Commercial vehicle demand in the UK grew 27% in October to 35,027 units, driving the market up 14.1% to pass 300,000 units.

Truck registrations saw a sharp upturn of 65.7% to 8,457 units, marking the first month of growth for the market in 2014. Year to date volume was down 9.2%.

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The van market continued its strong performance, up 18.2% in October to 26,570 units, and up 18.1% for the year-to-date.

“October marks the first month of 2014 in which truck registrations have seen positive growth, given the paucity of demand following the introduction of Euro-6. While encouraging, we should treat such a sharp percentage increase with caution, owing to a relatively small total market and new type approval regulations coming into force at the end of the month,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

“Van registrations also performed well, yielding solid growth for the total commercial vehicle market.”

SMMT data: UK van and truck registrations: 2014 and % change on 2013
 
  October % change Year-to-date % change Rolling year % change
Vans 26,570 18.2% 268,641 18.1% 312,237 19.1%
Trucks 8,457 65.7% 35,842 -9.2% 52,603 12.1%
Total 35,027 27.0% 304,483 14.1% 364,840 18.0%
 

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