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UK new van market reaches 20-year high in November

The new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 29,784 vans hit the road in November, up 2.5%. The overall year-to-date market also remained strong, with a 2.1% increase to 348,448 units.

Lighter vans weighing 2.0-2.5T saw the biggest rise in November, with demand increasing 43.1%. Demand for pick-ups also continued to rise with a 36.7% increase.

In contrast, demand for heavier vans fell for the second consecutive month, with registrations for vehicles weighing 2.5-3.5T down -4.4%. However, year-to-date this segment remains strong, up 7.0% in the first 11 months of the year, and accounting for 62% of the market.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The new van market’s growth in November is welcome news and an encouraging sign of ongoing business confidence. With almost 350,000 light commercials registered so far this year, the sector remains on track to beat 2015’s record-breaking performance. For this success to continue in 2017 and beyond, however, it is essential that the economic conditions that have kept this sector so buoyant in recent years are maintained.”

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Written by Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.

Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news.

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