LCV market drives above pre-pandemic levels
Britain’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew by 12.7% in November as 27,433 new vehicles joined Britain’s fleets.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the performance is 4.6% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels and represents 11 consecutive months of rising demand, totalling 311,754 units – the largest volume for two years.
However, battery electric van (BEV) registrations fell for the second month, as 1,631 units were registered – some 343 fewer than in November last year – although the broader trend is positive with BEV registrations up 15% since January.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: An 11th month of growth in Britain’s van sector is hugely positive, especially given fleet renewal is key to decarbonisation. It is crucial that operator demand also translates to zero emission van uptake, driving down CO2 emissions to meet Britain’s ambitious environmental targets. These are severely threatened by Rules of Origin requirements due in less than four weeks’ time, so it is essential that a pragmatic solution is found, and fast.”
