Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported that the total commercial vehicle registrations in the UK have increased by 25.8 percent in July, up 13.1 percent for the year-to-date, and 18.4 percent over the rolling year. The van market has maintained a period of strong growth, up 34.5 percent in July and 18.9 percent over the year-to-date to more than 180,000 units. However, truck registrations fell by 16.3 percent in July, down 21.9 percent over the year-to-date following a surge towards the end of 2013 due to the introduction of Euro-6. The rolling year total remains up 16.4 percent, following increased activity last year.

UK van and truck registrations: 2014 and % change on 2013

“The commercial vehicle market has delivered another strong month overall, driven by an impressive number of van registrations. This reflects growing business confidence in the economy and the variety of highly capable and efficient vans on the market,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “The truck sector is continuing a downward trend brought about by an influx of orders at the end of 2013 due to incoming Euro-6 standards. There is increasing positivity in the market, however, which should see registrations return to normal levels over the coming months.”

Van and truck registrations – rolling year trends Jan 2010 to date