Van registrations also rose 12.9% on the back of the robust business confidence, accelerating the 12 months to January by 13.2%.
As predicted, however, truck registrations stalled following the hand-over to Euro-6 legislation.
Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawkes, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘The overall commercial vehicle market grew 4.4% in January as more robust business confidence boosted van registrations.
‘As expected, the pre-Euro-6 rush at the end of last year dented truck volumes in January – a market factor we expect to continue for some months. Looking ahead, SMMT is confident that van registrations will continue to grow at a sustainable rate, while truck demand should level out over the full year.’
UK van and truck registrations: 2014 and % change on 2013
|
|
January |
% change |
Year-to-date |
% change |
Rolling year |
% change |
|
Vans |
18,122 |
12.9% |
18,122 |
12.9% |
273,146 |
13.2% |
|
Trucks |
1,817 |
-37.0% |
1,817 |
-37.0% |
55,153 |
22.6% |
|
Total |
19,939 |
5.3% |
19,939 |
5.3% |
328,299 |
14.6% |