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If the 7% increase in the truck market is impressive,
Page 25
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the continued rise in van registrations is truly astonishing. Confounding predictions made this time last year, the increase in the market up to 6.000kg GVVV was 14.2% in 2003, with a the 1 ,800-3,500kg sector surging by 16,5%,
Sorting out who's who in the van sales league is confused by manufacturers presenting figures covering their special interests. The 'igures that really count are those of the SMMT. which breaks the market into up-to-1,800kg and 1.801-3,500kg brackets, and those are the ones we'll consider here.
These two categories combined recorded an increase from 257,478 to 296,194, equating to 15%.
So how about winners and losers? In terms of overall market share, Ford still has the biggest piece however you slice the cake. But this share continues to decline and is now running at just 28.3%. Ford's figures are confused by the arrival of the heavier Transit Connect, meaning that former Escort and Courier sales are now included in the higher bracket.
Without doubt the rising star is Vauxhall, which has doubled its sales in two years. In 2003 it sold nigh on under 50,000 units; a rise of 23.6%. Of Vauxhall's manufacturing partners, Renault and Nissan, the French badge has seen a 22% rise in the larger van sector (negated by a similar drop up to 1,800kg) while rapidly growing Nissan is up by 51.6%.
Volkswagen sales slipped slightly while Mercedes increased, although both have lost market share. Dark horse Citroen has just about held its share, as has Peugeot, while Sevel partner Fiat has put on 25.5%. Of the two names to arrive in 2003, MG Rover and Proton have registered nearly 1:003 units between them.
Bad news for LDV, however. Despite a late rally in December it's 2003 total was down 17.4% from 2002.
Hopefully the recently announced £90m cash injection will ensure the Birmingham firm's survival until its new range arrives this autumn.