LCV sales slow in June
Growth in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market slowed in June, after bumper months in April and May.
Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found that 34,363 vans were registered in the month, down 13.9% on 2019 but up 14.4% on 2020.
Year-to-date figures were up 75.9% on last year, and up 1.8% on the pre-pandemic 2015-2019 five-year average. In total 191,513 new vans have exchanged hands, meaning that 2021 is currently the third best year for van uptake since records began.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It’s good to see the van market continue to perform well, with pent up demand, online retail and the construction sectors all on the rise. Semi-conductor supply issues have extended lead times, but business confidence is growing and fleets are embarking on decarbonisation programmes. Full market transition, however, still depends on the creation of nationwide charging infrastructure to support society and maintain commercial vehicle momentum.”