The Las Vegas Convention Center played host to the 2009 Great West Truck Show June 25-27, 2009. Each year, more than 18,000 attendees and more than 400 exhibiting companies' flock to Las Vegas to check out the latest news and gadgets on the market for heavy- and medium-duty trucks, haulers, trailers, sleepers, and show trucks.
Drivers, buyers, and manufactures traveled the booth aisle and were entertained by products, handouts, consumer info, and on-site demos that can help save on truck maintenance and protect the environment. One such hot product was the TURBO3000 fuel saver; this tiny rod-shaped fuel rail claimed to increases fuel economy, horsepower, and decrease emissions by providing the fuel injectors with a more efficient delivery of fuel. The HUSS diesel particulate filter with active diesel burner technology also grabbed a lot of attention of the crowd. The HUSS MK-system replaces the original muffler and has a filter made of Silicium Carbid and a high-tech ceramic. The filter collects harmful diesel particles for up to eight hours running and then the active diesel burner burns these particles when the engines are shut down. The system collects 99.9 percent of the soot produced by unburned fuel and helps leave less of a carbon foot print on the road. Last but not least, the chrome accessories shined through out the hall everywhere. If you want it shiny, they most likely have it from grilles to turn signals, there was an overabundance of custom aftermarket parts to put any import four-banger show to shame.
The California Trucking Association sponsored educational seminars on accident protection, how to pass A DOT audit, Train the Trainer, OSHA in the trucking industry, and many other leadership topics. But the biggest crowd pleasers where the show trucks!
The GWTS also included the Overdrive's Pride and Polish Truck Beauty Competition that brought out some of the most unique and creative truck builders and designers from across the nation. These trucks where rolling works of art powered by diesel. From custom paint jobs to granite tiled cab floors, these trucks had it and more. From the amazing wood work of the sleeper cabs and the extended built in motorbike garages made these trucks a trucker's paradise, a home away from home.
The crew from Chrome Shop Mafia was seen roaming the vender booths and the Ice Road Trucking legend Alex Debogorski from The History Channel's hit TV series "Ice Road Truckers" was signing autographs and telling behind the scenes stories that never made it on air. The Midnight Trucking Radio Network invited attendees to play at their booth for a chance to win many of their prizes.
This year's show brought more people out than any other year, and with the pinch of this tough economy it's a great reminder to all that the diesel truck industry is a major component that holds this nation together. Be sure to check out The Great American Trucking Show, the nation's second-largest trucking trade show when it rolls into Dallas, Texas August 20-22, 2009!