Strong van sales boost February CV market

The SMMT has revealed that total UK commercial vehicle registrations grew by17.5 per cent in February to 13,320 with the rolling year figure up 15.1 per cent to 330,283.

Van sales drove the CV growth with a strong February performance. A 28.2 per cent rise in the month to 11,731 registrations boosted the rolling 12 months by 13.8 per cent.

The Euro-6-induced dip in truck volumes continued in February but the rate of decline slowed from January’s 37 per cent decline. The 12 months to February remained up 22.4 per cent.

“Growing van registrations supported the February vehicle market as middle and heavy-weight vans enjoyed healthy rises, reflecting improving economic activity,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “Registrations of trucks over six tonnes continued to decline as the market adjusts to new Euro-6 legislation. We anticipate this rebalancing act to be a factor for some months yet, while van volumes should remain on an upward trend.”