Truck orders are increasing but remain at low level. (Photo Todd Dills)March Class 8 truck total net orders for all major North American manufacturers rose to 10,505 units, 35.9 percent higher than February and 21.1 percent above March 2009, according to preliminary data from FTR Associates.
While the March preliminary numbers are the highest yet for 2010, the annualized order rate over the past three months is still below 100,000 units. The figure includes U.S., Canada, Mexico and exports.
“Each month in 2010, we have seen an improvement in orders for Class 8 vehicles, which is certainly encouraging,” said Eric Starks, FTR president. “However, we have not changed our overall outlook for 2010. We believe the combination of excess capacity and the impact of the (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA mandate will hold Class 8 equipment demand this year essentially flat compared to 2009.”
