10-month consecutive CV registration growth ‘encouraging’ – NFDA

“It is encouraging to see that the commercial vehicle market continued to grow in February with registrations up 19.5 per cent”, said Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association. February marked the tenth consecutive month of growth in the CV market – up to 40,491 units. Van demand sustained its upward trend and grew 17.9 per cent, and for the second month running, truck registrations increased 31.7 per cent to 2,518 units.

Robinson continued: “Small to medium size van registrations remained stable – with only 22 more vans sold over February 2014. There was a significant increase from large vans in the 2.5 – 3.5 tonne sector where registrations increased 29.3 per cent, – totalling an additional 1894 units on the road compared with this time last year. Vans from this sector are typically purchased by businesses and fleet buyers, and this month’s increase in sales indicates confidence in the economic outlook.

“In the truck sector, sales of rigid trucks were up 28.2 per cent which is positive news as these trucks require more complex and time consuming type approvals (IVA’s). Tractor sales were up 37.8 per cent with 784 units registered, – up 215 units on February 2014.

“Dealers have reported that demand and orders are steadily improving, however they are hoping that the delays in obtaining type-approval (IVA’s) through the DVSA and VOSA will not have an impact on the delivery dates of commercial vehicles.”