- Demand for new vans declines -4.2% in September to 57,368 units.
- Pickups and heavier van demand broadly stable, rising 0.4% and 0.1% respectively.
- Year-to-date registrations drop -3.1% overall, as business confidence dented.
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The new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market declined in September, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 57,368 new LCVs were driven off forecourts, a -4.2% fall compared with the same month last year.
Demand for pickups and heavier vans was broadly stable, both experiencing rises of 0.4% and 0.1% respectively. Elsewhere, demand for smaller vans fell, with those weighing 2.0-2.5T down -10.7%. The market for vans under 2.0 tonnes also waned, down -25.5%. Year-to-date, figures show a -3.1% fall overall, with demand for popular heavier vans and those weighing less than 2.0 tonnes playing their part, declining -3.2% and -20.2% respectively.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,
Business confidence has taken a hit recently as economic and political uncertainty continues, so fluctuations in purchasing patterns are to be expected. We must remember that the van market remains at a historically high level but growth will depend on better economic conditions and business confidence, something government must prioritise.