‘Dismal’ New Truck Orders

New Class 8 truck orders through March were “dismal,” according to preliminary data from industry analyst FTR Associates.

Class 8 total net orders for all major North American OEM’s totaled 8,594 units in March, up 26 percent from February but still down 44 percent compared with March a year ago. Orders for the first quarter of 2009 reflect an annualized rate of 92,772 units. Figures include orders for the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as exports.

“We did see an increase in orders in March, which is of course positive news following the very low numbers which came in for January and February. However, the annualized rate of incoming Class 8 orders through March is still dismal,” said Eric Starks, president of FTR Associates.

“FTR does not see a sustainable rebound in Class 8 order activity for the foreseeable future. The industry and economic environment just don’t support increased fleet equipment purchases,” Starks said.

Final data for March will be available from FTR later in the month.