2013 Work Truck Show Focuses on New Commercial Vans and Alt-Fuel Products
The National Truck Equipment Association’s (NTEA) big event for 2013, The Work Truck Show, started in Indianapolis this week, where vehicle manufacturers and a range of companies showcased new products for the work truck marketplace.
The National Truck Equipment Association’s (NTEA) big event for 2013, The Work Truck Show, started in Indianapolis this week, where vehicle manufacturers and a range of companies showcased new products for the work truck marketplace. The following story recaps a selection of announcements from the first two days of the event (March 5-6) and provides links to more detailed stories (below).
Some of the major announcements are on the light-duty side, with Chrysler detailing retail pricing for its all-new 2014 Ram ProMaster van, a new vehicle in the newly created Ram Commercial division and Ford unveiling the chassis cab and cutaway versions of its all-new 2014 Transit van. On the medium-duty side of things, Navistar unveiled the 4x4 version of its International TerraStar.
For awards, Isuzu’s N-Series was named Work Truck Magazine’s Medium-Duty Truck of the Year.
For programs, Venchurs CNG and Westport have each partnered with Knapheide to offer service bodies and other upfitting products (through Knapheide) to their customers for F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks. Freightliner announced a new program called Frameworks for truck equipment manufacturers, where Freightliner will provide them with a range of services. Hino launched a new mobile app designed to help its fleet customers find Hino dealers, parts, and connect with Hino via social media. Ranger Design came to the show prepared to discuss its new QuickShip 24-shipping program at the event as well.
For products, Allison launched its new fully automatic parallel hybrid system for commercial vehicles, RSC Bio Solutions introduced a new lineup of environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids, and DiamondBack Truck Covers showed a new tonneau cover that is compatible with pickup trucks that have compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks in their beds.
Quantum Fuel Systems launched a new bolt-on CNG tank for medium-duty trucks. Leggett & Platt's Masterack division launched its new modular SmartSpace cargo management, which is designed with upcoming commercial vans (the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster, for example) in mind.
In fleet-related news, DISH Network Corp. announced it is deploying 200 ROUSH CleanTech propane-autogas-powered Ford E-250 cargo vans.
You can read the news stories mentioned via the links below.
Allison Unveils Fully Automatic Parallel Hybrid System for Commercial Vehicles
Chrysler Details Pricing for All-new 2014 Ram ProMaster Van Lineup
DiamondBack Truck Covers CNG-System-Compatible Tonneau Cover
Ford Reveals Transit Van Chassis Cab and Cutaway Models
Freightliner Launches Truck Equipment Manufacturers Support Program
Hino Trucks Launches Mobile App
Isuzu N-Series Named Work Truck’s 2013 Medium-Duty Truck of the Year
Navistar Shows New International TerraStar 4x4 at 2013 NTEA Work Truck Show
Quantum Bolt-On CNG Systems for Medium-Duty Trucks
RSC Bio Solutions Envirologic 3000 Series Hydraulic Fluids
Venchurs CNG Partners With Knapheide to Offer CNG Compatible Service Bodies and Upfitting Solutions
Westport to Offer Bi-Fuel System Compatible Knapheide Service Bodies for F-250 and F-350 Trucks
More Operations

What Does a Potato Have to Do with Leadership?
From simple process improvements and creative problem-solving to the little moments that strengthen team culture, this conversation dives into the power of unexpected ideas and why innovation doesn't always arrive wrapped in new technology or a major initiative.
Read More →
Looking for a New Podcast for the Road? Start Here!
Looking for a new podcast? Truck Chat delivers fleet leadership insights, industry deep dives, AI discussions, innovations, and real-world stories.
Read More →Did You Know What You Don't See May Be Costing You Big?
As more employees choose personal vehicles (including hybrids and EVs) for business use, companies face new challenges around visibility, insurance, liability, and cost control.
Read More →
Veteran Voices in Fleet | How Military Service Shapes Fleet Leaders
Across every perspective, one message is clear: the experiences gained through military service continue to influence how veterans contribute to the fleet industry every day.
Read More →
The Fleet Lessons That Don’t Show Up on a Spreadsheet
From index cards to predictive maintenance, Robert Martinez shares the hard-earned leadership lessons that shaped nearly 40 years in fleet.
Read More →
People, Leadership & the Skilled Trades Opportunity | Weekly Cheat Sheet
People, data, leadership, and the skilled trades opportunity. See what's shaping fleets today in this week's Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet.
Read More →
Everyone Thinks They’re a Fleet Manager
From oil changes to procurement decisions, fleet work is often underestimated by the very people who depend on it most. Bob Stanton makes the case for why communication, not just technical expertise, is one of the most important leadership skills in fleet.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
From Military Service to Fleet Leadership | Shades of Fleet
Military service ends, but the lessons don't. Hear how veterans are shaping fleet leadership through adaptability, teamwork, and mission-driven thinking.
Read More →Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?
Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.
Read More →

