Summer May be Cooling Down, but the Truck Battles are Heating up Again

-More Power with Better Fuel Economy; Competition Benefits the Consumer-

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Sep 23, 2010, 12:36 ET

COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The suddenly hot consumer truck buying market will benefit again from the competition of new 2011 models hitting the showrooms from the top light truck manufacturers, according to industry-leading vehicle pricing and information publisher NADAguides. The recent strength and increase in truck sales has sparked an ongoing battle among top-selling manufacturers Chevrolet, Ford, and Ram. These three continue to ramp up the performance and features of their hot-selling models such as the Silverado, F-Series and Ram 1500. In addition to improving existing trim levels, some of these have taken their models to the next level by creating special edition designs that cater to consumer specific lifestyles and interests, making the competition even more interesting.

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"Recent sales reports show the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 as the top three best-selling trucks year-to-date, and recent web traffic patterns at NADAguides.com affirm these numbers," stated Don Christy, Jr. president and CEO of NADAguides. "Over the last three months, web traffic has continually increased month over month for the Ford F-Series, Silverado and Ram truck models respectively."

NADAguides attributes the resurgent interest in pickup trucks not only to stable gas prices, but also to efforts by the three Detroit manufacturers to consistently build reliable light trucks with increasing fuel efficiency and continued power and performance. "Each year these machines become stronger, better-looking and more efficient and continue to be consumer favorites," Christy added.

The Ford F-150 has continuously evolved by meeting the needs and demands of its consumers and with the 2011 model, will increase fuel economy by 20%. With multiple lineups under the F-150 name such as the Harley Davidson edition and the SVT Raptor, Ford covers all elements of interest. The Ford F-150 steps into 2011 with four new engines. The standard engine is a 3.7L V6 with twin independent variable cam timing and a four-speed automatic transmission. Also available will be the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, a 5.0L V8 and a powerful 6.2L V8. With towing capacities ranging from 5,400 lbs to 11,300 lbs, the F-150 gets about 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway. Standard equipment includes traction control, parking aid, navigation system, adjustable pedals and much more. The Ford F-150 comes with a 5 year/60,000 mile warranty and roadside assistance. Ford is currently offering $1,500 Retail Customer Cash, $1,000 Ford Credit Retail Bonus Customer Cash, and $1,000 Promotional Retail Bonus Customer Cash or $1,000 Retail Bonus Customer Cash and 0% interest for 36 months on 2010 models. To keep up to date on current rebate and incentive programs from Ford and all manufacturers, visit http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/Incentives-and-Rebates.

Ford model improvements are impressive for 2011 and they will continue to compete for consumer interest with their Built Ford Tough Invasion of the Bulls Promotion, American Ride Tour and F-150 Round-up where you can drive the 2011's before they hit the store. Now, those are some programs tough to compete with. Sales of the new 2011 models will begin in December.

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has become the durable and affordable truck consumers rely on for all their truck needs. The base engine is a 4.3L V6, and available engines include the 4.8L V8 or 5.3L V8 that produces 315 horsepower. The Silverado also comes with either a four or a six-speed automatic transmission. Even with all this power under the hood, the Silverado manages an impressive 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway. Optional equipment includes Bluetooth, OnStar, and various appearance options. With the much improved features of the OnStar option, advisors are able to immediately connect to your vehicle to send help in an emergency situation. The Silverado offers a world full of modern amenities including XM Traffic, Navigation Radio, USB port, Rearview camera system and Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile allowing Internet connection up to 150 foot radius around the vehicle. The Chevrolet Silverado starts at $20,850 and goes up based on trims, options and features. Chevrolet has current incentives that offer $4,500-$5,000 (depending on the cab) cash allowance or 0% interest for 72 months. The Silverado 1500 comes with a 100,000 miles/5 year power train warranty. As with Ford, Chevrolet tries to capture the consumer's eye with their Ultimate Deer Camp Package sweepstakes.

Rounding out the group is the 2011 Ram 1500, standing up to its competitors and remaining steady in the race. It seats three to six passengers comfortably and is available in many different styles, including the newest lifestyle specific Outdoorsman, which comes with enhanced lighting, heavy-duty engine cooling for towing purposes, on and off road tires, black handles and mirrors to eliminate reflection and glare, and much more geared for the needs of hunters and fishermen. The base engine is a 3.7L V6, but the popular truck is also available with a 4.7L V8 or 5.7L Hemi V8 generating 390 horsepower and over 400lb-ft of torque. The Ram 1500 gets 13 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway. Optional equipment includes power sunroof, power heated tow mirrors, GPS navigation, iPod control, 30GB hard drive, and Uconnect WEB. Ram is definitely moving in the right direction with technology features that enhance work and play. The Ram 1500 starts at $20,610 and goes up based on trims, options and features. The truck is covered by a 100,000 mile/5 year power train warranty plus a 36,000 mile /3 year Basic Limited Warranty that provides bumper-to-bumper coverage. Ram currently has incentives and rebates that make the Ram even more enticing. Current options include $3,500 cash allowance, 0% interest for 60 months or the 60 Day Handshake deal which gives you 60 days to drive the truck paid for by Ram and if you are not satisfied, Ram will take the truck back, no questions asked. Ram couldn't go without their own truck tour and have done so with their Ram Master Camper Tour.

Let the competition begin!

About NADAguides

NADAguides (http://www.nadaguides.com) is the largest publisher of vehicle pricing and information for new and used cars, classic cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and manufactured homes. NADAguides offers in-depth shopping and research tools in addition to the most market-reflective pricing available. The company also produces software, mobile applications, raw data, web services, web-syndicated products and print guidebooks.

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SOURCE NADAguides