Truck sales trends shift 10 years on

Owner//Driver looks at TIC sales data and uncovers a few differences, 10 years on

Representatives of the Truck Industry Council (TIC) have said Truck sales are reaching highs not seen in the past 10 years and some brands have become markedly more popular than others.

Earlier this month, the TIC said first quarter new truck and van sales in 2018 had reached 8,675, eclipsing the record set ten years earlier in 2008, when 8,267 new trucks and vans were delivered.

ATN has compiled data from the monthly reports, building combined first quarter reports from both years. While it can be argued the data is an arbitrary sample – the results nonetheless show a significant boost in popularity for some, and a noticeable fall for others. Here are the results.

Truck Industry and Brand Trends - 2008 – 2018

While Kenworth was the buying public’s favourite in both 2018 and 2008 heavy-duty truck sales, Western Star fell significantly, from 323 vehicles and second place in 2008 to 78 in the first quarter of this year – making it the 14th most popular brand according to TIC data.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz tripled in popularity, from 71 sold in 2008 to 218 in 2018. Suggesting Isuzu, Volvo and Scania sales also increasing significantly in the 10-year period.

Large falls were also seen in Freightliner, down from 226 to 104 sold in 2018, and International, down from 132 to 15. Sterling trucks were discontinued in 2009.

Other stand out differences were in the Medium Duty category, with a spike in sales for MAN – 242 in 2018 compared with 8 sold 10 years prior – and in Van sales, with Renault leapfrogging its competition to sell 341 in the first quarter of this year, up from 75 in 2008.

For more updates on the industry and which truck brands are worth considering for your next purchase, stay tuned to the Truck Assist Club for opinions and insights you can count on.