“It is positive to see that in spite of registrations levelling out in July, the new van market, up to 3.5 tonnes, remains stable year to date”, 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 commercial vehicle registration figures.
Light commercial vehicle demand stabilised in July (-0.2%) with 24,506 units registered, while year-to-date figures are still up 2.6% with 216,472 units.
Robinson continued, “Light vans under 2.0 tonnes rose slightly by 1.6%, while heavy weight vans between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes showed a small decline of -2.2%. These maximum weight vans, which are usually used for door to door delivery of internet purchases, remain very strong year-to-date, up 10.8%.
“Although a small segment of the market, ‘pickups’ sales showed the strongest growth, up 24.6% compared to last year.
“Considering the outstanding results recorded in the first half of the year, this stabilisation was expected and July figures are in line with the overall retail sales slowdown. The market is still higher compared to last year and we believe it will remain positive throughout the remainder of 2016.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Rupal Rawal, Press 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.
