Registrations of commercial vehicles in February increased by 0.4% compared to February 2015, the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders statistics revel.
According to the SMMT, the sector recorded 13,891 registrations during the month, up on the seven-year high recorded in February 2015 of 13,832 units.
Registrations of vans weighing below 2.0-tonnes and between 2.0-2.5-tonnes fell by 10.5% and 23.9% respectively. This was offset by an uplift of 6.2% in the 2.5-3.5-tonnes segment, however.
“After a record-breaking year for new van registrations in 2015, it was inevitable that such rapid growth would level off,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
“The market’s performance so far this year is in line with expectations, and although further stabilisation is expected over the coming months, this is a sector in good health – with February’s figures still at high levels,” he added.
“Vehicles under 3.5T and are typically used to deliver online goods. This suggests that online purchases are on the high as the confidence in the economy improves and consumer spending increases,” said Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association.