Industry Report – October 2009

Peterbilt Motors Co. Marks 70 Years
In the late 1930s, T.A. Peterman’s Tacoma, Wash.-based lumber manufacturing company began building its own trucks for logging. In 1939, Peterman began selling trucks to the public, and Peterbilt Motors Co. was born. In late July, Peterbilt marked its 70th anniversary by bringing some of its leading dealers and customers to its headquarters in Denton, Texas.

In its first year, Peterbilt cranked out 14 trucks. Since then, the company has produced almost 700,000. The company isn’t sure who its first outside customer was, but its first dealer-San Jose, Calif.-based Coast Counties Truck and Equipment-began selling Peterbilt trucks in 1949 and still does so today.

Peterman died in 1945 and didn’t get to see his company become a major industry player.
Peterbilt’s managers bought the company from Peterman’s widow, and they ultimately took the key step of selling out in 1958 to Paccar.

Nearly 100 model configurations have marked Peterbilt’s history, noted Larry Reding, assistant general manager of sales and marketing.

But while Peterbilt became known for its long-nose conventionals, the company continued to look at evolving customer needs. Today, the company offers three U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay-certified tractors.

Improvements in aerodynamics, productivity and payload maximization have been a staple throughout company history, said Chief Engineer Landon Sproull. Peterbilt also has developed diesel-electric and diesel-hydraulic hybrid models in the medium- and heavy-duty markets.

• River States Truck and Trailer announced the opening of its third full-service Freightliner dealership. The new dealership is located in Roberts, Wis. The 110-acre lot provides ample room for customer truck and trailer parking, and the 50,000 square foot building features 24 truck and trailer service bays, a full parts department with more than 10,000 square feet of parts storage, new and used sales department, customer lounge with showers and a truck wash bay.
• Palm Isuzu Truck Center has been selected for the 2009 Best of Fort Pierce Award in the Engine Repair category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). The USCA Best of Local Business Award program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that it believes have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category.
• Stoops Freightliner Quality Trailer, Inc. is launching its new Facebook site in an effort to virtually connect its customers to the Stoops portfolio of services and capabilities. Stoops Freightliner fans will be able to receive information on new and used equipment, parts and service specials, company news and employment. In addition, fans will be able to post comments on the site, view photos and participate in discussions about the latest commercial equipment topics.
• Diamond International of Memphis celebrated the expansion of its facilities with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a grand opening luncheon. Diamond’s renovated facility at the corner of Brooks and Millbranch Roads features double the space. In phase one, the interior of the sales building for the former car dealership was completely gutted and renovated. The former car dealership’s drive-through service bays and parts facility also were renovated. The dealership created a special new truck delivery bay that is physically separated from the rest of the service bays. When phase two of the renovation wraps up in January 2010, the dealership’s parts and service areas will double in size.