UK light commercial vehicle market soars, up by 41.0 per cent in August

The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market rose in August, up 41.0 per cent, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The market has grown in every month of 2019, with 23,120 new vehicles registered in August for use on UK roads, as operators respond to regulatory changes and take advantage of some compelling deals on the latest models available in what is usually one of the year’s smallest months.

The only segment to have experienced a decline is 4x4s, down -34.7 per cent in August, with pickups, small, medium and large vans all experiencing double-digit growth. Demand for small vans, weighing less than 2.0 tonnes was up 52.5 per cent, with medium vans, weighing 2.0-2.5 tonnes and large vans, weighing 2.5-3.5 tonnes close behind, up 33.1 per cent and 46.8 per cent respectively. In the year-to-date the market is up 11.3 per cent to 245,400 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “Another month of growth for the new van market is welcome news for the automotive sector as it faces multiple challenges simultaneously. It is important to remember, however, that any percentage increase will be on a much smaller volume market in August given it is arguably the quietest month of the year. “Buyers continue to take advantage of deals on the latest and cleanest commercial vehicles on the market and it is important the business environment remains strong.”