Demand for new commercial vehicles in the EU in April increased for the 16th consecutive month, according to The European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association (ACEA). Total commercial vehicle registrations grew by 14.6%, totaling 195,013 units.
Growth was sustained across all segments of commercial vehicles. Looking at the largest markets, Italy recorded the highest upturn (+32.5%) followed closely by Spain (+19.5%), Germany (+12.3%) and the UK (+11.2%).
In the first four months of the year, the EU market expanded by 12.8%, totalling 758,566 commercial vehicles. During that period, Italy (+29.2%), Spain (+12.9%), France (+10.1%), Germany (+10.0%) and the UK (+4.1%) all posted growth.
New heavy commercial vehicles (HCV) over 16 tonnes
April 2016 results again show a double-digit increase (+22.2%) in the heavy truck segment, totaling 26,457 new registrations. This positive outcome was largely sustained by the notable growth recorded in Italy (+70.4%), Spain (+32.4%), Germany (+23.3%) and France (+18.4%) also posted significant growth.
Four months into the year, the EU market grew by 19.6%, reaching 98,397 units. All major markets saw their demand for heavy trucks increase: Italy (+28.6%), Spain (+24.6%), France (+17.3%), Germany (+12.1%) and the UK (+10.9%).
New medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCV) over 3.5 tonnes
In April 2016, results for trucks were similar to the heavy truck segment, with Italy (+61.0%), Spain (+36.7%), Germany (+20.7%) and France (+17.7%) posting double-digit gains. Overall, 32,706 new trucks were registered in the EU, 21.3% more than in April 2015.
From January to April 2016, 120,330 new trucks were registered in the EU, 19.0% more than in the same period last year. All major markets posted significant growth, especially Spain (+27.8%) and Italy (+27.4%).
New medium and heavy buses & coaches (MHBC) over 3.5 tonnes
In April 2016, new buses and coaches registrations increased (+2.7%) compared to April 2015, totaling 3,295 units. Growth was mainly sustained by the German (+14.2%) and UK (+7.8%) markets, while Italy (-11.9%), France (-6.9%) and Spain (-2.8%) performed less well than in April 2015.
Four months into 2016, the EU bus and coach market increased by 3.5%, reaching 12,338 units. Demand declined in the UK (-8.3%) and Italy (-12.7%), while new registrations grew in Germany (+13.1%), France (+6.9%) and Spain (+3.7%).
New light commercial vehicles (LCV) up to 3.5 tonnes
In April 2016, new registrations of light commercial vehicles totaled 159,012 units, or 13.6% more than in April 2015. This marked the 32nd consecutive month of growth in the segment, which accounts for the majority of sales in the commercial vehicle market. Italy (+30.8%), Spain (+18.0%), the UK (+11.8%), Germany (+9.1%) and France (+8.9%) all contributed positively to the upturn.
From January to April 2016, 625,898 new vans were registered in the EU, 11.8% more than in the same period last year. All major markets saw their demand for vans increase over this period.