Many times, technological advancement can mean maintenance headaches for the technicians who have to keep the units on the road. Onboard computer modules, data collection and transmission devices and automated lubrication systems can sometimes seem designed to stump the mechanic.

Transmission manufacturers say they can alleviate some of the cost burden that will fall on buyers of 2007 medium-duty engines with their new exhaust treatment packages.

One of the biggest changes on the horizon for truck refrigeration and reefer bodies is satellite monitoring of truck body temperatures from a remote location.