FTR Associates has released preliminary data showing August Class 8 truck total net orders for all major North American OEMs at 12,337 units, up 8.3 percent over July’s net orders and 16.8 percent better than August 2009.

August order activity came in near the monthly average of 13,000 units recorded over the last six months. The figure includes U.S., Canada, Mexico and exports.
 
Eric Starks, FTR president, said, “August net orders for Class 8 vehicles came in about where we expected, very similar to July numbers. We believe for the balance of the year orders will continue to be received at comparable levels. Going forward, a critical point to watch is order activity in October and November, which typically sees a seasonal spike in activity. These months will set the stage for demand in 2011.”