer model is the H3. The H1 and H2 Hummer models are known to be quite large. Unlike them, the five seater H3 has been made to cater to the sensibilities of the common who wishes to own an SUV but still wants it to not look too bulky. The H3 also has good fuel economy and is quite luxurious for the small cost it demands! It has good soundproof materials used in its windows and enough sealing to allow you to hear and speak comfortably enough. This is significant considering that the H3, like its predecessors, is prone to making noise. The H3 also has side curtain airbags as well as the normal driver and passenger ones, which provide added protection. Some of its other features include large knobs for HVAC, sunvisors that have pull out extensions, and large and very readable gauges. The other common features include a tilt-adjustable steering column, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, an audio system with a CD player, cruise control, air conditioning, an electronic rearview mirror with temperature and compass readings, antilock brakes (ABS), traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and stylish leather seats. It has an OnStar system with one-year Safe and Sound service plan. This system informs the concerned people in case of an emergency and helps them to locate you and get you immediate help and relief. It even helps to keep thieves at bay, because the system can track your Hummer in case of theft.

Trucks are usually reliable, comfortable, easy to drive and maintain; their interior is often Spartan but purchasing a truck can be the best investment you ever made. A Toyota Tundra, double cab, for example, is easy to drive, comfortable and you can benefit from leather seats and a roomy interior, not always stylish. Trucks have often a business like interior, but it can carry five adults.

Chevy trucks are really simple. Their enemy is the rust; you must not worry about it because there are parts available on the Internet or in specialized stores. Many Chevy trucks are really used or modified; if you want to buy a Chevy truck, it is wise to find a truck being sold by its first owner. It is not as difficult as it seems to be.

For people looking for a conventional truck for the week-ends or simply to go t their office, and not for cargo hauling the Chevy truck is the best choice. It is a massive American vehicle, reliable and comfortable. Suspension can be improved to make the Chevy truck smoother to drive. A Chevy truck delivers the power, the reliability and the comfort you need; it is also easy to load an unload it. Chevy trucks are recognized as the longest lasting and comfortable trucks. You can buy an old Chevy truck and restore it easily, searching on the Internet Chevy truck restoration parts; you will keep your old Chevy truck on the road and drive it smoothly.

Ford produces trucks from 1908. Fords heavy trucks division become part of Daimler Chrysler and was re-branded as Sterling. Ford still produces light and medium trucks. Now Ford is out of heavy trucks production, but remains in the medium class production; its Ford Cargo, made in Brazil, is close to a heavier truck characteristics. The Ford F is a series of full size pick ups; the most popular is the F-150. It is the best selling vehicle in US for 23 years and the best selling truck for 29 years.

A dump truck is the vehicle used for transporting gravel, sand, and dirt for construction. Almost all dump trucks have a hydraulically operated open box bed hinged at a rear. Its front can be lifted to make possible the content deposit on the ground behind the truck. There are many dump trucks, depending on their specific tasks; a standard dump truck is a full truck chassis with a dump body mounted on the frame. The body is lifted by a hydraulic ram mounted between the truck traction unit and the semi trailer. The off-road dump truck is looking like heavy construction equipment than they do highway dump trucks. Off road dump truck are used only for heavy dirt hauling jobs.

Some specialized firms compare Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and Nisan Titan in a head to head test; the results are recommending the Toyota Tundra as the Chevrolet Silverado as the best truck you can buy if you need a reliable, safe, comfortable and smooth riding truck.

House Bill H.R. 1773: Safe American Roads Act of 2007 was upheld recently which prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from allowing motor carriers domiciled in Mexico to operate across the border into the United States. President George Bush was in favor of this outrageous proposal and has stated that he will veto it. This is not surprising since President Bush stated on May 30th, 2006 that seventy miles of border fence would be constructed by September 30, 2007. Well, today is September 30th, 2007 and even though the funds and resources have been appropriated for the border fence, only three miles have been completed.

I have driven in Mexico, hauling dry goods in and out of the country. Mexico basically has no laws governing the commercial motor carrier and their drivers. There are no hours of service rules, drivers do not have log books and safety inspection requirements simply do not exist. Once, while in Monterrey, Mexico a truck in front of me could not get around the “millions” of vehicles in front of him, so he simply drove his rig up over the curb (sidewalk), taking out a street sign, and nobody appeared to even notice! Mexico does not have any EPA laws, so the fumes and smoke from the cars and trucks were blinding.

