Van and truck sales down 35% on a year ago

Van registrations fell dramatically in October and truck registrations have dipped for the first time this year.

With just over 18,000 sales in October, van registrations are now running 35% behind last year, while the truck market fell by more than 9% to 4,800 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Its chief executive expects van sales to fall further before levelling out at the end of 2009 and beginning to recover in 2010.