LCV demand hits highest mark since 1998
Demand for new light commercial vehicles grew by 2.2% last month to 17,934 units, completing 14 months of consecutive growth making it the best performing February since 1998.
Registrations of vans weighing greater than 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes rose by 1.4% to 12,300 units, while deliveries of small vans weighing up to and including 2.0 tonnes, and medium-sized vans weighing greater than 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes, fell by 20.5% and 5.9 % respectively.
February also saw a decline in registrations of battery electric vans weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, falling by 119 units to 847 units, and taking a 4.7% market share.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Britain’s appetite for new vans remains undiminished with 14 months of growth and, with last month’s rethink of taxation for pick-ups, expansion looks to be sustained. However, this growth and confidence must be translated into zero emission vehicles if we are to deliver our green goals. Maintenance of essential incentives and a ramp up of dedicated van-suitable chargepoint installation will be vital if we are to help keep long-term, net zero fleet investment moving forward at the pace needed.”
