The heavy vehicle market appeared to offer a slight respite in April 2026, with monthly sales managing to grow in some segments. This performance was not enough to alter the year-to-date figures, which maintain a negative trend, particularly in tractor-trailers and long-distance buses, two of the most significant categories within the industry.
According to the most recent statistical bulletin of the National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor-Trailer Producers (ANPACT) , wholesale sales reached 2,323 units in April 2026, a growth of 20.1% compared to the 1,934 sold in the same month of the previous year.
In cumulative figures from January to April, sales total 8,708 units, a decrease of 10.1% compared to the same period in 2025.
The cargo segment was the main driver of the monthly result. In April, it sold 1,960 units wholesale, a 20% year-over-year increase. Within this segment , Class 8 stood out with 32% growth, as did Classes 4 and 5 , which advanced 72.5% and 126.4%, respectively.
Overall , pressure continues to be felt in some of the most important categories for the trucking industry. Fifth-wheel tractor-trailers have seen a 37.5% drop in the January-April period, falling from 5,163 units in 2025 to 3,229 in 2026.
In retail , 2,715 units were sold in April, a decrease of 5.6% compared to the same month in 2025. The year-to-date figure reflects a more pronounced drop of 29.1%, with 9,845 units sold between January and April 2026 .
Within the retail sector, freight remained virtually unchanged in April , with slight growth of 1.3%. Class 8 trucks advanced 47.7%, although fifth-wheel tractors declined 21.8%, maintaining pressure on the market.
In contrast, the passenger segment saw a significant drop in retail sales during April, with a decrease of 36.2%. Intercity buses declined by 52.3%, while Class 8 buses fell by 89.5%.
Although April showed a partial recovery compared to previous months, the accumulated balance confirms that the heavy vehicle market is still going through an adjustment stage, especially in the segments linked to long-distance transport and foreign passenger transport.
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