Trucks Are Big At Texas State Fair [VIDEO]
DETROIT (WWJ) - Amid the fried foods, the mechanical bulls and a big statue called "Big Tex," the Texas State Fair is big business for companies that build big trucks.
"This truly is incredible," says newly appointed Ram CEO Bob Hegbloom. "Over three million people will go through this fair. So, it's an incredible event, and something we're very proud to be a part of."
So, right in the middle of the fair, a stones throw from the Cotton Bowl, is the fair's auto show, made up mostly of pickup trucks.
All of the major manufacturers have a presence. Toyota prominently featuring its Tundra pickup, which is built in Texas. All of the car makers showing of special variants, aimed at capturing special market niches, and gaining overall attention.
Ram made a special connection with Texas, by donating $100,000 to the Texas Rangers, to help build a museum and hall of fame for the legendary law enforcement agency.
"That's who Ram wants to be like," said Hegbloom. "They truly represent Texas, and this country, in a phenomenal way."
Ram also announcing that it's found a way to build a hundred more vehicles a day at its truck plant in Warren, to meet new demand. That demand is expected to pick up with the arrival of new players, including GM's new compact pickups, and Ford's new F-150.
Chevy truck marketing manager John Fitzpatrick says a strong year for pickup trucks is becoming even stronger.
"Our sales were up in August. We're going to have a fantastic September, expecting great sales growth."
And as Ford prepares to launch the new F-150 toward the end of the year, the company is in the middle of a delicate balance of getting rid of the old trucks to make way for the new ones, as they also change production systems at truck plants.
"We're on our selldown trajectory on our old truck," said Ford Truck marketing manager Doug Scott. "Interest has been tremendous in the new truck since the reveal in January. We've had more than four and a half million people come to our website."
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