Falling truck sales dragged down total UK commercial vehicle registrations 4.2% in April to 23,338 units. Year to date volume was, however, up 7.3% to 110,829.

Van sales dipped 0.6% to 20,620 (YTD: +12.2%; 100,537) while truck sales last month were off 24.9% to 2,718 (YTD: -24.8%; 10,292).

The SMMT said emissions standard changes had hurt truck sales.

“Ongoing robust demand for vans continued the year to date trend in line with SMMT’s revised van forecast for 2014, a forecast that should see the market grow more than 11% on 2013,” said Mike Hawes, chief executive.

“The overall market remained subdued, however, as the Euro 6 lag continued for trucks. Demand for HCVs is likely to remain behind 2013 all year but volumes should recover as we approach mid-year.”

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