"Following last month’s plate change, the October market has remained stable with a -2.9% decline in the month,”, 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.
It is positive to see that the year-to-date market has remained strong and is up 16.7%. Van demand was up 6.2% in the month, whilst truck demand was down -31.5%.
Robinson continued, “Sales of mid-sized vans (2.0-2.5t) – usually purchased by self-employed tradesman and semi-retail customers were down -26.6%. Buyers of these particular models are more likely to have made their purchases last month in order to obtain the new 65-registation plate.
“On a more positive note, registrations of larger vans (2.5-3.5t) posted a healthy 17.5% growth – posing similar to the year-to-date growth of 21%, fuelled by increasing consumer confidence and an on-going trend of online shopping and home deliveries.
“In the truck sector, ridged chassis trucks declined significantly by -45.1%. The current delays from the DVSA in getting type approvals via IVAs could be delaying registrations in this particular sector, as these models require bodywork fitted.
“It is expected that the CV market will remain buoyant for the remainder of 2015.”
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.
