Plate change drives van sales past 50,000 in March07 April 2014

Commercial vehicle registrations notched up double-digit growth in March, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with more than 54,000 new vehicles registered.

Demand for March plate changes drove van sales, which passed the 50,000 mark. But Euro 6 continued to hit truck sales, although the effect is lessening.

March registrations of 4,168 vehicles was down 16.5% on the same month last year – an improvement from the 27% drop in February year-on-year, and 37% drop in January.

SMMT believes truck sales will have steadied by the middle of this year.

"The new 14-plate drove van numbers up, pushing the overall commercial vehicle market 11.4% ahead of 2013 to more than 54,000 units," says Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

"Registration plate changes always prove popular with van buyers, so March and September numbers are typically more than double the average month, a trend continued this March as volumes rose 14.6% to above 50,000 units," he continues.

"Truck demand remained subdued as the influence of Euro 6 legislation continues to be felt across the sector, but the level of impact has lessened steadily since January and should be minimal by mid-year."

The best performers in the van sector were the 2-2.5 tonne models, up 55% on the same month last year. Rigids up to 6 tonnes also proved popular, registering an increase of almost 27% on March 2013.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.