“It is positive to see the commercial vehicle market continued to grow 11.4% in march, following the new 14-plate change”, 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.
Van sales showed a healthy increase of 14.6% - with high demand in the light, door-to-door and service industries. All van sectors over 2.0 tonnes showed signs of growth with the exception of car-derived vans which saw a significant decrease of -18.5%. Overall the van sector has performed well with a year-to-date increase of 16% across the first 3 months of 2014.
Truck registrations continued their downward trend with March figures showing a decline of -16.5% - however the year-on-year figure remains up 23%.
Robinson continued, “Following high levels of Euro 5 trucks that were pre-registered in December, we anticipated that the first quarter of 2014 would mean sales of Euro 6 engines that were mandated from January would be significantly low.
“We expect truck demand to stabilise over the coming months when all old pre-registration stock has been sold and is operating on the road.
“The NFDA are confident that with the economy improving - in particular the construction industry, heavy goods vehicle demand will be back on track in the second half of this year”.
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.
