UK new van registrations increased 4.7% in April, building on the strong growth seen in Q1.
A total of 24,604 vans and pick-ups were registered last month, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with particularly high demand seen for small and large vans, up 8.8% and 6.9% respectively, while the 2.0-2.5t sector van stayed static (0.1%). Appetite for both pickups and 4x4s was also broadly stable, down by 1.4% and 4.4% respectively.
Year to date, van and pick-up registrations were up 8.0% to 127,347 units, with growth seen in all sectors; ranging from a 14.4% rise in 4x4s to 9.7% for large vans and 7.0% for mid-size vans. Small vans were up 1.8% while pick-ups rose 5.7%.
The figures follows last week’s publication of a new SMMT report, showing that that the number of vans on British roads has risen 59% since 2000, driven by the boom in online shopping and rapid rise in self-employment; one in 10 workers in the UK now uses or depends on a van for their work.
The report also showed that UK average new van CO2 fell to 166.93g/km last year, down 10.4% since 2013.
Commenting on the April registration figures, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Such a strong start to the year is good news for the sector, drivers and the environment. Getting more of the latest, low emission models onto our roads is the fastest way to tackle climate change and improve air quality, and with modern vehicles also featuring sophisticated safety and comfort features, and a raft of attractive deals on offer, there’s never been a better time to invest in a new van.”
