UK new van market rises 1.2% in August

The new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market saw a marginal 1.2% year-on-year rise in August, reports the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Figures from SMMT revealed that 15,619 vans and pickups were registered, with a 39.9% uplift in smaller vans weighing 2.0-2.5-tonnes, which accounted for the majority of the growth.

The pick-up segment also remained buoyant on the back on recent model launches, rising 8.0%.

However, demand for heavier vans (2.5-3.5-tonnes) fell for the fifth consecutive month, down 0.6%.

Year-to-date figures painted a similar picture, with the market for pick-ups and smaller vans increasing, up 14.4% and 11.4% respectively, while heavier van registrations declined 4%.

SMMT’s 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.”