Another month of growth for new LCV market

Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023 | Author: Sean Keywood

The UK new LCV market grew year-on-year for the ninth month in a row in September, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

A total of 44,760 LCVs were registered, up by 28.1% compared with September 2022.

The market-leading 2.5-3.5t van segment recorded a 13% year-on-year increase in registrations, to 29,150, while the 2.0-2.5t van segment saw registrations surge by 89%, to 7,085.

Registrations of vans weighing less than 2.0t, however, were down by 13.4% to 880.

Pick-up truck registrations were up by 64.4%, to 6,349, while 4x4 registrations rose by 141.8%, to 1,296.

Demand for electric vans increased by 85.9%, with 2,882 registered, accounting for 6.4% of the overall market.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Vans are irreplaceable workhorses that keep Britain on the move, so a bumper September capping nine months of growing fleet renewal is good news for the economy, the environment and society.

“Decarbonising this sector is fundamental to the wider net zero transition and, as vans are business critical, urgent measures are needed to grow operator confidence to invest now, in 2024 and beyond.

“In particular, the specific needs of van operators must be considered when planning public charging strategies.”

The Ford Transit Custom topped the September sales chart with 5,103 registrations, ahead of the Ford Transit with 3,470 and the Vauxhall Vivaro with 3,086.

Completing the top ten were the Ford Ranger (3,031 registrations), Volkswagen Transporter (2,385), Renault Trafic (2,075), Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (1,658), Toyota Hilux (1,618), Peugeot Expert (1,589), and Citroen Relay (1,504).

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