Cuts create tough market for commercials, say RMI

Budget constraints and cuts in public spending played their part in recent sales figures which revealed van registrations for July were up only 0.1% over the rolling year, according to the Retail Motor Industry (RMI).

RMI director Sue Robinson said: “Truck registrations were up marginally in July, year-on-year, but this is compared to very poor sales this time last year.”

Over the past 12 months figures show that truck registrations are still down 25.8%

In 2009, the recession hit truck dealers faster and harder than previous down-turns, say the RMI.

“Total registrations for trucks over six tonnes fell by 42.6%, affecting every sector of the market and we are still seeing continuous erosion of the truck market,” added Robinson. “Hopes are better for 2011, but it still will be a very challenging time for truck dealers.”

With the new Government making statements about cutting projects and department costs, Robinson added: “It’s understandable that business customers are hesitant about spending their cash or taking on a vehicle loan, business customers want the confidence to see the future business that will come their way before making large commitments.”

The lack of consumer confidence is shown this month by a decline in car registrations of 13.2%, reflecting public and business uncertainty, according to the RMI.