The word ‘truck’ is believed to be a derivative of Greek word – “trochos” which takes the meaning of a wheel. Lorry is yet another term used in this conjunction in United Kingdom whereas wagons with large wheels are known as trucks in North America. Pickup trucks, semi trucks, GMC trucks are the variants that are available. In countries like New Zealand and Australia a small vehicle with open back is known as ‘ute’ (abbreviated form of ‘utility vehicle’) or also known as pick-up. In the US only large vehicles used in commercial purposes are called as trucks.

The various important parts of the truck are the Engine, the Drive train and the frame.

Engine: An Engine forms the most important part of a truck as it decides the running capability of a truck and has to be carefully chosen to match the application for which the truck is intended to be used. Gasoline engines are generally used by small trucks like the pickups or SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) and also by the medium-duty trucks. However heavier trucks generally use four stroke turbo intercooler diesel engines and highway trucks employ locomotive-type engines which are either two-stroke or a V12 Detroit diesel engine. Most of the truck manufacturers in North America outsource the engine, whereas companies like Volvo and Mack Trucks use their own engines. Euro 5 regulations are complied with by all the truck engines in European nations in the interest of the environment.

Drive Train: Light duty trucks use transmission method similar to that of the cars which are either automatic or manual with synchornisers. Heavier trucks however use manual transmission without synchroniser that is less bulky. Crash boxes (transmissions without synchronizers) have a requirement of employing double clutching for every shift, called as “floating”. Generally North American setups include 9,10,13,15 and 18 speed levels. Semi-automatic or fully automatic transmission system is generally preferred to reduce the fuel consumption. In European market the gears may be of 8, 10 and 12 in case of manual transmission while for automatic transmission it might range anywhere between 5-12 gears. The trucks generally have range shift pattern in the gear system.

Frame: Two parallel boxed rails held together by cross members are the main composites of the frame of a truck. They may also be called as ladder frames since they resemble that of a ladder when tipped on end. Crossmembers are mostly attached to frame rails by using rivets or bolts, but sometimes may be welded in case of heavy duty application. The material used to make frame is generally steel but aluminium can also be a substitute to it.

Although trucks contribute to some pollution, they eject fewer air polluting emissions when compared to a car or any other vehicle, but still it contributes to a high level of sound pollution.

Ford Motor Co. is delivering an updated lineup of F-Series large pickup truck and trucks. This ‘Super Duty’ lineup is said to support Ford in its struggle to keep up its post in truck sales. With the debut of these all-new vehicles, Ford will serve as a mighty rival to General Motors Corp.

GMC truck is also unraveling a brand-new pickup - Chevrolet Silverado. Said model is considered a threat that could take away part of Ford F-150 truck sales. So far, said model is the best-selling vehicle in the US. In the past few years, Ford has sold approximately 900,000 F-Series trucks annually. Moreover, 40 percent of F-series trucks sold are Super Duty trucks.

New trucks is given extra towing capacity, refined suspension, a tailgate that turns into a step, and a brand new 6.4-liter diesel engine. These fresh features are incorporated to Ford F-150 pickup parts to pave way for a powerful, manageable and improved ride. These trucks will reach dealerships early next year.

Ford’s F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 will vie in the work trucks category. The trucks included are those that weigh more than 8,500 pounds.

The Super Duty represents products that are going to shape the future of our company. We’re the unquestioned leader in full-size pickups and it’s important that we act like a leader. This truck is the no excuses, best-in-class, biggest, most capable truck in the marketplace. It will help buttress our leadership. It also casts a halo and reinforces the fact that we got a vehicle here that is innovative.

The combined Super Duty line would rank among Ford’s top-selling models, making it extremely important for the company. The trucks have high profit margins, so Ford is trying to hold off Chevrolet from taking any of its market shares. It’s like their crown jewel, and they’re going to protect it no matter what it takes.

