Van market slips ahead of plate change

Van registrations fell 4.3 per cent in February ahead of the March plate change, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Registration in the 2-2.5 tonne sector were up nine per cent to 2,156 units, but this was offset by a 1.3 per cent fall in the 2.5-3.5 tonne sector to 8,753 units. The biggest drop was in the car-derived van sector (under 2 tonnes) which was down 28.5 per cent.

For the first two months of the year, the 2.5-3.5 tonne sector was up 2.7 per cent at 21,370 units.

SMMC chief executive Mike Hawes, said: “February is typically a quiet month as buyers look ahead to the March plate change and, following the rapidly growing levels of demand we’ve seen over the past two years, a decline is not unexpected. The sector remains in good health and, barring any shocks to business confidence, we expect demand to remain strong over the coming months.”