LCVs march to best quarter
March was a bumper month for light commercial vehicle sales in the UK with new registrations spiking by 11.1% to 52,916 vehicles.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the strong sales last month saw the sector enjoy its best quarter for three years with volumes now just 7.7% down on the first quarter of 2019.
Registrations for models weighing 2.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes were up 16.1% to represent more than two thirds (67.3%) of the market, although the biggest percentage increase in uptake was of the smallest vans, up 44.8% to 986 units.
Meanwhile, new battery electric vans (BEVs) sales continued to rise, up 14.7% to 2,906 units, or 5.5% of the whole LCV market.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A strong new plate month with the greatest number of zero emission vans joining UK roads is a bellwether of the sector’s progress, cutting emissions while keeping British businesses on the move. Industry is ready to deliver further, but with green uptake still below mandated levels, swift action is needed to give new van buyers the confidence to go electric. Rapid delivery of van-suitable public charging points and removing the hurdle of taxation on their use are key to greener fleets and a greener future.”