A Chevy truck is a true American icon; their look is special, and attractive. These days, trucks are not only for heavy worker people; many Chevy truck buyers ever get off the road. Chevy trucks are constantly upgraded and re-engineered. People drive Chevy trucks as daily ride to their jobs or during the week-ends. As all trucks, A Chevy truck must be well maintained; it is not a real problem to find original parts from truck manufacturers.

A fine American made trucks, Chevy and GMC trucks are easy to drive and comfortable. GMC truck are light duty truck. Chevy trucks are built as a rock, their new design and storage flexibility are really attractive. Art Deco trucks were built their distinctive feature is a front grill. The 50’ were a good era for Chevy trucks; these trucks were the most sought-after. In the 60’ Chevy trucks were designed to have a clean look. The Chevy trucks designed to be different.The trucks made from 1967 to 1872 have a simpler design Chevy trucks are more modern.

Chevy trucks are very popular because they are very simple; Chevy trucks’ main problem is the rust but there are affordable spare parts all over the Internet and in the specialized stores. If you want to purchase a Chevy truck, try to find a truck sold by its first owner, because there are many Chevy trucks very used and it is possible to have major problems under a new fresh painting.

A Chevy truck is a very good choice for people looking for a cheap car for their vacations or their usually trips to the office or for shopping; if you have a Chevy truck, you will load or unload it easily. A Chevy Truck is an American icon, a solid, reliable and easy to drive truck. You can improve its suspension for a better comfort and a smoother drive, using restoration parts. An old Chevy truck will never disappoint you if you will maintain it carefully. Your Chevy truck will keep your safely on the road for many years.

You must consider, first of all, your family safety and keep your truck in best conditions. A Chevy truck is designed to keep you safe from the beginning of your trip to your destination. Security and safety features give you the necessary peace of mind during long trips. The purpose of a Chevy truck is to move the largest load in the shortest time, at the lowest cost. Maybe you need a Chevy truck only to go to your office or for the week-ends; an old Chevy truck is always the mighty truck to satisfy your needs and keep your family safe.

Trends are changing, the styles and dimensions are changing; wild graphics appears but people still like the used Chevy truck for sale. Enthusiasts from all over the world are maintaining their old Chevy truck for races or only for their personal use.

Although General Motors’ full-size sport utility vehicles has failed to top their segment at the J.D. Power and Associates quality study, the workers at Janesville are glad to know that they built the heavy duty trucks in GM’s lineup of large SUVs.

The GM’s Janesville plant has 2,800 hourly and salaried employees topping the Arlington, Texas, and Silao, Mexico plants according to Power’s annual quality study that measures problems per vehicle of new owners.

All the aforementioned plants build the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and Yukon. Consequently, these vehicles competed in the study’s “large multi-activity vehicle” segment. The Toyota Sequoia got the 1st place in the segment; the GMC products got the 3rd; and the Tahoe got the 5th spot in the six-vehicle segment.

SUVs made in Janesville had 73 problems for every 100 vehicles; those built in Silao had 79; and the ones made in Arlington had 92. He added that only the defects and malfunctions were recorded in the plant level; meaning workers had no control over problems on design.

About General Motors Corporation

Also known as GM or GMC, General Motors Corporation is the 2nd (after Toyota) largest car company based on sales revenue. Maker of quality cars and their parts, GMC has around 284,000 employees all over the world.

It was founded, Michigan and has global headquarters located at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan, USA. In Zurich, Switzerland is their European headquarters. This American car maker produces its trucks and cars in 33 countries.

GMC cars and GMC trucks are sold under  Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Daewoo, GMC, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall brands.

GM Parts like GMC header and accessories are known in the market under GM Performance Parts, GM Goodwrench and ACDelco brands through GM Service and Parts Operations that supplies GM dealerships and distributors all over the world. The United States is GM’s largest national market. This is followed by China, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

The Chevrolet Avalanche is a version of the remarkable re-engineered full-size pickups and SUVs that General Motors has started selling. It has such a charming appearance and has a lot of potentials of becoming a terrific truck. With the addition of some truck accessories here and there like for instance grille guards truck can help to further boost its looks plus safeness in which this truck lacks. grille guards truck can provide the front end with a bold, tough look while enhancing protection of the truck.

