International's Truck Event Draws Mixed Response

Potential Buyers Admire Vehicle Styles, But Remain Wary on Technology, Economy

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img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>PHOENIX — International Truck and Engine Corp., making slight headway in a trucking-business environment that company President Steven Keate called "the toughest in a generation," had mixed response to a "ride-and-drive" promotion for potential buyers here last week.

Reaction to International's latest Class 8 products was a mix of admiration for the vehicles' styling and an ongoing wariness over new engine technology and the economy.

Some of the potential buyers here said they were worried about the resale values of trucks with the first batch of diesel engines developed to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's 2002 emissions standards, and indicated they would wait for later engines they figured would have "tweaks" and improvements.

For the full story, see the Feb. 24 edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.