Demand for commercial vehicles remained healthy in September as 43,300 total North American Classes 5-8 orders were booked, up 21% from a year ago and basically unchanged since August, reports ACT Research. Over the past 12 months, North American Classes 5-8 net orders have totaled 540,000 units. That cumulative order volume represents the strongest 12-month period of North American Classes 5-8 order placement since the twelve months ending November 2005.
“Class 8 orders continued to be booked ahead of seasonal expectations,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “Historically, September is the second weakest month of the year for Class 8 orders, so some moderation was expected. During the month, 29,400 Class 8 orders were placed, down 500 units from August, but up 32% compared to last September.”
September’s preliminary 18,500 North American Classes 5-7 net orders were up 3% from August and 9% from a year ago, representing the best medium-duty vehicle order volume since April.
“September is historically a strong month for school bus chassis orders, which remained elevated, so there is an expectation for stronger overall medium–duty orders during the month,” said Vieth.
