Demand for new commercial vehicles in the European Union increased 4.7 percent to 132,503 units in January, marking the fifth consecutive monthly increase.

Van, truck and heavy-truck segments saw continued growth, while the market for buses and motor coaches contracted, reports the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

The Spanish markets saw the steepest growth, rising 44.9%, while Italy also posted double-digit growth (12.2%). Demand grew in the United Kingdom by 5.3% and Germany by 5%. France was the only major market to record a decline, falling 5.1%.

Strong demand for vans helped that vehicle segment grow 5.3% to 109,019 vehicles. The increase was boosted by Spain (48.9%), the United Kingdom (12.9%), Italy (10%), and Germany (5%). Demand for vans in France fell 7.6%.

New heavy truck registrations grew 9.8% in January to 17,079 units. Germany was the largest market (3,622 units), posting 8.9% growth. France, the second largest market in January, saw its demand increase by 17.4%, reaching 3,569 units. Of the major markets, Spain (55%), posted the highest upturn, followed by Italy (31.4%) and Poland (23.4%). The United Kingdom market declined by 41.8%.

New truck registrations grew 3.2% in January to 21,040 units. Despite a moderate decline (1.2%), Germany remained the largest market in the month, registering 5,170 trucks. France, the second largest market in the same period (4,116 units), grew 12.5%. Spain (43%), Italy (27.3%), Belgium (26.1%) and Poland (21.6%) also saw their demand increase. Truck registrations in the United Kingdom fell by 38.3%.

Demand for new buses and coaches declined by 8.8% in January, dropping to 2,444 units. France (491 units) was the largest market in the month, posting a 16.1% increase in registrations. The United Kingdom (425 units) was the second largest market despite demand falling by 4.3%. In the same period, Germany contracted by 11.1%, totalling 375 units. Italy recorded 11.5% growth, reaching 282 units. At the same time, Spain saw its market for buses and coaches decline by 34%, dropping to 136 units.