Sales of trucks and commercial utility vehicles are a true barometer of the economy, as an increase thereof shows an increase in commercial and manufacturing activities of various businesses.
“The truck market is still dominated by long-haul models, but we are also seeing other segments catch up such construction and municipal services,” said Sigurd Wandel, managing director VolvoGroup Trucks Sales & Marketing for Romania.
As its customers focus more and more on optimizing their business and identifying new solutions to boost profitability, VolvoGroup Trucks increased sales of service contracts, of training programs for drivers and of telematics services, he added.
The total heavy truck market saw a significant increase in 2015, Wandel said, adding that sales of both brands Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks went up by more than 50%.
Volvo truck sales increased by some 50% to almost 1,300 units in January-November 2015, which makes it the second leading player on its market segment behind Mercedes-Benz, whose sales were 27% higher to almost 1,370 units. Full 2015 results have yet to be released.
Registrations rose 23% on the entire utility vehicle market to more than 17,000 units last year, according to the Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration Department (DRPCIV) last year, which is a higher growth rate than on the car segment (16% growth).
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)