Seasonally adjusted, September’s orders were at 16,100 units.

“October kicks off the traditional high volume fourth quarter, when fleets and OEMs nail down commitments for the upcoming model year,” said Jim Meil, ACT Research principal and industry analyst.

Standing out amongst the other heavy duty segments again was Mexico, buoyed in part by a weak Peso: “A proposed emissions mandate at the start of 2018 contributes to market strength; we believe truckers are taking the long view and positioning strategically. For other segments the status is the same – U.S. tractors, Canada and export markets across-the-board are lackluster,” he concluded, summarizing the Class 8 September markets,” Meil added.

“With the strength of the economy coming from consumers, and much of MD demand linked to consumer expenditures, there is a happy confluence of solid MD demand and household activity.” September Classes 5-7 net orders were 20,487 (19,500 SA). Meil continued, “September SA results matched the 2016 ytd average almost exactly.”