Preliminary Class 8 Orders Up 24% in March: ACT

April 7, 2014
North American Classes 5-7 net orders are expected at 17,600 units (±5%) and Class 8 net orders are expected at 27,400 units (±5%) when actual data are released mid-month by ACT Research. The March figures are up 24% over the same month a year ago.

North American Classes 5-7 net orders are expected at 17,600 units (±5%) and Class 8 net orders are expected at 27,400 units (±5%) when actual data are released mid-month by ACT Research. The March figures are up 24% over the same month a year ago.

“Class 8 orders in March represented the lowest intake since November,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s President and Sr. Analyst, “but March was also the sixth best order month since early 2006, up 24% compared to a year ago. Typically a strong month, seasonal adjustment drops March orders to 26,100 units/314k SAAR. In Q1, Class 8 net orders were booked at a 353k SAAR.

“Like Class 8, Classes 5-7 net orders rose compared to March 2013, but slipped sequentially. In March, NA Classes 5-7 net orders totaled 17,600 units. That volume represents a 7% decline from February’s cycle-to-date high, and a 15% improvement from last March. Consistency continues to be part of the MD vehicle order story: Over the past three, six, and 12 months, orders have been booked at a 209k SAAR, a 206k SAAR and 204k units, respectively.”