“The commercial vehicle market has improved again in November, despite the economy remaining fragile.” said Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI 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 “Overall van sales improved substantially last month, suggesting that confidence is beginning to improve in the small business sector. It is likely business owners are investing in new vans prior to the introduction of the London Emission Zone (LEZ) scheme which starts at the beginning of 2012.
“Although there was overall improvement in the sector, vans with a weight under 2 tonnes recorded a decline in sales of 6%. This size van is often purchased by businesses within the service industry, many of whom have been negatively affected by the current retail downturn.
“Truck registrations continued to grow in November. The sector that saw the strongest growth was the over 16 tonnes rigid trucks. These vehicles are often purchased by owner-operators and it is likely that like the van sector, sales are being encouraged by the impending LEZ scheme.
The latest new van and truck sales figures show month on month sales were up 19.1% compared to November 2010 and up 24.4% on the rolling year. Overall truck registrations were up 21.5% in comparison to November last year, while overall van registrations were up 18.6% on November last year.
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.
