Class 8 truck orders up markedly in June

Total net orders for Class 8 trucks for all major North American OEMs increased to 15,667 units during the month of June, according to data collected by research firm FTR Associates . That performance equates to a 20.5% increase over net orders in May of this year-- and a 90.8% hike over the numbers posted in June 2009.

FTR said that June orders reflect an annualized rate of 188,000 units, boosting the annualized order rate for the first half of 2010 to 137,000 units. That figure includes Class 8 trucks orders in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as well as exports.

“The increase in order activity is a welcome sign that the recovery for the commercial vehicle industry remains on track,” said Eric Starks, FTR president. “With the stronger order activity, production levels in the third quarter will likely be higher than initially anticipated.”