Strong demand for vans, some produced locally, continued to “carry” the UK’s commercial vehicle market in August 2014, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.
Commercial vehicle sales rose 11.9% year on 15,053 unit, taking the year to date tally to 214,959, up 13%.
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Vansales rose 22.3% to 12,652 last month and 19.1% to 192,948 units YTD.
Truck registrations were down 22.7% to 2,401 in August and off 22% to 22,011 YTD, continuing the trend for 2014 due to the the buyer rush in late 2013 to acquire pre-Euro-6-compliant vehicles.
“Strong van registrations have led to another month of continued growth for the commercial vehicle market, with the demand for light commercial vehicles continuing to build,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
“The truck market is still seeing the effects of a particularly strong end to 2013 ahead of the introduction of Euro-6. Stability will return to the market, although expectations for the year remain subdued.”
| August | % change | Year-to-date | % change | Rolling year | % change | |
| Vans | 12,652 | 22.3% | 192,948 | 19.1% | 302,083 | 19.1% |
| Trucks | 2,401 | -22.7% | 22,011 | -22.0% | 50,008 | 12.9% |
| Total | 15,053 | 11.9% | 214,959 | 13.0% | 352,091 | 18.2% |
