Good Start for 2013 Truck Sales

Truck sales rose 10 percent in January compared with the same month in 2012, according to the latest T-Mark industry statistics.

The figure of 1,879 units continues the strong performance shown in the second half of last year.

However, the Truck Industry Council (TIC) warns sales may taper in coming months.

“Truck market conditions tend to lag the general economy by three to four months and housing starts by around six months, so any possible slowdown as predicted by economists for 2013 will not be reflected by a downturn in truck sales for several months yet,” the group says.

Heavy duty sales in January totalled 605; medium duty 456; light duty 615; and vans (above 3.5 tonnes GVM) 203, which was a decrease on January 2012.

Isuzu led the jump out of the barriers for 2013, selling 523 trucks, followed by Hino (242); Fuso (203); Kenworth (113); and Volvo (99).
TIC CEO Tony McMullan says the freight task is still running hot despite the predictions for a slowing economy.

“These conditions, combined with competitive interest rates, appear to have led more truck buyers back to the market, at least for now,” McMullan says.

“However if the forecast road freight task is to be met, truck sales will need to return to 2007-08 levels soon. Otherwise we will have a significantly ageing fleet which brings with it a poorer environmental and safety outcome.”

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