Newest Truck Designs Are Interesting, But Should Buyers Skip Them?

Each brand is taking a different approach, with Chrysler’s Ram division touting the fuel economy and interior features (like a rotary-dial transmission control) of its new Ram 1500 while Ford Motor Co. focuses on turbocharged engines and driver-interface technology. Meanwhile General Motors Co. is betting on the traditional appeal of big power for hauling and towing.

Which strategy is best? For now it may not matter.

The best thing current truck shoppers can do is to take a look at this year’s models, which in some cases are stacking up on dealer lots.

One example of how fertile the truck market is for deal seekers is General Motors’ nearly 150-day supply of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, according to Alec Gutierrez, a senior analyst with Kelley Blue Book, an auto-industry research, data and forecasting company.

GM needs to sell off excess inventory to make room for the redesigned 2014 models expected in the spring and is offering a range of discounts and other incentives to help get the metal moving.

“As is typically the case, Ford, Chrysler, and the Japanese truck makers have all followed suit by offering equally enticing incentives,” Kelley Blue Book said. THE company said it expects the good deals to continue into 2013.