New LCV market sees major fall

Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2019   |   Author: Sean Keywood

Mike Hawes: Sales fall a "cause for concern".

Registrations of new LCVs in the UK were down by 11% year-on-year in October, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

As in September, the market decline was driven by a significant fall in registrations of vans weighing 2.5t-3.5t – by far the largest section of the market – which were down by 19.2%, with 16,155 registrations.

There was also a decline in pick-up registrations, which were down by 12% with 3,241 sold.

However, again as in September the market decline was far from uniform, with the 2.0t-2.5t sector in particular enjoying a bumper month, seeing registrations rise by 31% to 4,355.

Registrations of vans weighing less than 2.0t were also up, by 2% to 1,398 sales, while the niche 4x4 sector enjoyed a 65% rise, though this still only meant 226 examples were registered.

For the year to date, despite the decline seen in recent months, overall LCV registrations remain up by 3.1% compared with 2018.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “A second consecutive month of decline for new van registrations gives cause for concern, as uncertainty continues to have a negative impact on the purchasing of big ticket items.

“We need to reverse this trend, getting more of the latest models onto our roads to help improve air quality especially in urban areas.

“Crucial to this will be restoring economic and political stability to the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest in their fleets.”

The model sales chart in October saw a change at the top, with the Vauxhall Vivaro selling 3,041 examples, ahead of the Ford Transit Custom on 2,450.

Completing the top five were the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (1,972), the Volkswagen Transporter (1,323), and the Ford Transit (1,292).



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