New Year's resolution: Buy Buy Buy!
Page 14
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• Sales of commercial vehicles have got off to a flying start in 1988, judging by the latest registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. During January, total CV sales reached 28,880 — up 14.4% on the same month last year — with all sectors enjoying growth, including the previouslydepressed bus and coach market (see page 13). The importers' share of the UK sales cake, however, has grown, and now stands at 39%, compared with 36% a year ago.
In the prestigious trucks and artics sector above 3.5-tonnes GVW, sales increased by over 24% to 5,536, confirming manufacturers' predictions that 1988 will be at least as strong as last year.
After a close finish last year, Iveco Ford has stretched its lead over arch-rival Leyland Daf. During January it sotl 1,197 vehicles to gain a 22.3% share of the sector, well ahead of Leyland Daf's 19.3% (1,036). Mercedes boosted its January sales to 817, to finish with a 15.3% share, followed by Volvo with just under 12% (642) and Renault Truck Industries with 7.9% (428).
ERF's impressive upsurge looks like continuing unabated. It sold 294 trucks last month to hold a 5.48% stake, just ahead of Scania with 5.43% (291) and MAN-VW with 5.2% (281). Seddon Atkinson is next with 3.4% (180) pursued by Foden which had an improved share of just under 2%. The Sandbach truck-builder sold 107 HGVs in January — a rise of over 118% over the same month last year. Dennis brings up the rear with 0.9% (51) having seen its sales fall back this year.
Ford is all but unstoppable in the panel van and one-tonne pickup sector (up 10.2% in January to 12,077). Ford's 47% share (5,725 vehicles sold) puts it a long way ahead of its nearest rival, Freight Rover, which suffered a drop in sales to finish January with 8.3% (1,000).
The troubles continue for once-strong Bedford (IBC Vehicles). It fell back to fifth place with 5.9% (720). The biggest surprise, however, is that it has been overtaken by Nissan, which has leapfrogged into third place, having boosted its sales by almost 50% in January to grab a 7.5% stake (911). Renault is now in fourth place with 6.8% (826).
Bedford now leads the cardrived van market.