The latest light commercial vehicle sales figures were down 0.6% in July but are still up 6.5% for the year-to-date. Van sales dipped 2.6% last month but remained 9.3% ahead year-to-date.

“It is positive to see that the commercial vehicle market remained stable during July, with a healthy increase in the truck sector of 10.3%” said Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA).

Robinson continued, “Both the car derived van and large van sectors lost market share in July while the mid-size panel van sector increased its sales volume. The fall in van sales could be attributed to the high volume of pre-registrations that took place prior to the introduction of type approval regulations 18 months ago.

“Despite the fall in sales in July the year-to-date figures shows that the van market remains buoyant. The NFDA believes that the van market will finish the year 10% above 2012.

“The Euro 5/6 change over continues to effect the truck market. While the rigid truck sector slipped by 5.1% in July the heavy tractor sector recorded an increase in sales of a massive 40%.

“The recent increase in truck sales could be attributed to the growing confidence within the construction industry coupled with the signs of a stabilising economy.”