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Dramatic drop in registrations of new LCVs in April

All segments decline except pickups

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Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that registrations of new LCVs plummeted 18.8% down to 22,625 units in April.

The new data adds to an overall picture of decline for 2017. February and March saw registrations dip 4.3% and 0.9% respectively. Year-to-date registrations are down 4.9% compared to 2016.

April 2017’s results contrast strongly with the figures from April 2016 which was a third consecutive month of growth, up 11.8%.

Table of new LCV registrations in April 2017 (The Van Expert)
Overall, registrations of new LCVs fell 18.8% in April.

Last month, demand for vans under 2.0 tonnes was down 37.5% and for vans weighing 2.5-3.5 tonnes it was down 23.1%. In the 2.0-2.5-tonne van segment, demand dipped 0.2%.

The only segment to see an increase in sales was pickups, rising 4.5%, and continuing an upward trend. To date in 2017, sales of pickups have risen 17.6% compared to last year.

Acknowledging the decline in registrations of new LCVs, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “so long as business confidence among operators can be maintained, the SMMT expects to see the market remain at what is a historically high level over the course of the year.”

SMMT table of LCV best-sellers to date 2017 (The Van Expert)
Ford’s Transit Custom continues to remain popular.
Katharine Morgan
Katharine Morgan
Katharine graduated from university with a degree in Classics. She is a former contributor to both The Car Expert and The Van Expert.

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