“Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) registrations decreased -5.6% during the plate-change month, compared to the same period last yearâ€, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association which represents commercial vehicle and franchised car retailers across the UK, commenting on the SMMT’s light commercial vehicle registration figures.
In the first quarter of this year, there has been more than 94,000 new van registrations, a drop of -3.7% compared to the same period in 2017.
Vans weighing less than 2.0 tonnes, pickups and 4x4s all saw demand increase in the month, up 1.8%, 6.8% and 73.9% respectively. However, this failed to offset a decline for medium and heavier vans, with registrations of vehicles weighing 2.0 – 2.5 tonnes down -2.0% and vehicles from 2.5 – 3.5 tonnes falling -10.5%.
Year-to-date, 94,374 new LCVs have been registered on UK roads, a drop of -3.7% on the first quarter in 2017, with the bulk of the decline in the market for vans weighing 2.5 – 3.5 tonnes.
Robinson continues, “Overall, there is optimism and confidence among dealers that the light commercial market will remain buoyant throughout in 2018.â€
