Class 8 truck orders in North America totaled 10,817 units last month, the fourth consecutive month that orders have shown an increase, according to FTR Associates.
Year-to-date orders through September 2009 are 5.2% ahead of the same period in 2008. That figure includes orders from the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as exports.
FTR President Eric Starks says the transportation industry forecasting company still believes "that any increases we are seeing now are partially driven by abnormal industry activity ahead of 2010 Environmental Protection Agency emissions mandates. The data we track does not support any significant purchasing activity driven by increased freight demand.
"We continue to advise our clients to expect a continued soft recovery at least through 2010."
