“It is encouraging to see that the commercial vehicle market continued to grow in May with registrations up 17.4%”, 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.
May marked the fifth consecutive month of growth in the truck market - while vans hit a 150,000 registrations record, giving a clear indication of growth in commerce and confidence in the UK economy.
Robinson continued, “Vans up to 3.5t were up 15.1% in May, however year-to-date the growth has been up 20.7%. The most significant growth came from the 2.5 – 3.5t sector which was up 21% in the month - these are acquired mainly by industry for goods and home deliveries rather than use as a tradesman’s vehicle in the service sector. In the first 5 months of 2015, over 150,000 total vans have been registered, this is dominated by the larger 2.5 – 3.5t vehicles that make up over half of all vans sold with 85,000 registrations year to date - demonstrating the importance of this market sector.
“Truck sales were up in May by nearly 36% - similar to the first 5 months of 2015 showing an increase of 40.4%. This year there has been a significant increase in truck sales after the inconsistencies of last year brought about by changes in UK/EU legislation. Articulated tractive units showed the highest levels of growth up 58.8% for the year. These vehicles are mainly used for the distribution of goods for both retail and industry, clearly indicating operator’s confidence to invest in the future of UK PLC.
“Rigid multi axle trucks registrations were also up 61% this month, and 68.3% for the year. This type of chassis is expensive and often fitted with specialist engineered bodywork; indicating a lack of investment in the previous few years through little confidence in the economy and over tight bank lending.
“The NFDA and our members are confident that the commercial vehicle market will continue to grow for the remainder of 2015.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Rupal Rawal, Communications 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.