Light market stands still
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LAST YEAR'S light vehicle sales remained static with no changes among the leading manufacturers, according to the latest registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers' and Traders. In the car-derived van sector, 80,126 vehicles were sold during the first 11 months of 1984 compared with 80,621 a drop of 0.6 per cent.
In the medium/heavy van sector up to 3.5 tonnes gvw, which includes pickups, 110,099 units were registered up to the end of November 1984 compared with 110,379 sold during the same period in 1983, representing a fall of 0.2 per cent.
Ford retained its number one spot in the car-derived van sec tor, increasing its market share to 33.9 per cent following improved sales of Escort and Fiesta models. Ford predicts its 1.6-litre light van diesel engine will have a greater impact on sales in 1985 and production of the Dagenham-built indirect injection engine is currently running at 160,000 units a year.
Second-placed Austin Rover faired less well during the first 11 months of 1984 with a drop in sales of 25 per cent.
The decline is due to the Rai model runout before the launch at last year's British International Motor Show of the new Maestro van.
Bedford has closed the gap between itself and ARG. Until the end of November 1984 it sold 17,677 Astra vans, a rise in sales of 11.6 per cent. Sales of its diesel-engined models have been particularly successful. As many as 41.5 per cent of all Astra vans built were sold with the 1.6-litre GM diesel engine.
In the mediumand heavyvan sector, Ford remained in first place despite a three per cent fall in Transit sales and a 30 per cent fall in P100 pickup sales, hit by supply problems from its South African plant.
The largest gains in the sector have been made by Renault UK. It has increased sales of its front-wheel-drive Trafic and Master vans by 46 per cent, lifting it above Mercedes-Benz into fifth position.
According to Renault UK's sales director Colin Bruder, the Trafic and Master have proved "incredibly successful," helped by their low-loading height and car-like interiors. Renault UK is already predicting sales of more than 10,000 light commercial vehicles in 1985.