Class 8 orders in May remained above 20,000 units for the eighth straight month, rising to their second-highest volume in 17 months, according to ACT Research.
New and net Class 8 orders were essentially flat at 24,218 units and 23,188 units, respectively while Classes 5-7 net orders totaled 17,088 units, the best order volume in the past eight months.
“New orders being placed for Class 8 vehicles continue to come from soon-to-be buyers who are genuine in their need for new trucks,” said Steve Tam, ACT’s VP-Commercial Vehicle Sector.
“Cancellations fell meaningfully in May, flirting with a new all-time low. The lack of speculative orders bodes well for the industry as any increase in need for trucks will translate immediately into order activity.”