Light commercial vehicle registrations declined 9.6% in November, marking the third consecutive monthly decline, as market uncertainty and regulatory changes continued to affect performance.
The figures, revealed by the SMMT, show some 2,797 fewer models registered in the month as all van categories and 4x4s experienced double-digit declines.
The largest falls were seen in registrations of small vans weighing less than 2.0 tonnes and medium vans weighing 2.0-2.5 tonnes, down by 24.0% and 19.4% respectively. Demand for larger vans weighing 2.5-3.5 tonnes also declined, down 11.4%, and the 4×4 segment fell 12.4%. Pickups were the only category to see growth, up 17.2%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A third consecutive month of decline for new van registrations is concerning, particularly after growth for much of the year. Ongoing political uncertainty doesn’t help inspire business confidence but this is essential if we are to embolden further investment in new vehicles which will go a long way to improving air quality in our towns and cities.”
Despite this, the year-to-date figures remain positive, with growth of 1.9%, equating to an extra 6,451 new LCVs joining UK roads in the first 11 months of this year, compared to the same period in 2018.
