The UK LCV market declined 4.6% year-on-year in October, the second consecutive month of declining registrations, down in part to the global semiconductor shortage.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that 27,420 vans were registered in October. Despite this representing the second consecutive month of decline – albeit not as steep a fall as in September – the sector remains 2.3% up on the five-year pre-pandemic average for the month of October, with 2021 proving to be a strong year for LCV sales to date.
Over the course of the month registrations of vans weighing more than 2.5 tonnes, which comprise most of the LCV market, fell by 8.9%. Pickups and vans weighing between 2.0-2.5 tonnes also experienced a tough month, with registrations down by 16.9% and 16.6% respectively.
But there was some good news, with registrations of 4x4s – a typically small market which has been buoyed by new models – and vans weighing less than 2.0 tonnes doubling, with increases of 114.7% and 100.5% respectively.
The biggest selling van in October was, as usual, the Ford Transit Custom, which sold 4,359 units. In second, was the Ford Transit (2,982 units), followed by the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (1,660). Citroen’s Berlingo had a good month, shifting 1,511 units to be the fourth best-selling van, just three ahead of the Ford Transit Connect in fifth.
In the year to date, the top three is the same as for October’s monthly total. The Ford Transit Custom has sold 43,862 units, more than 15,000 more than its nearest rival, the Ford Transit, which itself has sold more than 8,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in third. The Volkswagen Transporter (18,708 units) and Ford Ranger (15,302) round out the top five best sellers.
In terms of manufacturers, unsurprisingly, Ford is by far the best seller, in the vans of 3.5t and under sector, having shifted more than 100,000 units this year, almost a third up on 2020’s figures. Ford has sold more than three times its nearest rival, Volkswagen. The German marque has shifted just over 30,000 units, which is more than 15% up on last year.
Vauxhall is the third biggest seller, with 27,743 sold, ahead of Mercedes-Benz on 24,948. Vauxhall has overtaken Mercedes this year, with the German marque’s sales very slightly down on last year, while Vauxhall’s have increased by 10%.
Among the smaller sellers, MAXUS, formerly LDV, has registered growth in sales this year of an impressive 3,684%. Last year, it had sold just 57 units in the first 10 months of the year, but this year it has increased to 2,157. This growth is also significant given its electric offering.
In the 3.5-6t sector, Fiat is the best seller this year, having shifted 1,321 units, overtaking Mercedes-Benz on 1,162. Again, Mercedes-Benz has experienced a slight fall in sales of 3.5% this year, while Fiat’s sales are up by 11.6%.
Overall, in the year-to-date, registrations of LCVs have increased by 24.4%, to 294,656 units, compared to 2020 when Covid-related issues were more widely felt. But despite the sector seeing a rebound in registrations in 2021, the market remains 5.2% short of the pre-pandemic five-year average, equating to 16,026 less vans being sold, primarily due to the global shortage of semiconductors.
As a result of the ongoing challenges facing the sector, SMMT has downgraded its outlook for the LCV market by over 20,000, to 340,000 units registered in 2021. While this remains higher than 2020, it represents a net decline against 2019 sales, with the market not expected to recover back above that level until 2023.
“While it’s disappointing to see the number of new vans registered during October decline, demand has remained strong over the course of the year,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “The commercial vehicle sector, however, is not immune to the challenges faced by the industry as a whole, most notably the semiconductor shortage. Manufacturers are working hard to fulfil orders to ensure fleets can continue to be renewed and the latest models, including zero emission products, hit UK roads.”
