COLUMBUS, Ind. — Pent-up demand resulting from deferred replacement, tight freight-carrying capacity, improved fleet financial performance and some easing in credit availability, will combine to support an upcycle for the heavy-duty commercial vehicle market, according to ACT Research Co. (ACT).

Class 8 net orders continue at a strong pace, and after a slight pause in January, commercial trailer orders have returned to a solid growth trajectory, according to the latest release of the ACT North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK.

ACT officials say the impact of a US economic recovery proceeding at a slow, but self-sustaining pace, combined with recent market performance, suggests that the research group’s forecasts for rising commercial vehicle production through 2011 and into 2012 are on track.
 
“While some growing pains are occurring as the industry ramps up to meet the widespread increase in demand, the commercial vehicle market will continue at a solid pace,” said Sam Kahan, ACT’s chief economist. “‘Our outlook is for 2011 real GDP to grow 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. While this is slightly less than previously thought, it is in line with most forecasters.”