“It is positive to see that the commercial vehicle market remained stable during July, with a healthy increase in the truck sector of 10.3%” said Sue Robinson, Director of the 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.
New light commercial vehicle figures released today show overall sales were down 0.6% in July but up 6.5% year-to-date. Van sales dipped 2.6% last month but remained 9.3% ahead year-to-date.
Robinson continued, “Both the car derived van and large van sectors lost market share in July whilst the midsize panel van sector increased their sales volume. The fall in van sales could be attributed to the high volume of pre registrations that took place prior to the introduction of type approval regulations a few months ago.
“Despite the fall in sales in July the year-to-date figures shows that the van market remains buoyant. The NFDA believe that the van market will finish the year 10% above 2012.
“The Euro 5/6 change over continues to effect the truck market. Whilst the rigid truck sector slipped by 5.1% in July the heavy tractor sector recorded an increase in sales of a massive 40%.
“The recent increase in truck sales could be attributed to the growing confidence within the construction industry coupled with the signs of a stabilising economy.”
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.
