According to ACT Research Co. (ACT), its preliminary reading of commercial vehicle net orders in June for North American markets indicate “continued strength in demand for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.” The research firm observed that when final June data are released in mid July, North American Class 8 orders are anticipated to be at 21,200 units and Classes 5-7 orders at 14,600 units.
Interestingly, ACT contends that in both the heavy- and the medium-duty markets, the current period of stronger demand stretches back to the fourth quarter of 2010. But the firm noted that preliminary net order numbers are subject to revision and are typically accurate to within 5 % plus or minus.
“June marked the eighth consecutive month of Class 8 orders over 20,000 units,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT president and senior analyst. “This extended period of strong orders has boosted industry backlogs and lead times for delivery.”
Before “the start of the run-up,” according to Vieth, Class 8 backlogs were just over three months to build. “Today, the Class 8 backlog is over six months at the current rate of build,” he added.
ACT publishes new and used commercial vehicle (CV) industry data, market analysis and forecasting services for the North American market as well as the U.S. tractor-trailer market and the China CV market.
