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Mixed messages from TIC truck market data

With the release of the latest truck sales numbers from the Truck Industry Council, there is no clear indication about how the trucking industry is approaching investing in new trucks. Although more trucks were sold in March 2014, when compared to 2013, the overall number so far this year is down on last year.

Things seem to be going quite well in the heavy duty sector of the market with the 1002 trucks sold last month, 11.3 per cent up on last year. Although, yet again, the overall figure for the year is only slightly up.

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Kenworth continue to dominate with 182 sales in March but Volvo snatched second spot for the year from Isuzu with 129 sales in March. Mack also had an improved month in March, snagging 10 per cent of the heavy duty truck market.

Medium duty truck sales seem to be slumping after a bright start last year. Sales are 12.3 per cent down on the first quarter of last year, returning to 2012 levels. Light duty sales seem to be following a similar trend with the first quarter total the lowest for four years.

Hino had a good month for sales in medium duty getting over 30 per cent of sales for the month. However Isuzu remain strong at 38.3 per cent market share for the year to date. Figures suggest the low level of market interest in light duty is not brand specific, with all brands retaining the same market share percentages.

These results were borne out by the general talk among suppliers at last week’s International Truck, Trailer and Equipment Show. Many reported a very patchy pattern of demand, with some sectors going well in certain areas and others not going so well. This period of uncertainty looks set to continue as confidence gradually seeps back into the economy.

 

 

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