Mack Trucks announced it will institute a 2 percent price increase on July 1 on all models in the Mack product line.

The company said the increase is intended to ensure that the Mack dealer network, which like the rest of the industry has experienced a severe drop in new truck sales, "is able to maintain the profitability level necessary to deliver the quality service and support required by Mack customers," according to the company.
"This is an extraordinary step, but one driven by extraordinary circumstances," said Mack President and CEO Michel Gigou. "A combination of external and internal factors have rocked the entire trucking industry, and we've reached the point where pricing relief is essential."
U.S. retail sales of heavy-duty vehicles were down 40 percent in the first four months of 2001, with Mack sales down 29 percent in the same period. In response to declining demand, Mack has announced a series of rate reductions at its manufacturing plants, and the elimination of about 700 positions by the end of July.
Gigou said that Mack also plans to make several important product enhancements and introductions in June. He said the announcements will involve both the vehicle and powertrain sides of Mack's business.