NFDA TRUCK AND VAN UPDATE MARCH Dear Colleague,

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1 NFDA TRUCK AND VAN UPDATE MARCH 2018 Dear Colleague, This month saw light commercial vehicle registrations under 3.5 tonnes increase 6.4%, Despite uncertainty about the economy and Brexit. Overall, there is optimism and confidence among dealers that the market will remain buoyant throughout in The NFDA CV division continues to call on the government to introduce delegated testers for Heavy Goods Vehicles at ATF s. We have written to all members of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee, a cross-party group of MPs whose responsibility is to scrutinise the legislative agenda of the DfT. Please find a copy of our position paper on delegated testing attached in this month s news. The 2018 Commercial Vehicle show is fast approaching at the end of next month (24-26 April) at the NEC Birmingham. There is still time to register your attendance see today s newsletter for more details. Finally, a reminder that the NFDA is your trade body and here to help and advise you on regulatory and operational issues that affect your business. However, if there are issues that we have not covered or you have concerns about, please do contact us on the NFDA helpline Steve Latham Head of NFDA Truck & Van Division Mob: stephen.latham@rmif.co.uk

2 IN ISSUE: THIS DEMAND FOR NEW VANS REMAINS STRONG IN FEBRUARY NFDA CONTINUES TO CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO PRIVATISE HGV/DVSA TESTING AT ATF S MODEST HGV MARKET DECLINE IN 2017, BUT DEMAND FOR TRACTORS IS UP DAF PRESENTS 90TH ANNIVERSARY XF EDITION DVSA REMIND CLASS 5 & 7 MOT TESTERS TO RECORD DATA ACCURATELY NEC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW APRIL 2018 DEMAND FOR NEW VANS REMAINS STRONG IN FEBRUARY Despite uncertainty about the economy and Brexit, it is positive to see that light commercial vehicle registrations increased 6.4% in February. In the first two months this year, all sectors in the van market have shown signs of growth, with the only exception being the small car-derived vans up to 2.0 tonnes. This has been an on-going trend in this sector as many of these vans are used by tradesman, with many of these smaller businesses opting for mid-size tonne vans which can carry substantially more in volume. Year to date growth in this sector is at 8.8%. The most significant light commercial sector is the large vans and bodied chassis in the tonne range, which has registered 34,610 unit s years to date. This sector accounts for 60% of total volume sold and many of these vans are purchased by corporate fleets and used for door-to-door deliveries. However, we could expect to see this market become unsettled as there are new products in the market such as the Volkswagen Crafter and Mercedes Sprinter to be launched soon. Overall, there is optimism and confidence among dealers that the light commercial market will remain buoyant throughout in With the forthcoming introduction of the new Ford Transit Custom, and the newly introduced Mercedes X-range pick-up, plus further upgrades from other manufactures, there is plenty of new product lined up that will bolster sales. NFDA CONTINUES TO CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO PRIVATISE HGV/DVSA TESTING AT ATF S The NFDA CV division continues to call on the government to introduce delegated testers for Heavy Goods Vehicles at ATF s. We have written to all members of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee, a cross-party group of MPs whose responsibility is to scrutinise the legislative agenda of the DfT Delegated testing involves allowing technicians employed by the private sector to perform annual tests on HGVs. The necessity for delegation is growing year-on-year since the introduction of Authorised Testing Facilities in 2010, and with a growing decline in the number of available testers employed by the DVSA, particularly in the South and South East. The knock-on effect on multiple industries has been pronounced in recent years, with dealer ATF s being forced to cancel tests at late notice, and HGV operators being made to keep their trucks off the road and out of business longer than expected. Please find attached a copy of our position paper on delegated testing, which provides a more comprehensive overview as to why private sector qualified HGV technicians in the employment of ATFs should be performing annual tests on trucks. MODEST HGV MARKET DECLINE IN 2017, BUT DEMAND FOR TRACTORS IS UP

