Truck Sales Plunge 14% in Europe

Demand for commercial trucks across Europe fell to 156,600 units in September from 181,100 units a year earlier, according to industry group ACEA. Volume so far this year is 1.34 million vehicles, down 10% from the same period in 2011.

New-truck registrations last month rose 1% in the U.K. to 44,100 vehicles, but they fell sharply in the region's other major markets. Demand dropped 17% to 24,100 units in Germany, 13% to 33,700 units in France, 28% to 9,800 units in Italy and 33% to 6,200 units in Spain.

By vehicle type, September sales fell 13% to 128,700 units for light-duty vehicles. ACEA says monthly volume slide 15% to 25,000 units for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Bus sales dropped to 2,900 units from about 3,200 units a year earlier.