Class 8 Truck

Global Class 8 Truck Market to Reach US$342.7 Billion by 2030

The global market for Class 8 Truck estimated at US$276.6 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$342.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Diesel Engine, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 4.6% CAGR and reach US$85.3 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Natural Gas Engine segment is estimated at 3.7% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$75.4 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.9% CAGR

The Class 8 Truck market in the U.S. is estimated at US$75.4 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$69.2 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.4% and 2.8% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.1% CAGR.

Global Class 8 Trucks Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Class 8 Trucks the Powerhouses of Global Freight and Heavy-Duty Transport?

Class 8 trucks—defined in the U.S. vehicle classification system as vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) above 33,001 pounds—represent the most powerful and heavy-duty segment of the commercial truck industry. These trucks serve as the backbone of global freight movement, long-haul transportation, mining operations, construction logistics, and specialized vocational applications. Common configurations include tractor-trailers (18-wheelers), dump trucks, cement mixers, heavy-duty flatbeds, and specialized carriers for bulk commodities and oversized equipment. Their dominance in the transportation ecosystem is rooted in their unmatched hauling capabilities, extended durability, and ability to support long-distance, high-volume logistics operations. As global trade intensifies and supply chains become more decentralized, Class 8 trucks remain essential to ensuring continuity in freight movement across borders, regions, and industries. Their critical role in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing further underscores their economic significance. With evolving logistics networks, e-commerce boom, and increasing regional trade corridors, demand for highly efficient, high-payload Class 8 trucks continues to grow—driving innovation and investment in this high-capacity segment.

How Is the Shift Toward Decarbonization and Alternative Powertrains Redefining Class 8 Truck Development?

The Class 8 truck segment is undergoing a major paradigm shift as decarbonization, emissions regulations, and sustainability mandates drive a transition from traditional diesel-powered engines to alternative and low-emission powertrains. Governments across North America, Europe, and Asia are introducing stricter carbon reduction goals and clean transportation incentives, directly impacting heavy-duty fleets. In response, OEMs are accelerating the development of battery-electric Class 8 trucks designed for regional haul and short- to mid-range freight delivery. Companies like Tesla, Volvo, Daimler, PACCAR, and BYD have introduced or are piloting electric Class 8 models capable of meeting evolving operational and regulatory demands. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered Class 8 trucks are also emerging, particularly suited for long-haul applications due to their quicker refueling times and longer ranges compared to battery-electric vehicles. In the interim, advanced clean-diesel engines, natural gas (CNG/LNG), and renewable fuels are being deployed to help bridge the transition to full electrification. Furthermore, lightweight materials, aerodynamics enhancements, and regenerative braking systems are being integrated to maximize efficiency. Incentives such as zero-emission vehicle purchase subsidies, tax credits, and carbon offset programs are accelerating fleet conversions. However, widespread adoption hinges on parallel investments in fueling and charging infrastructure, fleet transition planning, and the optimization of total cost of ownership (TCO). As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of transportation strategy, Class 8 trucks are at the forefront of the commercial vehicle sector’s low-emission transformation.

Is Technology Integration and Fleet Intelligence Driving New Performance Benchmarks in Class 8 Trucking?

Class 8 trucks are becoming significantly more advanced, not just in powertrain innovation but also in intelligent vehicle systems, automation, and digital fleet integration. Telematics, big data analytics, AI-powered fleet management tools, and IoT-enabled diagnostics are transforming how heavy-duty fleets are operated and maintained. Real-time monitoring of fuel consumption, load distribution, route optimization, driver behavior, and maintenance forecasting is enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime. Predictive maintenance, enabled by sensor-driven diagnostics, is helping fleet owners avoid costly repairs and increase vehicle longevity. In addition, Class 8 trucks are now equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, lane-keeping systems, blind spot monitoring, and fatigue detection technologies—improving safety across increasingly congested highways and urban transit routes. Cab comfort, digital dashboards, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and automated transmission systems are enhancing driver experience and productivity. Autonomous driving technologies, though still in early stages, are also being tested in Class 8 platforms, particularly in hub-to-hub freight corridors. With commercial pilot programs for autonomous trucks underway, Class 8 trucks could eventually evolve into semi-autonomous or fully autonomous logistics units. As digital transformation accelerates across the transport sector, Class 8 trucks are transitioning from being purely mechanical freight haulers to intelligent, connected systems that function as data-rich assets within smart logistics ecosystems.

What’s Fueling the Continued Global Growth of the Class 8 Trucks Market?

The growth in the Class 8 trucks market is driven by several interlinked demand, regulatory, and technological factors. First and foremost, global trade expansion, freight infrastructure development, and regional economic integration are creating sustained demand for heavy-duty transport capacity across continents. E-commerce logistics, just-in-time manufacturing models, and increasing containerized cargo volumes are necessitating large-scale deployment of high-performance Class 8 trucks for both line-haul and port-to-hub freight movement. The rise in infrastructure development projects—such as highways, industrial zones, mining activities, and energy distribution—also fuels the demand for vocational Class 8 trucks in off-road and heavy-material transport applications. Electrification trends, driven by policy mandates and ESG commitments, are attracting both private and public sector investment into Class 8 fleet modernization. Simultaneously, fleet operators are focusing on improving TCO by leveraging fuel-efficient engines, digital route planning, and vehicle utilization analytics. The adoption of TaaS (Truck-as-a-Service), leasing models, and vehicle subscription platforms is reducing the capital burden on fleet expansions, especially for mid-sized operators and logistics startups. Moreover, aftermarket service networks, flexible financing solutions, and OEM-driven fleet support programs are ensuring lifecycle value, enhancing long-term adoption rates. As OEMs continue to launch next-generation Class 8 platforms that integrate electrification, autonomy, and telematics, the market is expected to experience steady growth and strategic transformation—cementing Class 8 trucks as the core enabler of global freight mobility and industrial logistics in the modern economy.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Class 8 Truck market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Engine Type (Diesel Engine, Natural Gas Engine, Hybrid Engine, Electric Engine, Other Engines); Cab-Type (Sleeper-Cab Application, Day-Cab Application)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 34 Featured) -

• Ashok Leyland
• DAF Trucks
• Daimler Truck AG
• Dongfeng Motor Corporation
• FAW Group
• Freightliner Trucks
• Hino Motors
• Isuzu Motors
• Iveco
• Kenworth Truck Company
• Mack Trucks
• MAN Truck & Bus
• Navistar International Corporation
• PACCAR Inc.
• Peterbilt Motors Company
• Scania AB
• Sinotruk (China National Heavy Duty Truck Group)
• Tata Motors
• Volvo Trucks
• Western Star Trucks

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

Leading Economists - Our knowledge base tracks 14,949 economists including a select group of most influential Chief Economists of nations, think tanks, trade and industry bodies, big enterprises, and domain experts who are sharing views on the fallout of this unprecedented paradigm shift in the global econometric landscape. Most of our 16,491+ reports have incorporated this two-stage release schedule based on milestones.

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