June has been a good turning point in the year for the commercial vehicle market, and we have seen a modest improvement in overall sales figures” 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 up 7.6% at the year’s halfway point with June volumes rising 4.5%.
Robinson continued, “January to June van registrations were 11.2% ahead of 2012, boosted by an impressive 3.4% rise in the month. Mid size vans 2 – 3.5 tonnes were also up 11.1% from 2012.
“Truck demand was 10.4% behind 2012 for the first quarter of the year, however, an 11.7% rise in June could be the first signs of 2013 demand rebalancing in the second half of the year.
“Looking ahead into the second half of the year, dealers are optimistic that the van market will remain healthy with a return to a more normal replacement cycle sustaining the market. For heavy trucks, we expect to see improvement in recovery as buyers pick from late Euro 5 or new Euro 6 models ahead of new Euro-standard legislation hitting from 2014.”
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.
