…But vans boost CV figures

Total CV registrations increased 30.9 per cent in April to 24,370 units and grew 11.8 per cent during the year so far. Van registrations rose 43 per cent to 20,751 units in the month, and grew 17.6 per cent during the year-to-date.

Truck demand fell 12.1 per cent to 3,619 units in the month and declined 15.5 per cent during the first four months of 2013.

“The CV market saw further growth in April, up almost 40 per cent, but it’s a mixed picture across the different vehicle types,” said Nigel Base, SMMT Commercial Vehicle Manager. “A lift in van demand is contributing to growth across the overall market, but truck registrations continue to decline. This could be symptomatic of operators holding off on buying vehicles in anticipation of new Euro 6 legislation coming into play later this year as well as wider economic challenges impacting the road transport sector.”