2014 commercial vehicle registrations back to pre-recession levels08 January 2015

The UK commercial vehicle market notched up double-digit growth in 2014, with total sales up by 11% to 363,155 units – the highest level since 2007.

According to latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), van registrations for the year increased by almost 19%, at 321,686 units.

Trucks, meanwhile, continued their decline, with registrations of 41,469 down by 26% for the year, due to the introduction of Euro 6 engine emission limits and new type approval legislation.

The figures for December 2014 saw van sales up by more than 26%, compared to November, with truck numbers down by 74% versus the previous month.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, says the annual van figures reflect "the growing confidence of many businesses in the UK".

Euro 6 and type approval impacted the truck market, he confirms, affecting fleet renewal patterns. However, he believes that the outlook for 2015 is "bright, with stability expected to return to the market".

Top growth performer in the van sector for December was the 4x4, with registrations up by 61%.

Small rigids (3.5 to 6 tonnes) provided the only positive result for trucks last month, up by almost 19%, with larger rigids down by an average of 87%.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd

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