July CV registrations rise, despite fall in van sales

UK CV registrations rose 3.7 per cent in July, with strong truck demand outweighing a small drop in vans, according to SMMT figures.

The year-to-date performance for the overall market remained positive, with 2015 registrations up 19.3 per cent. One factor is the operators’ continued drive for maximum efficiency, which was reflected in surging demand for heavier vans and trucks.

“The commercial vehicle market’s record performance in the first half of the year has been followed by a more sedate July, underpinned by a slight fall in van registrations,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. “This is not surprising given a particularly big uplift in the same month last year on the back of the launch of several new key models. Demand is still at a very high level, with year-to-date van registrations up 17 per cent as confident businesses continue to invest in their fleets and capitalise on the ongoing trend for home deliveries.

“Registrations of trucks, meanwhile, saw another robust month in line with the sector’s performance in the year so far. Once again, the principal gains were made by the heavier vehicles in each market segment.”