Class 8 booked 19,400 net new orders in September, while Class 5-7 posted 22,000 net orders, according to the latest State of the Industry report, recently released by ACT Research Co. (ACT).
Kenny Vieth, ACT’s President and Senior Analyst, noted that there appears to be a growing tiredness around new vehicle demand as 2016 approaches.
“We’re seeing a pullback from the recent white hot activity, and are moving toward a more sustainable pace for heavy truck demand,” Vieth said. “Seasonally adjusted orders are well below build, backlogs are falling, cancellations are elevated, and inventories are high whether measured on an actual or relative basis.
“While the heavy truck market is poised for a correction, it is important to note the correction is occurring in a growing economy and in a period of healthy trucker profits.”
Concerning medium duty, Vieth said, “Collectively, the Class 5-7 market experienced yet another strong m/m increase in orders. Individually, Class 5 enjoyed a 22% y/y increase, while Classes 6-7 grew 9%.
“Strength in the Class 5 market was concentrated in trucks, while step van activity drove the incremental gain in the Class 6-7 market.”