NASHVILLE, Ind. — A recent boon in demand for heavy trucks may not continue into 2010, industry forecaster FTR Associates has warned.

According to FTR’s most recent issue of The North American Commercial Truck and Trailer Outlook, heavy truck demand will slow once EPA07 engine inventory runs out. FTR reported a surge in orders in October, however it noted those orders are likely to reduce early 2010 freight-induced demand as the October surge was driven by an interest in obtaining pre-2010 emissions engines.

Eric Starks, president of FTR noted that “2009 will end with modest freight growth, and we expect 2010 growth to be in the 2.8% range. However, given the huge decline in freight over the last few years, the increase in freight in 2010 will not be enough to entice fleets in large numbers to buy new, more expensive technology when such equipment is first made available. Many have usable miles on older equipment to get them through the initial up-tick in freight demand without taking the risk of adding unfamiliar engine technology to their fleet.”   

The complete report can be ordered by calling 888-988-1699 ext. 45 or e-mailing hlile@ftrassociates.com.