October market up as vans continue to lead growth
- October registrations increased by 3.4 per cent, to 25,205 units.
- ear-to-date figures are up 4.1 per cent at 264,891 units and look set to
meet the annual forecast of 303,800 units
Commenting on today’s figures, SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan said,
‘Overall the market is up in October, which spells good news for the industry
as a whole, but by no means gives the complete picture. Strong demand in the
LCVs sector has compensated for a slowdown in the heavy truck and bus and coach
markets. Changes to euro emissions regulations may have impacted on traditional
buying patterns’.
October growth led by strong van demand
- LCV registrations rose by 7.9 per cent in October. The additional 1,496
units provided most of the overall market’s growth. - Heavy vans were responsible for most of the volume improvement in the LCV
sector, but 4x4s also enjoyed big gains.
Light commercial vehicle registrations lead growth in total CV demand
The LCV sector saw strong growth for the year to June, then slowed in July.
Since this mid-year dip, however, figures indicate a return to strength. Total
LCV registrations rose by 7.9 per cent in October. Their share of all CV registrations
for the month, 81.4 per cent, increased from 78.1 per cent for the same month
last year. The heavier vans in the 2.6-3.5 tonnes weight category were again
the focus of growth in overall LCV demand, with an extra 2,010 units. This is
21.3 per cent up on October 2000 volumes.
For the year to October, all LCV registrations were up by 4.9 per cent, with
heavier vans (2.6-3.5 tonnes) recording growth of 17.3 per cent over the same
period.
Rigids fall, bus and coach back on track October
Total truck registrations fall
Total truck registrations fell by 12.1 per cent in October. However, registrations
for the first 10 months of the year remain up 2.2 per cent with underlying demand
still healthy. October registrations reflect the easing of demand now that the
deadline to register euro 2 trucks has passed.
The rigid registrations sector declined 11.8 per cent for the month. For the
first 10 months of the year, however, growth remained strong at 5.8 per cent.
Artic registrations were down for the month of October, following three successive
months of growth.
Bus and coach registrations recovering?
Bus and coach registrations fell in October, following a similar pattern to
other vehicle registrations that may have been affected by the euro 2/3 deadline.
The annual total is estimated to reach 3,500 units.
Growth remains predominantly with LCVs, but heavy truck registrations have
helped boost the market’s performance to ensure that total CV registrations
in 2001 will better the 2000 level.
