M-reg sales boom 20%
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• Truck manufacturers are preparing for the highest August sales for three years— but do not expect to match the late eighties level of sales.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders expects sales of commercials over 3.5 tonnes to increase by around 20% this month, compared with August last year. New car registrations are expected to be up 14%.
The SMMT's prediction, which is in line with the first six months of this year, would increase sales of trucks and artics from 4,910 to 5,892 units.
Although sales of trucks do increase in August, the rush to buy newly registered vehicles is not as strong as in the car market, adds the SIYINIT: "In haulage people aren't trying to upstage their neighbours like motorists". But Scania says that up to 15% of its annual truck business comes at August. Overcapacity in the truck market across Europe means prices will remain static for the rest of the year.
MAN's sales and marketing manager John Baker says: "Even prices on vehicles in short supply, like 8x4 tippers, have not hardened."