Truck registrations plummet
Just 1,201 trucks (six tonne GVW and above) were registered in January, down 1,385 on the same month in 2009. The figures demonstrate the industry's inability to invest in vehicles, says DAF Trucks marketing director Tony Pain. "The numbers reflect the market three or four months ago and there has been signs of improvement since, especially in construction," he adds.
SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt says the new van and truck registrations continue to reflect a weak economic recovery and businesses reluctant to commit to investment.
"These are the lowest January truck registrations since 1992, leaving most truck makers disappointed at the slow start to the year. It is important that government uses the upcoming Budget to encourage investment in capital goods and help rebuild business confidence," he says.
Van registrations are showing signs of stability, however, falling just 1.7% in January. The first month of the year saw 11,546 registrations (up to and including 3.5 tonnes GVW), down 199 units on 2009.
Ford leads the way with a 22.8% share of the market, followed by Vauxhall (15%) and Volkswagen (10%), with Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot and Volkswagen all recording more than 50% increased sales compared to January 2009.
Although the numbers are levelling off, they are unlikely to improve until after a general election, says George Alexander, chief CV editor at Glass's Guide. "Even then, when a little more business confidence and clarity has returned, franchised dealers are likely to remain sceptical throughout this year in case the economy dips again, despite the UK having moved out of recession," he says.
Source: roadtransport.com
