Medium- and heavy-truck sales picked up in August 2007 but still remained markedly behind 2006's totals, according to figures compiled by Wards Communications.
Dealers sold 44,997 trucks with GVW ratings above 10,000 pounds during the month, down 28% from July 2006 (62,417) and up 12% from July 2007 (40,257).
Compared with July 2006, Class 8 trucks were down 59%, followed by Class 6 at 32%.
Through the first seven months of 2007, truck dealers sold 363,919 trucks with GVW ratings above 10,000 pounds, off 22% from the corresponding period of 2006.
Sales of light-duty trucks (GVW ratings of 10,000 pounds or less) allowed the overall market to gain 1% versus July 2006, with Class 2 up 21%. For the year, total sales were down 4%.