Total net orders for Class 8 trucks have reached their lowest levels since July of 2002, giving some analysts hope that perhaps that number has hit bottom. While it may have reach the point at which it will post gains, market researchers tend to think it may have a lot more to do with the hefty price tags 2010-emission compliant equipment carries, not to mention the uncertainty of its return on investment. With this in mind, analysts say perhaps many fleets will hold off on buying until they see more concrete numbers on ROI or whether any serious maintenance issues crop up.

Preliminary data indicates Class 8 truck total net orders for all major North American OEMs dropped to 6,221 units in January this year, according to research firm FTR Associates. That marks the lowest level reached since July of 2002.

January’s order activity – which includes the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Exports – is down 46.4% from December and 20.1% lower than the same month in 2009.

Yet this falloff in net orders isn’t unexpected, Eric Starks, FTR president, told FleetOwner, and orders should remain down for the next three months or so.

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