The senate approved the proposal by a 74-24 vote, delaying the Bush plan to allow Mexican trucks to fill our highways in the United States. Who were the Republican Senators who voted against it? They are listed below in alphabetical order:

Allard (CO)
Bennett (UT)
Bond (MO)
Bunning (KY)
Burr (NC)
Cochran (MS)
Cornyn (TX)
DeMint (SC)
Dole (NC)
Domenici (NM)
Grassley (IA)
Gregg (NH)
Hagel (NE
Hutchison (TX)
Kyl (AZ)
Lieberman (CT) (Independent)
Lott (MS)
Lugar (IN)
Martinez (FL)
McConnell (KY)
Murkowski (AK)
Stevens (AK)
Sununu (NH)
Vitter (LA)

Two Republicans, Craig of Idaho and John McCain of Arizona must have felt that the safety of the American people was not important of an issue, because they did not even vote! As a Florida resident, it has opened my eyes to the insight of Senator Mel Martinez. If you are from Florida and would like to let Senator Martinez know how you feel you can do so by using the link below:

Senator Martinez

Sometimes I feel as if the entire Presidential election is a scam like over the road trucking. The acts by President Bush and the Republican party seems as if they are purposely attempting to fail in order to bring in a Democratic President. Does the American vote really count anymore? Is the next President already decided by those in extreme power? When you sit back and watch the leaders of our nation do some of the things they do, one has to wonder. The majority of credit has to go to the Democrats on this one . . . they voted to keep America’s roads safe. Now let’s see what President Bush will do . . .

Allen is a 30 year veteran and expert within the trucking industry. He has written dozens of articles , helping students and new drivers to be successful by avoiding the scams of many truck driving schools and trucking companies. He is the original author of the well known book, The Truth about Trucking

There is just something about that bow-tie. Chevrolet trucks have long gained a reputation for being sturdy and dependable. This does not only reflect on their pick-ups and SUVs but on their semi trucks and other heavy duties as well. From the Kodiak to the W Series, the boys behind the bow-ties really know how to manufacture a truck that is as nice to look at as it is thrilling to drive.

Light and medium duty trucks are available in a wide range of styles, colors and even manufacturer’s brands. If you have never driven a particular brand then you may not have a preference. Of course you probably know about Ford, Freightliner, Peterbilt and all the others, but there are many truck drivers who simply will not drive anything but a Chevrolet truck. Of course there are also people who will not drive anything but a Chevy car or SUV. Beginning to see a pattern here?

If you know the Chevrolet brand then you definitely know that it stands for quality and service. This is true whether you are referring to the smallest car or the most heavy duty truck. There really is something in a name, and the bow-tie symbol represents a name that stands for one of the most stellar reputations in the history of automobiles. Whether you drive a small commercial truck or one of the biggest and baddest rigs on the road, there is absolutely no denying that when you see that bow-tie you think of quality. Why else would they be one of the very top automobile and truck manufacturers in the world for so many years in a row?

It is because of quality. If you are planning to purchase a commercial or heavy duty truck, then this is a brand that you should definitely consider. The trucks are manufactured with the highest quality and safety standards in mind. If you are setting up your own trucking business or are considering becoming an owner/operator then you definitely want a truck that you can depend on for traveling without costly repairs. Remember the bow-tie. Chevrolet trucks are popular for a reason. They are good trucks. Companies and drivers depend on them to transport their cargo without incident and they deliver more than what they promise. When you get ready to purchase your new truck remember - the power of the bow-tie compels you.

General Motors, the manufacturers of the immediately recognized world renowned Chevrolet cars of various shapes and colors also produces a trio of trucks: the Avalanche, the Colorado and the Silverado. The Avalanche comes in three variants, the LS, the LT and the LTZ mentioned in an ascending order of pricing.

The next-generation Vortex V8 engine installed under the hood of the Chevrolet Trucks have an Active Fuel Management System that intelligently makes a transition from 8 to 4 cylinders when power is not needed and vice versa when required and informs the driver of the switch to boot, via the Driver Information Centre(DIC). In addition to this the engine has fuel flexibility so that it can run on either gasoline or E85 - a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline - or a combination of both. Incidentally, E85 ethanol fuel is not only eco-friendly but is also home grown use of which can enhance the nation’s economy and energy independence.

The DIC mentioned earlier is packed with features that make it a real time watchdog constantly monitoring and reporting the functioning of the truck. The equipment also lets you personalize some of the operations of the vehicle such as locking/unlocking. The apparatus also has a stopwatch among its more assorted functions.

The Chevrolet Truck comes with a remarkable array of safety features that leaves nothing to be desired. In addition to the customary front airbags for the driver and the passenger the Chevrolet Truck sports the Head-Curtain Side Airbags designed to reduce the risk of head and neck injuries. Child safety is taken adequately care of by the provision of LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren) - a routine fixture for all Chevrolet Vehicles. Available in the LT and the LTZ models is the Rear View Camera, a contraption that allows the driver to see - on the navigation screen - stationery things when reversing. It is more useful when hooking up to a trailer.

