In March, 8.8% more new commercial vehicles were registered overall in the EU than in March 2009, marking the first increase in almost two years.

The segment of light-commercial vehicles posted growth, whereas heavy duty vehicles registrations were still down. Compared with the pre-crisis situation of March 2008 new registrations decreased by 27.3%, an illustration that the sector further operates under difficult economic circumstances in the EU. In total, new registrations reached 186,469 units.

160,980 new vans were registered in the EU,12.4% more than last year. All major markets posted growth, from +15.4% in Germany to +15.8% in France, +16.2% in the UK, +25.3% in Spain and +29.2% in Italy. Romania recorded the steepest decrease (-68.1%) while the Irish market expanded the most (+40.3%).

New heavy truck registrations were down 15.9% in March, totaling 14,087 units, only Spain posted growth (+6.7%). The Netherlands (-34.7%), France (-30.5%), Italy (-9.3%), the UK (-6.5%) and Germany (-5.0%) all saw their market contract.

In March,new truck registrations amounted to 22,040 units, or 10.1% less than in March 2009. Only the Italian (-7.5%), French (-22.6%) and Dutch (-32.9%) markets considerably contracted, while the British (+0.0%) and German (+0.4%) remained stable.

New bus and coach registrations fell by 3.4% in March. Of the most important markets, the UK recorded both the most vehicles and the highest year-on-year increase (28.0%). The Italian market ranked fourth but expanded by 19.7%. France and Germany, second and third markets, were down 16.2% and 9.2% respectively.

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