Gradual upturn seen in car orders

Railway Age, March, 1997

Fat backlogs kept freight carbuilders busy last year, and they delivered 57,877 cars. But in recent months new orders have sagged, and Economic Planning Associates (EIA) is forecasting delivery of 40,850 cars this year. EPA expects orders "to pick up moderately in the second half of this year and into 1998." EPA's latest forecast, issued in mid-February, sees deliveries rising to 41,950 in 1998, 42,550 in 1999, 44,500 in 2000, 47,050 in 2001, and 49,250 in 2002.

This year's new-car installations will be the lowest since 1993, when 35,329 new cars were built. Deliveries totaled 48,819 in 1994 and 60,853 in 1995.