* SEMA reports on light trucks.  The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has released its 2007 Automotive Lifestyles enthusiast survey covering autos and trucks. According to the results, 27 percent of consumers surveyed own a pickup truck, and 85 percent said they have purchased specialty equipment for their trucks within the last year. The demographic profiles of the survey indicate that the majority of the pickup truck owners are between the ages of 35 and 64 with a mean age of 47.06 years for owners of full-size pickups, 49.37 for owners of midsize pickups.

The Chevrolet Silverado was the most popular full-size choice for owners between 18 and 24, with Ford Ranger in the mid-size category, while Dodge Dakota (27 percent of respondents) was by far the most popular choice for trucks purchased by those 65 and older.

 
In the 35-44 age range, 29 percent of survey responders chose the Dodge Ram, followed closely by the Chevy Avalanche at 28 percent, for full-size trucks, and 24 percent in that age range bought the Toyota Tacoma. In the largest purchase segment (ages 45-54), 32 percent purchased the Toyota Tundra (again followed closely by the Avalanche) for full-size trucks, and the Nissan Frontier was a clear midsize leader with 36 buyers.

* Sterling tops in truck service. Sterling Truck Corp. announced in late September that it has received the highest overall ranking for Heavy Duty Truck Dealer Service in the J.D. Power and Associates Heavy Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study. Sterling was the highest scoring brand for both the dealer facility and the service price factors in the study. This is the second time in four years that J.D. Power has recognized Sterling for outstanding service.

"With our expansive network of dealerships and an army of work-truck experts, dealer service has always been a priority for us, so we're pleased to be recognized for it," said Ann Demitruk, Sterling's director of marketing.

The results from the 2007 survey were based on 2,677 customers of 2-year-old Class 8 vehicles. Of customers interviewed, the average fleet size was 47 trucks.

* Truck equipment survey out. The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) has released its Annual Manufacturers' Shipments Survey (AMSS). The eighth annual report indicates that truck equipment shipments in 2006 increased almost 16 percent over those in 2005.

For manufacturers of work truck and trailer products, the AMSS is a viable source of data to estimate the size and growth rate of their market segment, said Carol Anderson, NTEA's communications and public relations manager.

"The AMSS is the only annual source of work-truck and trailer industry information that includes data in terms of units and dollars," said Stephen Latin-Kasper, NTEA market data and research director. "It is the only source of data for liftgates, cranes, tool boxes, plows, spreaders, suspension assemblies, winches, hoists, truck-mounted compressors, and many other types of truck equipment."

* Isuzu announces new models. Isuzu Motors America Inc. recently announced enhancements to its line of trucks and SUVs for the 2008 model year. Among the improvements are standard head-curtain side-impact airbags for the flagship Ascender SUV, addition of a new Generation 1 System E67 engine management system in the Ascender and pickup models, and increased towing capacity for pickups.

Developed jointly by General Motors and lead engineering partner Isuzu Motors Limited, the Isuzu pickups have been multiple award-winners since their introduction in 2006. The 2007 lineup won nine "Smart Choice" designations from IntelliChoice, and the 2007 i-290 extended cab was recognized in June as one of the Top 10 "Best Bang for the Buck" pickups by Cars.com.

New for 2008 are fog lights, a sliding rear window, leather-wrapped steering wheels, an optional integrated towing hitch and wiring harness, upgraded towing capacity (up to 2,200 pounds in the i-290; up to 5,500 pounds on the i-370 model), plus options that include an upgraded audio system; auto-dimming rearview mirror; eight-way adjustable power seat (six-way passenger seat); adjustable head restraints; and dual-level heated front seats.

In addition to the side-impact airbags and new engine system, the 2008 Ascender models will offer more than 10 new options. Isuzu also offers a wide range of medium and heavy-duty commercial trucks up to Class 8.