NASHVILLE, Ind. -- Preliminary Class 8 truck net orders totaled just 7,628 units in February, according to FTR Associates, up 19.7% compared to January but well off last year's pace.
Beating January's figures was no huge feat, since they represented the lowest totals since 2002, FTR points out. February's preliminary total was well below the 2009 averate of 10,064 units. The figures includes the US, Canada, Mexico and exports.
FTR Associates says it's not surprised by the results and cautions a strong recovery in Class 8 demand is not expected before 2011.
"The February numbers were what we expected," said FTR Associates president, Eric Starks. "Our forecast models continue to predict slow recovery in new Class 8 orders impacted by 2010 EPA emission regulations and the large inventory of useable vehicles in the market. We don't expect a good bounce in Class 8 demand until 2011."