International Truck Sales Down 21% in Q1 2026

Key Details International Motors reported 13,300 truck and bus sales in Q1 2026, representing a steep 21% decline from 16,900 units in the same period last year. The company also saw a 15.8% dip compared to Q4 2025's 15,800 vehicles. Parent company Traton acknowledged that while U.S. market demand is showing encouraging signs, these improvements haven't yet translated into actual sales increases for the International brand. Why It Matters The slump extends beyond the current quarter. International's full-year 2025 performance was particularly weak, with sales falling 30% to 63,700 vehicles from 90,600 units in 2024. These numbers signal continued pressure on truck manufacturers despite signs of market stabilization. Bright Spots Ahead Not all news is bleak. Class 8 orders jumped over 100% year-over-year in March for the second consecutive month, suggesting potential recovery momentum. MAN Truck & Bus, another Traton brand, posted a 14% sales increase, while Scania declined 6% due to Brazilian market weakness. What's Next Traton will release full Q1 earnings on April 29. The company previously conducted layoffs affecting 300 salaried employees but kept hourly production staff intact, indicating cautious optimism about future demand.