Registrations of new light commercial vehicles soared last month, marking the second best August on record.
Despite typically being one of the quietest months of the year, 20,582 registrations were recorded last month, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) – up 6.1%.
Compared to the pre-pandemic five-year average, it represented a 21.1% increase in what is typically the market’s second quietest month of the year.
But the SMMT has warned the semi-conductor shortages in manufacturing still threaten production and market.
All classes saw growth, bar light vans weighing 2.5 tonnes or less which declined 23.3%. Heavier vans weighing more than 2.5 tonnes, which account for the lion’s share of the market, saw a 7.0% increase in overall registrations.
The 4×4 market soared 522.6% but this was the result of new models entering the market in the traditionally small segment.
Year-to-date, registrations are still 4.0% below 2019’s record levels but are up some 2.6% on the five-year average.
However, concerns remain over the semi-conductor shortage, which has impacted CV manufacturing in the UK and overseas, and is expected to continue bringing disruptions into early 2022.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “This year has proved to be one of the best ever for new van registrations, buoyed by strong demand and growing confidence as the economy continues to open up. The impact of the semi-conductor shortage on manufacturing is affecting commercial vehicle production, however, even if it is not immediately apparent in the registration figures. With even more new zero emission models coming to market, the choices available for fleet renewal are increasing rapidly, which can play a significant role in helping the UK meet its ambitious emissions reduction targets.”
