UK van registrations saw a moderate rise in August, marking the best performance for the month in 12 years.
In total, 15,619 vans and pick-ups hit the roads in August, up 1.5%, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Growth was driven by vans weighing 2.0-2.5T, which were up 39.9% to 3,049 units. The pickup segment also continued its upward trend, rising 8.0%.
In contrast, registrations of vans under 2.0t fell 7.4% to 1,278 units and vans in the 2.5-3.5t saw a 0.6% decline to 9,616 units.
Year-to-date figures put in a similar performance, with the market for pickups and smaller vans increasing, up 14.4% and 11.4% respectively, while heavier van registrations declined 4.0%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “August is traditionally one of the quietest months of the year, ahead of September’s plate change, so the moderate increase in the new van market is welcome news.
“While year-to-date figures show demand easing, this is in line with market expectations and overall registration volumes remain at a very high level. This stabilising of the market is indicative of what we can expect for the remainder of the year.”For more of the latest industry news, click here.
