New van registrations may be disappointing but expert David Spear is bucking the national trend with focus, innovation & flexibility


Photo: David Spear, Directoir

Following a relatively stable period of growth over the summer months, the latest findings from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) reveal a different picture of dented business confidence for September. Demand for new vans has declined by 4.2% with just 57,368 units registered, resulting in a year-to-date registration drop of 3.1% overall.

“The economic uncertainty is challenging for all businesses, but we must stay positive and listen to the needs of our customers. This is a time for innovation, and whilst the national story regarding new van registrations represents markets taking a long predicted hit due to economic and political uncertainties, locally we’re looking to buck this trend,” said David Spear, Owner of new and used van dealership David Spear Commercials.

Fluctuations in purchasing patterns are to be expected, particularly as uncertainty continues amid Brexit ‘deadlock’. The van market still remains at a historically high level but growth is predicted to be hampered in the coming months as the government aims to create better economic conditions and inspire business confidence across all sectors.

September’s SMMT findings may come as a shock to many following last month’s 39.9% surge in 2.0-2.5t van registrations. Mid-range vans such as the Ford Transit Custom (40,760 registrations year to date), Ford Transit (21,172), Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (17,338), Volkswagen Transporter (16,540) and Ford Transit Connect (15,156) however continue to be the country’s best-selling models. Demand for pickups and heavier vans has witnessed a moderate increase with a 0.4% and 0.1% respective rise.

“By providing access to quality stock, and subsequently making it available faster and cheaper than our rivals, we are pleased to report that locally the van market is a very different scene. Thanks to a good buying strategy, controlled national and regional marketing and daily price checks, sales growth is up 22% year on year. We take an innovative approach by meeting market demand with a combination of new and used vehicles, each of which has been sourced specifically to fulfil the needs of our customer at the right price. Our Cardiff showroom is also performing particularly well, with its central location providing an advantageous base to reach clients across the M4 Corridor, Wales, South West England, the Midlands and the rest of the country,” concluded David.

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