Until contractors are back on jobsites in full force, commercial vehicle makers are in a holding pattern—waiting for contractors to buy new gear instead of repairing their old kit.
Manufacturers at this year’s Work Truck Show didn’t need to be reminded that 2009 was a bad year. Total truck sales plummeted 24% in 2009, reports IHS Global Insight. “It was one huge hit to take,” said Stephen Latin-Kasper, research director with the National Truck Equipment Association, organizer of the annual exhibition held on March 9-12 in St. Louis that brings in truck-equipment suppliers from across the country.