Truck registrations increase again in February
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NEW TRUCK registrations in the UK rose for the 17th consecutive month in February, but the boom in the number of tractor units appears to have run its course. Data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that tractor unit registrations – which soared by more than 50% last year – have plateaued, slipping back by 1.5% in February compared with the previous year.
▲ Sales of rigids, such as the
▲ MAN TOL 7 and 12-tonners (pictured), recovered in February, according to the SMMT
But the market for rigid truck chassis, depressed for most of last year, was up 46.5% last month. The net result is that registrations of all trucks over 3.5-tonne GVW were up 26.4% last month and by 36.7% for the year to date.
The van market is now feeling the pinch, with numbers collapsing by 16.4% in January and then down by 26.4% last month. The SMMT had forecast that sales would reach 12,000 for the month but the actual figure was just 8,183. The SMMT says that February is always a low point in the registration calendar, with March volumes normally more than three times higher as buyers wait for the change in the registration plate date number.
“It’s important that the Chancellor uses this month’s Budget to strengthen consumer and business confidence, by encouraging private sector investment and avoiding any further squeeze on living standards,” says SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.