COLUMBUS, Ind. — A leading truck market forecaster says year-over-year truck sales growth is at 23 percent, with 2011 sales predicted to be over 60 percent.

ACT Research pins the manufacturing recovery on a vastly improved North American economy and solid supply-demand balance of freight hauling truck capacity.

ACT increased its 2010 forecast for heavy-duty (Class 8) vehicle production by 4,500 units. The forecast for medium-duty vehicle (Classes 5-7) production was reduced as housing and construction sectors struggle to regain footing.

"The increase in our heavy-duty forecast is based on widespread strength in orders over the past few months," said Kenny Vieth, senior analyst and partner with ACT Research. "We are seeing improving orders across OEMs and geographies, confirming that the broader market has started the long process of replacing the fleet."