Natural gas truck sales numbers see modest improvement

U.S. and Canadian natural gas Class 8 truck retail sales improved modestly in February, after getting off to a slow start in 2016, according to a recent report from ACT Research. The “Natural Gas Quarterly” attributes this to a high number of natural gas (NG) vehicle repeat sales, despite the continuing low cost of diesel prices, which is making the return on investment for adopting of natural gas less lucrative for fleets not yet invested in NG-fueled vehicles.

“With the fuel price differential continuing to narrow, the ROI to convert from diesel to natural gas is moving in the wrong direction: payback periods are lengthening,” said Ken Vieth, ACT’s senior partner and general manager. “This doesn’t mean the adoption of NG fuel has stopped or that there are no new developments supporting a future uptick in NG truck orders. Despite a 3% month-over-month uptick in February, year-to-date volumes are 14% below 2015’s level and year-over-year sales are down 25%. NG infrastructure continues to be built, albeit at targeted locations, and existing NG equipment users remain committed to its long-term viability and emission benefits.”

For the full report and more information, visit ACT’s website here.

Fontaine Specialized announced the new Magnitude 75 lowbed trailer. This 3+3+2 modular multi-purpose trailer is designed to transport a diverse range of loads, according to Fontaine, who adds that the Magnitude 75 comes in three distinct deck options: flat (MFLD), drop side rail (MDSR), and beam (MBMD)."The Magnitude 75 epitomizes versatility in heavy-haul lowbeds. It accommodates loads of up to 75 tons in 16 feet as a 3+2 or with five close coupled axles," said Heather Gilmer, vice president of sales. "Furthermore, it adeptly handles 70 tons in just 12 feet configured with the tandem axle EQ2 spreader. This adaptable trailer features a hydraulic detachable gooseneck and a tridem axle bogie, each providing seven ride height positions. This enhanced flexibility is invaluable for operators maneuvering heavy loads across obstacles or beneath bridges.”Fontaine says the Magnitude 75 was made with 100,000-lb. minimum yield steel main beam flanges; and the flat and beam decks boast a 24-in. loaded deck height, while the drop side rail deck reduces it to 15-in. At full load, all modular decks offer 6-in. of ground clearance.