Emissions regulations boost truck sales

The expected increase in truck sales ahead of the implementation of Euro 5 emissions standards and the ending of the low emission certificate has seen more than 6,500 units registered in September - an increase of more than 5% over the same period last year. However, the overall trend is still downwards, with sales in the year to end of September 2009 still lagging almost 35% behind the same period last year.

Van sales were not as affected by the new legislation and the figures give conflicting indications. While the total sold to the end of September was more than 40% below last year, sales in the month were only 22% behind September 2008 as the beginning of the recession had already started to inhibit sales a year ago.

The impact on both 4x4 Utility vehicles and pick ups was less severe, with monthly sales down by 14.4% and 17.2% respectively to leave the year-to-date figures trailing by 23.6% and 28.6%.