Truck Sales in Europe Jump 31%

Registrations of commercial vehicles across Europe surged to 157,400 units last month from 120,000 in August 2015, according to industry group ACEA. The increase follows 6% growth in July.

Last month’s results were driven by a 35% jump to 129,600 units in deliveries of light commercial vehicles. Demand for heavy trucks rose 18% to 18,900 units.

Overall commercial truck sales in August were up significantly in four of Europe’s five largest markets. Volumes rose in Germany (+43% to 30,600 units), France (+17% to 23,200), Italy (+106% to 14,300) and Spain (+20% to 12,000). Sales advanced 5% to 18,300 units in the U.K.

August’s robust totals compare with mixed results in July. Increased truck sales in France (+3% to 32,800 units), Italy (+47% to 20,100) and Spain (+3% to 17,200) were tempered by declines in Germany (-1% to 28,500) and the U.K. (-4% to 28,000).

ACEA reports that total commercial truck sales across Europe through the first eight months of 2016 gained 14% to 1.55 million units compared with the same period in 2015.