News

September saw a big drop in van registrations, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Van registrations were down 22.1% for the month and down 4.6% to 318,762 for the rolling year. However the truck market was more stable. Registrations were up 3.6% in September and up 27.7% to 58,769 for the rolling year. Total truck and van registrations were down 19.2% in September and 0.7% to 377,531  for the rolling year.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, says September is a key month for registrations, but the credit crunch hit the figures this year. He adds: "The summer's spending cut meant a sharp drop in the month's van registrations. We expect the van market will stay well below recent levels for some time. Trucks, stable for the month and well up for the rolling year, saw orders drop through the summer, so registrations will suffer soon. "Overall, we expect a tough market for the next 12 months or more."