LAS VEGAS, NV — Heavy Duty Dialogue ’07, held Jan. 22 in Las Vegas at The Mirage, focused on the global commercial vehicle business and the forces that will shape the industry’s future. Organizers for the annual event said HD Dialogue continues to be a success, drawing more than 350 attendees and featuring panels and presentations by many industry leaders and top experts in the heavy duty commercial vehicle industry.
Dr. Jeffrey Rosensweig, Goizueta Business School, Emory University, gave a dynamic presentation, “Future Trends in the Global Market Place: An Economist/Futurist’s View,” that focused on the future of the global economy, paying particular attention to population growth in both emerging and established economies.
George Zirnhelt, president and CEO, Power Systems Research, interviewed Ed Pence, vice president, automotive business, Cummins Inc., on the global harmonization of the commercial vehicle power plant. The interview covered topics ranging from obstacles to globally harmonized standards to challenges facing vertical integration in the industry.
Sandeep Kar, senior industry analyst, Frost & Sullivan, moderated a panel of industry experts who discussed how new technology contributes to growth potential. Panelist John Coll, general manager, Eaton Aftermarket, commented that “Truck driving is the 8th most dangerous occupation in the United States.” Coll highlighted driver information and warning systems that could enhance driver safety and be a potential source of growth for the supplier community. Other areas covered by the panel included aftertreatment technologies, active chassis control systems and truck telematics.
Governor Bill Graves, president and CEO, American Trucking Associations, drew on his lifetime of personal experience in the keynote address, “The North American Commercial Vehicle Industry.” During his speech, Gov. Graves outlined several issues facing the trucking industry, such as safety and environmental concerns.
Steve Pillsbury, director, PRTM Management Consultants, presented “Globalization of the Supply Chain—Lessons Learned from Leading Companies,” in which he shared findings from a series of studies focused on three different areas of the global supply chain. Pillsbury commented that companies who successfully source product from China “integrate China sourcing into their global strategy and successfully build a partnership with local industry leaders.”
Peter Nesvold, Transportation Analyst, Bear Sterns, moderated a panel that focused on the “Top Ten Trends for the Next Ten Years.” Panelist Terry Keating referenced the number one trend, roadway congestion, by saying “The volume of trucking freight will continue to grow but our roads will not keep pace. What will be the end result? Longer trailers? Multi-trailer units? A shift from trucking to railway transport?” Other trends included global sourcing, driver shortages and safety.
HD Dialogue is an annual, one-day conference that kicks off Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW). Registration for both HD Dialogue ‘08 and HDAW ’08 will be available at http://www.hdma.org.
