ACT Research's latest report indicates strong demand but stagnating freight growth in the North American commercial vehicle industry. Class 8 metrics show robust retail sales and a jam-packed backlog, while freight metrics are softening, leading to record class 8 inventory. The medium duty market remains stable, with most metrics aligning with expectations.

1. Americas Commercial Transportation Research
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E-Mail: trucks@actresearch.net
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May 16, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACT Research: Demand Strength and Stagnating Freight Growth Continue for North
American CV Industry
COLUMBUS, IN – According to ACT Research’s (ACT) latest State of the Industry: Classes 5-8
Report, April’s Class 8 metrics generally aligned with expectations, with the lone exception of
cancellations, which continued to trend lower.
“Data continue to tell the same stories we have been reporting. First and foremost, the story
remains one of current demand strength: The backlog remains jam-packed and robust retail
sales highlight good follow-through on all those orders that were booked in the last half of 2018,”
said Kenny Vieth, ACT Research’s President and Senior Analyst. He added, “The second story
starts with those softening freight metrics, pivots on robust build and sales, and ends with the
reality of a record new Class 8 inventory. In short, freight growth is stagnating, even as Class 8
population growth is accelerating.”
Regarding the medium duty markets, Vieth commented, “Medium duty metrics remained in-line
with expectations again in April, as most metrics were close to their prevailing trends.”
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 State of the Industry: Classes 5-8 Report.
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.
Contributor to Blue Chip Economic Indicators and member of WSJ’s Economic Forecast Panel
www.actresearch.net