ESL Blogs

Market Overview

The Central European heavy ground transportation vehicles market, encompassing trucks and buses, was valued at approximately USD 10.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 66.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 36.9% during this period.

Key drivers of this growth include increasing trade activities and urbanization, which elevate the demand for road freight transportation and logistics. Efficient goods transport solutions are crucial for trade, further propelling market expansion in Central Europe. Trade agreements among neighboring countries, such as Austria’s export of specialized industrial machinery and food products to Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and France, also support this growth.

The push for electrification in trucks and buses is gaining momentum due to government regulations aimed at reducing emissions, including clear targets for zero-emission technologies. The adoption of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) is anticipated to rise significantly in response to manufacturer commitments and EU-wide pollution reduction policies. Improved battery technology, greater model variety, and decreasing costs of electric components are encouraging producers to innovate.

The European population continues to grow, with the urban population accounting for 75.1% of the total in 2021, and is expected to increase further. As disposable incomes rise, there is a growing reliance on sustainable public transport systems. Innovations in electric and diesel ground transport machinery present opportunities for manufacturers. In line with this trend, companies like AB Volvo have launched new products, such as a 4-meter-high variant of the double-decker Volvo 9700 DD in February 2021.

Key Insights

• Truck category expected to hold over 90% revenue share in 2024 and continue this trend.
• Growing focus on electric transmission drives market growth.
• Regional countries aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road transport and oil dependency.
• Companies like AB Volvo and Mercedes-Benz invest in R&D for innovative transport solutions.
• Countries adopting electric light and heavy trucks include Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Switzerland.
• Light trucks are in high demand due to affordability for small-to-mid-sized enterprises.
• Rising need for last-mile delivery services fuels growth in light truck market.
• Conventional diesel trucks dominate due to lower prices and minimal aftermarket service.
• Central European electric truck market growing due to stringent emission regulations.
• Increasing number of electric truck manufacturers entering the market.
• Overseas companies launching electric trucks in response to regional demand.
• Pilot e-truck projects by OEMs enhance adoption rates.
• Bus category projected to grow at around 7% during the forecast period.
• Increasing demand for public transportation drives bus sales in the region.
• Government initiatives promoting clean buses positively impact the market.
• EU rule aims for 25% of European buses to be electric or hybrid by 2025.
• High demand for single-decker buses from academic institutions and public transport agencies.
• Transit buses dominate the market, enhancing social inclusion and access to services.
• Poland leads the Central European truck market with an estimated 24% revenue share in 2024.
• Polish bus market expected to grow at around 11% during the forecast period.
• High export and import values enhance Poland's significance in the region.
• Poland is a major producer of both conventional and electric buses, with companies like MAN Truck & Bus expanding production.

Source: P&S Intelligence