Preliminary used Class 8 volumes (same dealer sales) fell 8% month-over-month in January, but are 14% higher year-over-year compared to 2020, according to the latest preliminary release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks published by ACT Research.
Other data released in ACT’s preliminary report included month-over-month comparisons for January 2021, which showed that average prices dropped 7%, while average miles and age each rose 3% compared to December 2020. Compared to January of 2020, average price was 4% lower, while average miles was up 3% and average age was 2% higher.
ACT’s Classes 3-8 Used Truck Report provides data on the average selling price, miles, and age based on a sample of industry data. In addition, the report provides the average selling price for top-selling Class 8 models for each of the major truck OEMs – Freightliner (Daimler); Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar); International (Navistar); and Volvo and Mack (Volvo). This report is utilized by those throughout the industry, including commercial vehicle dealers to gain a better understanding of the used truck market, especially as it relates to changes in near-term performance.
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According to Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research, “While January seems to have started slowly, part of the story is expected.” He continued, “Sales volumes typically drop around 20% from December, so the 8% fall in preliminary same dealer sales does not seem too bad. Additionally, the fact that this January is running 14% ahead of January 2020 is a good sign that demand for used trucks remains strong.” Tam added, “Somewhat surprising was the sudden decline in the average sale price, but seasonality does comes into play with prices in January, as trucks are now a year older, and it is not unusual to see the average selling price fall 25% from December to January.”
ACT Research is recognized as the leading publisher of commercial vehicle truck, trailer, and bus industry data, market analysis and forecasts for the North America and China markets. ACT’s analytical services are used by all major North American truck and trailer manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as banking and investment companies. ACT Research is a contributor to the Blue Chip Economic Indicators and a member of the Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Panel. ACT Research executives have received peer recognition, including election to the Board of Directors of the National Association for Business Economics, appointment as Consulting Economist to the National Private Truck Council, and the Lawrence R. Klein Award for Blue Chip Economic Indicators’ Most Accurate Economic Forecast over a four-year period. ACT Research senior staff members have earned accolades including Chicago Federal Reserve Automotive Outlook Symposium Best Overall Forecast, Wall Street Journal Top Economic Outlook, and USA Today Top 10 Economic Forecasters. More information can be found at www.actresearch.net.
ACT’s 64th Seminar is scheduled for February 23-25, 2021. Focused on the continuous evolution and advancement of power and energy changes in the transportation and commercial vehicle markets, OUTLOOK Seminar 64 will feature key industry leaders such as Ryan Reed of Wabash National, John Bennett from Meritor, Lance Riegel of Marvin Johnson, and Dominick Beckman from Hino Motors. Look for more details on this event over the coming months and save the date for February’s event. Click here for seminar information.
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Access January's State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks Press Release.
Access January's State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks Preliminary Press Release.