UK new LCV market sees another month of growth

Date: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 | Author: Sean Keywood

The UK new LCV market grew year-on-year for the eighth consecutive month in August, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

It said 16,303 LCVs were registered during the month, a 5% increase on August 2022.

The overall growth came despite a decrease in registrations for the market-leading 2.5-3.5t van segment, down by 5.1% to 11,549 registrations.

Driving growth instead were 2.0-2.5t vans, up by 72.1% with 2,718 registrations.

Vans weighing less than 2.0t were down by 30.4% to 343 registrations, while pick-up trucks were up by 22.3% to 1,437, and 4x4s were up by 163.9% to 256.

Electric LCV registrations were up by 18.9%, taking 6.9% of the market, with diesel on 90.3%.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Another month of growth for new van sales is good news and a sign that the market is well on the way to recovery. That more operators are choosing electric models is also positive, given the massive investments made by van makers into these vehicles, including at plants in the UK.

“Diesel models, however, still make up more than nine in ten registrations, proof of how far the market must move if it is to decarbonise. With an end of sale dates and a ZEV mandate looming, we must pull every lever to deliver the transition.”

The Ford Transit Custom topped the new LCV sales chart in August with 1,791 registrations, ahead of the Ford Transit with 1,426, and the Vauxhall Vivaro with 1,151.

Completing the top ten were the Volkswagen Transporter (933 registrations), Vauxhall Combo (762), Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (721), Renault Trafic (678), Toyota Hilux (522), Citroen Berlingo (491), and Peugeot Boxer (466).

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