Class 8 orders up dramatically in March

FTR Associates released preliminary data today showing March Class 8 truck net orders for all major North American OEM’s 35.9% higher than February and 21.1% above March 2009. According to the figures, orders were received for 10,505 units.

While the March preliminary numbers are the highest yet for 2010, the annualized order rate over the past three months is still below 100,000 units. The figure includes U.S., Canada, Mexico and exports.

“Each month in 2010, we have seen an improvement in orders for Class 8 vehicles,” said Eric Starks, president, “which is certainly encouraging. However, we have not changed our overall outlook for 2010. We believe the combination of excess capacity and the impact of the EPA mandate will hold Class 8 equipment demand this year essentially flat compared to 2009.”

Final data for March will be available from FTR later in the month.