• IN-13 beats Bedford
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE STRONGEST sign -■,er of importers' growing share of the British truck market has come with figures which put Mercedes-Benz into third place after Ford and Leyland. . Statistics released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show there was a 21 per cent increase in sales of trucks over 3.5 tonnes last month (from 4,913 in August 1984 to '5,946), with the increase for the year to August 31 running now at 5.2 per cent (up from .1984's 36,335 to 38,241).
But it is Mercedes' 11.5 per cent share for the year to August 31 (1984: 9.3 per cent) which is most notable, as it has leaped ahead of Bedford (down from 13.3 per cent to 11.2 per cent).
This is the latest blow for Bedford, which has already been overtaken by Leyland as its revamped range has been introduced, but a company spokesman preferred to concentrate on other achievements this week.
He pointed to the results achieved by extending Bedford's light commercial range and said that the 5,227 Bedfords of all weights registered last month was the best figure for six years.
The 2,646 Astra car derived vans were the company's best monthly performance yet for the Astra, and he said that the Midi is now Britain's best selling one-tonne forward control van.
Bedford's total sales, including exports, for the year to date are up by 19.9 per cent on 1984. "The outlook this year is for a 34 per cent increase," he added.
The duel between Ford and Leyland for top place over 3.5 tonnes continues, with Ford hanging on ahead with 16.9 per cent (1984: 18.7 per cent) thanks to 1,086 registrations last month. Leyland's share for the first eight months is up from 14.8 per cent last year to 15.4 per cent.
Behind Bedford, market share for the year to date is being gained by Renault/ Dodge with nine per cent (19 8 4: 8.8 per cent) and Volvo with 8.7 per cent (1984: 8.4 per cent).
At the bottom of the truck sector, Hestair Dennis (share down from 1.1 per cent to one per cent) is widening its lead over Foden (down from 1.5 per cent to 0.9 of one per cent).
For the year to date, light van registrations are up from 60,745 to 64,949, medium/ heavy vans are up from 82,502 to 84,183, and light 4X4s are up from 8,266 to 9,057.