The Annual Fleet Study just completed by CK Commercial Vehicle Research shows a 47 percent increase in the number of fleets who plan new Class 8 and medium duty power unit purchases in 2011 versus those that planned orders for 2010.


The number of respondents, average fleet size and total power units represented is similar for both this study and one conducted in October 2009. "The strongest demand comes for Class 8 units," explained Chris Kemmer of CKCVR. "88 percent of the power units planned by this group for 2011 are for Class 8 vehicles."

Sixty-eight representatives from small, medium and large for-hire, private and government fleets operating a total of 45,000 Class 8 and 12,000 medium duty power units responded to the 2010 study questionnaire.

In addition to planned equipment demand for next year, the respondents also answered questions about their equipment brand and 2010 emission engine technology preferences, new specifications, maintenance sourcing and their overall view of industry manufacturers.

CKCVR regularly polls their fleet advisory panel about equipment purchasing, technology choices, fleet operating environment, maintenance practices and current industry issues.