March 6, 2014 – The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA, the organization that hosts The Work Truck Show), says it has opened a Canadian government relations office in Ottawa.

“Around the world, governments have begun to recognize the economic benefits associated with global truck platforms, harmonized safety regulations and emissions standards for commercial vehicles,” said Steve Carey, NTEA executive director. “Having a second government relations office further strengthens NTEA’s ability to influence and respond to regulations and legislation impacting the North American market.”

The office is the NTEA’s first location in Canada, says the association, and will play an important role in addressing the increasing challenges presented by international marketplace dynamics. The Ottawa and Washington, D.C., offices focus on creating a unified voice for the work truck industry while addressing the needs of the North American market, adds NTEA.

The Ottawa office works under the direction of Mike Kastner, NTEA managing director, who leads NTEA’s government relations efforts in Washington.

Established in 1964, NTEA represents about 1600 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories.