The performance of the sector is most often connected to the trend of the economy in general.
Sales of new trucks stood at almost 7,000 units in Romania last year, an increase of 45% on 2014, and the trend continued in the first half, according to the Automotive Manufacturers and importers Association (APIA).
The growth in carriers’ business reflects the Romania’s economic performance, as the GDP rose by 3.7% in 2015, the third year of more than 3% growth after 2013, and the highest after 2008. Consumer spending accounted for 77% of the GDP last year, up 5%, and contributed 3.9% to the growth of the GDP.
The largest carrier was again Aquila, with RON674 million revenue, up 13% on the previous year. Aquila is also the road carrier with the highest number of employees, almost 2,000. Its client list includes Unilever, Ferrero, Philips, Wrigley, Lavazza, Coca-Cola, Mars and Perena. Its owners are Ploiesti businessmen Alin Donciu and Catalin Vasile.
The ten largest carriers also saw their net profit double to RON88.4 million last year, without taking into account the companies that posted losses. Most profitable of them was Carrion Expedition, whose net profit stood at RON28 million, three times higher than in 2014.
International Lazar Company, on the other hand, saw the highest rise in net profit. The company took over the assets of edy Spedition last year and its net profit went up from RON3.2 million in 2014 to RON25.5 million. (EUR1=RON4.4592)
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)