Van sales increase for ninth month in a row
16th January 2011
“The sustained increase in commercial vehicle registrations provides confirmation 
that the economy is continuing to recover,” said Paul Everitt, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders’ Chief Executive. “Vans continue to lead the recovery, with volumes up for the ninth successive month. We expect next year will be tough but with slow, steady growth improving confidence and demand.”
Sue Robinson, Franchised Director of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, said “the increase in van sales is remarkable, but may be an underlying reason for the falling truck sales, as operators and logistics companies opt for multiple smaller and less costly vehicles rather than a single, larger investment.
“Light commercial vehicles require regular replacement as a result of high mileage, wear and tear, so, as the economy hints at a recovery, businesses are finding the confidence to replace an ageing fleet. The ever-buoyant internet sales market, coupled with consumer demand for same or next-day delivery, means retailers need vans to ensure their products reach destinations on time, which will only have boosted the market again this month.”