According to preliminary data from ACT Research, North American Class 8 net orders in June reached 15,500 units, while Classes 5-7 net orders reached 17,800 units. ACT Research will publish complete industry data for June, including final order numbers, in mid-July.

“Seasonal adjustment lifts the Class 8 June total to 18,300, representing the strongest seasonally adjusted total since March and in line with the January through May adjusted average of 18,500 units,” Eric Crawford, vice president and senior analyst for ACT Research, said. “So despite broader macro uncertainty about Russia/Ukraine, China, interest rates and potential recession, the prevailing theme in Class 8 remains exceedingly durable; long backlogs and supply chain-constrained production continue to keep new orders trending within a narrow range.

“Considering Class 8 backlogs stretch into 2023, that there is still no clear visibility on the easing of all things shortage and the increasing market jitters about an impending recession, June’s net orders were quite solid. June demand for medium-duty vehicles was a bright spot. Classes 5-7 orders rose sequentially, and when seasonally adjusted, data represents the third highest seasonally adjusted total of the year, thus far.”