Two-step sales continue

The latest T-Mark data from the Truck Industry Council shows new registrations were up by 7.9 per cent for April 2015 when compared with the same month last year, with 2390 new trucks and vans entering the market. So far 9005 commercial vehicles have been registered this year, the number representing growth of 2.8 per cent over the previous corresponding period.

However, while those outright numbers are positive, they're still significantly down on the monthly and year-to-date figures recorded in April 2008, just before the emergence of the global financial crisis – they're down 22.3 per cent and 20.6 per cent respectively, in fact.

Furthermore, the latest T-Mark data shows the continuation of the 'two-step' trend that's become evident in recent times, with strong van and strengthening light-duty truck sales masking the on-going fall of heavy-duty sales in the overall market figures.

HEAVY-DUTY
A total of 737 new heavy-duty vehicles were registered during April for a year-to-date total of 2778, representing drops of 7.5 per cent and 12.6 per cent respectively.

Despite the grim statistics, life at the top of the tree isn't so bad – market leader Kenworth has sold 630 trucks to the end of April, equating with growth of 9.6 per cent, while second-placed Volvo has sold 430, representing growth of 11.1 per cent. That leaves Isuzu to round out the podium, which has remained steady with 343 year-to-date registrations.

MEDIUM-DUTY
The medium-duty market experienced a strong month in April, the 477 trucks registered delivering growth of 10.9 per cent. However, despite the surge the market is up just 1.5 per cent year to date, with a total of 1820 units.

Isuzu has retained its grip on the number-one slot with 715 year-to-date registrations, the number delivering growth of 3.8 per cent, while Hino is now sitting on 528 units, and growth of 4.8 per cent.

Third-placed Fuso, however, has lost some ground – its 304 year-to-date registrations equating with a drop of 10.1 per cent.

LIGHT-DUTY
The light-duty market continues to gain momentum, with the 688 units registered during April delivering growth of 5.7 per cent. The year-to-date figure for the segment is even more impressive – a total of 2705 vehicles registered to the end of April represents growth of 9.7 per cent.

Isuzu remains on top with year-to-date registrations of 899 vehicles, but that number represents a contraction of 3.4 per cent. Second-placed Hino is charging hard, its 661 year-to-date registrations delivering impressive growth of 17.6 per cent, while third-placed Fuso is also reining in the leaders, its 549 year-to-date registrations equating with growth of 14.6 per cent.

VANS
The van segment surged ahead in April, the 488 examples registered representing incredible growth of 45.2 per cent. The year-to-date figure of 1702 units is also strong, equating with growth of 28.7 per cent. An influx of fresh product across both the medium and large van markets appears to be having a continued impact at the smaller end of the commercial market.

Market leader Mercedes-Benz continues its stranglehold with 714 year-to-date registrations (growth of 7.0 per cent), ahead of a skyrocketing Renault, its 372 registrations delivering growth of 106.7 per cent compared to this time last year. Ford rounds out the podium with 256 units, sales of its Transit Custom and 2t Transit helping it to growth of 64.1 per cent.

TIC Chief Executive Officer, Tony McMullan, said it was yet another mixed result for the truck industry as a whole.

"It is encouraging to see another good result in April to follow the solid March figures, however, as in March, the April result was brought about by some good light and medium truck sales and again some exceptional light duty van sales, but again heavy trucks continue their decline.

"It is particularly concerning that heavy truck sales are showing no sign of recovery. I can only hope that the interest rate cut earlier this week will lead companies to reconsider their larger capital purchases, including that of heavy trucks. Further, I hope that the Federal Government's Budget next week contains measures to stimulate business confidence, while offering incentives for the take-up of new trucks, and heavy trucks in particular."

APRIL 2015 YEAR-TO-DATE REGISTRATIONS (OVERALL, TOP 10)

APRIL 2015 YEAR-TO-DATE REGISTRATIONS (HEAVY, TOP FIVE)

APRIL 2015 YEAR-TO-DATE REGISTRATIONS (MEDIUM, TOP FIVE)

APRIL 2015 YEAR-TO-DATE REGISTRATIONS (LIGHT, TOP FIVE)