Brussels, 21 October 2016 – In September 2016, demand for new commercial vehicles in the EU continued to grow (+6.0%), even if at a more modest rate than the previous month.
Total new commercial vehicles
In September 2016, demand for new commercial vehicles in the EU continued to grow (+6.0%), even if at a more modest rate than the previous month. This marked the 21st consecutive month of growth, with a total of 220,781 new vehicles registered. Growth continued to be driven by the Italian (+46.3%) and Spanish (+14.1%) markets, while France (-1.1%) and the United Kingdom (-0.9%) performed less well than in September 2015.
Over the first nine months of 2016, the EU market expanded by 13.1%, totalling about 1.7 million commercial vehicles. During that period, Italy (+40.2%), Spain (+13.1%), Germany (+11.3%), France (+10.1%) and the United Kingdom (+2.0%) all posted growth.
New light commercial vehicles (LCV) up to 3.5 tonnes
In September 2016 registrations of new vans totalled 185,415 units, up (+6.8%) compared to September 2015, marking the 37th consecutive month of growth in the segment. Demand was mostly supported by Italy (+46.3%) and Spain (+12.2%), followed by Germany (+5.6%) and the UK (+1.9%). The French market, on the other hand, saw a decline (-2.1%) last month.
From January to September 2016, 1,422,657 new light commercial vehicles were registered in the EU, or 13.5% more than in the same period last year. Italy (+41.5%), Spain (+13.0%), Germany (+12.9%), France (+9.8%) and the United Kingdom (+2.7%) all contributed to this positive upturn over the first nine months of 2016.
New heavy commercial vehicles (HCV) over 16 tonnes
September 2016 new heavy truck registrations recorded a modest increase (+2.9%) compared to September last year, totalling 25,889 units. Italy (+37.6%) and Spain (+21.9%) largely contributed to the growth, followed by France (+10.8%) and Germany (+5.6%). Demand for heavy trucks in the United Kingdom dropped significantly (-34.2%).
Nine months into the year, demand for new heavy trucks continued to increase (+14.1%), with 215,495 new vehicles being registered in the EU. Italy (+37.4%), France (+16.2%), Spain (+10.3%) and Germany (+8.0%) made a positive contribution to the overall upturn, while the UK market registered a slight decline (-2.5%).
New medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCV) over 3.5 tonnes
In September 2016, new truck registrations in the EU were up again after the decline observed in July. Overall, 31,432 new trucks were registered, 2.2% more compared to September last year. Among the major markets, results for trucks were similar to those of the heavy truck segment, with Italy (+50.9%), Spain (+21.4%) and France (+10.5%) showing the highest increases and the United Kingdom posting a decline (-30.9%).
From January to September 2016, 265,533 new trucks (+12.8%) were registered in the EU. Italy (+37.2%), France (+15.5%) and Spain (+13.4%) made a particularly significant contribution to overall growth. Over those nine months, UK demand went down (-2.3%).
New medium and heavy buses & coaches (MHBC) over 3.5 tonnes
In September 2016, new bus and coach registrations declined for the fourth consecutive month (-1.8%), totalling 3,934 units. Spain (+38.2%), Italy (+21.4%), Germany (+13.8%) and the UK (+11.3%) all posted double-digit increases, but France (-17.9%) performed less well than in September 2015.
Over the first nine months of 2016, the EU market for buses and coaches remained fairly stable (+0.5%), totalling 29,047 new vehicles registered. Demand was primarily driven by Spain (+16.7%) and Germany (+14.4%), while France (-4.2%), the UK (-3.5%) and Italy (-3.2%) saw demand decline over this period.