September - Registrations Down 22.1%

Registrations Fall In September

Vansdirect recently reported on the SMMT’s assessment of falling car registrations during September 2008. Today, the same organisation published its assessment of the commercial vehicle market.  

In short, registrations are down 19.2% for September but down a massive 22.1% in the case of vans only.  These figures are hardly surprising, but given the apparent unwilling nature of the government to commit to any substantive rescue plans or to speculate on potential solutions, the figures do not make pleasant reading for the manufacturer or van retailer.

New Registrations In September Fall

Market Declines For 5th Consecutive Month

The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) published a gloomy report today calling for action from the Labour government.  Only 5 manufacturers can boast higher registrations this September when compared to the same period last year - Audi (+1.38%), Hummer (+25%), Jaguar (+3.56%), MG (+800%) & Smart (+9.26%).  The entire range of manufacturers in fact saw a fall in registrations of 21.2% - that’s a massive 88,995 units for September alone!

Europe Targets the Van

Fleetnews reports this week that “European officials are set to force a reduction in CO2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles”.  In 2002, the average output of a van was 201g/km, but Euro officials target 175g/km by 2012!

Cut Your CO2 & Save £££s

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) are quoted saying that “the European Commission aims to set legally binding fuel and CO2 standards for vans before the end of the year.”

For the van buyer in Britain, being eco-friendly can be problematic.  Many manufacturers still refuse to make their emission levels public knowledge.  However, alternatives are available to the traditional diesel and petrol engines.  Vansdirect.co.uk stock cheap LPG alternatives - which can produce 90% less particulates!