Volvo Group is preparing for more output cuts after forecasting a slump in truck deliveries next year in North America and Europe on weaker demand. The shares declined as much as 5%, the most in a year.
Orders for heavy trucks slumped 45% from a year earlier, more than analysts had expected, and deepening a drop from the the second quarter. For next year, Volvo expects the North American market to decline by 29% and Europe by 14%, after above-average demand in both regions.
Truckmakers are preparing for leaner times as the truck cycle turns. Last week, the IMF made a fifth-straight reduction to its 2019 global economic forecast, citing trade tensions for its weakest view since 2009. As a result, Volvo’s customers are holding back on investments, Lundstedt said, foreshadowing “action” to maintain “good” profitability.