“April 2012 sales figures saw a dip in the overall commercial vehicle market, down 13.7%. While truck registrations continued to rise, up 17.7% in April, van registrations fell by 19.8%.” 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 “All sectors of the van market recorded a decrease in sales in April. Year to date figures show small under 2ton vans and large 2.5 – 3.5ton vehicles have been worst affected, down 28.2% and 12.8% respectively. “The sector that appears least affected by the drop in sales is the mid-size 2.0 – 2.5ton vans, recording a decrease of only 3.2% year to date. A reasonable proportion of these vans are sold as private vehicles or to small businesses and the self employed indicating growth in confidence amongst the ‘user-chooser’ customers. “The truck market continues to go from strength to strength with sales up 27.4% year to date. “The rigid truck market recorded growth in all sectors an overall figure of 32.8% in April and 52.9% year to date indicating continued confidence in the industries that use this type of vehicle, namely the construction and distribution industries.” 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.
