LEHIGH VALLEY, Penn. — The head honcho of Mack Trucks is predicting good things to come in the construction truck market.

"Thanks to overall strength in the economy and pent-up demand, we expect that the market for our products will remain strong for the next couple of years," said Paul Vikner, president and CEO of Mack Trucks. "And we will continue to do everything we can to meet high customer demand."

Vikner stressed that customers should not be engaging in a pre-buy with the 2007 EPA emissions standards looming.

"We’re also working very hard to convince our customers that pre-buying trucks leading up to the implementation of the U.S. 2007 emissions regulations is not necessary," Vikner said. "We have a strong handle on this situation, and we’re confident that our ’07 technology featuring high performance exhaust gas recirculation provides an optimum solution for our customers."

With continued growth demand for trucks expected in the construction sector, Vikner expressed optimism about Mack’s future.

"We take great pride in our leadership position in the heavy-duty construction truck market," said Vikner. "Behind this success are the principles that drive everything we do – understanding and focusing on the business needs of our customers, and providing high quality products and services that exceed their expectations."