The SMMT data shows that total CV registrations fell 4.7% in May to 24,149 units, with the organisation attributing this to van model cycles combined with Euro 6 uncertainty for trucks. However, the overall market remains up 8.3% for the year to date.
Van registrations were 3.8% behind May 2012 at 20,503 units. January-May volumes remain strong up 13% to 110,136 units.
Truck demand fell 9.4% to 3,646 units in the month and declined 14.3% during the first five months of 2013.
‘The overall CV market has performed well so far in 2013, but May saw volumes fall 3.8% as van model cycles combined with Euro 6 uncertainty for trucks,’ said Nigel Base, SMMT commercial vehicle manager. ‘For trucks, history tells us that purchases of Euro 5 will mix with new Euro 6 trucks as the year progresses, which could boost the market in the second half of 2013. For vans, the picture was positive up to May, so we anticipate this blip to be overcome as the year pans out.’
