While industry is returning to Mexico to take advantage of US markets, truck shipping problems continue to hinder commerce. The Mexican government is working on streamlining border crossing for commercial trucks along with combating drug-related violence.
Large passenger vans fully loaded with people and luggage are at increased risk for rollover crash. Precautions including belting all passengers, driver training and vehicle maintenance with special emphasis on tire inflation are recommended by the NHTSA.
Toyota Industries Corp. has created the world's first hybrid lift truck, which it will launch in Japan in December. The "Geneo-Hybrid" runs on a 2.5 liter diesel engine, electric motor, and nickel-metal hydride battery, and will cut emissions and fuel consumption by 50%. The timeline for launching the lift truck in the U.S. has not yet been determined.
Used-vehicle values have been increasing much of the year, according to Kelley Blue Book. The hottest segments, including truck, may peak in coming months and prices will level off, returning to more traditional patterns.
Graduated driver licensing laws implemented over the past decade have steadily decreased fatalities from teen driver crashes. This is good for everyone because 63% of deaths were passengers, drivers of other vehicles or non-motorists rather than the teen driver. More improvement is needed and requires enforcement of strict parental rules.