“The light commercial vehicle (LCV) market performed well in September with the 66-plate change boosting demand from retail and self-employed customers - as strong performances from the ‘pickup’ and mid-size vans of 2.0 - 2.5t sectors show,” said Sue Robinson, Director of the NFDA, commenting on the SMMT’s commercial vehicle registration figures.
Overall, light commercial vehicles’ sales rose 1.9% in September with 59,857 units registered. The ‘pickup’ sector marked eight months of consecutive growth with a strong improvement of 16.4%, while mid-size vans 2.0 – 2.5t rose 11.2%.
Robinson continued, “Large vans of 2.5-3.5t, used for distribution and home delivery business, continued to grow by 5.2% in September and they are up 9.8% compared to last year.
“Again Ford led the market with nearly 20,000 vehicles registered, this is not surprising as their range encompasses every commercial derivative in the light CV market, appealing to both retail and industrial customers’ sectors.
“As businesses’ confidence remains strong with the year to date market still 2.7% higher than 2015, we are now looking forward to a positive last quarter.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Rupal Rawal, Press Officer Tel: 020 7307 3412 Mob: 07528 977 157 Press Office direct line: 020 7307 3422 Press Office fax: 020 7307 3406 Web: www.rmif.co.uk Email: rupal.rawal@rmif.co.uk
The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.