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Demand for CVs in the EU shows no signs of slowing

Demand for new commercial vehicles in the EU increased for the 14th consecutive month in February, according to latest figures released by ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association).

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Total commercial vehicle registrations grew by 17.8 per cent, totalling 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%). According to the SIMI figures, new HCV sales in Ireland in February are up 26.47 per cent

In the first two months of the year, the EU market expanded by 15.4%, totalling 320,833 commercial vehicles. Italy, Spain, Germany and France drove this expansion, all posting double-digit growth, while the UK (+0.6%) remained stable.

New LCV registrations totalled 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. The largest continental markets – Italy, Spain, Germany and France – 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, an increase of 14.4% over the same period last year. The UK (-2.5%) was the only major market to post a decline.

February 2016 results showed a large increase (+22.2%) in the heavy truck segment, which totalled 21,052 new registrations. This positive outcome was largely sustained by the significant growth recorded in Italy, the UK, France, Spain and Germany. Noteworthy was the contribution of the new EU member states (+30.4%) to last month’s positive outcome.
Year-to-date, the EU market grew by 21.8%, reaching 43,400 units, with all major markets recording strong increases.

In February 2016, results for medium-heavy trucks (3.5 to 16-tonnes) were similar to the heavy truck segment, with the major markets all posting double-digit gains. Overall, the EU recorded 25,974 new trucks being registered, or 23.4% more than in February 2015. Year-to-date registrations were 22.0% more than in the same period last year. All major markets posted significant growth.

New medium and heavy bus and coach registrations increased by 10.5% compared to February 2015. Italy led the way, with 39.5% growth year-on-year, and the other major continental markets also recorded growth of more than 20%, 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%, totalling 5,217 units. Once again, growth in the large continental markets was offset by a decline in UK registrations.