Medium, heavy truck sales up 14% in 2012

Jan. 14, 2013
Medium and heavy truck sales were up 1% in December over the same period a year ago and up 14% in 2012, according to figures compiled by Wards Communications

Medium and heavy truck sales were up 1% in December over the same period a year ago and up 14% in 2012, according to figures compiled by Wards Communications.

Dealers sold 56,286 trucks with GVW ratings above 10,000 pounds during the month, up from December 2011 (55,721) and up 27% from November 2012 (44,328).

Compared with December 2011, Class 8 trucks were down 13% (18,130, compared to 20,939). Class 7 sales were 3,898, up 8% from the 3,623 sold.

For the year, truck dealers sold 569,200 trucks with GVW ratings above 10,000 pounds, up from 501,478 in 2011.

Class 8 sales were 194,715, a 14% increase from 2011 (171,358). Class 7 sales were up 14% (46,854, compared to 41,212). Class 5 sales showed the largest increase of all classes—29%, 54,898, compared to 42,483.

Total sales of all classes were up 9%, from 6,951,210 to 7,544,036. Class 4 and 6 were the only ones with a decline (10% and 2%, respectively). The increases: Class 1 (10%), Class 2 (14%), Class 3 (14%).

Every class except Class 8 was up in December over the same month in 2011, with the biggest increase in Class 5 (20%).

About the Author

Rick Weber | Associate Editor

Rick Weber has been an associate editor for Trailer/Body Builders since February 2000. A national award-winning sportswriter, he covered the Miami Dolphins for the Fort Myers News-Press following service with publications in California and Australia. He is a graduate of Penn State University.