TIC reports some short-term stock shortages but sees heavy duty segment holding up
March 6, 2013
Total commercial vehicle sales for the first two months of calendar 2013 are up compared with last year as demand continues to build.
The recovery that marked last year shows no sign of easing as 2,334 vehicles were
bought last month, compared with 2,263 the previous February, according to Truck Industry Council (TIC) figures.
For January and February, the figures soared through the 4,000 mark, notching 4,213 compared with the earlier period’s 3,972.
Apart from that, this early stage makes meaningful observations difficult, though it might be noted that Freightliner’s heavy-duty performance has been excellent, more than doubling its sales for the two months to sit at 117, compared with 49. Some observers speculate that the a ready industry acceptance of its DD15 engine might go some way to explaining the shift.
Segment leader Kenworth has overcome a relaxed January to reach 201 units for February for a total of 314, with UD recording something similar from a much lower position at 14 and 22 respectively.
Against that, while CAT has had a slow start, with eight units sold compared with 40 the year before for the two months.
Fiat has also more than doubled its comparable light-duty truck sales for the period to 120 units from 57 last year.
On the medium duty side, Hino took the fight up to segment leader Isuzu, beating it by one unit in February at 171 but trailing for both months, 282 to 402.
“Several TIC members are reporting stock shortages in the short term, so the February marker perhaps could have been higher if supply was available,” TIC Chief Executive Tony McMullen says.
“However, the market conditions appear to be holding at the heavier end.
“Truck manufacturers are encouraged by the growth in the market, although they report that sales are ‘patchy.
“It is interesting to note that the sales of light-duty trucks and vans appear to reflect the subdued performance of the retail sector over the past six months.
“The real interest will be if truck and van sales improve in line with retailer confidence levels over the course of 2013.”
