Truck sales up marginally in January

Trucks with gross vehicle weight ratings in excess of 10,000 pounds were up 1% in January, according to figures compiled by Wards Communications. Dealers sold 45,371 medium and heavy trucks during the month, up from 44,821 sold during January 2005.

Class 5 trucks had the steepest increase, up 17% from January 2005. Class 4 trucks also were up 12%, followed by Class 8 at 5%.

Slow sales of light-duty trucks (GVW ratings of 10,000 pounds or less) were flat. Retail sales of Class 2 trucks were down 4% from January 2005 (146,372, compared to 153,201). Class 1 was up 4% (426,192, compared to 411,572).