Heavy fall in LCV sales reported as supply issues bite

Date: Tuesday, October 5, 2021   |   Author: Sean Keywood

The UK new LCV market was down by 39.5% year-on-year in September, as vehicle supply issues started to hit the sector hard.

The major decline, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), shows how a global shortage of semiconductors, a vital component in modern vehicle making, is now having a significant impact on LCVs, having already been affecting the new car market for several months.

Last month’s total of 31,535 LCV registrations was the lowest seen in September since 2009, and a 41.8% drop compared with the pre-pandemic five-year average.

On an individual sector basis, the biggest decline was seen in 2.0-2.5t van registrations, down by 70.1% year-on-year with just 2,661 vehicles sold, while vans weighing less than 2.0t were down by 54.6% to 1,294.

Pick-up trucks were down by 48.3% to 4,478 registrations, and the market-leading 2.5-3.5t van segment was down by 39.5% to 31,535 registrations.

The niche 4x4 segment was up by 113.6% to 455 registrations.

For the year to date, overall market registrations remain up by 28.4% compared with 2020, however they are 5.9% below the pre-pandemic five-year average.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “September was a disappointing month for new van registrations, as the much-documented semiconductor shortage has started to impact supply. 

“Manufacturers are doing all they can to fulfil orders and, after a strong year so far, demand still remains high. With businesses continuing to renew their fleets, there is a greater choice than ever of new zero emission models coming to market, helping ensure the commercial vehicle sector plays its part in decarbonising road transport.”

The LCV sales chart in September was topped by the Ford Transit Custom, with 5,366 registrations, ahead of the Ford Transit (3,335), the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2,626), the Toyota Hilux (1,790), and the Ford Ranger (1,740).

Completing the top ten were the Renault Trafic (1,594), the Vauxhall Vivaro (1,541), the Volkswagen Transporter (1,460), the Peugeot Boxer (1,152), and the Ford Transit Connect (1,030).



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