Analysts: Many ’07 Trucks to Have ’06 Engines

cache of up to 100,000 new Class 8 trucks with 2006 diesel engines will be available next year, even though the federal government and truck makers want buyers to focus on 2007 engines with tougher pollution controls, according to industry analysts and consultants.

The supply will come from two sources: dealerships that are salting away already-built 2006 trucks for sale next year, and original equipment manufacturers who still will be working off a backlog of current-year engines well after 2007 begins.

Truck sales have been on a record pace this year as truckload fleets and other vehicle buyers have been scurrying to avoid the new and federally mandated ’07 engines that emit lower levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.