TUSCALOOSA, AL (June 2010) – How fleets spec, buy, use and service equipment will change dramatically in the coming decades, driven by increasing environmental and safety regulations, expanded use of telematics and more robust communication needs. During “Trucking 2020: The changing roles of OEMs, suppliers, dealers and fleets,” four key executives will explore their shifting relationships and offer insights into what the future may hold.

            Moderated by Stu MacKay, president, MacKay and Company, the panel will feature:

• Scott Kress, vice president, sales, Volvo Trucks North America
• Joe Plomin, vice president, trucks, ArvinMeritor CVS
• Rusty Rush, president and CEO, Rush Enterprises
• Jim O’Neal, president, O & S Trucking

Scheduled for Wednesday, August 25, at 4:30 p.m., the panel will be a highlight of the Commercial Vehicle Outlook Conference, a new event produced by Randall-Reilly and the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association. Held at the Dallas Convention Center Aug. 25-26, the day prior to, and the opening day of, the Great American Trucking Show, CVOC will provide critical information for all segments of the commercial fleet business, including fleet executives, truck OEMs, part and component suppliers, truck dealers, distributors, maintenance and repair specialists and owner-operators.

Other sessions will include:

• Outlook for freight, truck buying and parts and service activity
• The changing landscape of the capital markets
• How fleets are dealing with current and future cost and productivity challenges
• The impact of federal environmental and safety policies on trucking

Registration begins at 11 a.m., Wednesday, followed by a networking lunch. A networking reception will be held immediately following the program on Wednesday. The conference ends at noon on Thursday when the Great American Trucking Show opens. The event is sponsored by Castrol, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Utility Trailer.

For pricing and registration details visit www.hdma.org or call 919-406-8814 or e-mail info@hdma.org.

About the Great American Trucking Show

The Great American Trucking Show is an all-encompassing convention of trucking professionals, featuring nearly 400 exhibitors representing truck, trailer, engine, component and parts manufacturers, as well as services catering to the heavy- and medium-duty trucking industry. Educational opportunities include the TruckSmart Summit and sessions produced by the Texas Motor Transportation Association. More than 45,000 trucking professionals attend GATS, including fleet executives, owner-operators, safety and operation managers and suppliers.

About the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association

The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association provides industry leadership for the NAFTA commercial vehicle component suppliers through a range of services to members, including national and international industry news; market research reports; executive forums, councils, premier conferences and industry events; advocacy and collaboration in government affairs and within the commercial vehicle industry.