Class 8 Truck - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Class 8 Truck was estimated at US$276.6 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$342.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Class 8 Truck market.

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.

Report Scope

The report analyzes the Class 8 Truck market, presented in terms of market value (US$ Thousand). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.

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.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Diesel Engine segment, which is expected to reach US$85.3 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 4.6%. The Natural Gas Engine segment is also set to grow at 3.7% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $75.4 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 6.9% CAGR to reach $69.2 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Class 8 Truck Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Class 8 Truck Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Class 8 Truck Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Ashok Leyland, DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck AG, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, FAW Group and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

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 Analysis: Key Insights for 2025

Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments as of April 2025 and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market outlook.

The analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and opportunities.

What’s Included in This Edition:

• Tariff-adjusted market forecasts by region and segment
• Analysis of cost and supply chain implications by sourcing and trade exposure
• Strategic insights into geographic shifts

Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with:

• Finalized tariff impacts and new trade agreement effects
• Updated projections reflecting global sourcing and cost shifts
• Expanded country-specific coverage across the industry