“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.
In June, there was an increase in demand for new commercial vehicles for the sixth consecutive month. All the major markets posted growth, with Spain continuing to have the highest growth at almost 50%. The UK experienced double-digit growth along with the other major European markets of Italy, France and Germany.
In the first semester of 2015, the UK saw the second best growth in the EU after Spain, with commercial vehicle sales up 21.8%. This was higher than the increase in the EU market as a whole, which saw a rise of 12.9%. Germany, France and Italy experienced single digit growth.
Robinson stated, “In June, the heavy truck market (over 16 tonnes) experienced the highest rise in the EU at 32.7%. Italy saw a massive increase of 50.5%, while Spain experienced astounding growth of 105%. The UK was in third place in this market sector, with a nonetheless impressive increase of 39.7%.
“However, in terms of growth so far this year, the UK is in pole position, with an increase of 57.7% in heavy commercial vehicle registrations. This is above the level of growth for the EU as a whole, which stands at 20.3%, and far above Germany, where registrations have only increased 2.2%.
“New medium and heavy commercial vehicles saw strong growth in all major EU economies. Spain once again had the highest boost in registrations at over 102.2%, with the UK’s growth of 36% behind Italy and France, but ahead of Germany at 11.3%, and the EU as a whole at 31.4%. It should also be kept in mind that government incentives are the driving force behind much of Spain’s growth in commercial vehicle registrations.
“For the year so far, Germany saw a slight decline of 0.4% compared to last year. The UK saw similar growth to Spain on the whole; Spain saw an increase of 44.3%, and the UK 42.7%. In the EU, 15.9% more medium and heavy trucks were registered.
“The light commercial vehicle market saw the lowest growth. New registrations increased by 16.3% in the EU compared to June of last year. The UK saw growth of 16.4%, again behind Spain, but ahead of Italy, Germany and France.
“For the year so far, commercial vehicle registrations have increased 12.3% for the EU, and 19.8% in the UK. Of the larger EU economies, only France saw no serious growth, with a rise of 0.8%.
Robinson concluded, “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, NFDA Communications 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.
