Commercial vehicle orders up in August

Commercial vehicle net orders improved during August 2011, according to the preliminary reading of the North American medium- and heavy-duty vehicle markets developed by ACT Research Co.

Final August data will be released in mid-September, and North American Class 8 orders are expected to come in at 20,800 units, while Classes 5-7 orders are projected to reach 12,100 units. While the Classes 5-7 group was somewhat behind 2010’s level, Class 8 volume posted solid year-over-year gains. Additionally, both categories rebounded from July 2011 order levels. Preliminary net order numbers are subject to revision and are typically accurate to within 5% plus or minus.

“Despite unfolding economic uncertainty, both Classes 5-7 and Class 8 posted solid gains compared to July,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “While the Classes 5-7 volume was down versus last year, that comparison is to one of the strongest months of 2010. When Class 8 is taken into account, total Classes 5-8 commercial vehicle net orders posted a very solid year-over-year performance.”