New HGV registrations were down almost 40 per cent last year, figures just released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) confirm.
A total of 34,746 HGVs were registered in 2009, down 39.5 per cent on 2009, while van registrations at 186,386 were down 35.6 per cent.
“Van demand dropped sharply in 2009, though eased at the year-end. Truck registrations dropped further and faster in the final months of the year. Business demand and consumer confidence remains low and the effects of recession will be slow to clear in key parts of the commercial vehicle markets. It is essential that government helps to sustain economic recovery by encouraging capital investment and more affordable finance,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.
