LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (Mar 9, 2005) — Mack Trucks President and CEO Paul Vikner predicts that the future looks bright for the both the on-highway and construction vehicle industries.

“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 Vikner while preparing for the upcoming CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibition in Las Vegas next week. “And we will continue to do everything we can to meet high customer demand.”

Vikner added that Mack is also working very hard to convince customers that pre-buying trucks leading up to the implementation of the U.S. 2007 emissions regulations is not necessary. “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.”

Mack plans to showcase its wide-range of construction equipment at the CONEXPO show, which runs from March 15-19. Vikner pointed to the company’s flagship Granite model — the number one selling Class 8 conventional straight truck in North America — as an example of the company’s leadership in the sector.

“Our Granite model was developed with extensive customer input,” he said. “The result is a vehicle that truly enhances the productivity and profitability of our construction customers’ operations. And the new axle back version we’re just now bringing to market provides an equally strong value proposition.”

The new Granite Axle Back truck combines all of the advantages of the number one selling axle forward model — including a large, comfortable cab; good visibility; an ergonomically-designed electronic dash; and advanced electronics — with a new, bold exterior featuring distinctive flexible fender extensions, sleek halogen headlamps, and available stylized bumpers and mirrors.

In conjunction with the show, Mack is co-hosting with Volvo Construction Equipment a major customer event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “The products of both companies will be featured in a choreographed display,” Vikner indicated. “In many cases, Mack customers are also interested in what Volvo Construction Equipment has to offer — and vice versa.”