Until recently, Toyota and Nissan were planning to enter the heavy-duty pickup truck segment, but both automakers have put off their entries for at least a couple of years. Toyota has indefinitely postponed its plans to offer a heavy-duty pickup truck to compete with the likes of the Ford Super Dutys and the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500. Toyota was originally planning to launch the heavy-duty version of its new Tundra as early as 2009.

Nissan has also delayed the launch of the heavy-duty version of its Titan until 2009 or 2010. Nissan had hoped to build a heavy-duty version on the platform of the half-ton Titan. Apparently, the truck’s frame couldn’t handle the payload and towing targets that are required by heavy-duty truck buyers.

Neither automaker stated the reason for the change in strategy, but the market for heavy duty trucks is likely to shrink along with the half-ton market. The market for heavy duty trucks follows different trends trucks in general, with heavy-duty trucks linked to the rate of home construction.

## Source: Automotive News ##

Posted in: Nissan, Toyota, Commercial, Trucks/Pickups, News
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