The UK’s commercial vehicle (CV) market continued to grow in November. According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), new registrations have topped 300,000 over the last twelve months, for the first time since 2008.
New CV registrations rose by 22.7% in November, compared to the same period last year, with van registrations rising by 19.4% to 22,647, and truck registration surging an impressive 39.3% to 5,410. So far this year, van registrations have risen by 11.7%, while truck registrations have climbed by a more modest 6.5%:
UK van and truck registrations: 2013 and % change on 2012
| November | % change | Year-to-date | % change | Rolling year | % change | |
| Vans | 22,647 | 19.4% | 250,124 | 11.7% | 265,929 | 9.8% |
| Trucks | 5,410 | 39.3% | 44,867 | 6.5% | 48,446 | 3.7% |
| Total | 28,057 | 22.7% | 294,991 | 10.9% | 314,375 | 8.8% |
Data courtesy of SMMT (www.smmt.co.uk)
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, says that the gains are due to a mixture of environmental, technological and economic factors:
“The November commercial vehicle market rose 22.7%, continuing the strong upward momentum we’ve seen over the past four months. With engine technology developments driving up the truck market, plus van owners and operators responding positively to this year’s economic recovery, the sector is on course for its best performance in five years.”
As the graph below shows, van and truck registrations have both trended firmly higher since the middle of this year:
With car registrations also hitting new highs in November, car and van dealers are going to be looking forward to bonus-fuelled Christmas celebrations. Let’s hope this year’s increases are sustained into 2014.
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