Class 8 Sales Jump 44.5%

October 21, 2004 7:00 AM, EDT

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.S. retail sales of Class 8 trucks in September jumped 44.5% over the previous September to the highest total in more than four years as buyers added capacity to meet strong demand, replaced aging vehicles and accelerated purchases ahead of higher price tags coming in 2007 when new emission regulations begin.

For the first nine months of the year, big-rig sales were up 43.1% over the same 2003 period to 144,059 units, Ward’s Communications said.

eptember’s total of 18,642 units was the highest since June 2000, according to Ward’s. It was the eleventh month in a row sales increased over the previous year.

Truck makers and analysts said there was resurgence in purchasing across all segments and all customer types.

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