More than half of the respondents to an informal Peterbilt survey say the October 2002 emissions regulations will have no effect on the timing of their new truck or tractor purchase,
but a majority say they would be more likely to buy a used truck after Oct. 1.
Since Peterbilt announced its online engine survey during the Mid-America Trucking Show, the company has received nearly 10,000 responses, according to Peterbilt spokesman Derek Smith.
“These respondents range from owner-operators and fleet owners to Peterbilt enthusiasts and those who simply want a complimentary key chain,” Smith says. “Given this wide range of survey takers, these results are by no means scientific. Rather, it's an informal look at how visitors to our website view an important industry issue.”
According to this “informal look,” 58 percent of respondents said they are considering buying a new truck or tractor this year. Nearly a third of the respondents said they planned to buy before Oct. 1, but 57 percent said the emissions deadline, which is expected to increase the cost of engines, would have no effect on the timing of the purchase.
However, 44 percent said they would not consider purchasing new 2002 emissions-qualified engines until they have been in service for at least a year.
In addition, 63 percent said they would be more likely to buy a pre-owned truck after Oct. 1, and 61 percent said they felt the value of used trucks would go up.
Respondents were not at all happy about the prospect of increased engine costs. When asked what they considered the maximum acceptable price increase, 40 percent said “none.” Another 36 percent would accept up to $1,000 in extra cost. However, 62 percent felt they would be able to recover increased costs by raising freight rates.