The U.S. average retail price of diesel fell 7.4 cents to $2.659 per gallon, the Department of Energy reported March 23 as oil prices went lower.

Commercial Vehicle Group Inc., a global supplier of cab-related products and systems, earlier this month reported a fourth-quarter net loss and lower revenue as the commercial vehicle and construction markets contracted, and shortly thereafter announced the appointment of a new leader.

XPO Logistics Inc. said the current economic environment has compelled it to step back from earlier plans to explore the sale or spinoff of some of its assets.

Leading tire makers serving the North American commercial vehicle market reported, separately, they have paused production, while warehouse and distribution operations continue. All manufacturers cited the COVID-19 crisis and a steep decline in demand.

Medium-duty sales in February posted a 5% gain as the two lighter segments offset weakness in the heavier two, WardsAuto.com reported.

While truck drivers are out delivering freight to restock bare shelves or deliver medicines and other vital goods, commercial vehicle manufacturers, dealers and suppliers in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic are focused on keeping their employees healthy and ensuring services, equipment and components remain available to fleets.

U.S. trailer orders in February weakened to land below 13,000 as the coronavirus threatened to erode demand further, ACT Research reported.

For fleets, COVID-19 portends worse news in a freight market that already was slowing, executives said, as businesses urge their staff to work from home and consumers withdraw from daily activities.

Class 8 U.S. retail sales in February dropped 22.1% to 15,460 compared with a year earlier, WardsAuto. com reported.

Mercedes-Benz, a unit of Daimler AG, announced March 10 extensively upgraded versions of its diesel-powered Vito van available for ordering in Europe now and its battery electric eVito model available for ordering this summer.