Jul 6, 2011 9:53 AM

Despite some recent easing in freight growth and a softening in the path of the US economy, demand for commercial vehicles continues to be strong. Widespread strength was apparent across all segments of the commercial vehicle market, according to recent data reported by ACT Research Co.

The June release of the ACT North American Commercial Vehicle Outlook reflects solid commercial vehicle demand through 2011 and well into 2012. This demand reflects pent-up replacement needs and improved financial performance at the fleets, supported by improved credit availability for well-qualified customers.

“While we have reduced our expectations for US economic growth somewhat, we still expect the overall economy to progress close to trend over during 2011 and into 2012,” said Sam Kahan, ACT’s chief economist. “There might be a soft patch in freight over the next month or two, but demand for Class 8 trucks continues to be strong. We feel that the industry’s ability to ‘build’  might actually be a volume constraint in 2011.”