Registration figures for vans and LCVs in July were flat, with a small decrease over the same month last year according to the latest data released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
24,506 light commercial vehicles were registered in July 2016, which was 0.2 per cent down on last year’s performance. However, year-to-date, 2016 registrations are still up 2.6 per cent over the first seven months of last year.
There was movement within the overall van market, with heavier vans (2.5 to 3.5 tonnes) recording a 2.2 per cent drop over last year, mid-weight vans (2.0 to 2.5 tonnes) down 2.8 per cent and light vans (under 2.0 tonnes) up by 1.6 per cent.
Year-to-date, however, heavy vans have shown significant growth, with registrations up 10.8 per cent on last year. This is believed to be a result of operators moving down from larger vehicles, which require specialist licences and additional regulations, and up from smaller vans to maximise fleet productivity.
First results since EU Brexit referendum
The July results represent the first figures reported since the Brexit referendum, and industry observers will be watching the market closely to see what happens in coming months.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “After a record performance in the first half of the year, it was inevitable that growth would start to level off over the summer. Maintaining business confidence for LCV operators will be critical to this sector’s future performance.”
As usual, Ford led the way in July, with over 30 per cent of all LCV registrations, ahead of Volkswagen and Vauxhall. Citroën jumped sister-brand Peugeot to take fourth place, ahead of Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Nissan, Fiat and Mitsubishi. The year-to-date Top Ten rankings are the same, apart from the two PSA brands swapping positions.
