Survey says demand is low for 2010 equipment

Respondents to the 2009 Fleet Study were wary of committing to placing orders for the new equipment in the first half of 2010, according to the CK Commercial Vehicle Research survey.

The Trucker News Services

11/18/2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The 2009 Fleet Study conducted by CK Commercial Vehicle Research indicates a likely slow demand for new 2010 EPA compliant power units when they are initially introduced. 

Respondents to the study were wary of committing to placing orders for the new equipment in the first half of 2010, according to the survey. Even the 42 percent of respondents who said they might place orders characterized, on average, the actual probability that trucks would be purchased in the first six months of 2010 at 50 percent. 

The 2009 Fleet Study analyses data received during September and October from for-hire, private and government fleets operating in excess of 51,000 medium and heavy duty power units and 84,000 trailers.

In addition to the 2010 equipment demand analysis, the full 2009 report includes fleet preferences for engine technology as well as brake technology to meet the new stopping distance regulations, vehicle characteristics with average annual miles being driven and average age of equipment segmented by fleet type. 

Respondents to the study also answered questions regarding their maintenance practices, replacement part purchases, specification and warranty preferences, and other industry issues. 

Information included in the report is designed to be valuable to any component or equipment supplier, distributor or manufacturer interested in understanding and satisfying the needs of the end user in the heavy duty transportation industry.    

A synopsis of the report along with ordering information can be found at www.ckcvr.com under Annual Industry Fleet Study link.

CK Commercial Vehicle Research routinely surveys fleet representatives and publishes the quarterly Fleet Sentiment Report. This report analyses current fleet equipment buying plans as well as discussion of important issues facing operators of medium and heavy duty transportation equipment. 

Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at kevinj@thetrucker.com.

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