Transport Topics reported that U.S. Class 8 truck sales grew sharply in January, jumping 52.9% compared with the first month of 2011, as all manufacturers posted gains of more than 40%, with the exception of Volvo Trucks, which dropped 5.2%.

Volvo was hit particularly hard by problems with Bendix brake valves, recalling more trucks than any of its competitors, the article said.

Citing the February 10 report from WardsAuto.com, Transport Topics said original equipment manufacturers sold 14,119 heavy-duty trucks, up from 9,236 the previous January.

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