The boost in Class 8 truck orders to close out 2009 is being attributed to pre-buys before 2010 federal emissions standards take effect, as well as higher volumes from Mexico and other export markets. Net orders for December posted a 37 percent year-over-year increase, though numbers for the year were 33 percent below 2008 levels. According to the report released by the ACT, the last four months of 2009 were the strongest of the year.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Net orders for Class 8 trucks were up 37% year-over-year in December, according to the latest State of the Industry: Classes 5-8 Vehicles published by ACT Research.

The report concludes that the last four months of 2009 were the strongest in a very soft year. For the full year, Class 8 net orders were 33% below 2008 levels, ACT reports. Medium-duty Class 5-7 net orders were down 8% year-over-year in December and down 35% for the full year.

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