UK light commercial vehicle registrations soared in August, with the 41.0% rise in demand marking the strongest growth since April 2013.
A total of 23,120 new LCVs were registered in August, according to the latest figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). All sectors – bar 4x4s – saw 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 contrast, 4x4s were down 34.7%.
The latest figures mean that UK LCV registrations have grown in every month of 2019. In the year-to-date the market is up 11.3% to 245,400 units, with the highest growth seen in the 2.5t-3.5t van sector; up 14.8%.
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.”
