A year ago, they couldn't give away new trucks, now you have to wait in line for one. ACT Research Company says heavy net order volume in recent months has pushed the Class 8 heavy-duty backlog volume to just under 100,000 units.


Class 8 commercial vehicles net orders for North American markets totaled 24,300 units (not SA) in February, down from January, but still sufficiently higher than production. Just one year ago, that number was just over 44,000 units. ACT Research Company says these numbers are a reflection of the strength of Class 8 demand as the economy continues to improve.

"The February net order volume represents a continuation of the order strength demonstrated the last several months of 2010 and is continuing into 2011," says Ken Vieth, Sr. Partner and GM at ACT. "Class 8 orders these past months are being booked at a rate in excess of 300,000 units when annualized. The uptick in orders continues to restock industry backlogs, setting the stage for significant production increases as we move through 2011."

More info: www.actresearch.net