In a year where semiconductor shortages became the industry phrase, the market has seen delivery problems, coupled with sustained Covid-19 issues also affect the market. Nevertheless, light and heavy truck registrations have improved on 2020 levels, although buses took a sustained hit throughout the year. Crucially, however, the market is not close to 2019 pre-pandemic levels in figures released by Bil Sweden.
A Disappointing Final Month of the Year for Light Trucks
Looking to December, light trucks under 3.5 tonnes were deeply affected. With 2,787 trucks registered in December, this is 30.2% down on last December’s 3,992 and tiny, in comparison to the 10,000+ sales for December 2019. The drop pushes the year-to-date percentage increase on 2020 down to 16.8% or 36,236 against last year’s 31,015 – a much stronger year for the industry. Volkswagen came out on top with 7,755 registrations, with Ford second best with 6,421 sales. The recovery, BIL Sweden is quick to point out should be measured. 2021 light truck sales are 33% down on 2019 levels, which sums up just how unprecedented the decline was for 2020.
Mattias Bergman, CEO, Bil Sweden, explains, “Although we can be pleased with a good recovery during the year, the number was 33 per cent below the 2019 level. It clarifies that it is not only the pandemic and delivery problems that affect, but also that the Bonus malus system strikes hard against light trucks. The share of electric light trucks increased from 6.4 per cent in 2020 to 7.5 per cent in 2021.”
Heavy Trucks recorded a pleasing end to the year, with 541 registrations in December 2021, against 432 the December prior. In total, heavy trucks sales amounted to 5,303 registrations, against 4,960 the year before, making for an increase of 6.9%. These statistics demonstrate a strengthened economic situation, as the market saw production disruptions and deliveries occur throughout the year. Putting all truck unit sales together, the total volume sales amounted to 42,145, against 36,517, making for a sturdy 15.4% increase.
Buses saw a decline throughout the whole year. Looking to December, the market decreased by a profound 70%, or 131 against 446 the December before. With only 728 registrations, the market saw a hefty drop of 56.5%, as last year’s total was a far healthier 1,674. With a significant decrease in tourism, the market has not bounced back. Additionally, bus procurement is based on individual regions, so it’s dependent on when they see fit to order buses. Electric buses this year made up 25%, showing evidence that the market is continuing its electrification, especially as 2020 only saw a 10% share of electric buses.
Forecast Looking Healthier for Light Trucks in 2022
Bil Sweden is predicting a running total of light trucks to reach 44,000 registrations, which would be a 21% increase on 2021. Electric light trucks will also reach 17% as the market will continue to diversify this year. Additionally, as the malus will be tightened in April, fleets will be hit with tax bills for vehicles over three years old. The worsening tax situation will hopefully encourage and push fleets to renew their vehiclesaccording to BIL Sweden.