Remote keyless entry, a standard device in all Chevy vehicles is offered in these trucks. Another utility that is available in the Chevrolet Truck is called OnStar. This is a one stop safety and security service that can be stated to be an amalgamation of advanced driving technologies that inspires confidence in the driver. The system comprises Voice Directed Turn-by-Turn directions, Vehicle Diagnostics that emails you monthly report on what is wrong with the vehicle. Locked Out - with the OnStar installed you don’t need to panic. A call OnStar will get the truck opened remotely. Night time safety is taken care of by the provision of standard halogen lamps that allows light to be more intense and centered. The automatic exterior lamp control design illuminates and extinguishes exterior lighting with driver intervention.

Carl and Shayne Patterson are in the market for a brand new truck. It’s a decision fewer and fewer Americans seem to be doing during these days of high gas prices.”I have to haul a boat and I need a truck to haul but if it wasn’t for that I’d buy a hybrid,” says Carl Patterson.The couple is considering buying a Toyota Tundra. But they’re not the only ones feeling the pinch of high gas prices. car dealerships are seeing a decline in truck sales as many consumers are trading in those gas guzzlers for more fuel efficient vehicles.”We do get a lot of domestic pickups and SUV’s being traded in on sedans,” says Robert Derrick, internet sales manager with Dick Dyer Toyota.He says the dealership has seen an increase in small car sales. “The family, they’re looking at their dollar, their pocket as you definitely have a spike as far as the sedans. And better gas mileage,” says Derrick.And while Toyota and other import dealers are feeling the pain from the pump, domestic dealers aren’t fairing any better. Jeremy Carter, internet sales manager with Love Chevrolet says his car dealership may have more to lose.”It’s definitely hurt our market especially Chevrolet and most American car companies. Our trucks and SUV’s are much bigger sellers than our cars. We’re trying to push and get all the cars we can and stay away from the trucks which is the complete opposite of what we would have done 2 years ago,” says Carter.But he says the push toward smaller cars is not coming easy for some of their loyal truck customers. “We’ve heard a lot of, man I love my truck, but I just don’t know if I can drive it anymore,” says Carter.Meanwhile the Pattersons say if they do decide to purchase a new pickup, they’ll be driving it as a last resort. “I’ll probably still drive my old truck that gets good gas mileage and just leave this one for hauling the boats and campers and stuff like that,” says Patterson.

As this morning’s rush hour winds down, about 150 dump trucks will hit Toronto-area highways for a rolling protest, carrying complaints of low wages and high pressure on drivers to operate unsafely.The Ontario Dump Truck Association, a group that claims more than 600 drivers as members, is behind the demonstration, which comes less than three weeks after a couple were killed by a flying tailgate from a dump truck travelling too fast for its size.”After 2003, we’ve had no raise,” Manjit Singh, an owner-operator and spokesman for the group, said yesterday. “They’re pushing for overloading and they’re pushing for overspeeding.”Mr. Singh, who has been driving for three years, was referring to companies that hire dump trucks to haul material from excavation sites. Many expect drivers to exceed the trucks’ weight limits, and some demand unreasonably short turnaround times for trucks hauling repeated loads from a job site.If several independent drivers are working one site, all are expected to match the fastest one, effectively forcing them to race, Mr. Singh said. Drivers who refuse to meet these demands are often told, “Go home, we don’t need you,” he said.More than 400 trucks massed at a Mississauga mosque yesterday so drivers could air their grievances, which shut down several downtown condo construction sites.With ever-higher fuel and insurance costs to pay since their last increase, drivers say they are more pressed than ever to earn an income. Their hourly rate of $75 has not changed since 2003, they said.On April 19, Don and Elsie Lourie of Scarborough, both 75, died after their SUV, northbound on Highway 400, was struck by a tailgate that flew off a southbound dump truck. Two truck drivers travelling together were charged in connection with the incident.Today’s rolling blockade will begin at Dixie and Derry Roads in Mississauga, follow Highway 410 south to Highway 401, then go east to Highway 427. There, the truckers will head south to the Gardiner Expressway, travel east to the Don Valley Parkway and turn north. They will then re-enter the 401, head west to the 410, then north to Dixie and Derry.

Toyota Canada has extended warranty coverage and could even buy back some trucks because of potential inadequate corrosion protection on the frames of about 10,200 older Tacoma models.

The company confirmed yesterday a “support program” was recently started for customers to extend the warranty to 15 years with no mileage limit on the 1995-2000 model year pickups.

The move came after the company received reports that a small number of trucks had shown excessive frame corrosion that caused metal perforation.

“When exposed to road salts and other environmental factors, these vehicles may develop corrosion beyond normal surface rust commonly found on metal after years of exposure,” the company said in a statement.

Toyota also said , as part of the program, the company may buy vehicles back if it finds metal perforation.

“When the condition is confirmed during the inspection process, Toyota will, at its option, repair or repurchase the vehicle,” the company said.

If it finds no rust perforation, the company will still extend the warranty to 15 years.

Toyota’s sales have grown strongly during the last decade on a reputation for durability and quality.