A man named Sam Pierson died in Hurricane, West Virginia, after a truck fell on him while he was working on it in his garage on New Year's Day. Emergency responders were unable to save him, and his family and community are mourning his loss. The incident highlights the dangers of vehicle repair and the importance of safety.
A man who paid $80,000 in cash for a new Ford truck faced issues with the vehicle and was denied a rental car at the dealership due to being under 25, despite his loyalty and payment method. He criticized the dealership's policies and customer service, highlighting the age restriction for rentals and suggesting loyalty should warrant exceptions. The situation sparked debate about rental age policies and customer treatment.
Toyota and Daimler's truck divisions have agreed to merge into a new holding company by April 2026, aiming to strengthen their position in vehicle development, ecological innovation, and industry competitiveness, with plans to include Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors, and focus on future commercial vehicles and sustainability.
Ram is reintroducing the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine in its 2026 Ram 1500 trucks as a response to customer demand, despite the success of the newer inline-six engine. The V8, paired with a mild-hybrid system, will be available on various trims and will feature a new 'Symbol of Protest' badge, symbolizing Ram's acknowledgment of its fans' preferences and a move to restore its traditional V8 performance.
The 2024 Ford F-150 Tremor, designed for off-roading, features serious off-road gear, including a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and Tremor-specific control arms, front knuckles, shocks, and springs. Equipped with a 360-degree camera system, Torsen diff, and Trail Control, the Tremor navigates tough trails with ease and offers a comfortable ride on pavement. Priced at $66,145, it provides a compelling option for F-150 customers seeking enhanced off-road capability with the security of a factory warranty and engineering.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz debuted with a more truck-like appearance, featuring a new interior, off-road trim, and a potent 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The facelift includes a dashboard from the revamped Tucson crossover, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and meaningful upgrades for the XRT trim, such as all-terrain tires, improved approach angle, functional recovery points, a new grille, and a 360-degree camera system. The regular and XRT trims both receive new front ends, blockier daytime running lights, and a new towing drive mode for the turbocharged models, enhancing the 5,000-pound towing capacity. Overall, the updates make the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz a more practical and capable trucklet, set to arrive in showrooms this summer.
The 2024 Ford Ranger has been redesigned to look more upright and trucky, with practical features such as big steps, bed outlets, and LED lights. It offers Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist and has a wider bed, improved stability, and a modern interior with some assembly quality issues. The steering feels heavy, but the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, with a twin-turbo 2.7L V6 option coming soon. Pricing starts at $34,265, and the Ranger is positioned as a restyled and evolved version of the outgoing model, aiming to be a reliable, useful, and capable truck.
A woman was rescued from a tractor trailer hanging from the Clark Memorial Bridge after a four-vehicle accident, with two others sustaining life-threatening injuries. The bridge, connecting Kentucky and Southern Indiana, remains closed as authorities assess damage. The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, but the Louisville Fire Chief emphasized the driver's "tremendous luck" in avoiding a potential plunge into the river. Firefighter Bryce Carden played a crucial role in the rescue, and the driver remained calm throughout the ordeal.
Nine Los Angeles firefighters were injured, with at least two in critical condition, when a compressed natural gas tank on a burning truck exploded in Wilmington. The explosion sent a fireball into the air, leaving debris scattered in the street. The truck, which was not run on diesel or gasoline but on compressed natural gas, had two 100-gallon tanks. The injured firefighters were taken to medical centers for treatment, while the truck driver was unharmed. Compressed natural gas is a fuel gas composed mainly of methane stored in pressurized containers, and CNG vehicles have spark-ignited internal combustion engines similar to gasoline-powered vehicles.
The Ford F-150 offers three different rear suspensions to cater to various needs, with the base model featuring a traditional leaf spring design, the Raptor boasting a five-link coil spring setup for off-road performance, and the F-150 Lightning utilizing an independent suspension to accommodate its electric powertrain. Each suspension is tailored to specific demands, showcasing Ford's ability to provide diverse options within its popular truck lineup.
A truck became stuck under a bridge on westbound Interstate 70 in Colorado, causing a full closure of the westbound lanes. The oversized load caused damage to both the truck and the bridge, and it remains unclear how much damage was done to the underside of the bridge. Traffic was diverted to C470, and there is no estimate on when I-70 will reopen. No injuries were reported, and repairs to the road and bridge were scheduled.
A truck driving on Clark Road in Jacksonville, Florida, veered off an overpass and onto Interstate 95. A video captured the moment of the incident, and the truck driver is reported to be okay. Crews are working to install a temporary rail on the overpass, and Clark Road will be closed for several hours.
A crash involving a semi-truck and a freight train on the South Side of Chicago has resulted in a confirmed fatality, according to the Chicago Fire Department. The incident occurred at the Norfolk and Southern rail yard, where the freight train collided with a stopped semi-truck on the tracks. Norfolk Southern has expressed condolences and stated that they will fully investigate the incident. No further details have been provided at this time.
A surveillance camera in Mays Landing, New Jersey captured the moment a buck leaped into the air and landed on a 2007 Chevy Silverado truck just as the owner was showing it to a potential buyer. Despite the dent caused by the deer, the owner still managed to sell the truck, albeit for $1,000 less.
A woman in south Phoenix has been arrested and charged with murder after shooting and killing a man following an argument over a truck. The victim, Martin Tapia, was found with a gunshot wound and later died in the hospital. Witnesses reported that the suspect, Rebecca Lopez, fled the scene with a gun but was apprehended at a nearby home. Lopez is facing charges of second-degree murder, criminal trespass and burglary, and probation violation.