Industry Collaboration Key to Improved Trailering
DETROIT — Each year, approximately 1.2 million horse, boat, RV and work trailers are sold in the United States. These trailers are primarily pulled by fullsize trucks and SUVs, and Chevrolet believes there is an opportunity to help trailer manufacturers and industry leaders better understand the future direction of truck and trailering technology.
As an award-winning industry leader in trailering, Chevrolet is partnering with the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) to create a more integrated trailering experience for trailer owners.
“Our owners are often towing something, from an RV to construction equipment, that is more valuable than their truck,” said Tim Herrick, General Motors future truck executive chief engineer. “Unequivocally, they tell us that they are looking for a better towing experience. Safer, easier, with more integration between their trailer and their truck.”
By working directly with the industry, Chevrolet will help trailer manufacturers develop technologies that improve combined trailer and truck safety and industry safety standards. The partners will also work to increase communication between truck and trailer to provide the driver with more information and help alert customers to prevent trailer tampering or theft.
“This partnership with Chevrolet is part of the trailer industry’s continued commitment to improving safety,” said Pam Trusdale, executive director, NATM. “We are confident that we can collectively improve not only the towing experience for consumers but also public safety, which is why NATM is excited about working with Chevrolet.”
“Safety and ease of use are key considerations for families that use RV trailers,” said Bruce Hopkins, RVIA vice president, Standards. “We’re pleased to partner with Chevrolet and NATM on this project to create a safer, simpler and easier towing experience.”
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
About the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association
With offices in Reston, VA and Elkhart, IN, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association is the leading trade voice representing the $50 billion RV industry. RVIA represents approximately 400 manufacturers and component suppliers producing 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States. As owner of the National RV Tradeshow and California RV Show, the association promotes and protects the RV industry and its members by focusing on government affairs, standards development, technical education, networking events, and industry research and trends. In addition, RVIA partners with leading RV dealers to expand the RV lifestyle through the Go RVing advertising and promotional campaign.
About the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers
National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is the Association of light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers and suppliers to the industry. Founded in 1987, NATM is dedicated to improving trailer safety and performance. The Association seeks to promote awareness of safety and provide a voice for trailer manufacturers and their suppliers when issues of trailer safety and regulation are considered by Congress and relevant government agencies. NATM’s dedication to improving trailer safety is achieved in a myriad of ways, but primarily through the Compliance Verification Program. The Program is mandatory for all trailer manufacturer members, and requires biennial verification that members have the manufacturing processes in place to build trailers that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and industry best practices. To find out more about NATM please visit www.NATM.com.
