Commercial vehicle registrations for 2014 have passed the 300,000 mark, with demand up 27% in October, according to latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
While truck registrations have been low since the start of the year – attributed to late 2013 growth prior to the introduction of Euro 6 – October saw a surge in truck sales, up by almost 66% compared to the same month last year.
Sales of vans continue to perform strongly, up by 18% in October to 26,570 units, and up by 18% for the year to date.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes says the truck results are "encouraging", but says the rise may be a one-off: "We should treat such a sharp percentage increase with caution, owing to a relatively small total market and new type approval regulations coming into force at the end of the month."
Vans continued to perform strongly, with the most significant increase seen in the 2-2.5-tonne sector, which rose by 48% compared to October 2013. The 4x4 sector also rose sharply, up 30% on the same month last year.
For trucks, sales of rigids soared by 122% year on year.
