Van registrations rose 13.1% over the year to 271,073 units – boosted by 32.5% growth in December. Truck registrations totalled 56,218, up 23% as the move to Euro 6 fuelled growth.
‘As expected December truck registrations were exceptional last month due to the change from Euro 5 engine specification,’ said Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA, commenting on the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' (SMMT) statistics.
‘We anticipated high levels of registrations, but a 217% increase over that of December 2012 was a very pleasing result, with a total of 11,351 vehicles registered.
‘All sectors of trucks saw an increase in registrations, but the highest percentage came from the heavy over 16t market with a 465% increase over December 2012.
“Overall the 3.5t+ truck sector was up 23% in 2013 which is a clear reflection of consumer confidence and upturn in last year’s market.
‘Van sales (sub 3.5t) impressed in December, indicating strong end-of-year dealer/manufacturer marketing in this sector along with greater confidence in the economic outlook of UK PLC,’ she added.