Decline in new LCV registrations reported

Date: Friday, March 4, 2022   |   Author: Sean Keywood

UK new LCV registrations were down by 6% year-on-year in February, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The organisation partly attributed this to a big increase in registrations in February 2021, when the market was up by 22%, with last month’s figure still 14.6% above pre-pandemic levels.

The SMMT said this showed continued demand from key sectors, despite issues including the global semiconductor crisis and rising economic headwinds such as inflation.

The largest market segment, 2.5-3.5t vans, was down by 9.9% year-on-year in February with 10,638 registrations, and there were also significant falls in registrations of vans weighing less than 2.0t, down by 52.2% to 329, and pick-ups, down by 36% to 1,098.

However, there were big increases in registrations of vans weighing 2.0-2.5t, up by 36.9% to 4,024, and 4x4s, up by 49% to 76.

February also saw a big increase in demand for battery electric vans, up by 347.6% with 1,741 registrations.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “LCV registrations have had a slightly slower start compared to last year’s bumper performance, reflecting the cyclical nature of fleet operator investment, but remain strong.

“Global supply shortages and economic headwinds remain a challenge, however, and the sector’s switch to zero emission vehicles must become mainstream. 

“More electrified models are coming onto the market this year but we need the charge point rollout to accelerate, giving more operators greater confidence to transition to the latest electric vans.”

The market-leading Ford Transit Custom clocked 2,647 registrations in February, ahead of the Ford Transit (1,668), Citroen Berlingo (1,588), Peugeot Partner (1,404), and Peugeot Expert (977).

Completing the top ten were the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (965), Citroen Dispatch (706), Vauxhall Vivaro (634), Ford Ranger (582), and Vauxhall Combo (495).



Share



View The WhatVan Digital Edition