The Dodge Brothers, Henry Ford, Gottlieb Daimler, William Durant, to name a few, are all influential people involved in the evolution of the automobile and later the pickup truck. It’s clear that back in the 19^th century, they had no idea just what sort of automotive phenomenon they’d created.

Trucks are a serious business with thousands of Americans purchasing trucks every year. So what is it that makes people love trucks so much? Is it their rugged persona? Or is it their superior strength that makes the long haul and to gets the job done? Here are SMDI’s top three reasons why people love trucks.

They Make Life Just A Little More Interesting

Maybe you’re going on a family road trip to the lake house or you’ve planned a camping trip across the country. Somehow you’ll need to get those fun jet skis, boats, four wheelers, snowmobiles or campers to where they need to be. How? With a truck made from advanced high-strength steel (AHSS).

Image: Ram Trucks

Not only does the steel within the truck provide superior strength it also provides sustainability. Steel is continually recycled into new products–maybe your truck was a bridge or a fridge in a previous life; maybe it will be a sedan or part of a new skyscraper in the future– preserving natural resources for future generations and reduces vehicle life cycle CO2 emissions. This sustainability helps make those long road trips even more enjoyable knowing that you’re helping the environment.

Trucks Break the Labels

According to Oxfordictionaries.com, a truck is defined as, “a large, heavy motor vehicle used for transporting goods, materials or troops.” While all of this is true, trucks are getting lighter thanks to advanced high-strength steel. AHSS can reduce a vehicle’s structural weight by 29 percent compared to mild steel. Mass reduction with AHSS allows designers to hit their weight reduction targets at lower manufacturing costs than alternative materials making them more affordable.

It’s All About Image

Recently, Chevrolet hosted a focus group comparing two different pictures of a man standing in front of a car and in front of a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The photos are exactly the same except for the vehicle the man is standing in front of. The group was asked a series of questions and time and time again people had stronger feelings toward the man in front of the truck. Trucks are trusted, dependable vehicles just like steel. In fact, recent survey results of 3,000 truck and SUV owners across the U.S. have shown that a high percentage of consumers are aware of the positive role steel plays in modern vehicles. Consumers know and trust steel. Vehicles using AHSS grades increase the overall automaker brand opinion and equity in the minds of consumers. Check out the video here.

Overall, trucks are strong, hardworking vehicles and they put off that persona. We‘ve all heard the saying don’t judge a book by its cover, but just like the Kip Moore song, there’s Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck.