23/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - The sale of commercial vehicles increased by 13.2% in June in Europe, with a total of 166,929 new registrations, according to the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), on Friday 23 July. During the first half of 2010, the market expanded by 4.3%, mainly on impetus provided by the demand for light commercial vehicles of less than 3.5 tonnes (+8% compared to the first half of 2009). Out of a total of 758,843 vans registered between January and June 2010, it was in France, ACEA points out, that the largest number of new registrations were notched up (10.5%) followed by the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and Spain. The market for heavy goods vehicles (up to 16 tonnes) rose even more with 16.6% growth compared to June 2009. However, during the first half of 2010, the market for heavy goods vehicles declined 13.4% with drops in demand recorded throughout Europe (except in Spain). Half-yearly results were even worse for vehicles weighing over 16 tonnes, with demand falling by 15.9% compared to the first half of 2009. (A.By./transl.jl)