January U.S. Class 8 retail truck sales of 14,119 were up by more than 50% from last year's 9,236, according to figures from Ward's Communications. Class 7 sales weren't up quite as dramatically, up 14% to 3,568 compared to 3,124 a year ago, and Class 6 sales rose 19% from 2,524 to 3,004.

In Class 8, Daimler Trucks North America had the largest market share, selling 4,754 Freightliners and Western Stars for 34%. Paccar was a close second at 4,026 Kenworths and Peterbilts (about evenly split between the two nameplates), for 29% share. International sold 3,376 Class 8 trucks for a 24% piece of the pie, and Volvo sold 1,961 Mack and Volvo trucks for 14%.

In Class 7, Daimler again came out on top with 1,331 for 37% share, with International close behind at 1,274 and 36%. Paccar sold 576 Class 7 trucks, the majority Peterbilt, for 16%. Volvo sold 16 UD-brand trucks.

In Class 6, Daimler led with 1,325 for 44%, followed by International at 1201 for 40% and Paccar at 126 for 4%. Volvo sold 12 UD trucks.

In Class 5, Ford was the big winner with 1,994, 60% of the 3,328 trucks sold in January. Chrysler had 885 with its Dodge/Ram brand, for close to 27%, followed by International at 257 (8%), Isuzu at 156 (5%), Daimler at 32 and Volvo/UD at 4.