SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -

U.S. used commercial vehicle registrations (GVW 3-8) climbed to a record level in 2010, according to Polk. Analysts determined that approximately 672,000 units were registered last year, a figure representing a 21.7-percent increase over the 2009 level.

With this increase, Polk asserted last week that used commercial vehicle registrations accounted for nearly 65 percent of last year’s total commercial vehicle market, including both new and used units.

Furthermore, the firm pointed out 2010 marked the first year registrations of used commercial vehicles exceeded 600,000 units. Analysts believe the uptick in the used market signifies a large opportunity for aftermarket parts manufacturers and suppliers that rely on the commercial repair and replacement business.  

“The significant increase in used vehicle registrations during the 2010 calendar year is indicative of a strengthening in the demand for commercial vehicles overall,” explained Gary Meteer, director of sales and client services at Polk.

“Large fleet owners and operators are upgrading to new vehicles, and therefore the smaller fleet companies and independent owner operators have the opportunity to find available clean used equipment,” Meteer continued.

“However, the pattern of used vehicle transactions indicates a softer supply of clean used equipment during the last quarter of the calendar year,” he added.

Polk also noticed demand for clean used equipment was greatest for GVW 8 vehicles as they represented more than 47 percent of all used commercial vehicle transactions last year.  

The firm said its most recent Commercial Vehicle Market Intelligence Report includes these findings along with other commercial market highlights, such as new commercial vehicle registration information, geographical registrations, global information and key insight into aftermarket component demand. Polk stresses this information can help aftermarket and OEM component suppliers better plan inventory to match demand for replacement parts.

Polk reiterated that it has been providing commercial vehicle data to the industry for decades and began first reporting used versus new registration information in 2004.

“Polk’s solutions for the commercial market also include the ability to pinpoint expected demand for specific new engine parts, including turbochargers, fuel pumps and EGR valves, among other components,” firm officials mentioned.

“Polk also has insight into filter, lubricant, tire, brake and engine replacement factors, as well as demand for rebuilt and part kits,” they concluded.