Class 8 Net Orders Roll Strong

North American Class 8 net orders totaled 52,629 units in July, marking the fifth time in seven months in which industry orders cracked 40,000 units, according to ACT Research.

“Making July’s order intake more impressive is the fact that the month is typically the weakest of the year,” said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst.

Vieth added, “Much of the past two-month order surge is attributable to dealers booking build slots for 2019 and not to say that current order activity will not be converted into customer sales, it is worth noting that as lead times extend, orders are inherently more speculative. In the meantime, the industry continues to finish units that were not completed in Q2 owing to various parts shortages, with July’s build rising to 31,039 units.

”Regarding the medium duty markets, Vieth commented, “Medium duty production handily beat build plans for a sixth consecutive month in July, with build coming at 22,160 units.” He added, “The build plan now anticipates full-year medium duty build at 270,500 units.”