"The 2013 commercial vehicle market rose 14.7%, making it the best performance in the last five years," said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. "Boosted by a strong second half to the year, the truck market rose to pass 56,000 units, while van owners and operators responded positively to the wider economic recovery finishing the year more than 13% up on 2012. The introduction of new Euro 6 trucks will be of key interest to the heavy end of the market in 2014, while we expect the forthcoming launches of several new light commercial vans to deliver further growth in this important sector."
2013 total commercial vehicle registrations grew 14.7% to 327,291 units.
Vans rose 13.1% over the year registering 271,073 units, boosted by 32.5% growth in December.
Truck registrations totalled 56,218 units in the year, up 23% as the move to Euro 6 fuelled growth.
UK van and truck registrations: 2013 and % change on 2012
December % change Year-to-date % change Rolling year % change Vans 20,949 32.5% 271,073 13.1% 271,073 13.1% Trucks 11,351 217.2% 56,218 23.0% 56,218 23.0% Total 32,300 66.6% 327,291 14.7% 327,291 14.7%
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for $59 billion turnover and $12 billion value added. With more than 700,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for 10% of total UK exports and invests $1.7 billion each year in automotive R&D.
