COLUMBUS, Ind. -- It appears Class 8 truck manufacturers are experiencing a pre-buy after all.
While most prognosticators felt there would be a minimal pre-buy in advance of EPA2010 emissions standards, data released by ACT Research shows Class 8 vehicle net orders soared to 21,500 units in October, reaching their highest levels since January 2008.
ACT’s State of the Industry: Classes 5-8 Vehicles report showed Class 8 orders were up in Canada as well as the US, Mexico and exports. Medium-duty orders also reached their highest levels of the year, up 50% from last year.
“The sharp spike in orders and the near-term placement of a majority of the orders is a clear indication of pre-buy activity in the United States and Canada,” said Kenny Vieth, partner and senior analyst with ACT. “Mexico and non-NAFTA export markets also had stronger orders, likely indicating increased confidence in the economic outlook.”
To order the full report, visit www.actresearch.net.