| Van market expects more growth |
|
| Written by Administrator | |
| Wednesday, 03 January 2007 | |
The light commercial van market (LCV) has been buoyant during 2006 and
there is every indication that it will grow even faster in 2007. Sales
of LCVs are mainly to smaller businesses and the economic forecasts
indicate that as business activity is expected to increase in 2007 so
too will the market for light commercial vehicles.
The van market will be hotly contested in 2007 with such an array of new models in the panel van sector.The most recent registration figures to the end of November 2006 show that the numbers of LCVs registered in the January to November period in 2006 increased by 9.5 per cent. Up to the end of November 2006 a total of 40,190 new light vans were registered compared with 36,692 for the equivalent period in 2005. Ford dominated the sector in 2005, with the strength of the Transit range, which was replaced towards the end of the year with a new model. The Transit went on to be the International Van of the Year 2007 in this European award. VW was a strong second position player with huge success across the entire range including the Caddy, Transporter and L35 which was replaced by the Crafter. The VW Tourag commercial was an important new sector for the VW group in Ireland. Toyota sales in the sector were dominated by the Land Cruiser 4x4 commercial. This popular 4x4 dominated the sector with a massive 45.1 per cent market share. The Corolla van has also been good for Toyota and with the new Hiace model ready for 2007 Toyota is expecting stronger results. Nissan and Renault share a number of light commercial vehicle models in terms of specifications. That sharing has been good for business and kept both brands in the top five league. Citroen, Fiat and Peugeot expect good results from their new models for 2007. The upper ends of their ranges have been upgraded. Mercedes Benz fresh from the success of the Sprinter in the Semperit Irish Van of the Year 2007 award will be looking for more market share in 2007. The 4x4 segment of the LCV market remains strong accounting for almost 20 per cent of the total van market in 2006. This will grow even further in 2007 with some new entrants including a new VW 4x4 pick-up to challenge the Nissan Navara lead position. One thing is certain the 2007 LCV market will be hotly contested. There significant new vans from many in the sector, competing at the top end in terms of load volume and capacity. That means van buyers can and should shop around for the best value and the best service, because service keeps your van on the road and that's the only time that it's making money for your investment. Here we provide a brief breakdown of the top five brands and their shares from the period January to the end of November 2006. The results were expected to remain relatively unchanged to the year-end. Position Market Share% Units Registered Ford 19 7,845 VW 14.5 5,818 Toyota 12.5 5,031 Nissan 10.5 4,234 Renault 7 2,812 |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Custom Search
Most Popular - Features
- Budget 2008 – Thumbs up for diesel drivers
- Ford unveils new face of Focus
- Gay Byrne and Marty Whelan open new Galway Dunnes Stores
- Hats off to millinery genius
- Saab adds more than style to new 9-3 models
- Steady rather than heavy hand needed to improve road safety
- Bypassing concerns could be the real challenge
- New Galway/ Dublin train times
- Sp€nd Christmas in Galway
- Basics must come before developments rolled out
Random Features Articles
- Laughter Lounge triple bill
- Who makes the world's best engine?
- Disconauts return
- Hurling championship resumes
- Fighting fit without getting hit
- Skip Pass - 6th February 2008
- English to debate Irish nationalism in Museum
- Check your car insurance before you buy
- Notwist for Róisín Dubh
- DAF gives better off-road trucking features
