Heavy vehicle industry hauling profits

Sales of heavy trucks and buses in Poland have taken off because companies want to avoid the Euro IV emissions standards, which are entering into force this October. Therefore, in H1 this year, sales of over 16-ton trucks increased by 64.1%, y-o-y, and totaled 5538 vehicles. The market leader, MAN, sold 87.9% trucks more than in H1 2005. In 10- to 16-ton vehicles, sales grew by 7.9%, y-o-y, amounting to 832 trucks. MAN was the leader here, too, with 80.6% growth y-o-y. The lightest trucks did well too, growing by 11.7%, y-o-y. This time Renault had the best results, with 51.9% growth. Sales of coaches also improved, by 13.3%. This was influenced mostly by local authorities, who are trying to show off for their constituents before the upcoming local elections. Autosan, of the Zasada Group, benefited the most from this sudden outburst of consideration for locals. City buses have recently become especially popular, and sales improved by 42.7% on average. (Puls Biznesu, p.8) J.L.