• Truck sales still slumping

    Despite projections of a rise in truck orders this year and an increase in truck manufacturing rates, new truck sales continue to decline compared to last year's figures. According to Ward's Communications, new Class 1-8 truck sales for the first half of 2002 declined 2% compared to the first half of 2001, dropping to 3.93 million units from 4.01 million units. Class 8 sales were down 9.9%, dropping
    Aug. 5, 2002
    2 min read
    Despite projections of a rise in truck orders this year and an increase in truck manufacturing rates, new truck sales continue to decline compared to last year's figures.

    According to Ward's Communications, new Class 1-8 truck sales for the first half of 2002 declined 2% compared to the first half of 2001, dropping to 3.93 million units from 4.01 million units.

    Class 8 sales were down 9.9%, dropping to 66,730, despite predictions of an increase in pre-buy orders to avoid purchasing trucks equipped with new low-emission diesel engines after October 1.

    Class 4 sales have been down through June, declining 31.7% to 20,682. Class 7 sales were off 22.3%, dropping to 39,378. Class 3 sales went down 17.4% to 38,718, Class 6 down 8.3% to 19,921 and Class 5 fell 5.3% to 12,216.

    Light truck sales were mixed, with Class 1 sales, dropping 3.5 % to 2.48 million. Class 2 sales posted the only increase, rising 3.9% to 1.25 million units.

    Ward's had to revise its first quarter truck sales numbers after DaimlerChrysler's Dodge unit said it had mistakenly reported Class 2 trucks in the Class 3 category. In all three months of the first quarter, Ward's noted big increases in Class 3 sales. But that data was questioned by many industry observers, especially the National Truck Equipment Assn. (NTEA).

    Class 3 sales were reported to have grown in January, February and March at rates of 59.3%, 82.1% and 65.5%, respectively. Following the revision, Class 3 rates were shown to have declined by 16.9%, 18.5% and 22.6%, respectively.

    About the Author

    Sean Kilcarr

    Editor in Chief

    Sean Kilcarr is a former longtime FleetOwner senior editor who wrote for the publication from 2000 to 2018. He served as editor-in-chief from 2017 to 2018.

     

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

    Sign up for our free eNewsletters

    Latest from News

    Dana Inc.
    Dana Spicer HVT1 transmission combines hydrostatic and mechanical drives in an integrated 90-degree gearbox to provide precise low-speed maneuvering control.
    In a move that will impact vocational fleets, Allison aims to integrate Dana's off-highway drivetrain and propulsion technologies into its expansive commercial vehicle supplier...
    CSAA
    Officials from CSAA gathered with the Collision Engineering Career Alliance, Contra Costa administration, and Collision Engineering students for a check presentation.
    Hyundai, Carrier, CSAA Insurance Group, and Bridgestone make donations. U-Haul offers disaster help.
    Ford
    2025 maverick
    NHTSA’s latest safety notices feature engine failure, overloaded electrical systems, and more.