BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Class 8 truck net orders reached 22,235 in January, 7% higher than December but down 11% year over year, according preliminary data released by FTR Associates. Orders for Class 8 vehicles have been above the 20,000 mark for the past four months, showing some strength after a soft period mid-year 2012. Preliminary order numbers are for all major North American OEMs.
"We've been forecasting a weak start to 2013 and the numbers we're now seeing, while improving, are still below where they should be for a solid recovery. Washington has resolved part of the looming fiscal cliff crisis in the short term and business investment picked up in the fourth quarter, which is a good sign that businesses are willing to spend money,” said Eric Starks, president of FTR. “Hopefully, more fleets will take these as positive signs to now go ahead and place some orders for equipment that they need."