SMMT: UK Van and Truck Registrations Showing Mixed Fortunes

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders registration figures suggest the UK’s slow upturn in light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes continued in April 2010, but trucks remained in the downward trend experienced since the last quarter of 2008. “UK van registrations rose in April, continuing the welcome growth over the first quarter of 2010,” said Paul Everitt, chief executive at the SMMT. “Demand for trucks is still running well below pre-recession levels and continues to reflect weak demand and a lack of business confidence. As our new government establishes itself, the priority must be sustaining and strengthening the economic recovery with particular focus on encouraging the availability of more and better priced finance.” Of course, the supposition that there will be a government able to establish itself may come under threat after the indeterminate result of the UK election.

In total figures for the segment, April 2010 was 2.4 per cent up in year-on-year figures, with 17,387 registrations. This continued to boost the year to date to 79,734, representing a percentage change of 6.2. Van registrations are shown to be entirely responsible for these modest rises, up 6.7 per cent for the month and 11.9 per cent for the year (14,891 and 70,106 respectively). Truck registrations were down in April 17.2 per cent to 2,496, meaning year to date figures are well over a fifth down on 2009 at 9,628.