"It is positive to see that commercial vehicle registrations were up 13.9% in November following last month’s -2.9 decline,” 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.
Robinson continued, “Sales of vans under 3.5tonnes continued to perform well in most sectors due to an increased demand for online deliveries – due to the Christmas period approaching. The 2.5t to 3.5t commercial sector now dominates the van market – equating to 59% of all vans sold.
“Operators and buyers are creating a divide in the van market. Volume and weight is more important to one set of customers, and convenience and manoeuvrability to the other. Hence sales of car-derived vans were up 8.6%, and there was a reduced demand of -1.4% YTD for 2.0t – 2.4t mid-sized vans.
“Truck sales looked buoyant in November with growth of 55.8% following last month’s decline of -31.5% - blamed on delays from the DVSA in getting type approvals via IVAs. Trucks registered in November will automatically need testing to obtain IVA/type-approval.
“The most significant truck growth came from the +16t rigid multi axle sector which was up 331%. These trucks are used in the construction and cleaning industry which continues to show confidence and growth in the economy. Tractor units which count for 40% of this year’s market showed a stable growth of 6.6% in November.
“Dealers feel that the overall market is stabilising and feel confident that 2016 will bring similar growth in the truck market and limited growth in van registrations as demand for internet deliveries continues to grow.”
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.