The UK’s strengthening economy has helped to push the commercial vehicle market to a new high with sales of vans rising for the ninth month.
According to the SMMT, commercial van sales have seen a 16.7% rise in year-to-date registrations.
In October, more than 28,200 new vans were registered, an increase of 6.2% on September’s figure and 16.3% on last year’s. It means that there now more than 365,400 new vans on the UK’s roads so far this year.
However, the figure for trucks sales saw a 31% drop to 5,800 in October though that’s still nearly 20% more on the year-to-date figure as dealers sold nearly 43,000 trucks.
Truck and van market is strong with all commercial vehicle types
The SMMT’s chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: “The truck and van market is strong with all commercial vehicle types showing remarkable growth so far this year. The demand for vans shows the ongoing trend of consumers choosing home delivery convenience.”
Among the firms to enjoy a boost to sales is Ford who take-up the number one position in commercials sales being awarded to their Transit Custom.
In second place is the Ford Transit – taken on sales figures alone, the Transit range would be in second place for bestselling vehicles in the UK.
Success of Ford’s commercial vehicles
Ford chairman, Andy Barratt, said: “The success of Ford’s commercial vehicles is demonstrated by our Transit range sales which exceed the sales of any car, apart from the Ford Fiesta.”
Ford also say that their Fiesta Van, the Transit Connect and Custom, as well as the Transit, and the Ranger are leading their respective segments.
Ford’s news comes after it recorded its best ever month for selling commercial vehicles which occurred in September.
16,500 commercial vehicles left dealers’ forecourts
The firm saw more than 16,500 commercial vehicles leave its dealers’ forecourts as a wide range of buyers opted for the Blue Oval to enjoy the new registration plate.
Ford says this is the 50th year running they are the leading seller of commercial vehicles in the UK and they outsell their nearest rival by two to one in the sector.
The sales success comes after their commercial vehicle line up was refreshed and expanded and Ford say there are more ‘exciting products’ being planned for the market.
Compared with September last year, the month’s figure of 16,500 was a new record for van sales which was set in March.