2016 brought a record year for the True Fleet EU-5, recording its highest volume as a collective since 2005, latest figures show.

Just over 2.8 million cars were registered in 2016 in the EU-5 true fleet markets.

According to the Dataforce analysis, a little over 2.8 million cars were registered in 2016 in the EU-5 true fleet markets, with all countries seeing positive figures. 

Spain

A very strong result in December (+20.2%) pushed the growth rate for the full year 2016 to an impressive +15.4%. Putting this into context, the passenger car total market achieved 1,192,418 registered vehicles for 2016 (an increase of 12.0% over 2015 total) so the 235,895 produced by True Fleet not only represents almost 20% of the Spanish Total Market but for the four year in a row has grown its market share.

Italy

Not only did the Italian True Fleet Market achieve its best year and its best December numbers since Italian Dataforce statistics began in 2004 but with true style and flair registered the highest monthly growth rate of 2016 with a +45.2% against its 2015 comparative month. Passenger Car Total Market also had a standout 2016 registering 1,864,018 vehicles and delivering a fifth consecutive year of growth.

Germany

With almost 829,000 new passenger car registrations the German True Fleet Market achieved its new record outpacing 2015 (which was already a record year) by +5.3%. Although the fourth quarter was not as impressive as the first three, by years end 10 out of the 12 months produced a growth against its 2015 comparative month.

France

Similar to Germany the True Fleet Market of its western neighbour state France achieved a new all-time record as well. With a count of more than 467,000 new passenger car registrations for the full year 2016 the growth rate amounted to an impressive +9.0%. As the Private Market growth was flat (+0.3%), the Total Market share of both True Fleets and Special Channels (Short Term Rentals, Dealerships/Manufacturers) peaked with 23.2% and 27.3% respectively.

UK

Overall the UK Total Market finished with 2,692,786 registrations generating a +2.3% for its year‑on‑year comparison but as we know from previous releases it was clear to see the market endured a turbulent 2016. True Fleet for the most part remained positive and while the market stumbled slightly in the months preceding the Brexit vote, it finished well and delivered a +2.9% for the full year.