Amsoil Products and the truck market

Consumers are holding onto their trucks longer, and aftermarket part sales are increasing. The slumping economy and high gas prices have slowed sales of new pickup trucks, with Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) research indicating that enthusiasts are holding onto their trucks longer, while builders and contractors are deferring purchases of new trucks until the housing market rebounds. However, sales of aftermarket truck parts and accessories, including lift kits, turbochargers, exhaust systems, suspensions and larger wheels and tires, are on the upswing.

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Aftermarket sales reflect the increased popularity of trucks over the past decade, with pickup parts representing over half of all aftermarket parts sold. More than 80 percent of truck owners eventually modify their vehicles to some degree. “Our industry shifted when pickups started outselling cars,” says Peter MacGillivray, VP, communications and events for SEMA. “The aftermarket followed suit and companies that sold parts started to sell more SUV- and pickup-related styling and functional accessories. That has pretty much stayed true for the past 10 years.” The volatility of gas prices may eventually encourage truck owners to consider purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles. “However, as of now, the impact hasn’t hit the enthusiast market we represent where their vehicle is at the center of their lifestyle, so they’ll compromise on other things rather than the part of their life they enjoy the most,” saysMacGillivray. Although hybrid and alternative fuel engine options have garnered much of the media attention for their fuel economy benefits, MacGillivray believes diesels represent the biggest opportunity for the aftermarket. Last year, diesel truck owners spent 17 percent more on specialty equipment than non-diesel truck owners, and SEMA projects U.S demand for diesel engines and aftermarket parts will increase 3.8 percent a year through 2011. Chris Mann, Toyota accessory sales manager, believes diesel trucks will continue growing in popularity because they are easily modified and more fuel efficient than gasoline- fueled trucks. “It seems to be the trend at least in market perception that diesels will have the perfect compromise of performance and economy,” he says. Truck owners are a diverse lot who can be categorized into a number of different groups, including those who buy and drive trucks as a means of self expression and those who depend on trucks for their livelihood. Although high gas prices may chase some of the self expression customers to different vehicle segments, those who depend on trucks for their livelihood don’t have that option. “Pickup truck sales will rebound in the future because they are unique in that most people who own them are at least what we call ‘occasional use imperative,’ meaning there isn’t a substitute vehicle; they need a pickup truck,” says Mann. “So while the construction industry may go up and down with the economy, when business picks up, there’s no alternative vehicle, so the truck business will rebound along with it.” Dealerships are increasingly offering vehicle modification work themselves, and it’s an increasingly popular option for customers due to the convenience, ease of billing and assurance of quality. “People want to personalize their vehicle to meet their needs; it’s form and function, customize and personalize,” says Rob Richard, Mopar marketing and sales director. “People may love a stock truck; they like the way it looks, they know it’s going to be functional, they know it’s going to meet their basic transportation needs, now the question they ask is what can you offer me to help me look different than the guy who’s just buying the base truck?” AMSOIL synthetic motor oils and diesel oils provide second-tonone protection and performance for both newer and older trucks, extending equipment life and increasing fuel economy.

Last year, diesel truck owners spent 17 percent more on specialty equipment thannon-diesel truck owners,and SEMA projectsU.S. demand fordiesel engines and aftermarket parts will increase 3.8 percent ayear through 2011.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil is the industry benchmark in lubrication technology. Engineered with the world’s finest synthetic base oils and high performance additives, AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 is designed for those who demand the absolute best in motor oil performance. The exclusive “extended drain” formulation delivers superior engine protection and maximum fuel economy. AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 is a premium grade synthetic motor oil that exceeds the requirements of modern, high-performance engines and older engines. It replaces other 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 motor oils and consistently outperforms competitive conventional and synthetic motor oils.

AMSOIL, the leader in automotive synthetic lubrication, produced the world’s first API qualified synthetic motor oil in 1972. Trust the extensive experience of AMSOIL The First in Synthetics® to do the best job protecting your engine.

Extends Drain Intervals
AMSOIL Signature 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil lasts much longer in service than conventional oils. Its unique synthetic formulation and long drain additive system resist oxidation and neutralize the acids that shorten the service life of other oils. AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 delivers the best possible engine protection, cleanliness and performance over extended drain intervals, reducing vehicle maintenance and waste oil disposal costs.

Maximizes Fuel Efficiency
The lightweight molecular structure of AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil reduces energy loss from the “drag” common to high viscosity oils. It is fortified with additives that enhance its friction-reducing properties to help further improve fuel efficiency.

Reduces Wear
AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil contains specialized anti-wear technology. Its durable, high temperature film strength effectively separates metal surfaces to reduce wear even under the most grueling conditions. Tests prove that AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 provides better protection against wear than other motor oils (see graph). AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 helps engines last longer.

Resists Heat, Reduces Oil Consumption and Emissions
AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil is thermally stable with a strong resistance to high temperature volatility (burn-off). It is heavily fortified with detergent and dispersant additives designed to prevent sludge deposits and keep engines clean. Low volatility and clean operation reduce oil consumption and emissions.

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