Demand for new commercial vehicles in the EU increased for the 17th consecutive month in May, with total commercial vehicle up by 16.4 per cent.
In total, 187,134 units were registered across the Eurozone in May, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association's (ACEA).
Italy reportedly recorded the highest upturn (+35.9 per cent), followed closely by France (+27.2 per cent) and Spain (+17.3 per cent).
“In the first five months of the year, the EU market expanded by 13.5 per cent, totalling almost one million commercial vehicles,” ACEA summarised.
“During that period, Italy (+30.6 per cent), Spain (+13.9 per cent), France (+13.1 per cent), Germany (+10.2 per cent) and the UK (+3.8 per cent) all posted growth.”
The heavy-duty segment above 16 tonnes grew slightly slower than the overall market in May, but still saw double-digit increase (+11.7 per cent) in the heavy truck segment, totalling 23,052 new registrations.
“This positive outcome was largely sustained by the notable growth recorded in Italy (+48.2 per cent) and France (+21.6 per cent), while the Spanish (+0.5 per cent) and German (-0.1 per cent) markets remained stable,” ACEA said.
Five months into the year, the heavy-duty segment market grew by 18.4 per cent, reaching 121,810 units. All major markets saw their demand for heavy trucks increase, especially Italy (+32.2 per cent), Spain (+19.2 per cent) and France (+18.1 per cent).