COLUMBUS, Ind. — Heavy-duty truck net orders surged 91% in April year-over-year, according to the latest data from ACT Research.

In its latest State of the Industry: Classes 5-8 Vehicles report, ACT reported strong month-to-month gains as well. Net orders of medium-duty trucks grew 39% compared to April 2009, short of the gains experienced on the heavy-duty side, which ACT attributed to continuing softness in the US residential housing market and tightening state budgets.

“From top to bottom, April was a healthy month for the Class 8 segment, at least in relative terms,” said Kenny Vieth, partner and senior analyst with ACT. “Orders were above expectations, backlogs rose and retail sales remained elevated. If orders surprise on the high side again in May, it could have upside implications for our forecasts for the remainder of 2010 and 2011.”