Commercial vehicle registrations: +13.5% over five months; +16.4% in May

Total new commercial vehicles

In May 2016, demand for new commercial vehicles in the EU increased for the 17th consecutive month. Total commercial vehicle registrations grew by 16.4%, totalling 187,134 units. Growth was sustained across all segments of the commercial vehicle market. Looking at the largest markets, Italy recorded the highest upturn (+35.9%) followed closely by France (+27.2%) and Spain (+17.3%).

In the first five months of the year, the EU market expanded by 13.5%, totalling almost 1 million commercial vehicles (946,128). During that period, Italy (+30.6%), Spain (+13.9%), France (+13.1%), Germany (+10.2%) and the UK (+3.8%) all posted growth.

New light commercial vehicles (LCV) up to 3.5 tonnes

In May 2016, registrations of new light commercial vehicles totalled 155,397 units, or 17.7% more than in May last year. This marked the 33rd consecutive month of growth in the segment, which accounts for the majority of sales in the commercial vehicle market. Italy (+35.0%), France (+27.8%), Spain (+19.3%) and Germany (+15.3%) significantly contributed to the upturn, while the UK (+1.9%) posted more modest results.

From January to May 2016, 781,373 new vans were registered in the EU, 13.0% more than in the same period in 2015. All major markets saw their demand for vans increase over this period.

New heavy commercial vehicles (HCV) over 16 tonnes

May 2016 results again show a double-digit increase (+11.7%) in the heavy truck segment, totalling 23,052 new registrations. This positive outcome was largely sustained by the notable growth recorded in Italy (+48.2%) and France (+21.6%), while the Spanish (+0.5%) and German (-0.1%) markets remained stable.

Five months into the year, the EU market grew by 18.4%, reaching 121,810 units. All major markets saw their demand for heavy trucks increase, this was especially the case in Italy (+32.2%), Spain (+19.2%) and France (+18.1%).

New medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCV) over 3.5 tonnes

In May 2016, results for trucks were similar to the heavy truck segment, with Italy (+45.3%) and France (+20.7%) posting double-digit gains, while the UK (+6.2%), Spain (+2.8%) and Germany (-0.3%) showed more modest outcomes. Overall, 28,662 new trucks were registered in the EU, 11.2% more than in May 2015.

From January to May 2016, 149,342 new trucks were registered in the EU, 17.6% more than in the same period last year. All major markets posted significant growth, with Italy (+30.6%) and Spain (+22.1%) performing best.

New medium and heavy buses & coaches (MHBC) over 3.5 tonnes

In May 2016, new buses and coaches registrations increased (+2.6%) compared to May 2015, totalling 3,075 units. Growth was sustained by the French (+37.4%), Italian (+21.9%), Spanish (+14.0%) and German (+11.5%) markets, while the UK (-2.1%) performed less well than in May 2015.

Five months into 2016, the EU bus and coach market grew by 3.3%, reaching 15,413 units. Demand declined in the UK (-7.0%) and Italy (-8.1%), while new registrations increased in Germany (+12.8%), France (+11.4%) and Spain (+5.7%).