Registrations rocket as plate switch spurs July
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1111 The switch to twice-yearly number plate changes gave a massive boost to CV sales last month, with registrations up 146% on July 1998.
More than 22,400 commercial vehicles were registered last month, with vans under 1,800kg showing the biggest improvement—a 189% increase on July 1998 to 6,629 this time round.
Vans between 1,801kg and 3,500kg climbed 176% to 10,754. while sales of trucks and artics in July rose 84% to 3,991.
Some of the smaller truck makers have benefited the most—Foden's July sales were up 286% on last year, MAN improved by 122%, while ERF registered a 96% rise.
Traditionally July has been a quiet month for CV sales with many buyers preferring to wait for the new prefix in August.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the new system is giving truck manufacturers and dealers a more even spread of registrations throughout the year. The next plate change will be in September.
Over the 12 months to July 1999, the overall CV market was up 5.7%, with vans between 1,801 and 3,500kg up 8% and sales of trucks and altos up 5.1%.
Mercedes-Benz and Renault are among the manufacturers performing strongly, while Iveco Group and Leyland Oaf have experienced a decline in sales.