FARMINGTON HILLS, MI — The Work Truck Show 2006, held in conjunction with the 42nd Annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) convention, together boasted more than 7,000 attendees of premier industry professionals involved in buying, selling or using work trucks and equipment. Attendees had the opportunity to meet with nearly 471 industry suppliers, participate in 35 educational sessions and see the latest developments in commercial trucks and transportation equipment from Classes 1 through 8. The events were held March 1-3 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

Produced by the NTEA and supported by 16 other prominent organizations, The Work Truck Show is an annual trade show attended by manufacturers, distributors, fleet managers and end-users of all varieties of vocational work trucks and equipment in industries as diverse as construction, landscaping, utility and government services. On the show floor, covering 400,000-square-feet, were the latest full-size work trucks and equipment from leading manufacturers as well as individual components from hundreds of suppliers. The event featured unveilings from four leading chassis manufacturers, including Dodge, Sterling Truck Corp., Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America and Toyota.

“The event was a major success on all levels,” said Robert Green, NTEA president and president of Robert Green Truck Div., Inc. “The robust health of our industry was reflected not only in attendance, but also in the 83 new products and innovations introduced at the show.”

Attendees were invited to cast their ballots for the second annual Work Truck Show New Product Innovation Award. By popular vote, Knaack Mfg. Co. (Crystal Lake, IL) and MGM Brakes (Charlotte, NC) tied for the New Product Innovation Award. Knaack Mfg. won the award for its new line of WEATHER GUARD steel truck boxes with improved features that enhance job site security and productivity. MGM Brakes won for its e-STROKE electronic brake monitoring system that offers a patented braking alternative. The Work Truck Show Editors’ Choice Award went to Sterling Truck Corp. for its low cab-over-the-engine truck that will be available at select dealerships across North America this spring.

Following the success of this year’s events, show organizers are expecting strong participation in next year’s event.

“We strongly expect that next year’s event in Indianapolis, IN, will be even more successful,” said Tom Rawson, 2007 Convention Chairman and CEO of RKI, Inc. (Houston, TX). “We are excited to be in the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome next year. More than 90 percent of floor space is already sold for 2007.”

Part of the growing demand for floor space comes from new exhibitors. Seventy-five companies were first-time Work Truck Show exhibitors in 2006.

“We are pleased to maintain a solid base of exhibitors that have gotten excellent results from the show each year. We also are attracting a growing number of companies that recognize the unique opportunities The Work Truck Show offers to reach a wide range of high-ranking decision-makers in the industry,” said Jim Carney, NTEA executive director.

The Work Truck Show 2007 and 43rd Annual NTEA Convention will be held March 7–9, 2007, at the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome. Registration for The Work Truck Show 2007 opens in October.

For more information, visit: www.ntea.com .

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