"In 2008 China took less than 30% of the heavy vehicle market over six tonnes."

"This year the figure will exceed 40%," said Matthias Wissmann of the VDA. "Western truck markets, too, will recover in 2010, even if from a low level."

Since the middle of last year the US truck business has picked up "and we expect growth of about 11% this year." Brazil is the main truck market in South America, with sales up by more than half. In Western Europe, by contrast, the VDA expects "only a slight rise" over 2009 levels. "2010 is not going to deliver a major boost to the heavy vehicle market, but will bring stability instead. "We cannot expect to see a consistent recovery across the sector until next year."

More from Eckehart Rotter on +49 (0)69 97507 266 or rotter@vda.de