SMMT sees strong commercial registration February growth of 27%

While the car market stayed low in February, registrations of new trucks and vans were up by more than a quarter on February 2010, at 27.4 per cent. Trucks saw a rise of 50.9 per cent to 2,068, making the figures in the first two months 36,070 units registered, or a rise of 11.1 per cent. Vans were up 23.8 per cent to 11,113 in February, keeping growth consistent from January, meaning 230,658 units have been registered in 2011 to date, up 22.7 per cent.

“The commercial vehicle sector is leading recovery with February van registrations up 24 per cent and trucks up 50 per cent,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “We are now seeing a sustainable improvement in new vehicle demand and the Budget later this month will be critical in strengthening consumer and business confidence. SMMT is looking for a freeze on fuel duty and measures that support business investment and access to finance and credit.”

Related news:

• SMMT satisfied with new car registration 7.7% February decline
• SMMT calls for fuel duty freeze