North American medium and heavy-duty truck volumes rose incrementally in June compared to May's three-year low, though they remained down 69% from June 2018. Preliminary data showed 13,100 Class 8 trucks were ordered in June, up 20% from May but a significant drop from the previous year. The medium-duty order trend also remains below 2018's pace due to underlying consumer economic strength, with June orders for Classes 5-7 trucks at 19,200 units, down 30% year-over-year. ACT Research is the leading publisher of commercial vehicle data and analysis for North America and China.

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July 2, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACT Research: NA Medium and Heavy-Duty Volumes Rise Incrementally in June
COLUMBUS, IN – Preliminary North America Class 8 net order data show the industry booked 13,100
units in June, gaining 20% from May’s three-year low, but down a significant 69% from year-ago June’s
very tough comparison. Note that these numbers are preliminary. Complete industry data for June,
including final order numbers, will be published by ACT Research in mid-July.
“Weak freight market and rate conditions across North America and a still-large Class 8 backlog continue
to bedevil new Class 8 orders,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s President and Senior Analyst. He continued,
“Seasonal adjustment lifts June’s Class 8 net orders to 15,100 units, and through the first half of 2019,
Class 8 net orders were booked at a 181,000 SAAR.”
Regarding the medium duty market, Vieth explained, “The medium-duty order trend remains off the pace
set in the first half of 2018, but continues to benefit from the underlying strength in the consumer
economy. In June, NA Classes 5-7 net orders were 19,200 units, down 30% y/y and 5.7% from May.
While we have to go back 23 months to find a weaker MD order month on an actual basis, we only have
to go back three months when looking at seasonally adjusted data.”
ACT Research is recognized as the leading publisher of commercial vehicle truck, trailer, and bus industry
data, market analysis and forecasting services for the North American and China markets. ACT’s
analytical services are used by all major North American truck and trailer manufacturers and their
suppliers, as well as banking and investment companies. More information can be found at
www.actresearch.net.
Click here for more information about ACT’s Classes 5-8 reports.
ACT’s 61st seminar is scheduled for August 12-14, 2019, and will feature a dealer panel, as well as
discussions on near-term demand of North American commercial vehicle markets and the impacts of
tomorrow’s technical challenges. A global forecasting workshop is also being planned in conjunction with
this semi-annual event. Click here for seminar information.
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