Britain’s van market is still enjoying strong growth, rising 21 per cent in April.
With the truck market also soaring 43.5 per cent, the commercial sector as a whole is enjoying a 23.5 per cent boost.
In total 24,927 vans were registered in April, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT). Year-to-date the van market is up 22 per cent with 122,702 units registered.
According to SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes business confidence is still on the up, and the strong uplift enjoyed in the commercial vehicle market this year has continued into spring.
“Demand for new vans is stronger than ever, with the sector recording its 12th consecutive month of growth in April,” Hawes says.
“The move towards larger vehicles across all segments was again evident last month, with rigids weighing in over six tonnes and three-axle artics driving the increase in truck registrations.
The industry is now hoping that the new Conservative Government will ensure that the buoyant market is not threatened. “We look to the next government for stability to ensure this robust performance continues,” Hawes says.
Ford continues to dominate the market – 6,791 of its vans were registered in April, 27.2 per cent of the market. Volkswagen is second with 3,891 (15.6 per cent), followed by Vauxhall (2,407, 9.66), Peugeot (2,084, 8.36) and Citroen (2,002, 8.03).
