New LCV sales reverse downward trend – SMMT
UK new LCV sales rose by 1.1% in February to 14,641 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
This was the second increase in three months following a 12-month stretch of decline.
Growth was driven primarily by the large van segment, with registrations of vans weighing 2.5-3.5 tonnes rising 7.6% to 10,719 units, accounting for 73.2% of all new vans registered during the month.
Demand for vans in the 2.0-2.5 tonne segment also improved, up 16.9% to 2,477 units, while 4×4 registrations increased 64% to 269 units. These gains were offset by a 55% fall in the pickup market, while demand for smaller vans went down 15%.
Meanwhile, battery electric van registrations surged 42.2% to 2,009 units, pushing their market share to 13.5%, although diesel still accounted for almost eight in 10 registrations.
Modest growth
Total LCV registrations now stand at 2,203 units so far this year, which down 3.9% compared with the same period last year, although sales of electric LCVs have risen by 34% to 3,853 units and an 11.8% share of the market.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive: “The van market’s modest growth in February is welcome, as is another month of rising demand for electric models. Pickup registrations, however, continue to lag given last year’s fiscal changes, while EV uptake remains far below the level required by regulation, despite more than half of all models being available as EVs and with massive discounts on their sale.
“That is unsustainable and therefore requires a wholesale review of the transition to ensure we have a framework that is realistic, deliverable and affordable.”
