September's commercial vehicle registrations were up overall 10.8% to 54,497 units, according to the SMMT's (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) latest figures.
A total of 269,456 commercial vehicles have been registered so far this year, up 12.6% year-on-year, with the van market continuing to lead growth – up 18.1% year-to-date to 242,071, and 14.1% for the month of September to 49,123 units.
Truck registrations fell by 12.3% overall in September, continuing the year's downward trend. Rolling year totals remain artificially strong only due to the pre-Euro 6 rush late in 2013.
However, the real world for this year to date is an overall decline of 20.3%, with 4x2 and 6x2 tractors down 32.6% and 24.5% respectively, while rigids between 6.0—16 tonnes are down 27.9% and those over 16 tonnes 16.1%.
"With businesses feeling increased economic confidence and downsizing from larger vehicles, the van market has delivered another strong performance," comments SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
"This has also yielded growth in the whole commercial vehicle market, continuing the positivity seen throughout the majority of the year," he continues.
"We are yet to see the truck market show signs of significant recovery following a flurry of registrations ahead of the Euro 6 introduction last year, which tempered demand going in to 2014."
