The commercial vehicle market showed steady growth last year with registrations of trucks over six tonnes rising by 35.6 per cent to 37,410 for the year, according to full year figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Strongest growth came in the three axle artics which were up 53.5 per cent at 15,276 for the year.
December was a particularly sdtrong month for truck registration volumes, up by 45 per cent. The very recent trend for growth in two-axle rigids above 6t strengthened markedly. Growth rates ranged from 30 to 90 per cent across the various weight segments for these trucks. Until very recently these sectors had lagged behind what was an artic and multi-axle rigid led recovery.
“The van and truck market has enjoyed a consistent growth throughout 2011,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “Renewed business confidence fuelled the month-on-month rises, while innovative developments in vehicle design and technologies provided solid business reasons for companies to upgrade their vehicles in 2011. There can be no room for complacency this year, government must deliver its growth strategy and help strengthen business and consumer confidence.
Table: Registrations of Commercial Vehicles over 6 tonnes gross.
| Marque | 2011 | 2010 | Change % |
| DAF Trucks | 8,863 | 6,553 | 50.51 |
| Mercedes | 6,326 | 4,998 | 26.82 |
| MAN | 4,772 | 2,753 | 73.34 |
| Volvo Trucks | 4,624 | 3,163 | 46.19 |
| Scania | 4,071 | 3,576 | 12.33 |
| Iveco | 2,834 | 2,523 | 12.33 |
| Renault | 2,763 | 1,934 | 42.86 |
| Total | 37,410 | 27,588 | 35.60 |
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Source: Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders |
