November LCV sales up 9.6 per cent

SMMT figures show that he new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew 9.6 per cent in November, as more than 29,000 vans and pick-ups joined UK roads. This increase represents 2,549 more pick-ups and vans registered in the month compared to November 2017.

Demand for pick-ups and 2.5-3.5t vans increased by 15.8 per cent and 12.9 per cent respectively, as new model introductions took off, counteracting falls in other segments of the market. Small and medium vans experienced declines, both falling -4.1 per cent.

Throughout 2018 the market has seen the number of new registrations fluctuate with fleet buying cycles and business uncertainty. Demand for new LCVs is broadly stable year-to-date, down -0.7 per cent compared with the same period last year, with 331,776 new vans and pick-ups registered in the UK – 2,357 fewer than the first 11 months of 2017.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The rise in demand for new high-tech, low emission vehicles in November is certainly good news. However, overall, the LCV market has been affected by weaker business confidence caused by economic uncertainty, reflected in fluctuating demand throughout the year. Operators need stability to invest and renew their fleets, which now depends on government providing the right conditions.”