Despite the charisma that the Avalanche possesses it’s not enough to hide its flaws like for instance its lack of back seat room, its not so comfortable front seats, and disappointing fuel economy rating.

But then again in spite of the drawbacks that the Avalanche has it also has some admirable features such as:

• Its redesigned looks that share with all of GM’s full-size trucks which helps greatly in improving the Avalanche. It is also good that Chevrolet has finally decided to discontinue the grotesque side cladding which really help in improving the looks of the Avalanche.

• The modified cargo box of the Avalanche has deep, covered side compartments that can hold a lot of beverage containers, groceries, and truck supplies. They have drains so you fill them with ice or use them as coolers. The three-piece hard tonneau cover seals the cargo box, making it as a useful enormous trunk.

• And since it’s a new GM truck it was given a premium interior; smooth ride; agile handling, especially for its size. Its additional option and standard features are desirable enough that they can tempt you to overlook drawbacks.

The Avalanche has some flaws and these are as follows:

• Cadillac trucks and some GMC trucks have six-speed boxes, which typically boost fuel economy 5 percent or more vs. four-speeds. On the other hand the Avalanche was given a four-speed automatic transmission which is not as efficient as those of the Cadillac and some other GMC trucks.

• The Avalanche lack rear visibility since its tailgate and cargo box block vision which makes it mandatory for would-be Avalanche owners to purchase the $250 rearview camera.

• Front seats have too much lumbar bump. It can’t be retracted fully unlike in some rival trucks.

• Head restraints are not provided for the middle rear rider making it a potential safety hazard. On the other hand, the safety belt for that slot is mounted to the back of the seat, positioning it low for a youngster in a booster seat.

• The back-seat room is too little, despite the generous 39 inches of legroom.

Commercial vehicle manufacturers are touting enhanced safety features, additional cargo storage capacity and cleaner burning diesel engines in their 2008 model year offerings. Here is a look at what is new for 2008 from six major manufacturers.

Dodge
Dodge’s all-new Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs feature a standard 6.7 L Cummins turbodiesel engine with 305 HP, 610 lb.-ft of torque and a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. The engine uses a diesel particulate filter to virtually eliminate particulate matter emissions and an adsorber catalyst to reduce nitrogen oxides by as much as 90 percent.

The Trucks have a commercial-grade frame (50,000-psi steel) to maximize strength and reduce weight. They also come with flat, clean frame rails to facilitate aftermarket upfits or retrofits.

The manufacturer’s full-size Sprinter van has been “super-sized” for 2008. It is available in three vehicle lengths of 233, 273 or 289-in.; on two wheelbases of 144 or 170-in.; and three interior roof height options that include a “mega” option of 84-in.

The Sprinter includes the choice of either a 3.0 L V6 turbodiesel or 3.5 L V6 gas engine. The diesel engine boasts 154 HP and a maximum torque of 280 lb.-ft., while the gas engine distributes a maximum output of 254 HP and maximum torque of 250 lb.-ft.

The van has a cargo capacity of up to 600 cubic feet, a maximum payload of 5,649 lbs. and a rear-door opening of 270-in. Its pallet-friendly cargo sliding door offers a loading width of 51-in. The mid-size Dodge Dakota pickup now offers new interior and exterior styling, a bigger cab and longer bed, more towing capacity and more power. The truck features a new 4.7L V8 engine with 290 HP and 320 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van features upfitter and storage capability with the manufacturer’s “Stow ’n Go” body and tubs. New features include dual glove boxes, multiple storage bins and a variety of glass and panel configurations to provide space and durability.

Standard features include a 3.3 L V6 engine with 170 HP and 205 lb.-ft. of torque, a 4-speed automatic transmission, commercial-tuned front and rear suspension, electronic stability program and four-wheel disc brakes. The van also has 144.4-cu.ft. of cargo capacity, a payload capacity of 1,500 lbs. and a towing capacity of 3,800 lbs.

