NASHVILLE, IN — Preliminary data released by FTR Associates shows that January Class 8 truck orders are coming in at 24,906 units for all major North American OEMs.

Month over month from December, January’s orders were down 17 percent, and 9 percent lower than January 2011.

Although current orders show negative comparisons, FTR noted that January activity is similar to the last six months of reports and at close to 25,000 units, remains in positive territory.

Jonathan Starks, FTR’s director of transportation, said that January orders were firmly within their expectations. Analysis

"We continue to expect strong order activity as we finish the first quarter in preparation for the modestly robust freight environment that we anticipate for 2012," he added.

"The 3-month annualized rate of 300,000 orders is slightly above our current 2012 production outlook but well below the highs seen back in 2005 and 2006. Back then we peaked at an annualized order rate of over 550,000 units and production hit 372,000 vehicles.

"The vehicle markets have rebounded strongly the past two years but are well below their pre-recession peaks.”