Trucks with gross vehicle weight ratings in excess of 10,000 pounds were up 42% in July, according to figures compiled by Wards Communications.
Dealers sold 61,723 medium and heavy trucks during the month, up from 43,609 sold during July 2004.
Class 3 trucks (GVW ratings of 10,001 to 14,000 pounds) had the steepest increase, up 176% from July 2004. Class 8 trucks (GVW ratings above 33,000 pounds also were up sharply, topping year-earlier levels by 25%.
Through the first seven months of 2005, dealers sold 385,149 medium and heavy trucks, up 32%. Class 3 trucks led the way with an 89% increase. Others posting strong gains were Class 8 (up 33%), Class 5 (up 28%), and Class 7 (up 27%) through the first seven months of 2005.