FTR released preliminary data showing December 2014 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 43,620, the third consecutive month above the 40,000 level. According to the research firm, December’s order strength, unlike the previous two months, was broad based among OEMs, with almost all manufacturers showing healthy increases from the previous month indicating an overall vibrant truck market. Total North American Class 8 truck orders for 2014 equaled 375,000 units, the second highest order year in history with fourth quarter 2014 orders exceeded only by first quarter 2006, reported FTR.

“The market momentum is now feeding on itself with orders once again exceeding expectations in December,” said Don Ake, FTR vice president of commercial vehicles. “Reports are that more than 75% of the larger fleets have their 2015 orders booked. One OEM reportedly has lead times for volume orders out to July. With build slots at a premium, fleets have accelerated orders for 2015 requirements to reserve their places for future deliveries. Some of these orders will inevitably be moved out or even cancelled, but for now the industry is very bullish on the 2015 truck market.”