Strong demand for vans continues to lead growth in the commercial vehicle market, according to the latest figures for van and truck registrations, from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders).
Registrations of commercial vehicles overall grew 4.2% in November 2015, with a year-to-date increase of 13.1% – with the van sector climbing 17.1% to 26,516 units in the month.
Truck registrations, meanwhile, declined 49.6% overall to 2,729 units for the month, which SMMT puts down to "the aftermath of new Type Approval legislation".
Comparing this November to last, registrations of rigids declined 63.9%, with those over 6.0 tonnes bearing the brunt (-79% slump for 6.0—16 tonnes and -76.4% drop for those over 16 tonnes) and proving SMMT's point.
Meanwhile, the figures for November 2014 compared to November 2013 show tractor units fell 33.4%, with two-axle tractors taking the biggest hit at -62.2%.
"Surging demand for vans continued in November amid buoyant consumer confidence and a rise in home deliveries," comments Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
"However, the introduction of new Type Approval legislation at the end of October had a disruptive impact on the truck market in November, just as it had the opposite effect in October itself."
