UK new van registrations grew 5.4% in May, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth for the LCV sector.
A total of 29,142 new vans were registered in the month; said to be the result of new models and competitive offers on the market.
The strong demand seen so far this year for smaller vans continued, with demand for smaller vans weighing less than 2.0-tonnes up 14.0%. Registrations of mid-sized and larger vans weighing 2.0 to 2.5-tonnes and 2.5 to 3.5-tonnes also rose, up 10.2% and 5.3% respectively. Elsewhere, pickups and 4x4s stalled, down 1.8% and 26.3% respectively.
The overall year-to-date picture was even more positive, with registrations up 7.5% to 156,489 new units sold and all segments posting rises.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Another month of growth for the UK’s van market is welcome news, evidence that investment by manufacturers into new models is continuing to help attract buyers. Vans today are more high-tech than ever, with impressive fuel economy, safety features and performance. However, business purchasing is cyclical in nature and for the market to stay strong we need the right economic and political conditions.”
