- UK new van market up 41.0% in August, the strongest growth since April 2013.
- Medium and large van demand continues to drive growth, up by a third and almost half respectively.
- Year-to-date LCV market stays strong, up 11.3%, as buyers invest in latest, cleanest vehicles.
SEE LCV REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND
DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA TABLE
The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market rose in August, up 41.0%, according to the latest figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The market has grown in every month of 2019, with 23,120 new vehicles registered in August for use on UK roads, as operators respond to regulatory changes and take advantage of some compelling deals on the latest models available in what is usually one of the year’s smallest months.
The only segment to have experienced a decline is 4x4s, down -34.7% in August, with pickups, small, medium and large vans all experiencing double-digit growth. Demand for small vans, weighing less than 2.0 tonnes was up 52.5%, with medium vans, weighing 2.0-2.5 tonnes and large vans, weighing 2.5-3.5 tonnes close behind, up 33.1% and 46.8% respectively. In the year-to-date the market is up 11.3% to 245,400 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,
Another month of growth for the new van market is welcome news for the automotive sector as it faces multiple challenges simultaneously. It is important to remember, however, that any percentage increase will be on a much smaller volume market in August given it is arguably the quietest month of the year. Buyers continue to take advantage of deals on the latest and cleanest commercial vehicles on the market and it is important the business environment remains strong.
.
