The Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) was joined by representatives of truck dealers, truck, engine, equipment manufacturers, and truck operators in meeting with senior officials of the Obama administration to discuss financial incentives that would benefit the industry. This meeting followed several high-profile visits by President Obama to truck dealerships and manufacturing facilities in recent months.
“Financial incentives making the purchase and lease of new trucks more affordable would both create jobs and accelerate the introduction of clean diesel technology onto the nation’s highways,” Tom James, TRALA president and chief executive officer, told the group.
Among meeting participants from the Obama administration was Ron Bloom, senior counselor to the president for manufacturing policy. Several incentives were discussed, including possible tax credits for new truck purchases and relief from the 12% excise tax on new truck purchases. Industry representatives explained the cost increases associated with recent federal regulatory action and the value of promoting acquisition of new trucks through financial incentives. TRALA stated its strong support for an incentive policy that will help in getting new clean diesel trucks put into service, and also create employment opportunities in the manufacturing, supplier, and dealer networks in the trucking industry.
Uncertainties surrounding the remaining months of the current Congress, including the November 2010 elections, make it impossible to predict whether truck-related financial incentives will be considered this year. However, the meeting provided an opportunity to share information about the status and needs of the truck renting and leasing industry, as well as the other truck industry sectors represented.
TRALA members Cummins Inc, Daimler Trucks North America, Navistar Inc, Volvo Trucks North America, and Minuteman Trucks Inc of Walpole MA participated in the meeting. The American Truck Dealers, National Truck Equipment Association, and the Owner Operator Independent Driver Association were also participants.
For more information, contact TRALA’s Joe Sculley at (703) 299-9120 or e-mail [email protected].