Class 8 truck total net orders for all major North American OEMs in August reached 12,337 units, an 8.3% increase over the previous month’s net orders and 16.8% better than August 2009, according to preliminary data compiled by FTR Associates. August order activity sits near the monthly average seen over the last six months of 13,000 units. The figure includes U.S., Canada, Mexico and exports.
“August net orders for Class 8 vehicles came in about where we expected, very similar to July numbers,” says Eric Starks, president of FTR. “We didn't see any particular reason that they would be substantially different, and we believe for the balance of the year orders will continue to be received at comparable levels. Going forward, a critical point to watch is order activity in October and November which typically sees a seasonal spike in activity. These months will set the stage for demand in 2011.”
The company’s U.S. Freight Model collects and analyzes all data likely to impact freight movement and is based on specific characteristics for over 200 commodity groups.
