Van registrations August 2017: SMMT

  • Best August in 12 years, up 1.5% to 15,619 units.
  • Lighter vans weighing 2.0-2.5T see biggest increase, with registrations rising 39.9%.
  • Year-to-date registrations down 2.8%, but in line with market expectations.

A 40% rise in smaller van sales drove the market for the best August in 12 years, albeit by a marginal 1.5% increase over August 2016.

It was the lighter vans, weighing 2.0-2.5t, that saw the biggest rise, up 39.9%, while the pick-up segment also continues its growth pattern, up 8.0%.

The registrations statistics underlined Ford’s domination, topping the best-sellers charts with Transit Custom, followed by Transit and then Transit Connect.

This underlines its market-leading role in Europe, resulting in the need to expand its Turkish Transit plant as reported in Business Vans.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was pushed to fourth ahead of VW Transporter in a battle that is neck and neck in the year-to-date tally, with the Sprinter just four ahead in over 13,000.

But, according to the SMMT, while the new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market remained steady, with 15,619 vans and pick-ups hitting British roads, demand for heavier vans dropped for the fifth consequcutive month, down 0.6% for vehicles weighing 2.5-3.5t, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Year-to-date figures painted a similar picture, with the market for pick-ups and smaller vans increasing by 14.4% and 11.4% respectively, while heavier van registrations declined 4.0%.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “August is traditionally one of the quietest months of the year, ahead of September’s plate change, so the moderate increase in the new van market is welcome news.

“While year-to-date figures show demand easing, this is in line with market expectations and overall registration volumes remain at a very high level. This stabilising of the market is indicative of what we can expect for the remainder of the year.”

40% rise in smaller van sales

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