Forecasts for both heavy- and medium-duty vehicles for 2011 remain basically unchanged from last month, according to the October issue of the ACT North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK, published by ACT Research Co.


"Although concerns about the forward movement of the US and world economies has intensified in recent weeks, we do not yet believe that a recession is inevitable or imminent," said Sam Kahan, ACT's chief economist. "Continued strength is being demonstrated in both the medium duty and heavy duty markets. Class 8 orders rose above expectations in August while cancellations remained modest."

ACT sees 2012 as a growth year as well.

"Despite asymmetrical risk in the economic outlook, we think that underlying demand drivers in the U.S. and Canada and continued strong international demand will support volume growth in 2012," says Kenny Veith, ACT President and Senior Analyst. "Factors supporting continued healthy demand include continued freight growth, an old fleet, healthy trucker profitability, and rising used equipment values."

North American Class 8 builds reached 154,200 units in 2010.