Feb truck orders much better than previous month

NASHVILLE, Ind. — Class 8 truck total net orders for all major North American OEMs were at 7,628 units, 19.7 percent higher than January when orders were the lowest since 2002.

While February compared positively to the previous month as well as to February 2009, orders were still significantly below 2009 average of 10,064 units, reports FTR Associates.

"The February numbers were what we expected," said Eric Starks, President of FTR. "Our forecast models continue to predict slow recovery in new Class 8 orders impacted by 2010 EPA emission regulations and the large inventory of useable vehicles in the market.

"We don’t expect a good bounce in Class 8 demand until 2011."