Van registrations have recovered strongly from depths of recession in late 2009 and early 2010. This trend is reflected across most of Europe suggesting that the recovery could be robust.
Underlying van registration volume back to 250,000 units, compared to annual average of 265,000 (over 15 years 1996 to 2010).

Over the past nine months artics have led the rebound in truck demand followed closely by the performance of the van sector.

Truck volume up by cumulative 7,937 for the nine months to June 2011. 94 % of that is due to growth in artic demand.

Notably the recovery in the rigid sector remains very subdued, but pickups and 4x4 utility vehicles have shown very positive growth over the past year. However, volumes are still short of recent market peaks in 2006/07 and 1996.

“June saw the 17th successive monthly rise for new van registrations, up by 13% in the month, demonstrating business confidence and commitment in the commercial vehicle market,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “Truck figures also rose, up by 7%, the ninth successive monthly rise. Again, articulated trucks saw the most robust growth in the month and year-to-date figures for almost every sector were up significantly on 2010.”