ZDB Posted March 27, 2018 Share Posted March 27, 2018 Mack Trucks: 'Significant Upward Pressure' on Class 8 Orders Date: March 26, 2018 FleetOwner.com “Things continue to hum [and] everything is working in the economy,” noted Jonathan Randall, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Mack Trucks, and that’s putting what he dubbed “significant upward pressure” on Class 8 orders. He explained during a press conference here at the Mid America Trucking Show that the U.S. economy continues to display “good momentum” in 2018 with 2.88% gross domestic product (GDP) growth expected this year compared to 2.3% in 2017. As a result, strong freight volumes, tight capacity, and rising freight rates have combined to generate a surge in Class 8 orders. Though Randall said Mack still expects Class 8 production to total 280,000 units this year, he stressed that number may go higher as orders increase from the long-haul sector and from fleets. “January and February were two of the biggest Class 8 order intake months ever,” Randall added. “There has been an influx of 70-in. sleeper orders and day-cab orders are now surpassing straight truck orders. It’s not just a replacement cycle [for older trucks]; we’re seeing growth [of fleets] as well.” He also noted that in 2017, the over-the-road sector comprised 41% of Class 8 sales, but over the last five month rolling average, that’s increased to 48%. Randall said Mack’s new highway tractor, the Anthem, is benefiting from that demand. Since it went into production in February, the OEM has built 500 Anthem models which are now either on dealer lots or in fleets... To Continue Reading, CLICK HERE Source: HDMA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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