Total North American Class 8 truck production peaked in 2015, with ACT predicting lower demand in 2016 and 2017 followed by recovery. A preemission boom is forecasted in 2019 and 2020, before a sharp drop into 2021, according to a new report by Americas Commercial Transportation (ACT) Research and Rhein Associates. The N.A. On-highway CV Engine Outlook, available now, is designed to present historical trends, current activity and forecasts of engine demand in on-highway commercial vehicles. The report analyzes significant trends in engine displacement, engine type (diesel, gasoline, natural gas, and other), captive versus non-captive engines, and premium versus non-premium power for Class 8 vehicles.

“This analysis of engine history and its related forecast highlight the trends in engine type and displacement,” said Tom Rhein, President of Rhein Associates. He added, “New and revised engine introductions over the next few years, together with emission impacts, will lead to changes in demand.”

According to ACT’s senior partner and general manager, Ken Vieth, “The Class 8 engine analysis centers on diesel engines as gasoline engines are not available in trucks of this size, and OEM installed alternative fuel engines (natural gas) are currently only available from Cummins Westport: ISL-G (8.9L) and ISX-12G (11.9L).” Vieth continued, “Demand for natural gas engines has slowed in 2016, constituting less than 2% of total engines used in Class 8 trucks.”

Rhein Associates is a major supplier of powertrain information to worldwide clients enabling accurate and informed business decisions and marketing plans. RAI produces 3 major publications: The Rhein Report (leading monthly newsletter), The Future of Diesel Engines (5 year history and forecast book), and various engine databases as well as accomplishing various consulting projects.

ACT is the worldwide leading publisher of new and used commercial vehicle (CV) industry data, market analysis and forecasting services for the North American market, as well as the U.S. tractor-trailer market and the China CV market. ACT’s CV services are used by all major North American truck and trailer manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as the banking and investment community.