COMMERCIAL vehicle registrations in western Europe fell by 2.8% in the second quarter of this year, reaching a total of 543,067 units.

Light commercial vehicles fell by 2.9%, according to figures produced by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

It says Spain and the UK performed well over the period, posting increases of 7.2% and 13.2% respectively. In the other main markets – France, Germany and Italy – sales remained subdued.

Sales fell of LCVs fell in France by 8.2%, Germany by 5.8% and Italy by 18%. In smaller markets, improvements were noted in Austria (+22%), Belgium (+10.8%) and Ireland (+6%). Decreases ranged from –2.8% in Finland to -15.7% in Switzerland.