LCV registrations hit by supply chain shortages
UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations declined to 21,597 units in April, down 29.1% year-on-year.
This is according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
While the decline in registrations in April is amplified by comparison with 2021, which saw the highest total for the month since records began, this year was still 12.2% below pre-pandemic 2019.
Despite demand being strong across all segments, supply chain pressures locally and globally, including shortages of semiconductors, hampered deliveries.
In light of ongoing supply chain challenges, SMMT has revised its outlook for new van registrations downwards from 363,000 units to 328,000 in 2022.2 As a result, this year’s market is anticipated to fall 7.7% on 2021, with BEVs expected to account for 6.3% of registrations.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Despite the global supply pressures on the UK’s light commercial vehicle sector, manufacturers are prioritising the most popular models, while investing in electric options where demand is slowly but steadily growing. Constrained supply, however, does mean that 2022’s new van market is expected to be down on last year’s bumper uptake.
“Even so, while market conditions remain challenging for van operators across the UK, now is the time for those looking to renew their fleets to put their orders in, as interest rates remain historically low and an increasing range of fuel efficient and electrified models are now available.
