Demand for new vans rose by 8.81 per cent to 8,978 in February. But truck registrations continue to struggle.
Year-to-date (YTD) registrations for heavy trucks dropped by over 47 per cent, with Volvo Trucks and MAN taking the biggest knocks – 67.51 per cent, and 64 per cent respectively.
DAF maintained its grip on the market through February, and Mercedes saw an improvement on its January registrations.
In the light truck market YTD registrations fell by 26.41 per cent to 286.
Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: “We don’t expect a consistent recovery for some time, either for new vans or trucks, so durable growth in business investment and confidence is vital.
“The government’s 2010 Budget needs to deliver clear, supportive and dependable policies, including better access to business credit to sustain that recovering demand for vans and trucks.”
Table: Heavy trucks over six tonnes
| Brand | Feb 2010 |
YTD 2010 |
YTD market share % | YTD change % |
| DAF | 311 | 651 | 28.49 | -52.27 |
| Mercedes | 214 | 414 | 18.12 | -9.21 |
| Scania | 121 | 314 | 13.74 | -30.22 |
| Iveco | 92 | 212 | 9.28 | -53.20 |
| MAN | 95 | 201 | 8.80 | -64.04 |
| Volvo | 73 | 167 | 7.31 | -67.51 |
| Renault | 71 | 142 | 6.21 | -45.17 |
| Total heavy CV | 1,084 | 2,285 | -47.22 |
Source: Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
