SMMT: Best-ever November for LCV registrations

This year the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market recorded the best November in its history, with figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showing 31,320 new vans registered during the month.

The number of vans reaching Britain’s roads rose 11.4 per cent on the pre-pandemic average 2015-19) for November, following two previous months of decline. With the sector still suffering from significant semiconductor shortages, stability of supply remains a key issue and market volatility is likely to be a feature well into 2022. With a September recovery in the construction sector and growing business investment, especially in online retail, demand has been increasing and manufacturers have battled to fulfil orders despite supply constraints.

Growth was recorded in all van classes excluding those weighing less than or equal to 2.0 tonnes, which fell 19.6 per cent to 1,361 units. However, this weight class had enjoyed growth in previous months, indicating how delivery has been impacted by the unpredictable supply of semiconductors. Uptake of vans weighing more than 2.5 tonnes grew by 7.7 per cent compared to a locked-down November 2020, reaching 22,363 units, or 71.4 per cent of the market.

Meanwhile, the pickup market grew 31.2 per cent, while vans weighing more than 2.0 up to 2.5 tonnes grew 21.2 per cent to 4,779 units. The most considerable growth was recorded in the traditionally volatile 4×4 market, which grew 39.9 per cent to 207 units.

The market is now up 22.8 per cent in the year-to-date (compared with 2015-19) with robust underlying demand. However, the continuation of this growth into next year will depend not just on supply side but demand side factors, notably the strength of the economic recovery, with rising levels of taxation and inflation, as well as the ongoing impact of the pandemic with the emergence of new variants. Despite the likely volatility, SMMT is still forecasting the LCV market to return to pre-2019 levels in 2022.

Robust demand but market a rollercoaster

“A pre-Christmas boost to van registrations will be welcomed by the industry, but it remains a rollercoaster of a market,” says Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “Demand is clearly robust, but market volatility is likely to remain a feature as supply chain shortages throttle the sector’s ability to fulfil orders. Manufacturers are working hard to try and overcome these shortages and the November deliveries illustrate the success they have been having in the UK. Whilst the outlook remains challenging, customers can be reassured of the industry commitment to the commercial vehicle sector, given its importance to the operation of society and business growth.”