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Dave Cussans, sales and marketing director, MAN-ERF UK The overall
Page 24
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commercial vehicle sales figures for February reflect the slight softening of demand that has been noticeable for the past few months.
But the good news is that but the averages are still relatively strong.
The most obvious dip in the sales figures concerns tractor units. Demand in this sector is down by over 25% compared with February 2005, with 4x2s most affected. That's a dramatic figureand the drop is even more severe when you combine the January and February figures, when the combined fall in sales of 4x2s grows to about 35%.
My own view is that this is a timing issue in the buying patterns of major fleet operators, predominantly in IN retail distribution sector.
I believe this will balance out as we go forward; I see nothing at the moment to suggest any major changes to the expected pattern for the year.
One interesting factor is the lack of any surge in sales of Euro-3 tractors in advance of the deadline for the launch of Furo-4. In common with other manufacturers, MAN is experiencing a sharp upturn in orders across mainland Europea trend not yet reflected in the UK.
Euro-4 is due in October and there could now be real issues with getting orders placed with the factories in time if there is a relatively late UK push for Euro-3 trucks before the deadline. With EGR technology already used by MAN at Euro-3 the difference for our operators wlIlbe zero, but with the SCR/AdBlue technology it's a different story.
The rigid sector is doing well, with 8x4 sales up 35%. Investments in construction are having their effect, and the Olympic Games win for London has also started to make itself felt. Though initially expected to be a London/South-East phenomenon, there is already a noticeable ripple effect going out to other regions.
Demand for 7.5-tonners, has also held up well, with an increase of about 5%.