CK Commercial Vehicle Research has completed its 2013 Annual Fleet Study. Fifty-five representatives from small, medium, and large for-hire, private, and government fleets responded to this year’s 20-question survey.
Covered in the survey are planned 2014 truck and trailer purchases for replacement and added capacity, brand choice, equipment specifications, new technologies, effects of new regulations including hours of service, overall fleet health, and challenges for 2014.
Key points from this year’s study include:
•Percentage of survey participants planning equipment purchases in 2014 for Class 8 and trailer equipment is similar to 2013.
•Volumes for 2014 should increase over 2013 for all classes of vehicles covered in this report.
•More upside than risks is shown for 2014 orders.
•Specifications to reduce fuel consumption gaining, with fuel efficiency the number one factor chosen most often as a reason to buy a particular truck brand.
•Small percentage of planned Class 8 and trailer purchases is designated for added capacity.
•Most fleets are in good shape.
Some of the truck product developments announced over the past year are listed on the following pages and should offer fleet managers plenty of choices as they consider new equipment purchases for 2014 and beyond. ♦