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FTR: Feb. Class 8 orders well below 2009 monthly average

NASHVILLE, Ind. —February Class 8 truck total net orders for all major North American OEM’s came in at 7,628 units, according to preliminary data from FTR Associates. The month’s orders were 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. The figure includes U.S., Canada, Mexico and exports, FTR noted.

“The February numbers were what we expected.  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.,” said Eric Starks, president of FTR. “We don't expect a good bounce in Class 8 demand until 2011.”

Final data for February will be available from FTR later in the month.

FTR Associates, located in Nashville, Ind., has been providing transportation forecasts for more than 20 years.  The company’s U.S. Freight Model collects and analyzes all data likely to impact freight movement and is based on specific characteristics for over 200 commodity groups.  FTR Associates’ forecast reports cover trucking and rail transportation and include demand analysis for commercial vehicle as well as railcar.  For more information about the work of FTR Associates, visit www.ftrassociates.com .

Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at [email protected] .

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