VDIK: Commercial vehicle market grows by 4.8 percent in 2018

Frankfurt. The commercial vehicle market in Germany is continuing its positive trend from 2017 into 2018.

With an expected 387,000 units and growth of 4.8 percent, the commercial vehicle sector is heading for another record year. The VDIK members increased their share above average and achieved a sales volume of 112,000 units.

Growth spread across all weight classes

Light commercial vehicles increased by 5.5 percent to around 285,500 units, medium-heavy vehicles by a good two percent. Heavy commercial vehicles, including buses, closed about 3.5 percent up on the previous year’s volume.

Gasoline engines with high increase

At 48 percent and 26 percent, respectively, gasoline and alternative drives are showing above-average growth rates. Nevertheless, the dominance of the diesel engine remains unchanged, especially for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The diesel share is 90 percent overall.

Stable commercial vehicle market in 2019

VDIK President Reinhard Zirpel: “We expect the positive trend to continue in 2019 due to economic growth and the expected increase in transport volumes.