“The commercial vehicle market dipped in January due to poor van sales. However we still expect the CV market to finish higher in 2012 in comparison to 2011.” said Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association which represents commercial vehicle and franchised car retailers across the UK, commenting on the SMMT’s van and truck registration figures.
Robinson continued “The post Christmas period is often a time for slow van sales as many businesses wait till busier periods before committing to purchasing a new vehicle. January also saw the launch of the London Emission Zone (LEZ) regulations which caused a surge in van sales in the latter part of 2012 as businesses made certain their vehicles would meet the strict regulations. This too may have caused a slowdown in demand last month. We would suggest it is better to assess the state of the 2012 van market after the first quarter sales when normal trading patterns will have returned.
“To ensure the sustained recovery in the commercial vehicle market we urge Government to use the March Budget to look at schemes that could improve business confidence by offering stability and security.”
The latest combined sales figures for van and truck show month on month sales were down 8.6% compared to January 2011 and up 14.2% on the rolling year. Truck registrations alone were up 45.4% in comparison to January last year while van registrations were down 16.4% on January last year.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS: Keely Scanlan, Press Officer Tel: 020 7307 3410 Mob: 07825097697 Press Office direct line: 020 7307 3422 Press Office fax: 020 7307 3406
Web: www.rmif.co.uk Email: keely.scanlan@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.
