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The 2008 Nissan Titan has a revolutionary bed featuring new longer lengths.

The Dodge Ram Quad has three engine options that include a 3.7-liter V6, a 4.7-liter V8 and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System.

In addition to the 6.4L PowerStroke V8 TurboDiesel, the 2008 F-Series Super Duty has two gas engine options: the 5.4L Triton V8 and the 6.8L Triton V10.

The 2008 E-Series lineup rides on an improved chassis with upgrades to the braking, suspension and steering systems.

The 2008 Chevy Express Pro-Access Cargo Van gives access to tools and equipment without rummaging through the vehicle.

The Cargo Management System on 2008 GMC Sierra Pickup makes a convenient spot to store tools.

The 2008 Toyota Tundra comes in regular, double and CrewMax cab options.

For 2008, manufacturers have heeded the call of customers who need more power, functionality and security. They have equipped their trucks and vans with features that specifically respond to the practical needs of contractors.

Recognizing that a contractor’s vehicle is the key to his livelihood, today’s trucks and vans are efficient, powerful and upfit-ready. Since many work vehicles serve a dual purpose as weekend cruiser, there are plenty of cool new bells and whistles available for sheer pleasure. And they are backed by a service network trained to cater to commercial customers.

Today, fuel economy is everyone’s concern, but when selecting a commercial vehicle, it is a secondary consideration. The primary goal is to choose a vehicle that is powerful enough to handle the job the owner needs it to do and manage the load it must carry. So simple physics dictates that the vehicle’s fuel efficiency is strongly impacted by the amount of weight the vehicle carries.

“Fuel efficiency isn’t really an issue with commercial customers but it is one of the important measures to keep in mind,” says Todd Kaufman, Ford chassis cab marketing manager. “Building trucks is a series of trade-offs. The trade-off for fuel economy is capability — what the truck can do for the business.”

“In vehicles over 8,500 gross weight rating, obviously there are no fuel economy ratings,” says David Gutman, Ford commercial truck and van marketing manager. “The way that you spec it and the stuff you load on it are big variables that can move the fuel economy up or down.