SMMT: February Van Registrations Climb, Trucks Stay Low

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says February saw an increase in the number of new van registrations in the UK; up 26.1 per cent on the same month in 2009 to 8,978, raising the 2010 year-to-date total to 20,524 – 8.8 per cent up on January-February last year. However, truck sales continued their downward trajectory, totalling 1,370 in February, over a third down on the same month in 2009 (-36.6 per cent). Sales were also sluggish in January, leaving new truck registrations in 2010 43.7 per cent down from the same stage in 2009. In total, truck and van sales combined were 11.5 per cent up for February year-on-year, but 2.5 per cent down in year to date figures.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive commented, “Despite the hesitant economic recovery, demand for new vans has picked up, though trucks still struggle in one of the most difficult markets since the early 1990s.

“We don’t expect a consistent recovery for some time, either for new vans or trucks, so durable growth in business investment and confidence is vital.  The government’s 2010 Budget needs to deliver clear, supportive and dependable policies, including better access to business credit to sustain that recovering demand for vans and trucks.”