SALES of light commercial vehicles across Europe increased by 2% in the third quarter of the year compared to the same period last year, latest figures show.

A total of 411,602 registrations were noted, up from 403,585 for the third quarter 2002, with a mixed performance in the main markets, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) which produced the figures.

They increased in the UK by 16.2%, Spain 13.9% and Germany 2%. However, the French and Italian markets remained sluggish, with drops of 1% and 18% respectively.