4 Wheel Parts Hosts 2nd Annual Truckfest
With more than 70 top manufacturers in attendance, the 2nd Annual 4 Wheel Parts Truckfest will get underway in early March at the San Mateo Convention Center in Northern California. More than 10,000 spectators are expected to attend each of the four events, which will feature the latest and greatest suspension, tire, wheel, performance, and drivetrain products for Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs. Entry into the shows is free, and products will be available for sale at discounted prices. After the first stop in San Mateo, the 4 Wheel Parts Truckfest tour will continue through the spring and summer months, making stops in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Denver. Official sponsors for the events include Fabtech Motorsports, Performance Accessories, Pro Comp Tires, Warn, and Weld Racing Wheels. In addition to the latest and greatest in four-wheel drive products and accessories, custom trucks will be on-site, as will the 4 Wheel Parts calendar girls, who will be signing autographs. Truckfest will also offer hourly drawings and product demonstrations. For more information, contact: 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers, (800) 284-9840, www.4wheelparts.com/events.
| EVENT DATES |
| Northern California | March 6-7 |
| Dallas | April 17-18 |
| Southern California | June 5-6 |
| Denver | July 31-August 1 |
Ford F-150 Named Motor Trend Truck of the Year
Available in 46 different cab/chassis/bed configurations as well as five distinctive interior designs, the '04 Ford F-150 was selected as the Motor Trend 2004 Truck of the Year. The Motor Trend staff thoroughly tested seven new vehicles, searching for the pickup truck that best represented exceptional value, superiority in its class, and the most significant development on the new-truck scene for 2004. All truly new or substantially revised trucks were considered with the condition that they be available for public sale by January 1, 2004. Among the vehicles tested were the Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet SSR, Dodge Ram SRT-10, Ford F-150, GMC Canyon, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra Double Cab. Steve Lyons, president of Ford Division, stated, "We are pleased that the Ford F-150 has been named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year because this honor is the one most recognized by consumers. In fact, Motor Trend's award is a lot like the new F-150 - it carries a lot of weight. We look forward to adding it to our trophy case."
Motor Trend editors spent several weeks with the contending vehicles, exploring their performance, features, and functionality. Specific focus was put on the following: engineering and technology; performance; ride and handling; styling and design; interior fit; finish; materials; and utility and value. The editors also paid special attention to the "pickup" aspects of loading and securing cargo, performance with a payload, and towing. Kevin Smith, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend, remarked, "We live with these trucks for weeks to truly test them in every way a buying consumer will. We take very seriously our responsibility to identify the most worthy contender. Our readers and the general public have grown to trust in the significance and meaning of the Golden Calipers."