Isuzu
Isuzu Truck introduced an entirely new N-Series for 2008 with more cab room, additional safety features and more power. The trucks’ new 5.2 L 4HK1-TC turbocharged, intercooled diesel engine boasts 205 HP and 441 lb.- ft of torque. The engine can be mated to the new Aisin A465 heavy-duty, sixspeed automatic with double overdrive or a six-speed manual transmission.

The engine uses an exhaust gas recirculation system and a variable geometry turbocharger to reduce nitrogen oxide levels. It has a diesel particulate filter to capture sulfate particles and soot. N-Series models with the diesel engine also feature a new 10,000-mile oil and oil filter interval to reduce operating costs and increase vehicle uptime.

Isuzu’s NPR and NPR HD models are available with a Vortec 6 L V8 gasoline engine with 325 HP and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. The models are mated to the Hydra-Matic 4L80 4-speed automatic transmission.

Increased safety features for the NSeries include a new seat belt design, low-cut side windows for added visibility and larger side mirrors with integrated convex sections.

Additional cab improvements include more room and higher seatbacks covered in a Tricot cloth that stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The front of the cab also features an easy-to-remove panel that provides access to the wiper motor and linkage, electrical connections and air intake filters.

General Motors
GM rolled out an all-new Chevrolet and GMC W-Series for 2008 that includes a number of improvements such as a more spacious cab with more side-to-side and front-to-back room.

The series also features a new dashboard with easy-to-see gauges and warning lamps. It includes an opening for such optional equipment as radios, GPS systems and rearview cameras.

W5500 and W5500 HD LWB models are powered by the overhead cam 5.2 L 4HK1-TC turbocharged diesel engine. It delivers 205 HP and 441 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a new Aisin A465 heavy-duty 6-speed automatic with double overdrive.

The W5500 now is available in 22- foot models with a 200-inch wheelbase. The W5500 HD comes in 22- and 24-foot models with 200- and 212-in. wheelbases.

W3500 and W4500 models now are available with the Vortec 6.0 L V8 gas engine. These models are mated to the Hydra-Matic 4L80 4-speed automatic with lockup torque converter and overdrive.

The manufacturer’s 2008 Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick models also offer more power and torque as well as a new 6-speed Allison transmission on most models.

C4500 and C5500 models boast the Duramax 6.6 L engine. The base diesel models feature 300 HP with 520 lb.-ft. of torque and 330 HP with 620 lb.-ft. of torque.

C6500, 7500 and 8500 models are available with an optional Caterpillar C7 (7.2 L diesel I-6) that delivers horsepower ratings from 207 to 250 and torque ratings from 520 to 800 lb.-ft.

Kodiak and TopKick customers also may opt for the Vortec 8.1 L V8 gas engine with 295 HP and 440 lb.-ft. of torque in C6500-C8500 models and 325 HP and 450 lb.-ft. of torque in C4500 and C5500 models.

GM’s 2008 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana commercial vans both have new safety features and driver information centers. The vans now come standard with a tire pressure monitoring system, new flat and convex exterior mirrors with a wider field of vision and shoulder belts for the center seat positions on all passenger models.

The expanded driver information center provides instructions to replace the diesel fuel filter, clean the diesel exhaust filter and service the air conditioning system. It also provides warnings that the transmission is hot, traction control has been disengaged, the fuel level is low and a vehicle theft has been attempted.

Toyota
Toyota expanded its Tundra full-size pickup truck lineup for 2008, adding 13 new model variations. The 2008 Tundra now offers a choice of 44 model variations in three cab styles. The pickup has a new four-dour CrewMax full-size option in addition to its Regular Cab and Double Cab models.

The Tundra is available with 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains and offers three cab styles, three wheelbases, three bed lengths, three engines and three trim levels. It features an available 381 HP 5.7 L i-Force V8 engine with 401 lb.-ft. of torque and a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Other engine choices for Regular and Double Cab models are a standard 4.0 L V6 with 236 HP and 266 lb.-ft. of torque and an optional 4.7 L i-force V8 with 271 HP and 313 lb.-ft of torque. The 4.7 L engine is standard on the new CrewMax.

