Van registrations for the first five months of the year topped 110,000 units – 13 per cent up on last year, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
However, registrations of trucks over six tonnes were down 12.2 per cent at 14,501 for the year to May.
Table: Trucks over 6 tonnes
| Marque | YTD-2013 | change (%) |
| DAF | 4,089 | -19.2 |
| Mercedes | 2,067 | -23 |
| Scania | 1,965 | -5.5 |
| Man | 1,721 | 3.9 |
| Volvo | 1,459 | -11.2 |
| Iveco | 1,297 | 0.4 |
| Renault | 781 | -20.2 |
| Isuzu | 367 | -14.4 |
| Total | 14,501 | -12.2 |
Source: Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders
“The overall CV market has performed well so far in 2013, but May saw volumes fall 3.8 per cent as van model cycles combined with Euro 6 uncertainty for trucks,” said Nigel Base, SMMT Commercial Vehicle Manager.
“For trucks, history tells us that purchases of Euro 5 will mix with new Euro 6 trucks as the year progresses, which could boost the market in the second half of 2013. For vans, the picture was positive up to May, so we anticipate this blip to be overcome as the year pans out.”
