Pandemic hits Euro truck sales
The wider effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are manifesting in hard-hit Europe, where registrations of new trucks almost halved in MarchRegistrations of new commercial vehicles fell by 23.2 per cent over the first quarter of 2020 and were down by 47.3% for the month of March, compared to corresponding 2019 figures, the ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) reports.
The figures shine a light on part of the wide-ranging economic impact the virus is having on Europe, where countless dealerships have been forced to close their doors.
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Huge impact
"Each vehicle segment was strongly affected by the fallout of the COVID-19 outbreak and all 27 EU markets recorded substantial declines last month," reports the ACEA.
"The strongest drops were posted by Italy (-66.1%), Spain (-64.4%) and France (-63.1%).
"In the first quarter of 2020, the EU commercial vehicle market contracted by 23.2% to 413,327 units as a direct consequence of March's substantial slowdown. The four major markets, Spain (-31.7%), France (-26.9%), Italy (-26.6%) and Germany (-14.4%), all faced double-digit losses so far this year."
The light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment was hardest hit, down 49.8% for March and down 23.1% for the quarter, while heavy vehicles (16t and over) fell by 38.0% for the month and were 26.9% down for the quarter.
In the medium to heavy segment the falls were 35.6% for March and 24.8% for the quarter, while in medium and heavy buses and coaches new registrations were down 37.1% for the month and 10.3% for the quarter.
Better local outlook
In contrast, the corresponding figures for Australian truck sales are far better. Compared to the falls in Europe of 47.3% for the month and 23.2% for the quarter, sales of commercial vehicles here dipped by a more moderate 21.0% for the month and 17% for the quarter.
And while the pandemic has taken longer to reach our shores, it appears that thus far Australia has been far more successful as a nation in stemming its impact, our social distancing restrictions and relatively early state and international border closures helping to stem infection and transmission rates and, correspondingly, resulting in a far lower rate of hospitalisations and fatalities.
Meanwhile, truck dealerships across Australia remain open, replying to enquiries, providing contactless payment options, servicing, test drives and more.
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