Commercial vehicle registrations grew by more than 5% in January, according to figures released today (6 February) by the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The increase was buoyed by a 13% uptick in van numbers compared with January 2013, though it was marred by a 37% drop in truck registrations – a fall widely anticipated, due to the move to the more expensive mandatory Euro 6 engine emissions technology.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said the positive van results underlined "more robust business confidence".
He added: "As expected, the pre-Euro-6 rush at the end of last year dented truck volumes in January – a market factor we expect to continue for some months.
"Looking ahead, SMMT is confident that van registrations will continue to grow at a sustainable rate, while truck demand should level out over the full year."
The strongest van figures came from the 2.5 to 3.5-tonne sector, posting an increase of 27%, followed closely by 4x4 vehicles, at 22%. The only van sector to register a fall was those under 2 tonnes, dropping by almost 13%.
Overall, rigid trucks dropped by 28% compared with the same month last year, and artic registrations fell by a full 52%.
