Moving ahead: truck and van trends plus the ‘what’s new’ from manufacturers for the 2006 model year
Published in: Qualified Remodeler
Date: 10/1/2005
By: Minnick, Jon
Each year manufacturers improve its models of trucks and vans to meet standards, implement new ideas and meet the needs of the professionals who depend on them for their business. Across the board, it appears that what makes the list for the 2006 models is fuel efficiency, personalization abilities and interior amenities.
Fuel efficiency has been a concern for remodelers and manufacturers alike for some time. With new government mandates on fuel efficiency being put into place and rising fuel costs, it would be hard not to understand why. Even in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, consumers across the country learned a harsh lesson in economics as prices surged past $5 a gallon in parts of the U.S., with an overall average of over $3 a gallon.
One way in which DalmierChrysler Corp.’s Dodge division has addressed fuel efficiency is with its Multi-Displacement System (MDS) in the HEMI engines. The engine deactivates four cylinders in about 40 milliseconds during cruising speeds when full V-8 power isn’t needed, in turn improving fuel economy by up to 20 percent. The four cylinders are reactivated any time the extra power is needed for accelerating or large towing capacity.
General Motors (GM) is in-line with this fuel-saving technology with its V-8 and V-6 engines featuring Displacement on Demand. Expected to boost efficiency by about 8 percent, GM plans to have more than 2 million vehicles with this means by 2008.
Conversion-ready engines also make GM’s fuel efficiency list by offering some models with optional internal modifications for operation with natural or propane gas. GM also makes it possible to use E85 fuel (gasoline that is 85 percent ethanol) in some of its full-sized trucks and vans, offers diesel engines and continues to manufacture the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid pickup trucks, now available nationwide. These hybrids get 18 city and 21 highway miles in the automatic 2WD version and 17 city and 19 highway miles in the automatic 4WD version.
Despite growing fuel prices and this growing concern for fuel efficiency, Toyota’s national truck and SUV marketing manager, Mark Amstock, feels the pickup market continues to grow because consumers still want what they need. He indicates that consumers’ ability to do what they need with their vehicle is just as important or more important than fuel efficiency when making their decision.
Making the right choice
Personalization is another trend for 2006. This can be anything from color to wheels and suggests that how a vehicle looks is not the cookie-cutter mold it once was. Remodelers and other professionals still want something they can call their own and less likely to accept something they don’t.
“Personalization is important,” says Robert Minton, fleet and commercial communications director for GM. “We even have options for personalizing our conversion vans.”
All auto manufacturers in the truck and van fields carry personalization options with its vehicles, especially since they know each one will be used differently. When you’re talking trucks and vans, the large areas of customization are engines, transmissions, cab size and bed size. This can also lead to the decision for consumers as to whether they really need a truck or a van.
“Consumers need to figure out what their application and need is,” says Minton. “I think trucks over-all are more popular for businesses because of the types of businesses [using them] and what they are using them for.”
Whitney Drake, public relations assistant manager of the North American Ford division of Ford Motor Company, concurs with this idea in believing that it depends on the specific need of the consumer as to whether to go with a truck or van.
“I would think more people are hauling loads and towing with trucks,” says Drake. “But vans can be a better option when hauling people or things like carpet that needs to be safe from the elements.” Drake did also indicate that that may not always be the case since Ford does offer trailer tow and prep packages for its vans, adding to the personalization of the vehicle.
A big trend for the trucks and vans in the 2006 lineup is interior amenities. As more people use their work vehicles for personal use and spend increasing amounts of time in their trucks and vans, owners are asking for more comfort and conveniences.
“Trucks are becoming more car-like with its amenities,” says Colin McBean with Dodge’s product communications. “People are also looking for more comfort and a quiet ride.”
This is a trend being addressed by all manufacturers as they continue to increase the luxury level and equipment offerings to their trucks and vans. Amenities like full-screen navigation, rear seat DVD players, satellite radio, reclining rear seats, CD changers with MP3 capabilities and interior space for passengers are big on consumers’ wish lists. As demand increased for interior space in trucks to accommodate passengers, Dodge reacted with its Mega Cab, a crew cab pickup with four full doors and a 143.2-cu.-ft. capacity, making it the largest.
The modern workhorses
For 2006, Dodge has complemented its new exterior look of its Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 with all-new-for-2006 interior amenities that include a full-screen GPS navigation radio; rear-seat DVD (Quad Cab only); Infinity sound system and UConnect hands-free communication system; power sliding rear window; and bucket seats. Also new inside are a redesigned instrument panel and center console with leather and wood accents and new seat options. On the exterior, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty features a new fully chrome, ingot-like grille over a massive front bumper and headlamp modules utilizing halogen bulbs to provide 22 percent more light intensity and 40 percent improved beam spectrum.
New for 2006, Ford’s F-Series trucks include, among other things, a limited-edition Harley-Davidson Package for the F-150; 20-in. wheels available on the FX4, Lariat and King Ranch; SIRIUS Satellite Radio with six-month subscription on STX, XLT, FX4 and Lariat; Traction Assist on 4X2 V-8 models; 6.5-ft. cargo box for SuperCrew models; and a flexible-fuel 5.4-liter Triton V-8. Ford’s F-250 and F-350 now come with 50-state emissions standard on diesel versions, 20-in. polished-aluminum forged wheels available on SRW Crew Cab 4X4 Lariat, King Ranch and Amarillo, as well as new paint colors for King Ranch and chrome packages available for XLT, Lariat SuperCab and Crew Cab models. Options may not be available on all models that include F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550.
