Sterling gets top marks in J.D. power study

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio (Jan. 15, 2004) — Sterling Trucks has received the highest overall ranking for conventional medium-duty trucks in the 2003 J.D. Power and Associates Medium-Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study.

The 2003 J.D. Power study is based on interviews with more than 1,400 principal maintainers of two-year-old medium-duty trucks. The study analyzes customer satisfaction in the areas of product, service, and parts. It also covers vehicle performance, product quality, interior and exterior design, dealer service, and parts availability.

Sterling says it earned significant rating increases from last year by ranking above average in all six factors of product satisfaction and highest for vehicle engine; vehicle cab interior; and exterior design and styling.

For medium-duty truck applications, Sterling offers the Acterra and L-Line conventional models — both produced in St. Thomas, Ont.

The company says it increased both its medium- and heavy-duty sales in 2003. Sterling Class 6/7 sales in the U.S. and Canada were up 32 per cent, while Class 8 sales increased 11 per cent.