UK van registrations up 8%

UK van registrations up 8%

Van registrations have risen by eight per cent in the UK and are slowly approaching the levels last seen before the onset of the economic downturn, new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals.

The commercial vehicle market remained strong in July, with registrations up 8.1 per cent to 22,353, while for the rolling year they increased by 2.9 per cent to 296,221.

Van registrations were up 10.2 per cent to 18,913 units in July, with the rolling year stable at 248,452 registrations.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said the commercial vehicle market received a "welcome boost" in July, with the 8.1 per cent rise in the month likely fuelled by strong van registrations.

"The van and rigid truck markets still have a way to go to hit pre-recession levels, but artic volumes have grown since October 2010 to reach levels not seen since 2008," Mr Everitt added.

Posted by Craig Salter