It has been claimed that the truck industry can expect to see a good year over the coming 12 months.

Caterpillar general manager of on-highway engines, Jim McReynolds, has suggested that the outlook for 2006 through to 2007 is bullish, as he anticipates that many North American truck manufacturers will increase production during the 12 months.

Speaking at the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association's HD Dialogue in Las Vegas, Mr McReynolds warned, however, that the market would see something of a downturn in 2007 due to the implementation of the next stage of the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) emissions controls come into effect.

He explained that, while most truckers are now comfortable with the platform for the new emissions technology, truck buyers remain concerned over issues such as reliability and fuel economy.

"The more complex the engine gets, the more fearful the market becomes," Today's Trucking quotes Mr McReynolds as saying.


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