Würzburg/Germany, 7 February 2007
"No growth without commercial vehicles," are the words of a report in the latest issue (no. 6) of "kfz-betrieb", our specialist magazine for the car trade sector, which came out on 8 February 2007. According to the report, the majority of goods delivered in Germany are sent to the consumer by road.
Overall, the market for commercial vehicles in Germany showed significant growth in 2006. Vehicle manufacturers managed to sell more than 205,000 light goods vehicles and some 63,000 heavy goods vehicles from 16 tons upwards in the past year. "With these figures, the sector has registered appreciable growth for the fourth year in succession," was the comment given by Professor Bernd Gottschalk, President of the German Automobile Industry (Verband Deutscher Automobilindustrie - VDA).
Our specialist magazine was able to pinpoint two specific reasons for the buying frenzy seen in the year 2006: firstly, the new EU threshold for exhaust fumes, Euro 4, went into effect on 1 October 2006, and secondly a digital tachograph became obligatory for all newly licensed commercial vehicles in Europe as of 1 May 2006. This electronic control device monitoring driving and rest periods is intended to crack down on malpractice in the sector.
The industry is expecting to see good sales figures for 2007 too, albeit at a somewhat lower level. As we point out in "kfz-betrieb", this can be attributed to the increase in VAT.
"kfz-betrieb" is published by Vogel Auto Media, Würzburg/Germany. It is the most widely read specialist magazine in the German car trade and celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2005. It is also the official publication of the German vehicle trade association (ZDK), which represents the interests of over 40,000 car dealer businesses and repair garages.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact:
Konrad Wenz
Head of Services & Technology
Editorial office of "kfz-betrieb" - weekly journal and website
Vogel Auto Media
97064 Würzburg
Germany
Phone +49 (0)931 418-25 56
Fax +49 (0)931 418-20 50
Email: konrad_wenz@vogel-automedien.de
