Latest figures from the ACEA show that growth was sustained across all segments of commercial vehicles. Looking at the largest markets, Italy recorded the highest upturn (+32.5%) followed closely by Spain (+19.5%), Germany (+12.3%) and the UK (+11.2%).

In the first four months of the year, the EU market expanded by 12.8%, totalling 758,566 commercial vehicles. During that period, Italy (+29.2%), Spain (+12.9%), France (+10.1%), Germany (+10.0%) and the UK (+4.1%) all posted growth.

For new light commercial vehicles (LCV) up to 3.5 tonnes, April registrations totalled 159,012 units, or 13.6% more than in April 2015. This marked the 32nd consecutive month of growth in the segment, which accounts for the majority of sales in the commercial vehicle market. Italy (+30.8%), Spain (+18.0%), the UK (+11.8%), Germany (+9.1%) and France (+8.9%) all contributed positively to the upturn.

From January to April 2016, 625,898 new vans were registered in the EU, 11.8% more than in the same period last year. All major markets saw their demand for vans increase over this period.

Looking at new heavy commercial vehicles (HCV) over 16 tonnes, April 2016 results again show a double-digit increase (+22.2%), totalling 26,457 new registrations. This positive outcome was largely sustained by the notable growth recorded in Italy (+70.4%), Spain (+32.4%), Germany (+23.3%) and France (+18.4%) also posted significant growth.

Four months into the year, the EU market grew by 19.6%, reaching 98,397 units. All major markets saw their demand for heavy trucks increase: Italy (+28.6%), Spain (+24.6%), France (+17.3%), Germany (+12.1%) and the UK (+10.9%).

For new medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCV) over 3.5 tonnes, April results were similar to the heavy truck segment, with Italy (+61.0%), Spain (+36.7%), Germany (+20.7%) and France (+17.7%) posting double-digit gains. Overall, 32,706 new trucks were registered in the EU, 21.3% more than in April 2015.

From January to April 2016, 120,330 new trucks were registered in the EU, 19.0% more than in the same period last year. All major markets posted significant growth, especially Spain (+27.8%) and Italy (+27.4%).