The trucks also feature technology such as an optional navigation system with a wide-screen rear backup camera and Bluetooth cellphone capability. The Tow Package for units with V8 engines gives the truck a towing capacity of up to 10,800 lb., depending on the model and drivetrain.

Toyota’s Tacoma line of midsize trucks offers a choice between two engines: a 2.7 L DOHC 4-cylinder engine that produces 159 HP and 180 lb-ft. of torque and a 4.0 L DOHC V6 with 236 HP and 266 lb-ft. of torque. The V6 engine can be teamed with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 4-cylinder models offer a choice between a 5- speed manual and a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Tacoma also features an integrated trailer hitch and bumper design, and when properly equipped, the V6- powered models can tow up to 6,500 pounds.

Ford
Ford’s F-Series Super Duty was overhauled for the 2008 model year. The trucks now offer a maximum payload of more than 6,000 lbs. and towing capacity of more than 24,000 lbs. Also new are an integrated tailgate step and stowable bed extender, a PowerScope power-fold and power-telescoping trailer-tow side mirrors.

Joining Ford’s 5.4 L Triton V8 gas engine is a new 6.4 L Power Stroke diesel that delivers 350 HP and 650 lb.-ft. of torque (on F-250 and F-350). Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual with overdrive or a TorqShift 5-speed automatic.

The powertrains use a new unique mounting system that better isolates the powertrain and reduces vibration.

Ford’s F-150 now includes a factoryinstalled cargo management system and rearview camera.

The cargo system, available on any truck with the 6.5-ft. Styleside box, comes with two side rails, a pair of bins, a pair of crossbars and a header bar.

Easily adjustable, cast aluminum cleats are designed to hold more than 600 lbs., and extruded aluminum crossbars hold up to 100 lbs.

The rearview camera system is mounted in the tailgate handle bezel and is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle. The video image is displayed in the selfdimming rearview mirror.

The manufacturer’s new 2008 E-Series commercial van also received a major makeover with chassis and suspension upgrades to increase capability and improve ride and handling. The chassis and suspension improvements include an increase in the maximum gross vehicle weight rating from 14,050 lbs. to 14,500 lbs. The maximum front gross axle weight rating increased by about 10 percent, from 4,600 lbs. to 5,000 lbs.

The standard E-Series offers up to 236.5-cu.ft. of rear cargo space, with up to 275.1-cu.ft. in extended van versions.

A new front-end design inspired by the F-Series Super Duty helps improve engine capability by increasing airflow, while an all-new exclusive E-Guard Cargo Protection System adds a doublelock design for added cargo security.

The E-Guard design can only be unlocked from outside the vehicle using the key. For example, on vehicles with power lock systems, the key fob or interior switch can be used to lock all doors and double-lock the side and rear cargo doors. While the key fob will unlock the front doors, the cargo doors can only be unlocked with the key.

Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Fuso engineers concentrated on driver ergonomics, environmental impact and safety and performance refinements for 2008. The new cab developed for the 2008 FK-FM models were refined to produce aerodynamics that yield a 4% improvement with van bodies and a 25% improvement with flatbeds and other low-profile bodies. Flush-mounted headlights also reduce drag, and an air dam under the front bumper prevents air from splitting over the front axle, further reducing aerodynamic drag.

The FK200, FK260 and FM330 are all powered by a completely rebuildable Fuso 6M60 7.5 L, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that generates 243 HP and 514 lb.-ft. of torque. The 33.1-in.-wide, straight ladder-style frame formed from 51,200-psi steel is available in a range of wheelbases and new, longer maximum body lengths.

For 2008, all FE models will offer a standard Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, cruise control and an onoff switchable exhaust brake. All models have a straight-channel, 33.1-inchwide frame for easy body installation.

All FE series trucks are powered by the Mitsubishi 4M50 4.9 L turbocharged, intercooled diesel engine with twin balance arms. The engine produces 185 HP and 391 lb-ft of torque.