New truck orders plunge; EPA rules at fault?
Dec 9, 2003 12:00 PM, from staff and wire reports
Fleets orders of new trucks have declined, according to the 2004 Heavy Duty Truck Maintenance in the USA, a survey sponsored by the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) and fielded by Markinetics Inc.The study showed that only one-fifth of fleet decisionmakers ordered new trucks in 2002, compared with those who ordered new trucks from 1994 through 1999.
"The drop is due to the emissions-control regulations from EPA (the Environmental Protection Agency) that went into effect in 2002," said Frank Hampshire, HDMA director of research.
This study asked private fleet decisionmakers, for-hire fleet managers, and owner/operators about maintenance preferences and practices. Brand influence by products specification is one of many issues examined in the new report. The survey shows that despite a sour economy, truck operators continue to specify certain products by brands.
