THE NUMBERS GAME
Page 49
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Given that many operators are more inclined to extend the life of their existing vehicles in the current economic climate than buy new ones, Fiat is placing renewed emphasis on the aftermarket.
It has, for example, introduced a Value Service Plan with an eye to retaining tf loyalty of customers with vans more than three years old who might otherwise resort to non-franchised workshops.
Fiat does not pretend to be a market leader in the UK. With 4,880 registration: up to 3.5 tonnes, it occupied 10th slot in the light commercial sales league last year with a 2.62% market share. That was a considerable drop on the 9,425 sales scored in 2008 for a 3.26% share, but the company was, of course, hit by the massive overall decline in van sales.
Rat Professional's Clarke is not expecting overall demand to boom this year. "I think registrations will show only modest growth and will be about the same as they were in 2010," he predicts.
Rat's fortunes, however, should be improved by the arrival of the latest versior of the Dobld Cargo. But whatever happens, tight stock control will be vital for the profitability of both dealers and manufacturers, Clarke believes.
This is a view being echoed by other light commercial vehicle-makers. Over-order, and you could be looking at the grass growing around those unsold LCVs for some time to come.