Commercial Vehicle Sales in Europe Drop 13%

Registrations of new vans, trucks and buses across Europe slid to 114,800 vehicles last month from 131,000 units in February 2012, according to industry group ACEA.

The Brussels-based organization says demand across Europe fell 13% in every category of commercial vehicles, resulting in sales of 94,700 light-duty vans and trucks, 18,200 medium- and heavy-duty trucks and 1,800 buses.

Overall commercial vehicle volume dropped 12% to 33,100 units in France and 14% to 18,200 units in Germany. Registrations plunged 31% to 8,800 vehicles in Italy and 20% to 6,500 units in Spain.

The U.K. was the only exception among Europe's major markets. Its truck sales rose 4% to 11,600 vehicles on strong demand for vans.