Class 8 Build Forecasts Lowered
COLUMBUS, IN – ACT Research has lowered its Class 8 build expectations for the second half of 2012 due to ongoing softness in demand.
“Despite the data that we use to gauge demand being nearly uniformly positive, Class 8 demand, as expressed by incoming orders, has hit a soft patch,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst.
As it stands now, the rewards of buying a truck are not sufficient to justify the financial risks, Vieth said.
“We believe the current weakness is centered in the credit-buyer side of the market. A continuation of reasonable freight growth, strong trucker profits, and healthy used truck prices are expected to support demand once the current period of uncertainty is worked through,” he added.
Medium-duty build expectations remain unchanged, as were trailer industry forecasts.
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