Ford and VW enjoy online demand whilst Iveco avoids sales slump

Figures released this week show that the Ford Transit has just pipped the VW Transporter to the post as the most searched for light commercial vehicle in 2012 on the Van Trader website.

The Transit topped the LCV sector receiving 1.55 million searches, whilst the Transporter followed closely behind with 1.53 million. However, in terms of sales the Transporter did not fare as well as the Ford, with the combined sales of new medium and large Transit outnumbering those of the mid-sized Transporter by almost four-to-one.

The industry’s interpretation of the search results is that the short-wheelbase Transit or Transporter is regarded as a better buy for those small businesses and tradesmen looking for a used van, which is reinforced by the number of searches on the Van Trader website.

The remainder of the top ten most searched for used vans was completed by the Vauxhall Vivaro, Mercedes Vito, Ford Transit Connect, VW Caddy, Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Astra and Vauxhall Combo.

The Iveco has also managed to largely avoid the downturn being experienced by many manufacturers as a result of the economic slump. It is thought this is due in no small part to the lack of an Iveco presence in the sub 3.5-tonne market, which has been hit particularly hard by the recession.

The sub 3.5-tonne market experienced a decline in sales of 8.8 per cent on last year to just over 51,000, whilst other sectors which are particularly popular amongst SMEs, including light sub 2.0-tonne vans and medium vans between 2.0 and 2.5 tonne also experienced a decline of 11 per cent and 8 per cent respectively.

Sales of the popular Daily model fell by only 1 per cent to 3593, with Iveco managing to retain its share of the 3.5-tonne market.

Matr Nappo, Iveco UK’s marketing director, said: “Small businesses and one man bands are reluctant to invest because of the economy, but fortunately this is not Iveco’s market”.