FTR reports preliminary Class 8 orders remain weak for June

July 13, 2012
June Class 8 truck net orders were at 16,195 units, the lowest month for orders since September 2010.

FTR Associates has released preliminary data showing June Class 8 truck net orders at 16,195 units, the lowest month for orders since September 2010. Preliminary order numbers are for all major North American OEMs. June orders were 8 percent lower than May, dropping to 23 percent lower than the same month last year. 2012 orders for Class 8 trucks continue to disappoint with annualized rates coming in well below 2011 levels month after month. For the three-month period including June orders annualize to 202,700 units.

Jonathan Starks, FTR's Director of Transportation Analysis, commented that, "truckers are operating in a modestly positive environment, but not strong enough to elicit higher demand for expensive new vehicles. Growth in freight volumes and rates slowed noticeably during late 2011 and into 2012. Despite expectations that both will improve as we finish 2012, equipment markets will have to contend with the effects of last year's slowdown. Additionally, truck manufacturers continue to build at rates well above incoming orders. This will eventually lead to a significant reduction in new truck output."

Final data for June will be available from FTR later in the month as part of its North American Commercial Truck & Trailer Outlook service. 

Sponsored Recommendations

Gain expert insight into today’s evaporative emission systems and why OE-matched EVAP components are crucial for performance and compliance. See how Standard® delivers precision...
There is a difference in gas fuel injectors. Learn why Under the Hood’s Russ Evans uses Standard Fuel Injectors on his customer’s vehicles.
Hear what senior autotechs have to say about the AIRCAT Nitrocat 1056-XL compact impact wrench. They’ll provide their reviews on tools they own and have been using every day on...
See how the new AIRCAT HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun delivers high-quality finishes with reduced overspray designed for efficiency and control.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!