Although the commercial vehicle market has performed well so far in 2013, it was surprising to see a decline in registrations in May” 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.
New light commercial vehicle figures released today show overall sales declined -3.8% in May. Truck demand fell -9.4%. Total CV registrations dipped 4.7% to 24,149 units, but market remains up 8.3% for the year-to-date.
Robinson continued, “The market in April saw many registrations brought forward in order to avoid the new type approval regulations that came into force. There was speculation about the 43% growth in light commercial registrations in April. The market for CV’s under 3.5t increased by 7,043 units and saw a rise in the 2.0t to 3.5t sector. This is where most of the chassis-cabs were produced and it was these specific units that would need separate ‘Type Approval’ for their bodywork.
“Truck sales and registrations declined in May by 9.4% and 14.3% for the year-to-date compared to sales in 2012. However, middle weight rigid truck registrations were only behind by 1.3%. Much of the uncertainty is due to many operators waiting until later in the year to buy, in hope that the release of the Euro 6 trucks in January 2014 will offer some advantageously priced Euro 5 units.
“The light commercial vehicle market could remain dormant over the coming few months, to give dealers the chance to sell out of April registrations at delivery mileage or as demonstration vehicles at discounted prices”.
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.
