According to the Truck Industry Council the number of truck sales for February 2013 was a total of 2,334 units, a slight increase of 3.1% in sales when compared with the same month last year.
February 2013 was the strongest post-GFC monthly result, yet it is still 22.6% below the market record achieved in February 2008.
The stand out performer among the market segments was Heavy Duty. There were 869 units sold, or 16.3% higher than February 2012.
Medium Duty truck sales were the other improver, totaling 505 units or an increase of 1.2% on February 2012.
By contrast, Light Duty truck sales posted a decline of 2.9% compared with February 2012, and sales of vans sold in the Light Duty category also slowed to 294 units, or 11.2% lower than in 2012.
Tony McMullan, CEO of Truck Industry Council said several TIC members are reporting stock shortages in the short term.
“The February market perhaps could have been higher if supply was available,” he said.
“However, the market conditions generally appear to be holding at the heavier end. Truck manufacturers are encouraged by the growth in the market, although they report that sales are ‘patchy’. It is interesting to note that the sales of Light Duty trucks and vans appear to reflect the subdued performance of the retail sector over the past six months. The real interest will be if truck and van sales improve in line with retailer confidence levels over the course of 2013.”