Class 8 order backlog nears 100,000 units

March 28, 2011
Class 8 commercial vehicles net orders for North American markets totaled 24,300 units (not seasonally adjusted) in February 2011, down from January, but sufficiently higher than production to push the Class 8 heavy-duty backlog volume to just under 100,000 units.

Class 8 commercial vehicles net orders for North American markets totaled 24,300 units (not seasonally adjusted) in February 2011, down from January, but sufficiently higher than production to push the Class 8 heavy-duty backlog volume to just under 100,000 units.

One year ago, that number was just over 44,000 units. ACT Research Company LLC says these numbers are a reflection of the strength of Class 8 demand as the economy continues to improve.

The February net order volume represents a continuation of the order strength demonstrated the last several months of 2010 and is continuing into 2011, according to Ken Vieth, senior partner and general manager at ACT. Class 8 orders these past months are being booked at a rate in excess of 300,000 units when annualized.

“The uptick in orders continues to restock industry backlogs, setting the stage for significant production increases as we move through 2011,” said Vieth.

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