Economic confidence drive increases in van and truck sales in April
The commercial vehicle market is experiencing strong growth with figures up 23.5% against sales from April 2014. As sales continue to increase, 2015 is seeing growth of 16.4%.
In the 12th consecutive month, van registrations for commercial vehicles (CVs) up to 3.5tonne are showing an increase of nearly 21%. All weight sectors have performed well, with more than 4300 additional light CVs being registered this April.
Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association, said: “Healthy demand is being driven by several factors: competitive financial offers from dealers and manufacturers, growth and upsurge in self-employment, the service industries and continual increases in demand for home deliveries via internet sales.
“The turnaround in demand for heavy CVs has been spectacular, with an increase of 43.5% in April and a total of 41.7% in the first four months of the year.
“The biggest increase in demand has come from two main areas. The first in the over 16 tonnes rigid trucks, often used in construction and cleansing/waste management. The second in 44t tractor units that are used for logistics and supply for retail demand of supermarket chains.
“In the first 4 months of last year, 3493 tractors were registered, this year in the same four months 5660 tractors have been put on the road, that is a huge 70% increase.
“It is very encouraging to see this level of improvement in the demand for heavy CVs, especially following last years’ time consuming EU Type Approval regulations for completed bodied trucks. With the impending election results, we look forward to the next government being supportive of CVs and the transport industry.”