According to the recently released N.A. Commercial Vehicle On-Highway Engine OUTLOOK, published by ACT Research and Rhein Associates, Class 8 production is expected to continue its growth trend into 2019, but changes in demand for straight trucks and tractors will impact the type of diesel engines ordered.

Tom Rhein, president of Rhein Associates commented, “Tractors represented 73% of total Class 8 production in 2018, but are forecast to fall to 68% by 2021, with straight trucks expected to grow to 32%. Simultaneously, the trend to smaller displacement engines in Class 8 will continue through the forecast period, with 12-14L engines exceeding the 14L category for the first time in 2019.”

Regarding Classes 5-7, Rhein said, “The V8/10 engine configuration is predominant in the Class 5 segment, where gasoline penetration is increasing. In Classes 6-7 trucks, 6-cylinder diesel engines remain the predominant engine configuration.”

Further, Ken Vieth, general manager of ACT Research, noted, “Diesel power is under attack long-term for use in on-highway commercial vehicles. Alternative power is being developed, tested, and refined, while diesel engines are also undergoing transition to become more fuel efficient and clean. Emission regulations are one of the main drivers of alternative fuel adoption, which is why the Engine OUTLOOK includes a section on the commercial vehicle regulatory environment. It is vital for industry participants to stay up-to-date on developments like the recent EPA update to the NOx emission standards for heavy-duty engines and funding awarded under the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA).”

The latest NA On-Highway Engine OUTLOOK published by ACT Research and Rhein Associates highlights this alt fuel activity for CV GVWs 5-8, including five-year forecasts of engines volumes and product trends. The Engine Outlook ties to the detailed NA CV vehicle forecasts published monthly by ACT in the NA OUTLOOK.