ACT Research: May Class 8 orders fall

by Truck News

COLUMBUS, Ind. – In May 2015 39,000 Classes 5-8 vehicle orders were booked, down 8% when compared with May 2014, according to ACT Research.

“While the order comparisons are negative, looking only at orders does not provide sufficient context in regard to industry health,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “Looking back one month to April, Classes 5-8 backlogs were nearly 63,000 units or 37% above their year-ago levels. Hence, orders are softer because many of them have already been placed.”

North American Class 8 orders posted their lowest monthly net order volume since September 2013 at just 20,000 units, going down 23% from May 2014.

“Rather than simply considering orders to be a harbinger of weakness, broader context is required in passing judgement,” said Vieth. “In addition to few build slots remaining open in 2015, this is the time of the year when Class 8 orders typically slow.”

However North American medium duty orders rebounded to 19,000 units, up 17% year-over-year, clearly signaling strong demand. “This was the sixth time in the past nine months that Classes 5-7 orders reached at least 19,000 units,” said Vieth.


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