Class 8 truck sales in North America continued at a blistering pace in March, with 22,455 units sold — nearly 28% above the total in March 1998.
The total sales in the first three months of 1999 was 56,584, more than 25% above the record pace of the same period last year, according to Ward’s Communications, an analyst in Southfield, Mich. If sales continued at that rate throughout the year, the total would reach more than 226,000.
Dan Moore, an analyst with Stephens Inc. in Little Rock, Ark., said an increase in orders during March is not unusual.
"We typically see a ramp-up around this time of the year," he said, "and with replacement cycles growing shorter and Gross Domestic Product where it is, these figures are no surprise."
In addition, Moore said, the continued strength in the economy suggested that there would be little danger of overcapacity in the truck industry.
Freightliner Corp. continued to lead the pack, with sales of 6,607 vehicles, translating to a 29.4% market share. Its sales total was 27% above the figure posted in March 1998.
The company reported sales for the first three months of 17,177 — more than 26% above 1998.
Paccar, the parent of Kenworth and Peterbilt, posted the second-highest sales figures, at 4,987 for March and 12,044 for the first quarter. The totals were, respectively, 50% and 37% ahead of last year.
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