European Truck, Van Sales Drop

BRUSSELS (AP) — Sales of new vans and trucks in Europe slumped by 32.4 percent in 2009, reflecting the dire economic conditions, an industry group said Tuesday.

The EU car makers association ACEA said that compared to 2008 the slump was worst in eastern European nations. In the Baltics, sales dropped between 70 and 80 percent.

Within the European Union, the slump was at its worst in Ireland, where sales sagged by 69 percent. None of the member nations was able to avoid a slide of less than 20 percent, with France posting the best result with a decline of 20.5 percent.

Figures were not as weak for December, with a decrease of 10.6 percent. European manufacturers hope the market has reached its bottom and will start to bounce back in 2010.