UK Van sales power ahead but truck sales subdued

Transport News reports that the commercial vehicle sector in the UK continued to grow in November, fuelled again by strong demand for new vans.

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed positive signs for the commercial vehicle sector overall as it grew by 4.2% compared to November 2013, and sees the year-to-date figure extended to 13.1% ahead of the first 11 months of last year.

The van sector saw 26,516 vans registered, a 17.1% increase on the same month last year, while pushing its year-to-date figures to 19% ahead of 2013 when 295,157 vans were registered. Vans between 2.5- and 3.5-tonnes and 2.0- and 2.5-tonnes proved popular in November, with 16,804 and 4,708 vehicles registered in each category respectively.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Surging demand for vans continued in November amid buoyant consumer confidence and a rise in home deliveries.”

Truck market subdued in November due to new Type Approval legislation
The truck market was subdued once again after a strong October with only 2,729 vehicles registered in November leaving it 49.6% down on the same month in 2013. Year-to-date figures see the truck market behind by 14% compared to the first 11 months of 2013.

Hawes added, “The introduction of new Type Approval legislation at the end of October had a disruptive impact on the truck marketing November, just as it had the opposite effect in October itself.”