Highlights of SMMT 2017 LCV data

  • New LCV registrations fall 3.6% to 362,149 units
  • First downturn since 2012, but market still third highest in a decade.
  • Demand for pick-ups up 7.8% in 2017 as large van registrations fall 3.1%.
  • December van registrations up 2.9% to 28,016 vehicles.
  • LCV registrations by brand

THE MARKET for new LCVs dipped in 2017, slipping 3.6% on 2016 but still the third best of the decade with pick-ups helping a December van market rise, according to the latest SMMT figures.

It is the LCV market’s first downturn since 2012 but with 362,149 new vans and pick-ups driven off forecourts in the year, demand is still at its third highest in a decade and above 2014 figures.

Russell Adams, commercial vehicle manager at Lex Autolease, said: “Despite further falls in LCV registrations, the leasing market continues to be buoyant.

“We’ve experienced strong growth over the past 12 months, driven largely by increased demand from tradespeople and businesses operating across construction and e-commerce.

“These sectors and their supply chains rely heavily on commercial vehicles to transport materials, tools, and manpower and we expect this momentum to continue in 2018.

“It’s interesting that the recent falls in registrations have been driven by fewer sales of heavier vans, where there is little in the way of alternatives to diesel.

“This reflects what we’re seeing in the leasing market where customer interest in electric LCVs has increased dramatically. Businesses are waiting for larger electric vans to become available and the new models set to launch in 2018 may be the stimulus needed for the zero-emission LCV market take off.

“But, this will hinge on manufacturers offering affordable prices and vehicles that can truly replace diesel in a variety of job roles.”

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: While the market has slowed in 2017, this was in line with expectations and demand remains at a high level.

“In fact, LCV registrations have increased 62.5% since 2011.

December van market rise

“For 2018, however, we expect the economic and political uncertainty to continue to affect the market so government must rebuild business confidence and encourage operators to invest in new vehicles given fleet renewal is fastest way to reduce overall emissions.”

The markets for vans under 2.0 tonnes and heavy vans weighing 2.5-3.5t drove the overall annual decline, falling 20.3% and 3.1% respectively. However, demand for pick-ups and smaller vans weighing 2.0-2.5 tonnes saw uplifts of 7.8% and 2.3% respectively, compared with 2016.

December van market rise

December, meanwhile, saw LCV registrations increase 2.9% to 28,016 units. Pick-ups were particularly popular, with demand rising 6.0% in the month, while registrations of larger vans weighing 2.5t – 3.5t grew 7.5%. Demand for car-derived vans weighing under 2t and smaller vans weighing 2.0t – 2.5t fell by -20.4% and -5.7% respectively.

Ford again dominated the best-seller lists, with leader Transit Custom nearly doubling second-placed Transit’s share, with Transit Connect in fifth – behind Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Transporter – and Ford Ranger pick-up tenth.

December van market rise

December van market rise

Ford Ranger topped the pick-up sales while the brand again dominated the charts

 

 

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