Stifel analyst Michael Baudendistel noted that ACT Research reported December Class 8 truck orders of 37,500 units, up 75% year-over year and modestly stronger than October's 36,100 units. While not significantly out of line with expectations, the order data should be viewed positively, said Baudendistel, who reiterates his Buy ratings on Meritor (MTOR), Navistar (NAV) and Wabco (WBC). The Fly notes that other names leveraged to Class 8 truck data include Paccar (PCAR), Cummins (CMI), Allison Transmission (ALSN) and Eaton (ETN).

Allison Transmission partnered with SANY, a global heavy equipment manufacturer for the mining and construction markets, to integrate the Allison 4970 Specialty Series transmission into SANY's STC5000 500-ton all-terrain crane. These new cranes will be in operation in remote areas of China including the desert and mountain terrain. "Our off-highway vehicles require a powerful transmission designed to meet the challenge of navigating difficult terrain," said Du Jian, R&D Director of Crane Chassis, SANY. "We selected the Allison 4970 SP due to its proven ability to increase vehicle productivity and maneuverability." In addition to SANY's STC5000 crane, Allison is also the propulsion solution provider for the company's SAC600E 60-ton crane.