13,891 new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) were registered in February – traditionally one of the quietest months of the year.
Registrations of new vans below 2.0 tonnes and between 2.0-2.5 tonnes fell by 10.5% and 23.9% respectively in the month, but this was offset by an uplift of 6.2% in the 2.5-3.5T segment as demand for heavier vehicles continued to grow.
Commenting on the results, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “After a record-breaking year for new van registrations in 2015, it was inevitable that such rapid growth would level off. The market’s performance so far this year is in line with expectations, and although further stabilisation is expected over the coming months, this is a sector in good health – with February’s figures still at high levels.”