While the sales of Class 8 trucks in the United States increased in October over September’s total, the big news continues to be the year-over-year improvement.
WardsAuto reported that October sales totaled 25,007 compared with 23,648 in September, an increase of 5.7 percent.
But the October 2018 total was up 39.5 percent over the October 2017 total of 17,928 and the October 2018 figure pushed the total year-to-date sales past 2017’s 12-month total.
Through October 2018, Class 8 sales in the U.S. have totaled 203,242 compared with 192,243 for the entirety of 2017.
Based on those numbers, total 2018 sales of Class 8 trucks could easily reach 250,000, which would make it the best year since the 2006 total of 284,008, sales sparked by the rush to beat the 2007 emissions standards.
International posted the biggest month-over-month increase at 31.9 percent, selling 4,806 units in October compared with 3,643 in September, and International also posted the best year-over-year with a gain of 71.6 percent. Volvo followed with an increase of 47.7 percent; Freightliner was next at 40.2 percent.
International also has the best year-to-date gain at 62 percent with 2018 sales of 29,112 compared with 17,973 through 10 months of 2017. Volvo was next with a gain of 57.2 percent on sales of 21,613 in 2018 compared with 13,752 in 2017.
Freightliner continues to be the market share leader in 2018 at 36.1 percent. Peterbilt, Kenworth and International are neck-to-neck for second with shares of 19.9, 14.6 and 14.3 respectively.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
