WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sales of heavy-duty Class 8 trucks in the U.S. fell 19.9 per cent in August from levels during the same period in 2002.

In August 2002 saw sales surge as fleets rushed to purchase older models instead of the new engine models required to meet U.S. emissions standards as of this Oct. 1.

Last month’s sales of 11,413 Class 8 units were down from the 14,254 units sold in August 2002, which had the most sales for any month since December 2000.The August figures continued the streak of bad news for U.S. Class 8 truck sales, which were down about 7 per cent during the first two quarters.In sharp contrast, Canadian Class 8 truck sales were up by more than 14 per cent as Canadian fleets benefited from higher shipment volumes during the first quarter and higher Canadian dollar. Higher Canadian weights are also more punishing on rigs and force carriers to stay close to the truck replenishment set during better financial times during the late 90s.