The UK new van market has seen six consecutive months of growth, driven by demand for small and large vans.
The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show total light commercial registrations rose 13.5% in June to 39,929 units. Demand for sub 2.0-tonne vans rose 10.3% while registrations of larger vans weighing 2.5-3.5 tonnes were up too, rising 22.2%. Meanwhile, growth in demand for pickups and 4x4s slowed again, with registrations down 0.7% and 21.8% respectively, and the market for medium sized vans weighing 2.0-2.5 tonnes also posted a fall, declining 3.6%.
June’s growth helped push the half-year figure to an 8.7% rise over the first six months of 2018 – reaching 196,418 units and beating expectations. Except for 4x4s, sales volumes of which are relatively small, all segments posted healthy rises with the strongest growth seen in demand for larger vans weighing 2.5 to 3.5-tonnes.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “With many light commercial vehicles playing a crucial role in urban areas, getting more of the latest, cleanest and most fuel efficient models on to our roads is essential to help improve air quality – so it’s good news to see the UK van market performing so well. However, it’s important to remember that purchasing patterns are cyclical and for this trend to continue we need business confidence to improve and political uncertainty to end with a good Brexit deal.”
