COLUMBUS, Ind. -- ACT Research says the latest economic indicators are pointing towards stronger demand for commercial vehicles in late 2010 and into 2011.
In its latest North American Commercial Vehicle Outlook, ACT reports that Class 8 vehicle production will grow 19% year-over-year in the second half of 2010 before ramping up to 77% growth in 2011.
Medium-duty (Classes 5-7) production is expected to grow 20% in 2010 and 30% in 2011.
"The sequence of events required to put commercial vehicle production on more solid footing continues to advance as expected," said John Burton, vice-president, transportation sector with ACT Research. "Our trucking surveys are showing improving trends in volumes and pricing and our used truck analysis has shown modestly firming values for several months. All indications point to capacity tightening in the truckload sector by mid-year, which will drive improved profitability and lead to replacing an aging fleet."