2004 Truck Sales Top 203,000

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.S. retail sales of Class 8 trucks surged 44.5% in December to their highest level in almost four years, pushing sales for the full year above 200,000 for the first time since 2000.

The 2004 sales total of 203,197 heavy-duty trucks — a 43.1% gain over 2003 — was the fourth-highest volume ever, Ward’s Communications reported.

ales figures trailed 1999, 2000 and 1998, which were, respectively, first, second and third.

December’s single-month total of 21,822 trucks sold made it the strongest month for Class 8 sales since March 2000, when truck makers sold 23,562 units.

Some manufacturers said the recent momentum was an important signal for 2005 as well.

Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing with market-leading Freightliner Trucks, told Transport Topics that “the build rates for the 4th quarter were a lot higher [than earlier in the year] and I think we will continue to grow at those rates into this year.

For the full story, see the Jan. 24 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.

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