In the latest release of its ACT North American Commercial Vehicle Outlook, Columbus, IN-based ACT Research Co. has increased its 2010 forecast for Class 8 truck production by 4,500 units-- boosting its expectation of year-over-year growth to 23%.
In addition, ACT has modestly increased its forecast for 2011, with year-over-year growth projected to be 62%.
But its forecast for Class 5-7 medium-duty vehicle production was reduced, as housing and construction sectors struggle to regain footing, according to ACT.
“The increase in our heavy-duty forecast is based on widespread strength in orders over the past few months,” said Kenny Vieth, senior analyst & partner with ACT Research. “We are seeing improving orders across OEMs and geographies, confirming that the broader market has started the long process of replacing the fleet,” he added.
Vieth noted that a “strengthening North American economy and improving supply/demand balance of freight-hauling truck capacity are primary factors” in the “continuing rebound” of both orders and production of commercial vehicles.
