So what do you think, is Toyota's A-BAT hybrid a cross between a Ridgeline and an Avalanche -- with some Prius body lines (and more importantly, technology) thrown in? The A-BAT concept targets commuters who want the ability to haul occasional cargo, but don't need a big truck, or don't use a truck often enough to settle for poor fuel economy. This thing definitely looks flexible -- it has a midgate that folds down to increase bed length from 4 feet to 8 feet, and a roof that slides forwards to accommodate tall cargo. The truck's a concept, so Toyota doesn't have to share projected fuel economy details, but if a real-world version of the A-BAT goes to production you can bet it will get pretty decent mileage from a tank of gas. The A-BAT was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 13th.

_{Photo © Toyota}

No matter what kind of truck rack you need, there are more than likely several versions out there that can help you out. You'll find racks for nearly every specialty, from set-ups for contractors to racks that will keep your gear secured when you're off-road or camping. Your biggest problem might be trying to decide which rack best suits your needs.

_{Photo © Dale Wickell}

Ford introduced its first King Ranch branded truck in 2001, and it's remained popular ever since. King Ranch trucks are all SuperCrews and are based on the Lariat trim level -- but a notch higher than the Lariat in comfort, with standard features that are regarded as options on most Ford trucks. In 2009, several trucks are taking big steps forward in design, including Ford pickups, with automakers offering more varied models in an attempt to cater to the wants and needs of the public. Comfort seems to be a key ingredient in the crowd of upcoming trucks -- Ford's 2009 Platinum edition will be cushier than its luxury flagship King Ranch. And while it's true that next year's trucks will be more feature-packed, the 2008 King Ranch has a lot to offer.

Pictures of the 2008 F-150 King Ranch

_{Photo © Dale Wickell}

Toyota just announced price changes for quite a few of its vehicles. The base price of the 2008 Tacoma remains the same, still at $14,280 for the 2WD four-cylinder with a manual transmission, up to $26,115 for the Double Cab 4WD V6 truck with an automatic transmission and long bed. The 2008 Tundra was bumped up by $100, giving it a base that ranges from $22,390 for the 2WD Tundra grade version, up to $42,070 for the Limited 4WD CrewMax that's equipped with a 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic tranny. The increase is about what I've been paying for a tank of gas.

_{Photo © Toyota}

GM will offer fifteen E85 capable vehicles next year and even more by 2012, so it's no surprise that the automaker wants ethanol to be more widely available (and hopefully at a price we can live with). One way GM plans to do that is by partnering with ethanol technology companies. In January it announced a relationship with Coskata, a company with the technology to produce ethanol from renewable items like old tires and other waste. Today GM announced a partnership with Mascoma Corporation, which has a one-step process to turn waste into ethanol.

At least one GM dealership is getting ready for the push to flex-fuel vehicles. Classic Chevrolet/Hummer, located in Dallas, just spent half a million dollars to install nine E85, E10 and biodiesel pumps next to its HUMMER dealership.

_{Photo of 2009 E85 Capable HUMMER H2 SUT by Mike Stone for General Motors}

We all know that higher gas prices and a stalled economy have had a major impact on truck and SUV sales. General Motors is feeling the pinch and announced today that it will make about 88,000 fewer full-size trucks than it planned to build for the remainder of 2008. SUV production will be cut by about 50,000 vehicles. (Overall, GM's truck sales are down 15-percent, and SUV sales are down an even higher 26-percent.) Employees at four plants will be affected by the cuts, but GM hasn't announced details of the coming layoffs. There should be some good deals out there for anyone who needs a new truck, but with fuel continuing its upward climb will you buy now or hold out for a one of the hybrids coming along in 2009 and beyond?

2009 GM Trucks

Chevy Silverado Hybrid
GMC Sierra Hybrid

I've been involved in quite a few off-road events that were organized to show owners how to handle challenging situations. Some vehicles come equipped with the parts or accessories they need to keep liquids out of places where they shouldn't be, but others (like my F-150 truck) need some prepping. The good news is that it's not difficult -- or expensive -- to get your truck ready to drive through water and mud.

I'm getting ready to restore a vintage Ford truck, but the job ahead of me isn't anything as intense as the work that's been done to this 1937 Seagrave Safety Sedan. I had a chance to see the classic firetruck when it was on display at Detroit's NAIAS in January. It's not for show -- the truck is being renovated by the Detroit Firemen's Benevolent Fund and will be used as a hearse for fallen firefighters. I took pictures of it at the show, and one of our community members posted a link to a video of the restoration. If you like classics you'll appreciate the effort that's gone into bringing this truck back to life.

Community Member Trucks Gallery
Do you have a truck you'd like to show us? I'd like to kick off a community member trucks gallery. It can be a classic truck (restored or not), a lowrider, an off-road vehicle, a stock truck -- anything you want to share with everyone. Use the submittal form to tell me about it and then be sure to send a photo by separate email.

_{Photo © Dale Wickell}

A good number of the people I talk to who drive trucks are thinking about modifying their vehicles in some way to improve fuel mileage. The topic heats up every time gas and diesel take an upward hike or don't trend downwards after staying at what we consider to be the high side for awhile (and they're sure programming us for higher highs). I've made a few modifications to my truck, but additional changes haven't seemed practical when I compare the expense of doing it vs. the benefits the modifications will provide. But with a tank of gas costing close to $100 now, I'm leaning more towards making some changes. If your motivation is environmental, and expense isn't a factor, you're likely going to make any modifications you can to get better mileage. But if your intent is solely to save money, you should consider your driving habits and a few other factors before loading up the truck with fuel-saving accessories. Do the math.

Chevy gave the Colorado a power boost in 2007 by adding two new engines, but the changes for 2008 models are more modest. And that's not a surprise, since the recent focus has been on a redesign for the Avalanche, the new generation Silverado, and now the 2009 Silverado hybrid. Look for a slight reduction in Colorado's fuel economy ratings, because the EPA is using new methods to run its tests. The figures on the sticker are probably somewhat closer to the mileage you'll actually get, but don't expect them to be right on track.

_{Photo © GM}