2011 a good year for van and CV sales

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reveal that, in 2011, there were 260,153 registrations of vans up to 3.5 tonnes; 16.7 per cent up on 2010.

Truck registrations were boosted by a buoyant sales month in December, with registrations for the month up 45 per cent year on year. For two-axle rigid vehicles above 6 tonnes, growth rates ranged from 30 to 90 per cent across the various weight segments. Previously, these sectors had lagged behind artic and multi-axle sales. Taking the year as a whole, truck registrations rose by 24.6 per cent.

Said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive: “Renewed business confidence fuelled the month-on-month rises, while innovative developments in vehicle design and technologies provided solid business reasons for companies to upgrade their vehicles in 2011.” However, he added a note of warning, saying: There can be no room for complacency this year, government must deliver its growth strategy and help strengthen business and consumer confidence.”