“The UK new light commercial market rose 2.5% in November with a total of 29,784 units registered, marking the highest month on record and showing that the UK economy has been reacting well to recent challenges”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK, commenting on the SMMT’s commercial vehicle registration figures.
New van registrations grew by 2.5% in November, bringing the overall year to date growth to 2.1% with a total of 348,448 units registered in the first 11 months of the year. In November, the market was led by Ford followed by Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz Vans.
Robinson continued, “Following last month’s surprising increase, mid-size vans of 2.0-2.5 tonnes, generally used in the service sector, showed again robust growth of 43.1%. Although a small segment of the van market, the ‘pick-up’ sector also rose consistently again by 36.7%, meaning an increase of over 1,000 units on the same period last year.
“Large commercials of 2.5-3.5 tonnes, which tend to be acquired by corporates and fleets for services and logistics, declined by 4.4%. These usually represent one of the strongest segments of the market.
“With no legislation changes due to happen in the short term, there is a general optimism that the light commercial vehicle market will continue to perform well also in the new year.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Gabriele Severini, NFDA Communications Officer Tel: 0207 307 3423 Mob: 07880 039 897 Press Office direct line: 020 7307 3422 Press Office fax: 020 7307 3406 Web: www.rmif.co.uk Email: gabriele.severini@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.