1Q Fleet Sentiment Report Positive for Commercial Vehicle Purchases

Feb. 5, 2013
There are positive signs for medium and heavy commercial truck and trailer purchases, according to the first-quarter Fleet Sentiment report compiled by CK Commercial Vehicle Research

There are positive signs for medium and heavy commercial truck and trailer purchases, according to the first-quarter Fleet Sentiment report compiled by CK Commercial Vehicle Research (CKCVR).

The FSR Buying Index which captures overall planned buying activity for the next three months has risen above the 100 benchmark for the first time since the inception of the index in the first quarter of 2008. The full FSR Buying Index table can be accessed at www.ckcvr.com.

Highlights:

· FSR Buying Index at 103.8, highest since 2Q 2012. The Buying Index measures percent of fleets planning to buy medium/heavy duty trucks and trailers along with expected volume of those orders – for the three months following the inquiry.

· New orders are primarily for replacement needs

· A 15% year-over-year improvement in the number of fleets that planned to order trucks

· Great Dane to receive largest portion of trailer orders from group responding to 1Q 2013 survey

· Majority of fleets responding have sufficient freight demand to meet their fleet capacity. 43% are impacted by a shortage of drivers for current equipment.

· “Driver education and experience” was chosen by the largest percentage of survey participants to have a positive impact on fuel efficiency. Other items that can or have improved fuel efficiency identified by over 50% were: speed governors, idle control products, aero cab designs, low rolling resistant tires, engine characteristics, aluminum wheels and automatic tire inflation systems.

Responses were received between January 15 and January 24. More information about the Fleet Sentiment Report and how to subscribe can be found at http://www.ckcvr.com/FSR.html

CKCVR regularly polls a group of small, medium and large for-hire, private and government fleet operators about their equipment purchasing plans and overall fleet environment. Each quarter, an estimated sixty participants report on their planned medium and heavy duty truck and trailer purchases including brand preferences, and whether they are designated for replacement or added capacity.

For more information about the Fleet Sentiment Report or other fleet studies conducted by CKCVR, visit www.ckcvr.com, send an email to [email protected] or call 614-459-9369.