FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Caroline MacLellan
Marketing Communications Manager
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.(May 6, 2026) — NTEA has introduced Guiding Principles for Developing Commercial Vehicle Specifications, a new foundational resource that outlines the core concepts behind effective commercial vehicle specification development. NTEA has also released an enhanced Vehicle Specification Process Guide, an updated version of its member-exclusive resource that provides a step-by-step framework for planning, evaluating, and executing vehicle specifications.
Designed to work together, these companion resources support industry professionals at every stage of the specification process — from understanding key principles to implementing a consistent, process-driven approach.
“Given the complexity of today’s commercial vehicles, it’s important to use an effective specification process when developing vehicle requirements,” said Chris Lyon, NTEA director of fleet relations. “These resources provide the foundation and the framework to help ensure nothing mission-critical is overlooked, while supporting practical, informed decision-making.”
Guiding Principles for Developing Commercial Vehicle Specifications
This new publication, available at no cost with an ntea.com account, provides an overview of the fundamentals behind developing effective commercial vehicle specifications.
As vehicle complexity continues to increase — driven by multi-stage manufacturing, evolving technology and specialized fleet applications — this resource helps commercial vehicle professionals identify the key considerations that influence performance, safety, life cycle cost and regulatory compliance.
Providing industry-wide access to this guide reflects NTEA’s commitment to helping organizations develop more optimized, mission-specific, and efficient vehicles through a shared understanding of essential specification principles.
This foundational resource:
- Identifies key components of the specification process
- Outlines stakeholder roles and collaboration strategies
- Provides considerations for base vehicle and equipment requirements
- Highlights the importance of regulatory compliance and operational alignment
Vehicle Specification Process Guide
This advanced member-exclusive resource has been refreshed to provide a more robust, process-driven approach to specification development. Building on the concepts introduced in Guiding Principles, it delivers a practical framework that helps organizations plan, evaluate and execute specifications with clarity and consistency.
The updated guide:
- Maps a step-by-step workflow from defining requirements through procurement
- Incorporates decision loops, timelines and stakeholder inputs
- Provides guidance for evaluating existing fleet performance and new technologies
- Supports development of specifications that improve reliability, safety and total cost of ownership
Learn more
- Guiding Principles for Developing Commercial Vehicle Specifications is available at no cost with a free ntea.com account.
- The Vehicle Specification Process Guide is available to NTEA members only at no cost.
Visit ntea.com/specguides to learn more and access both publications. For questions or assistance, contact NTEA at info@ntea.com or 248-489-7090.
ABOUT NTEA
Established in 1964, NTEA – The Work Truck Association, a 501(c)(6) organization, represents more than 2,100 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial vehicles, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to NTEA. The Association provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services, and produces Work Truck Week®, Future Truck Summit, Commercial Vehicle Upfitting Summit and Executive Leadership Summit. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and government relations offices in Washington, DC, and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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