The new LCV market continued to recover in May as the supply chain issues that hampered sales in 2022 steadily receded.
Predictably, registrations of vans weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes, containing the dominant medium van sector, led the way, rising 8.3% year-on-year to 17,173, thus accounting for almost seven out of 10 new LCV sales. In the year to 31 May registrations of vans in this weight bracket were up 8.6% to 90,692.
It was no surprise to see the Ford Transit Custom retaining its position as the UK’s top-selling LCV in May with 3,323 units shifted and it was joined in the top ten by several other medium vans: the Vauxhall Vivaro (1,694) was third overall, the Renault Trafic (846) was eighth, the VW Transporter (760) ninth and the Peugeot Expert (702) tenth.
The Vauxhall Vivaro remains the UK’s most popular electric van, with 1,907 units sold in the year-to-date. Vauxhall claims one in three electric vans sold in the UK during the first five months of 2023 bore its nameplate.
Looking beyond electric power, a hydrogen version of the Vivaro went into commercial production from Vauxhall’s sister brand Opel in late-2021 and is set to be brought to the UK for selected fleet customers in left-hand drive form.
Vauxhall’s parent company Stellantis is set to update its range of medium vans in 2024 with exterior styling tweaks, revised dashboards and steering wheel controls, infotainment upgrades and improved safety systems. Alongside the Vivaro, the Citroën Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and Fiat Professional Scudo should receive the changes and the Toyota Proace, which shares a platform with the Stellantis vans, could also get them.
In other product news LEVC has announced a battery upgrade for its VN5 electrified range-extender van.
It has increased the battery size from 31kWh to 34.6kWh, which means official CO2 emissions have reduced from 19g/km to 17g/km, and electric-only range has risen from 64 miles to 73 miles while combined range with the petrol engine is up from 318 miles to 328 miles.
Meanwhile, household appliance firm Miele has become the first business to add a fully-customised version of Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz Cargo electric van to its fleet. Five vans have been delivered to Miele fleets across Europe, including one to Miele GB, with features including a custom shelving system, and a centre console with integrated folding table. The customisation is said to have been part of a development process between Miele, converter Wurth, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Renault Trucks has expanded its van offering by adding three new variants to its Trafic van range, the Red Edition Caged Dropside, the Red Edition Chiller, and the Red Exclusive Roadtrip. The Red Edition Caged Dropside has been converted by P. D. Stevens & Sons, based on the Red Edition Platform Cab, features include a sloping alloy plank floor, cab high drop-down mesh sides in addition to conventional alloy dropsides, full-height rear-mesh doors, underfloor tool storage with lockable doors and full Chapter 8 compliance including LED and strobe lighting and chevrons. Payload is 850kg with caged side or 950kg without.
The Red Edition Chiller is also based on the Red Edition Platform Cab, and converted by Gray & Adams Limited. Available as a freezer or dual compartment, it is said to provide a larger space than a standard refrigerated van, with a payload of 865-1,000kg.
The Red Exclusive Roadtrip was converted by Sussex Campervans. Features include a fully-electric lifting and retracting roof system, a four-berth sleeping facility, and two-tone leather interior.
Calendar
Renault Trucks Trafic conversions March 2023
LEVC VN5 battery upgrade May 2023
Citroën Dispatch facelift 2024
Fiat Professional Scudo facelift 2024
Peugeot Expert facelift 2024
Toyota Proace facelift 2024
Vauxhall Vivaro facelift 2024