The figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that a total of 21,102 new LCVs were registered in January – the first month of decline since July 2015
Vans below 2.5 tonnes saw the largest dip at 23.3% while demand for vans below 2.0 tonnes fell by 11.8%. Better news came from the 2.5-3.5 tonne market – the sector’s largest – where a 2.1% increase in registrations continued the trend towards heavier vehicles, driven by operators’ desire to maximise fleet efficiency.
The SMMT added that demand for vans remains at a very high level. In 2015, an all-time high of 371,830 vehicles were registered as attractive finance deals and the growth in online shopping encouraged firms to invest in their fleets.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “On the heels of a record-breaking 2015, which saw LCV registrations grow by an impressive 15.6%, January’s levelling off in demand comes as no surprise, and is indicative of what we can expect for the coming year. The overall market remains very strong, with business confidence high and the trend for home deliveries still growing.”
|
|
Jan 16
|
Jan 15
|
% change
|
|
Pickups
|
2,668
|
2,783
|
-4.1%
|
|
4x4s
|
928
|
740
|
25.4% |
|
Vans <=2.0t
|
2,486
|
2,818
|
-11.8%
|
|
Vans>2.0-2.5t
|
3,073
|
4,006
|
-23.3%
|
|
Vans>2.5-3.5t
|
11,947
|
11,702
|
2.1% |
|
All vans to 3.5t
|
21,102
|
22,049
|
-4.3%
|
|
Rigids>3.5-6.0t
|
470
|
424
|
10.8% |
