Class 8 orders rose above 20,000 units for a sixth consecutive month in March, but fell sequentially for the first time since November. March Class 8 net orders totaled just over 22,000 units. Medium duty net orders totaled 15,400 units,  a volume just below February and year ago March levels, according to a recently released report from ACT Research Co. (ACT). The report covers Classes 5 through 8 vehicles for the North American market.
 
“Reflecting healthy economies and perhaps currency strength, Class 8 orders bound for Mexico and Canada rose to levels last seen in late 2011,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president & senior analyst. “Positively, cancellations fell to their lowest levels since Q3’10 for the second time in the past 3 months. Declining cancellation trends in the U.S. & Canada bode well for the future,” he added.
 
Underlying Medium Duty vehicle demand, stronger bus and RV orders month over month and year over year offset a pullback in step van orders. Classes 5-7 truck orders were flat from February to March.