Class 8 vehicle order backlog eases in June

After increasing for nine consecutive months, North American Class 8 backlog slid less than 1% during June 2011. This easing was the result of a second straight month of slower order activity, as net orders came in at 21,266 units (not SA) during June. June net orders were 9% below May levels. This updated status of the North America commercial vehicle market was included in the State of the Industry report recently released by ACT Research Co. The report covers Class 5–8 vehicles for the North American market.

“Despite the slowing in new order activity over the last couple of months, it is important to note that the industry backlog continues to be very solid,” said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT. “Cancellations continue to be very low, an indication of the quality of the orders currently booked at the OEMs.”