Demand for new commercial vehicles in the EU in February increased for the 14th consecutive month, according to The European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association (ACEA). Total commercial vehicle registrations grew by 17.8%, totaling 160,062 units.
Growth was sustained across all segments of commercial vehicles. Looking at the largest markets, Italy recorded the highest upturn (+30.4%) followed by Spain (+17.6%), Germany (+16.2%), France (+13.9%) and the UK (+3.7%).
In the first two months of the year, the EU market expanded by 15.4%, totaling 320,833 commercial vehicles. During the same period, Italy (+27.1%), Spain (+19.1%), Germany (+13.9%) and France (+12.8%) all posted double-digit growth, while the UK (+0.6%) remained stable.
New heavy commercial vehicles (HCV) over 16 tonnes
February 2016 results showed a large increase (+22.2%) in the heavy truck segment, which totaled 21,052 new registrations. This positive outcome was largely sustained by the significant growth recorded in Italy (+41.9%), the UK (+28.1%), France (+21.3%), Spain (+16.0%) and Germany (+13.1%). Noteworthy was the contribution of the new EU member states (+30.4%) to last month’s positive outcome.
Two months into the year, the EU market grew by 21.8%, reaching 43,400 units. All major markets saw their demand for heavy trucks increase: the UK (+30.9%), Spain (+28.6%), Italy (+17.1%), France (+15.7%) and Germany (+12.9%).
New medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCV) over 3.5 tonnes
In February 2016, results for trucks were similar to the heavy truck segment, with Italy (+44.4%), the UK (+32.3%), France (+21.8%), Spain (+22.7%) and Germany (+16.3%) all posting double-digit gains. Overall, the EU recorded 25,974 new trucks being registered, or 23.4% more than in February 2015.
From January to February 2016, 52,924 new trucks were registered in the EU, 22.0% more than in the same period last year. All major markets posted significant growth.
New medium and heavy buses & coaches (MHBC) over 3.5 tonnes
In February 2016, new buses and coaches registrations increased (+10.5%) compared to February 2015. This was probably due to the significant growth observed in Italy (+39.5%), Germany (+27.6%), Spain (+25.9%) and France (+23.2%), while the UK (-19.8%) performed less well than in February 2015.
In the first two months of 2016, the EU bus and coach market increased by 5.4%, totaling 5,217 units. Demand declined only in the UK (-24.5%), while new buses and coaches registrations increased in Spain (+30.3%), Germany (+14.2%), France (+10.9%) and Italy (+9.1%).
New light commercial vehicles (LCV) up to 3.5 tonnes
In February 2016, new registrations of light commercial vehicles totaled 131,799 units, or 16.9% more than in February 2015. This marked the 30th consecutive month of growth in the segment, which accounts for the majority of sales in the commercial vehicle market. Italy (+28.7%), Spain (+16.8%), Germany (+15.9%) and France (+13.0%) contributed positively to the upturn, while the UK market saw only a modest upturn (+0.4%).
From January to February 2016, 262,692 new vans were registered in the EU or 14.4% more than in the same period last year. The UK (-2.5%) was the only major market to post a decline, while Italy (+28.7%), Spain (+16.9%), Germany (+13.9%) and France (+12.6%) saw their demand for vans increase.