UK, European CV markets continue to grow

Demand for new commercial vehicles rose across the European Union for the eighth consecutive month in August, reports the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). A total of 113,865 new registrations were recorded, a year-on-year increase of 8.7 per cent.

Southern European markets showed strong growth, with registrations rising 43.6 per cent in Spain and 21.2 per cent in Italy. The UK’s 15.8 per cent growth was the third largest and was a stark contrast to the 8.7 per cent decline in demand witnessed in the German market.

Over eight months in 2015, the EU market expanded 11.8 per cent year-on-year, with 1,308,788 commercial vehicles sold. During this period, Spain (+37.0%), the UK (+19.0%), Italy (+10.3%), Germany (+2.4%) and France (+0.8%) all posted growth.

New light commercial vehicles up to 3.5t – vans

In August 2015, new registrations of light commercial vehicles totalled 90,675 units, up (+7.0%) compared to August 2014. This marked two consecutive years of growth in this segment. Spain (+43.3%), Italy (+20.5%) and the UK (+14.3%) positively contributed to the upturn, while Germany (-12.6%) and France (-1.1%) performed less well than in August 2014.

From January to August 2015, more than 1 million (1,079,131) new vans were registered in the EU (+10.8%). Spain (+35.5%), the UK (+16.8%), Italy (+9.0%) and Germany (+2.8%) saw their demand for vans increase over this period, while France remained stable (-0.3%).

New heavy commercial vehicles over 16t (excluding heavy buses & coaches) – heavy trucks

August 2015 results show an increase in new heavy truck registrations (+19.0%), totalling 15,496 units. Spain (+67.3%), still benefiting from the government incentive programme, largely contributed to this positive outcome, followed by Italy (+25.2%), the UK (+17.3%) and France (+10.5%) which all posted double-digit growth.

Eight months into the year, the EU market grew (+20.7%), reaching 163,364 units. Spain (+52.9%), the UK (+48.8%), Italy (+24.0%), France (+10.0%) and Germany (+3.6%) saw their demand for heavy trucks increase, contributing to the overall upturn of the EU market over the period.

New medium & heavy commercial vehicles over 3.5t (excluding buses & coaches) – trucks

In August 2015, 19,861 new trucks were registered in the EU, up (+14.7%) compared to August 2014. All major markets supported the overall expansion, with Spain (+59.5%), Italy (+24.6%), the UK (+15.0%), France (+6.8%) and Germany (+0.6%) posting growth.

From January to August 2015, 204,679 new trucks (+16.6%) were registered in the EU. In particular, Spain (+49.3%), the UK (+38.4%) and Italy (+20.4%) recorded significant increases over the period, followed by France (+7.7%) and Germany (+1.0%) which reported a more modest growth.

New buses & coaches over 3.5t

In August 2015, new bus and coach registrations increased (+23.1%) compared to August 2014, totalling 3,329 units. The UK (+117.5%), Germany (+28.6%), Italy (+19.9%) and France (+13.3%) positively contributed to the overall expansion, while Spain (-54.3%) performed less well than in August 2014.

Over eight months in 2015, the EU market increased (+16.5%), totalling 24,978 new buses and coaches. Demand was primarily driven by Spain (+42.3%) and the UK (+25.9%), followed by France (+18.7%) and Italy (+15.1%).