It has been predicted that the global truck market will see a slowdown in demand next year as new emissions standards come into force.

There has been a significant increase in demand for trucks during 2006 as many fleet managers seek to upgrade in time for the implementation of new emission laws which are due to come into force next year.

Speaking at the Hanover Truck show, a number of manufacturing officials explained that their order books had been bulging this year due to the clamour to purchase trucks which comply with the new regulations on toxic diesel soot and nitrogen oxides.

But most anticipate a slower year in 2007 as many fleet managers will have purchased new fleet which has the emissions technology to comply with the new rules.

"We expect to see a downward trend in North America, Europe and Japan, which will be less pronounced in Europe and somewhat stronger in the USA and Japan," Reuters quoted Andreas Renschler, head of DaimlerChrysler's trucks division, as saying.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd