EU commercial vehicle demand up following 2014 decline

Brussels – Demand for new commercial vehicles (CV) in the EU increased for the second consecutive month in February after the decline recorded at the end of 2014, said a report by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) on 26 March.

According to ACEA, total commercial vehicle registrations grew by 8.3 percent, totalling 135,778 units. Growth was sustained across all segments of commercial vehicles.

Looking at the largest markets, Spain recorded the highest upturn (29.5 percent) followed by the UK (19.4 percent) and Italy (8.7 percent), while demand in Germany remained roughly stable (1.0 percent). France was the only major market recording a decline (-4.3 percent). Significant growth was also posted by the new EU member states (20.4 percent) contributing to last month’s positive outcome across the region.

Earlier in the month, the UK Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) reported that UK CV manufacturing was up 33.7 percent in February to 8,344 units.

The surge in output from UK commercial vehicle manufacturers in February has put the sector on a strong footing for the year ahead, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive said in a 19 March release.

“Demand from the UK’s prospering domestic market is driving growth, buoyed by a strong appetite from overseas buyers, with exports in February up by more than 13 percent on the same month last year,” commented Hawes.