Sharp Decline in UK Van, Truck Demand in 2009

Jan. 14, 2010
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show last year's van and truck registrations down 36.2 percent to 221,132. The figure for December was down 20.6 percent to 16,131

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show last year's van and truck registrations down 36.2 percent to 221,132. The figure for December was down 20.6 percent to 16,131.

Over the year, vans dropped 35.6 percent to 186,386 but were down 14.3 percent in December. Trucks were down 39.5 percent to 34,746 for the year and down 46.9 percent in December.

“Van demand dropped sharply in 2009, though eased at the year-end. Truck registrations dropped further and faster in the final months of the year. Business demand and consumer confidence remains low and the effects of recession will be slow to clear in key parts of the commercial vehicle markets. It is essential that government helps to sustain economic recovery by encouraging capital investment and more affordable finance,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.