June CV registrations mean record van sales for first half 2016

Overall light commercial vehicle demand was up 2.7 per cent in June with 36,700 units registered. New van market reached record levels in the first six months of 2016, increasing by 3.0 per cent compared to last year, to 191,996 units.

“In spite of widespread concern over the referendum result, June registrations for commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes rose 2.7 per cent compared to last year”, said Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association which represents commercial vehicle and franchised car retailers across the UK, commenting on the SMMT’s commercial vehicle registration figures.

Robinson continued, “The strongest results came again from the heavy weight van sector between 2.5 & 3.5tonnes (+11.3 per cent), in line with this year’s result (+12.7 per cent). These maximum weight vans are usually acquired for corporate service business and used for door to door delivery of internet purchases.

“Although this is a smaller market segment, sales of pick-ups have increased substantially this year with an annual growth of 10.9 per cent. Upturn in June was even stronger (+17.3 per cent) supported by the expansion in the construction and building industry.

“It is extremely positive that in spite of recent economic turmoil the sector has remained strong and many dealer members feel confident that it will continue to perform well throughout the remainder of 2016. Nevertheless, we are aware that much will depend on how manufacturers will react to exchange rate values, which could affect the end price of their products and marketing programmes.”