Classes 5-8 Demand Remains Strong in January

Demand for new Classes 5-8 vehicles in the North American (NA) market remained elevated during January even though the month’s orders failed to match December’s near-record order intake.

For the January, preliminary data indicate that 53,200 NA Classes 5-8 vehicle net orders were booked (±5%). That volume represents a decline of 21% from December, but also a 5% improvement from a very strong year-ago January.

While orders moderated to their lowest volume since September, January’s orders represent a 638,400 unit annualized order placement rate. Actual numbers will be released mid-February.

“After three consecutive months in which Class 8 orders rose above 40,000 units, January’s Class 8 order intake of 35,400 units appears pedestrian,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s President & Sr. Analyst. “However, while October-December represent the three strongest months cycle-to-date, January orders tilt the scale at a respectable fifth best, and are closely aligned with the 6-month order trend.”

“Similar to Class 8, January’s medium duty orders don’t live up to the strong Q4 pace, but rise above year-ago activity,” Vieth added.

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