3 New HGV market declines in 2017, falling -2.6% to 45,045 units. Artic market remains stable, up 0.8%, while demand for rigids drops -5.0%. Strong growth for refuse trucks, with demand up by more than a fifth, while dropsides also show healthy 9.2% rise. The new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market declined -2.6% in 2017 following two years of strong growth, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 45,045 heavy trucks were registered last year, a result of fluctuating fleet buying cycles and ongoing economic uncertainty, mirroring similar declines in the new van market. Demand for rigid vehicles declined -5.0% in the year, with a -2.1% fall in the >6-16T segment and a -6.7% decrease in registrations of >16T vehicles. Meanwhile, demand for artic vehicles remained steady, finishing the year up 0.8% at 19,510 units. Tractors continued to be the most popular choice, accounting for 43.1% of the market, while dropside trucks also boosted their share, rising 9.2%. However, refuse disposal vehicles experienced the biggest increase in demand, up 22.7% compared with DAF PRESENTS 90TH ANNIVERSARY XF EDITION DAF has announced a limited edition XF model in recognition of the firm s 90th anniversary. The XF 90th Anniversary Edition is limited to only 250 vehicles, as a 4 2 tractor for mainland European markets and a 6 2 for the UK and Ireland. Each vehicle is uniquely numbered with an interior plaque and an illuminated panel, while the exterior is available in a choice of three metallic colours. A hand-crafted version of the historic DAF logo is also fitted around the exterior of the cab. All 250 vehicles will be fitted with the most powerful 530hp/390kW MX-13 engine and the Super Space Cab, while the interior and exterior benefit from some of the most exclusive options available. LED headlights, Skylights, a roof air deflector with side collars and Alcoa aluminum wheels decorate the outside, while inside the Exclusive trim includes full leather seats, door panels and arm rests, climate control, a roof-mounted

4 parking cooler, TruckPhone, a microwave and DAF s refrigerator and Night Lock also included. As a final flourish each 90th Anniversary Edition of the XF also comes with a luxury gift set, including a leather travel bag, jacket with leather detailing, a Waterman pen, leather credit card wallet and a sketch of the vehicle signed by DAF s chief designer Bart van Lotringen. DVSA REMIND CLASS 5 & 7 MOT TESTERS TO RECORD DATA ACCURATELY When registering a vehicle for test, it s important the details you enter onto the MOT testing service are correct. You should: only take the vehicle registration number and VIN details directly from the vehicle and never from a job card or workshop diary check the make, model and colour match of your vehicle after searching check the design gross weight of the vehicle to confirm the correct test class If a vehicle's details are entered incorrectly, it can cause problems for the vehicle owner. This is because: they'll have to find out why there's a rogue test shown in their vehicle s MOT history the expected expiry date of a new certificate may not be preserved if they re trying to sell the vehicle, an incorrect mileage history might cause concern with a potential buyer the information will be wrong on vehicle enquiry services, such as 'Check the MOT history of a vehicle' If you make a mistake If you record a test against the wrong vehicle details, you need to tell DVSA straight away by ing MOT@dvsa.gov.uk Checking certificate details After you've carried out an MOT test, you should check all the certificate details are correct before handing it to

5 the customer. The most common reason for issuing replacement MOT certificates is incorrect mileage details. New DVSA Recall website Customers are now being advised to check the new DVSA Recall website prior to buying used cars and vans up to 3.5 tonnes, as it is a requirement for motor dealers to only offer for sale road worthy vehicles to consumers and a vehicle that has outstanding recalls is considers an unsafe vehicle. This site also gives full details of the vehicles MOT history. This new website is being promoted to the public, as below; Check for a safety recall before buying a new car We've launched a new service to check if a vehicle has an outstanding safety recall. The service allows anyone wanting to buy a used car or van, and existing vehicle owners, to check for an outstanding vehicle safety recall. All you need to do is enter your vehicle s registration number. By law, motor dealers must fix safety recalls free of charge before selling cars to consumers. Check a car for any outstanding recalls Check if a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled Find out if the manufacturer has recalled a vehicle, part or accessory because of a serious safety problem. You need to get your vehicle fixed or replaced by the manufacturer if there s a problem. You won t usually have to pay for any repairs or parts. The service you use depends on whether you re checking a car or another vehicle, a part or accessory. Check a vehicle Check if a car has been recalled. You ll need the registration number. You can also see the car s MOT history. Check other types of vehicle, parts or accessories

6 Use the vehicle, parts or accessories recall checker to find out if there s been a safety recall for: motorcycles, quadricycles and tricycles lorries, buses, coaches and minibuses caravans and horse boxes child car seats seat belts and harnesses tyres components and parts agricultural equipment You ll need to know the: manufacturer model date of manufacture NEC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW APRIL 2018 Some of the biggest names in the van and light commercial vehicle industry will be attending this year s Commercial Vehicle Show. Taking place at Birmingham s NEC on April 24-26, the CV Show has confirmed the attendance of Ford and Volkswagen, the two biggest-selling manufacturers in the UK. Other manufactures in attendance will include Citroën, Fiat Professional, Isuzu, Iveco, LDV, MAN, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, SsangYong and Toyota. Alongside displays of commercial vehicle models and conversions, a number of new model launches are expected to debut at the show. Also attending the CV Show will be a number of the UK s top converters and bodybuilders who will be demonstrating their offerings, from lighting and racking to full conversions and bespoke bodies. The 2018 Show will take place once again at the NEC in Birmingham and entry is free, with registration now live via the official website at

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