There was good news for the van market this month as registrations showed a monthly increase of 43%, bringing the year to date increase to 17.6%. It was a different story for the truck sector as demand for heavy trucks was down 12.1% in April, resulting in a year to date decrease of 15.5%.
Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association which represents commercial vehicle and franchised car retailers across the UK commented:
“As we expected to see an increase in sales of trucks occurring ahead of the more expensive Euro 6 trucks coming into the market in January 2014, these figures are disappointing. The economic situation has caused many operators and buyers to resist the temptation of buying new trucks and instead focus on keeping their existing vehicles well maintained.”
“However, van sales are encouraging and we believe this is down to the wide availability of finance offered by light commercial vehicle manufacturers.”
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.