Toyota Tundra Full-Size Pickup Truck Line offers two engine choices and nearly 20 model configurations. The Tundra gained a 236-hp V-6 base engine and more powerful V-8 option in its 2005 model year, and its Double Cab models feature one of the longest beds. An optional navigation system is available on Access Cab and Double Cab models; on Double Cab models, the navigation system is offered in conjunction with the JBL premium AM/FM/CD audio system with eight speakers.
The Chevrolet Silverado has a new light-duty front-end design with power dome hood; VortecMAX performance package with enhanced towing capability for 2500 4WD models; extended cab with short box models (2WD and 4WD), with Vortec 5300 V-8 and LT trim; Duramax Diesel engine enhanced; Allison 100 six-speed automatic transmission; OnStar Plus package that includes OnStar, XM Satellite Radio and steering wheel radio controls with antennas combined into a single unit.
GMC’s Sierra has a 2WD/4WD SL Crew Cab model; VortexMAX Performance Package; Sierra Performance Edition available on 2WD Extended Cab models; two new exterior colors (steel gray metallic and stealth gray metallic); chrome-clad steel wheels for 3500 Crew Cab long box with single rear wheels and Sierra Special Edition with 20-in. wheels available on Extended Cab/Crew Cab models (2WD or 4WD). These are just some of the new items for GMC’s 2006 Sierra.
Of course each vehicle has its own number of options and contacting a dealer is always the best way to find out the specifics on any particular brand and model.
Medium-duty monsters
The Medium Duty 2006 Chevrolet Kodiak C4500/C5500 Pickup by Monroe Truck Equipment has an available Duramax 6600 V-8 Turbo Diesel with a higher torque rating of 605 lbs. per ft.; Allison Gen IV transmission controls; front axle on 4X4 models now rated at 8,000 lbs.; exhaust brake available on 4X4 models; and a wider two-person seat available on all Regular Cab models.
For the GMC Topkick, also a medium-duty truck, there is an available Duramax 6600 V-8 turbo-diesel engine; a range of Allison vocational transmissions (C6500/C7500/C8500); limited-slip rear axle differential added (C6500); exhaust brake available on 4X4 models (C4500/C5500); front axles rated at 8,000 lbs. (C4500/C5500); and wider two-person seat now available on all Regular Cab models.
Ford’s lineup of F-650 and F-750 Super Duty Trucks are Class 6 and 7 commercial trucks offered in XL and XLT trims. These trucks are available in Regular Cab, four-door SuperCab and four-door Crew Cab, each with a variety of seating choices. There are 38 wheelbase choices, allowing the trucks to be easily upfitted across a wide spectrum of body types; nine different frames; five multi-leaf and air suspensions to choose from; a wide array of rear axles, including two-speed and single-speed axles with driver-controlled locking differentials; and 10 fuel tank configurations.
The versatility of vans
In the van arena for GM, the GMC Savana will now be offering the Duramax 6600 V-8 turbo-diesel on select cargo vans starting with 2006 models. The Chevy Express van will continue to offer a choice of three engines; four-speed Hydra-Matic transmissions; high-top and low-top versions; segment-exclusive 60/40-split left-hand side-hinged door (155-in. wheelbase model); AWD and tow-haul capabilities.
The Dodge Sprinter Van for 2006 is available in three wheelbases–118, 140 and 158 in.–and two roof heights (64 and 73 in.), allowing for interior stand-up height. It is powered by a 2.7-liter, five-cylinder Common-Rail Direct Injection (CDI) turbo-diesel engine. Among the many options on the 2006 Sprinter are: rear backup alarm; 115-, 150- or 200-amp alternators; auxiliary battery; 4:11 axle ratio; auxiliary belt drive; front and/or rear insulation; CD player radio and heated front windshield with rain sensor.
Ford’s E-Series van line has a few new items for 2006 which include: AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control standard on 12- and 15-passenger E-350 Super Duty Extended Length Wagons; transmission oil cooler standard on E-250 and E-150 with Trailer Tow Package and Trailer Tow Prep package; electronically controlled 4R75E transmission standard on van and wagon models; and Slim-line engine cover console now standard on all models.
Looking toward the future
If considering buying a small fleet of trucks or vans for a business, consumers only have to talk to the right people. Most manufacturers have services set up for businesses looking to purchase or lease a fleet of vehicles as well as special programs and incentives. It may not be necessary to go to a special dealership for this service though, as many times local dealerships have a department that will fill this need or someone who handles special commercial purchasing.
As for the future of trucks and vans, Amstock indicates that Toyota is looking at further customizations and varied needs of the consumers. McBean says that there will be even more emphasis on pickup interiors across the board as well as functionality.
Drake and Minton both signify that fuel efficiency would be further explored with hybrids and alternative fuels. Drake also says that installing the latest technology is a continuous process and that Ford is always looking at aftermarket items to see how feasible they might be to implement.
“Right now we are trying to understand customers’ needs,” says Amstock, “so that we can meet them.”
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