According to the SMMT’s latest data, commercial vehicle registrations grew 19.5% in February, with 40,491 vehicles registered so far this year.
The truck market also performed well, rising 31.7% in February.
“It is encouraging to see that the commercial vehicle market continued to grow in February with registrations up 19.5%,” said Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA, which represents commercial vehicle and franchised car retailers across the UK.
She continued: “Small to medium size van registrations remained stable – with only 22 more vans sold over February 2014. There was a significant increase from large vans in the 2.5 – 3.5 tonne sector where registrations increased 29.3%, – totalling an additional 1894 units on the road compared with this time last year. Vans from this sector are typically purchased by businesses and fleet buyers, and this month’s increase in sales indicates confidence in the economic outlook.
“In the truck sector, sales of rigid trucks were up 28.2%, which is positive news as these trucks require more complex and time-consuming type approvals (IVAs). Tractor sales were up 37.8% with 784 units registered – up 215 units on February 2014.
“Dealers have reported that demand and orders are steadily improving, however they are hoping that the delays in obtaining IVAs through the DVSA and VOSA will not have an impact on the delivery dates of commercial vehicles.”
