UK new light commercial vehicle registrations rose 8.8% in November, marking the third consecutive monthly increase.
Despite lockdown restrictions, a total of 28,541 vehicles were registered last month, according to the new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), reinforcing the importance of the van sector when it comes to keeping the economy going during the pandemic.
The largest growth was seen in larger vans weighing more than 2.5-3.5 tonnes, which was up 25.2% but growth was seen in both the segments for small vans (weighing less than or equal to 2.0 tonnes) and medium vans (weighing more than 2.0-2.5 tonnes), which rose by 13.7% and 13.6% respectively.
Meanwhile 4x4s and pickups saw a decrease in registrations, down 0.7% and 56.2% respectively.
Demand for battery electric and plug-in hybrid LCVs also continued to grow, up 79.7% compared with November last year. These still only account for 1.9% of all LCV registrations year-to-date but that’s doubled the figure for the first 11 months of 2019.
Less positive was the year-to-date figure for the overall LCV sector; registrations are down 21.5% or almost 73,000 units short on LCV registrations in the first 11 months of 2019.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Growth in new van registrations, even through November’s lockdown, is welcome during these turbulent times but it’s important not to assume a long trend just yet. As regions emerge from lockdown for the final month of 2020, it’s vital that this growth translates into longer-term investment in fleet renewal for the sector to help drive the economy towards recovery.”
