Tractor registrations up 22%


8 March 2000



Tractor registrations up 22%


TRACTOR registrations for the first two months of this year are up more than a fifth on the same period last year, figures from the Agricultural Engineers Association reveal.

The AEA reports registrations of agricultural tractors in the UK reached 454 units in February – an increase of 6.1% over February 1999.

For the first two months of 2000, unit registrations were 965 – an increase of 22.2% on the preceding year.

But the market is still depressed and the apparently healthy increase in early 2000 is in the context of the lowest-ever January and February figures recorded in 1999.

Then many buyers held back until new registration plates were issued in March for the first time, when registrations rocketed.

While the AEA does not expect to see a steep rise this March, an increase of about 5% on the first quarter is predicted.

AEA economist Chris Evans said: “Sales were very depressed in January and February last year, and then there was a big jump in March, largely due to the change in registration plates.

“This has not had such a big impact this year and we dont expect to see a 22% increase for the quarter, although it could be up about 5% on last year.”

Mr Evans said last years dramatic troughs and peaks were possibly down to the novelty of having new plates in March.

Long-term recovery in tractor sales hinged on Sterling weakening and grain prices going up, said Mr Evans.

Agricultural Engineers Association Agricultural Engineers Association
Phone: Chris Evans on 01733 371381

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