Suppliers predict growing truck market

LOUISVILLE, KY - What a difference a few months can make. Earlier this year, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems was projecting Class 8 truck sales would drop about 5-10%. Now it's projecting the market will grow about 5%. "Overall, I think the economy has turned for us in the trucking industry," chairman Joe McAleese observed, citing growing truck orders and dropping cancellations. Truck tonnage and utilization are both seen as under control. It was a theme repeated during briefings during the Mid-America Trucking Show's media day.

Propane autogas making gains in U.S.

WASHINGTON, DC - Propane autogas vehicle sales were up about 8% last year, even as diesel prices remained relatively stable.

Class 8 orders rising: ACT Research

COLUMBUS, IN - Orders for Class 8 trucks reached a 13-month high as this year opened, thanks largely to higher demand for vocational equipment, ACT Research reports.

IN PRINT — Trump Card: How “America First” policies could change the trucks you buy

Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week can be a decidedly patriotic affair. Sessions during the related Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue event open with color guards and music videos featuring the Star Spangled Banner. But it was a promise of "America first" that was weighing on the minds of many participants.

Mexico a “land of opportunity”, says Daimler’s Kurschner

PUERTO VALLARTA, MX - In a year when dealers in Canada and the U.S. face a dramatic downturn in truck sales, Mexico is a world apart. As of November the market for Class 4-8 vehicles was up 18.5%, and Daimler Trucks North America accounted for 36% of it -- up 7.8% over last year. But Stefan Kurschner, president and Chief Executive Officer of Daimler Vehiculos Comerciales Mexico, says there's room for more.

Class 8 truck sales hit September slump

COLUMBUS, IN - A mere 13,900 Class 8 vehicle orders were booked in North America this September, according to ACT Research.

Kenworth enhancing day cabs, ending T660

KIRKLAND, WA - Kenworth has unveiled several new and coming product enhancements, particularly to its lineup of day cabs, but has also announced that it will officially end production of the venerable T660. The company has sold 60,000 of that aerodynamic tractor since it was first introduced in 2007, essentially replacing the T600. A final 500 of the T660 cabs will be built this year until the last model rolls off the assembly line. Ongoing investments at Kenworth have included a new climactic wind tunnel.About 80% of the trucks that the company builds today are the T680 or its vocational sibling, the T880. The T680 itself accounts for about 60% of sales, with the T880 at just under 30%.

Long haul share shrinks, automation grows: Volvo

SHIPPENSBURG, PA - Volvo Trucks North America expects long haulers to account for a shrinking portion of the truck market in coming years, as the industry responds to pressures including a driver shortage and recent upgrades to the Panama Canal.

Navistar back in black during second quarter

LISLE, IL - Navistar International reported a $4-million net income in the second quarter of 2016, in sharp contrast to a $64-million net loss in the second quarter of 2015. Cost controls, higher parts-related profits, and demand for HX vocational trucks have all been credited for making a difference despite a soft sales market.

Used Truck Deals Still Near Record Levels

SOUTHFIELD, MI -- U.S. Transactions of used commercial vehicles in the gross vehicle weight (GVW) 3-8 categories remained near record levels for the 12-months ending March 31, according to new figures from the vehicle industry analysis provider IHS Automotive.

DesRosiers Predicts Trucking Sales Bubble

TORONTO - Are the double-digit gains going to continue? DesRosiers says no.

Truck sales continue to climb

COLUMBUS, Ind. -- Net orders for heavy-duty class 8 commercial vehicles increased 91 percent in April 2010 compared to the same month last year, outpacing orders for medium-duty trucks.

Class 8 orders keep rising

COLUMBUS, Ind. -- Net orders for heavy-duty class 8 commercial vehicles reached the highest level of the year in June, posting an increase of 93 percent compared to June of 2009.

New trucks could soon be in demand

COLUMBUS, Ind. -- As revenue climbs in the trucking sector, ACT Research figures it's only natural it will translate into more new truck sales.

Truck order dip blamed on seasonal trends

COLUMBUS, Ind. -- Orders for heavy-duty trucks in July receded from June's numbers, but the numbers are still well above last years.