| Gasoline prices fluctuate. So far, fluctuation leads to | | | | dealer of Peterbilt trucks in the United States, are |
| inflation. In addition, the turnover record for drivers is | | | | getting ready for the forthcoming drop in sales after |
| a mounting dilemma. To remedy this, Environmental | | | | the announcement of sales figures for this year. "As |
| Protection Agency (EPA) set forth new emission | | | | in any new technology introduction, as customers |
| rules that are scheduled to take effect on January 1 | | | | gain more knowledge and experience, confidence in |
| - to the detriment of the trucking industry. | | | | the new technology will strengthen," said W.M. |
| The new rules cover significant changes for the | | | | (Rusty) Rush, president and chief executive of Rush |
| industry. They require that engines built after the first | | | | Enterprises. "We expect that interest in vehicles with |
| of the year have to meet tougher standards for the | | | | new engine technology will increase by the end of |
| emission of soot and nitrous oxide. However, it can | | | | (2007) and fully expect 2008 and 2009 to be robust |
| be recalled that the last time the rules mandated | | | | sales years for our dealerships." The company's truck |
| change in engines truck prices increased and fuel | | | | sales was up by over 28 percent in the first three |
| efficiency plummeted. | | | | quarters of this year. |
| Trucking companies venture on a purchase binge for | | | | Truck manufacturing business was booming. As a |
| about two years now. They filed their fleets with | | | | fact, truck auto parts Volvo, Ford F-Series parts and |
| trucks powered by engines built before 2007. This | | | | Chevrolet truck parts are now being assembled to |
| time around they wanted to observe how the new | | | | cope with the increasing orders. "The trucking |
| engines perform before they invest. "We're heading | | | | industry is very conservative," said Jim McNamara, |
| down the path to have a record sales year for | | | | Volvo spokesman. "The companies, the customers |
| heavy-duty diesel vehicles in 2006," said Glen Kedzie, | | | | want to see how a technology works in the field. |
| assistant general and environmental counsel for the | | | | They need to see the new engines and if the |
| American Trucking Associations. "There's going to be | | | | emissions technology is going to be reliable and give |
| a significant drop in demand." | | | | them the performance and reliability they need. |
| Trucking companies like Rush Enterprises, the largest | | | | |