Truck market continues rebound from slow 2009, according to new data on monthly deliveries for February
By Gary Worrall | March 9, 2009
The Australian truck market looks set to continue its rebound from the depths of 2009, following the release of the February monthly deliveries by the Truck Industry Council.
While Isuzu continues to dominate the market, there are signs the competition is also enjoying a renaissance with 2327 units delivered to new owners despite February being the shortest working month of the year.
Although the top sellers such as Kenworth in their category have not changed in years, the brands looking to chase them down reported good figures for the month.
Chief among these were Hino and Fuso, which have grown their respective markets due to customer interest and renewed product ranges such as Fuso’s automatic and hybrid Canter light duty truck versions.
Hino is also taking orders for the 300 Series Hybrid.
In the larger categories, Western Star recorded a strong start to the year with 70 units finding new homes, following the impressive 60 trucks delivered in January and setting the scene for an interesting 18 months to come as its Euro 5-compliant trucks get ready to hit the road.
Also recording strong results in the heavy duty market were Volvo (66), Freightliner (51) and Mack (49).
The figures, however, were eclipsed by Isuzu which delivered 68 units for the month.
The medium duty segment is virtually all Japanese, with Isuzu, Hino and Fuso taking the top three spots, followed by UD Trucks.
Iveco and Volvo are the only two non-Japanese to make into double figures for the month.
The light duty market is also dominated by Isuzu, Hino and Fuso.
Although European heavy duty vans and their cab-chassis variants did make an impression, they were still some way off their Japanese rivals.
The only sector dominated by European manufacturers remains the light duty van market, where Mercedes-Benz has a big advantage over its rivals due to ongoing contracts with customers such as Australia Post.
The maker is also poised to strengthen its grip with the recent release of its Euro 5 van range.
However Volkswagen is due to showcase its new models during March, setting the stage for a battle between the German manufacturers.