ACT bumps up Class 8 production, sales forecast

Tps Logo Online Headshot
Updated Feb 14, 2024
Trucks driving on the sunny highway

After essentially holding the line on the forecast since last July, ACT Research announced Monday it has pushed its 2024 Class 8 production and sales expectations up in February, as published in its latest North American Commercial Vehicle Outlook report.

“In addition to an improving economic outlook, the decision to boost the forecast, despite near-term inventory risks, reflects the industry’s ability to more aggressively sell into Mexico and export markets, while maintaining strength in domestic vocational,” says Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “The 2024 market is atypically bifurcated: considerable strength remaining in U.S. and Canadian vocational markets and Mexico helps offset otherwise weak demand in U.S. and Canadian tractor markets, LTL excluded.”

Vieth adds with more time-sensitive manufacturing loads to haul, pent-up demand, and a strong peso, the forecast also anticipates Mexico-bound Class 8 production will rise considerably in 2024.

[RELATED: Truck orders see tiny bump in January]

“We think the economy’s cooperation, plus the OEMs’ desire to ensure supply-chain integrity by making sure the industry’s labor supply remains largely intact through 2024, adds upside to our higher forecast,” says Vieth. “While we view upside as more likely than down, we remain concerned that the largest piece of the North American market, U.S. for-hire truckload, is unlikely to be helpful in driving volume this year.”

Learn how to move your used trucks faster
With unsold used inventory depreciating at a rate of more than 2% monthly, efficient inventory turnover is a must for dealers. Download this eBook to access proven strategies for selling used trucks faster.
Download
Used Truck Guide Cover