November sees LCV sales jump

Date: Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Author: Sean Keywood

Mercedes' Sprinter was the UK's second-biggest selling van in November

New LCV registrations in the UK rose by 9.6% year-on-year in November, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The market sector, which saw the biggest increase was pick-ups, up by 15.8%, ahead of 2.5-3.5t vans, by far the largest sector, which saw growth of 12.9%.

Registrations of vans between 2.0t and 2.5t and below 2.0t were both down by 4.1%.

For the year-to-date, the overall market is down by 0.7% compared with the same period last year, with 331,776 registrations.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “The rise in demand for new high-tech, low emission vehicles in November is certainly good news.

“However, overall, the LCV market has been affected by weaker business confidence caused by economic uncertainty, reflected in fluctuating demand throughout the year.

“Operators need stability to invest and renew their fleets, which now depends on government providing the right conditions.”

Perennial market leader the Ford Transit Custom retained its bestselling status in November, with 3,645 registrations, although it only just managed to hold off the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on 3,348.

The Ford Transit (2,326), Volkswagen Transporter (1,540), and Vauxhall Vivaro (1,473) completed the top five.

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