The data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) show that May marked the 17th consecutive month of growth for the sector, with total commercial vehicle registrations for the month standing at 187,134 units.

All segments of the commercial vehicle market recorded growth. Looking at the largest markets, Italy recorded the highest upturn (+35.9%) followed closely by France (+27.2%) and Spain (+17.3%).

For the year to date, the EU market grew by 13.5%, totalling almost 1 million commercial vehicles (946,128). Over this time Italy (+30.6%), Spain (+13.9%), France (+13.1%), Germany (+10.2%) and the UK (+3.8%) all posted growth.

For new light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, May registrations totalled 155,397 units, up 17.7% on 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. Registrations were up in Italy (+35.0%), France (+27.8%), Spain (+19.3%) and Germany (+15.3%), while the UK (+1.9%) posted more modest results.

For the first five months of the year, 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.

Looking at new heavy commercial vehicles over 16 tonnes, the May 2016 results again show a double-digit increase (+11.7%) in the heavy truck segment, totalling 23,052 new registrations. Notable growth was 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, in particular in Italy (+32.2%), Spain (+19.2%) and France (+18.1%).

For new medium and heavy commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, the May results 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.