EU truck registrations slip further in April

ERJ staff report (DS)

Brussels - Demand for new commercial vehicles decreased in April by 11.9 percent in the EU, dropping in most markets. Four months into the year, downturn continued its course (-10.1 percent) as all major markets shrank, according to new data from ACEA, the federation of European vehicle makers.

In April, the segment of vans recorded the largest decrease (-13.3 percent), with a total of 110,573 units. While the French market remained stable (-0.5 percent) and the German slipped by 1.9 percent, the British (-19.8 percent), Spanish (-30.4 percent) and Italian (-38.3 percent) faced a double-digit downturn.

From January to April, the EU registered 479,456 new vans, or 11.7 percent less than in the same period a year ago. Looking at the major markets, downturn ranged from 0.4 percent in Germany to 5.2 percent in France, 15.7 percent in the UK, 23.8 percent in Spain and 37.8 percent in Italy.

In April, 18,930 new heavy trucks were registered, or 7.0 percent less than in the same month last year. Performances varied across countries as Germany (+3.5 percent) and the UK (+11.8 percent) posted growth, whereas France (-6.8 percent), Spain (-13.6 percent) and Italy (-41.1 percent) saw their demand decline.

Four months into the year, new heavy truck registrations were down 4.2 percent, amounting to 75,189 units. The largest markets, Germany (-1.2 percent) and France (-1.4 percent) contracted the least. Spain (-19.9 percent) and Italy (-23.8 percent) experienced more considerable downturns, while the UK was the only market to post growth (+14.7 percent).

Results in the truck segment varied in April, as Italy (-44.4 percent), Spain (-13.9 percent) and France (-5.8 percent) performed less well than last year, while the German market remained stable and the British expanded (+17.2 percent). In total, 25,447 new trucks were registered, or 6.9 percent less than in April 2011.

Cumulative results from January to April were also contrasted, leading to an overall 3.6 percent decline in the EU which totaled 100,133 new trucks. The French market stayed unchanged, while the German slightly declined (-3.2 percent) although remaining the largest. Spain (-21.4 percent) and Italy (-28.3 percent) contracted more sharply.

In April, buses and coaches were once again the only segment to record somewhat positive results (+0.6 percent), mainly driven by the British market (+13.3 percent).

From January to April, it posted a strong 52.1 percent upturn, while all others declined, except for the German (+6.7 percent). Both markets contributed to sustaining demand, leading to an overall 4.9 percent growth of the segment which totaled 10,398 units.

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Press release from ACEA