In research conducted by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (also known as "SEMA"), even after a 32% drop in new-pickup truck sales last month, SEMA found a one percent increase in automotive enthusiasts' demand for customizing their pickup trucks. This just means that owners are keeping their trucks longer due to the increase in price for new pickup trucks, as well as fuel costs. More importantly, the light-truck segment of the automotive market has been on the rise for several years, accounting for 42.3 percent of manufacturer sales in 2007 alone. Maybe there really is light at the end of the tunnel?
AMP Research was kind enough to invite Truckblog out to their 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Irvine, California, to show us a behind the scenes look of their products, as well as install a set of Power Steps on Project Truckblog. Look for an install article coming soon!.
In the video, Engineering Manager, Anthony Smith, explains how the famous Power Step was developed, and highlights its unique features.
This just in... the news is so fresh we're still grabbing photos from GM. Pontiac has announced a new unibody sport truck for 2010, similar to the Ford Falcon UTE which is huge in Australia. Call it the modern day El Camino if you like, but it's currently called the "G8" and will be re-named by a consumer. This new 6.0L V8 powerhouse sport truck packs a whopping 361 horse and 385 torque--quite a bit for such a light vehicle. With gas prices currently hovering around $3.50/gal, we're hoping that by 2010 they'll be quite a bit lower since this thirsty sport truck requires premium fuel. Will this cause Ford to bring their Falcon UTE to the states? I'm sure everyone will be keeping an eye on this. [via Jalopnik & PickupTruck.com]
Whether you were screaming for the New York Giants to win the Super Bowl or not, we all saw this years round up of funny, and sometimes controversial, Super Bowl commercials. Check out our poll and vote for your favorite automotive Super Bowl commercial this year. Just in case you missed our blog last week, click here to see our preview of this years Super Bowl Commercials. Click full story to vote!
Ford Motor Company announced the new 2009 F-150 today at the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show). The upgraded F-150 features more capability, more choice, and more "smart" features.
"The Ford truck team adopted a holistic, 360-degree approach to revamping the new 2009 F-150 – from its segment-first features to the tough new exterior highlighted by a dramatic three-bar grille and more spacious, flexible and refined interior, to the unparalleled choice of cab styles and trim levels – including a new Platinum series that redefines truck luxury."
