Commercial truck buyers cautiously returned to the market in 2010, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.
Heavy-duty trucks (GVW ratings above 16 metric tons) for 2010 were up 8.4% when compared with 2009. The market was strongest in Spain (up 22%), with the Germans right behind with a 21% gain. Heavy trucks continued to decline in Italy (down more than 3%) and France (off 1%).
Medium-duty trucks (gross vehicle weight ratings above 3.5 metric tons) increased 6.4% in the European Union in 2010. A total of 249,869 new trucks were registered. Germany posted a 20% increase, and Spain followed with a 12% gain. Registrations were flat or slightly down in the UK, France, and Italy.
Light trucks and vans (gross vehicle weight ratings up to 3.5 metric tons) finished up 9% for the year. Sweden led the way with a 38% increase in 2010. The United Kingdom, Germany, and France also posted double-digit gains of 20%, 16%, and 12%, respectively.