UK truck registrations were down 36 per cent in the first two months of 2009, reflecting just how tough it is for manufacturing industry at the moment.
The figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that registrations fell from 8,159 last year to 5,196. The hardest hit sector of the truck market was three-axle artics which were down 51.6 per cent on last year to 1,090.
Among the manufacturers MAN and Volvo were both down more than 45 per cent while Iveco bucked the trend. Its registrations were down some 30 per cent consequently improving its market share.
“It is vital to stabilise buyer confidence soon,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “Vans are 50 per cent below the figure for this time last year and trucks are down 36 per cent this year. 2009 will be a huge test for the resilience of our sector and of the firms that need modern, efficient transport to deliver a stable economy. These are unique circumstances in which the government must help. We need direct, positive action to give people the confidence to buy now.”
Commercial Vehicle Registrations February 2009
| Marque | YTD-09 | % Change |
| Daf Trucks | 1,364 | -32.71 |
| Mercedes | 643 | -34.45 |
| Iveco | 577 | -30.57 |
| MAN | 559 | -49.41 |
| Volvo | 514 | -46.46 |
| Scania | 450 | -34.78 |
| Ford | 320 | 18.08 |
| Renault Trucks | 259 | -41.67 |
| Total heavy CV | 5,196 | -36.32 |
Source: Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
