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Business people checking out manufacturers' 1995 truck offerings are likely to find improved cabs and electronics, slightly higher prices--and waiting periods for some models.

Light-truck manufacturers say they've focused on larger and more comfortable cabs because customers want seating for more passengers and sometimes extra cargo space up front.

Medium-size trucks, many of which are used for pickup and delivery, are continuing a trend toward easier entry and exit for drivers as well as more comfortable cabs in many models.

Makers of heavy-duty trucks, faced with a high demand for sleeper cabs, are oneupping each other to outfit cabs on their long-haul models with home-away-fromhome furnishings to make them more driver-friendly.

Commercial users like larger cabs because they want a place to lock up valuable items and to protect cargo against high and low temperatures while operating the vehicle, says Alex Tsigdinos, manager of public relations for Jeep/truck platforms of the Chrysler Corp.

"A lot of commercial buyers-- construction, general industry, farmers, and ranchers--like the room for extra passengers," he says. "In addition, the small-business operator who needs a pickup truck for cargo-bed capacity often uses the same vehicle for business and personal use."

Cabs of heavy-duty trucks are also getting spruced up to make them more comfortable for drivers on long trips-- with features such as increased stand-up room, better suspension systems, and amenities such as TVs and coolers--in an effort to retain drivers at a time of driver shortages.

"The trend is to a lot more consideration and concern for the driver," says David Bardsley, a manager with the business strategy department of Ford Heavy Truck. Also, he says, "truck-maintenance people know that the driver who is comfortable is not going to beat up the truck" by practices such as hitting bumps at high speeds or grinding the transmission.

To increase engine reliability and operating efficiency, improved electronics were installed in many 1995 models of all sizes. As a result, more truck models will have anti-lock braking systems, and many instrument panels will offer more information about the condition of trucks' operating systems.

The costs of the improvements will be relatively modest. Prices for 1995 lightduty trucks are expected to rise about 2.5 percent over comparably equipped 1994 models, while makers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks are hinting at smaller rates of increases.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:11 AM