Demand for heavy trucks has been extraordinary in the last couple of years but, thanks to supply chain snarls, manufacturers have struggled to get them built. Production pressure can impact model availability. We've seen that in both the RV and boat markets.
Earlier this year, Price Digests data showed that RV and boat manufacturers were offering fewer 2022 models than 2021 models, likely in an attempt to streamline production. But that’s not been the case for trucks.
Price Digests
The heavy duty truck market appears to be trending in the opposite direction. Price Digests tracks manufacturers who market in the U.S., excluding off-highway trucks. This group of manufacturers offered 130 model year 2021 units. That number went up to 166 for 2022 and is on track to remain stable for 2023 at 162 models. That’s good news for fleets and owner-operators who may be looking to add new trucks this year because there will be a wider selection available.
Demand for alternative fuel vehicles is helping drive model availability. When we look closer at the types of models being offered for next year, the share of the market made up by EVs is growing rapidly. There was only one heavy duty electric truck offered in the 2021 model year. That number is up to 10 for 2023.
