“The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) is encouraged by the continued growth of commercial vehicle registrations in the EU”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the NFDA, commenting on figures published by ACEA. The NFDA represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK.
Robinson continued, “In May, there was an increase in demand for new commercial vehicles of 6% across the whole European market, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth. The UK saw double digit growth of 17.4%, although this was still lower than in Spain, where registrations increased 30.1%. However, the important Eurozone economies of France and Germany saw a fall in demand.
“So far this year UK commercial vehicle registrations have increased by 22.6%. This is higher than the EU figure of 11.6%. All major markets except France showed growth, although the decline in France was slight at 1.0%.
“Light commercial vehicles represented the majority of sales, and May saw the twenty-first consecutive month of growth in this sector. However, new heavy truck registrations had the largest growth in the EU at 20.6%. Spain saw a staggering increase in registrations of 92%, mostly thanks to a government programme. The UK experienced the second highest growth in this sector at 37.8%, largely thanks to rising economic confidence that has fuelled increased demand for heavy trucks in the distribution and construction sectors. So far this year the EU market has grown 17.8%. The UK outperformed fellow EU members, despite Spain’s impressive May surge, with registrations here increasing by 62.6%.
“New Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle registrations rose 16.1% in the EU compared to May of last year. Again, Spain was in pole position, with the UK experiencing a more modest 35.9% increase that still secures second position in the EU. Germany suffered a decline of 6.8%.
“The NFDA and our members are confident that both the UK and EU commercial vehicle markets will continue to grow for the remainder of 2015.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Susan Pollock, Research Officer
Direct: 020 7307 3424
Fax: 020 7307 3406
Web: www.rmif.co.uk Email: susan.pollock@rmif.co.uk
The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.
