At least 18 percent
In 2022, 18.1 percent fewer light commercial vehicles will be delivered in the EU than in 2021, due to parts shortages. That is what ACEA calculates. Sales of vans weighing up to 3,500 kg also lagged in the Netherlands. The total commercial vehicle market in the EU countries (including heavier commercial vehicles) was even smaller in 2022 than in 2020, the year in which the world faced many uncertainties. Towards the end of last year, sales picked up again.
In the European Union, just under 1.3 million light commercial vehicles (vans weighing up to 3,500 kg) will be sold in 2022. That is 18.1 percent less than in 2021. This is evident from figures from ACEA. The shrinkage is comparable for the Netherlands specifically. Fewer vans were sold here in each month of 2022 than in the same months in 2021. Especially in the first five months of 2022, when parts shortages were more acute than later in the year, the number of registered vans was small compared to the previous year.
Apart from the shortages of parts (including chips), ACEA does not cite any other causes for the reduced registration numbers. However, the graphs of the trade association show that registrations were mainly less numerous in the first half of 2022. In December of that year, the total company car registration (light plus heavier commercial vehicles) was only 5 percent less than in the same month of 2021. while a minus of 14.6 percent applies for the entire year.
2023
Given the cautiously positive statements from car manufacturers about putting the chip shortage behind us, 2023 could be a brighter year for commercial vehicle manufacturers. Eliminating delivery backlogs may boost the number of registrations. On the other hand, the number of new orders could be disappointing due to a more uncertain economy and higher interest rates. So wait.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl