Class 8 new and net orders rose to six-month highs in October, to 29,824 and 28,026 units, respectively, according to the State of the Industry report released by ACT Research Co. (ACT).
This order flow suggests that 2011 will end strong, with production at or above 250,000 units, and also sets the stage for a robust 2012.
ACT’s report covers Class 5 through 8 vehicles for the North American market.
“News from carriers is good,” said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT. “Expectations for future freight and profitability are upbeat. Coupling truckers’ positive outlook into 2012 and the better-than-consensus economic news supports demand levels that we are seeing in the Class 8 market.”